The Ordinary is a brand that has been causing huge disruption of the beauty industry, its reasonable priced products contain active ingredients and effective clinical technologies to tackle all skin woes.

The Ordinary products typically are very targeted and their aim was to take the beauty industry back to basics and create products centered around tried and true ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C.

The Ordinary is able to keep prices low by focusing on quality ingredients that are widely manufactured all over the world, and therefore cheap to buy. They don’t invest in packaging or marketing and have become a cult brand that is a firm favorite of beauty addicts all over the world.

The only drawback of the Ordinary, in my opinion, is that the complicated concepts could be perplexing to customers used to clearer category breakdowns. The ordinary is also designed to be layered, ie that you customise your skincare routine according to your needs, this can be confusing even for the experienced among us!

The products are also quite active and in some cases use potent ingredients that may not be suitable for all skin types I feel that education around the brand and its ingredients is crucial!

So I have created a guide of how to choose the correct product for you, what to layer together and how to customise your perfect skincare routine from the Ordinary. I also explain what each product in the routine will do for your skin.

Please feel free to get in contact if you have any questions around the ordinary and what products are suitable for you.

Joanne xx

NB: All Direct acids can increase the skins sensitivity to the sun so it is essential to use an SPF daily. A patch test is recommended for any active ingredient and Retinoid's must be used with caution, introduce slowly, not for use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Oily/Combination Skin Care Routine

Morning

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%- To balance oil production and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.

Marine Hyaluronics- To hydrate and plump skin by helping it hold onto water

Evening

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Salicylic Acid- A BHA that exfoliates the skin. This 2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores

Treatment

For Scarring or persistent breakouts:

Introduce Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion every third night to help increase the rate of cell renewal and reduce the appearance of pores

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque To be used once a week on area of congestion as a deep cleanse of the pores, drawing out impurities, reducing congestion and inflammation

Anti-Aging Routine

Buffet- Peptides help form proteins in the skin to increase elasticity, reduce lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Helps the skin hold onto water to plump the skin and feel softer, smoother and radiantly hydrated, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone – Helps with formation of new collagen, protects cells from oxidation and brightens the skin

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA- Smooths the surface layer of the skin and provides a protective barrier against surface hydration loss

Squalane Cleanser- As a first cleanse this oil free balm will remove all makeup, contains a lipid that detach the impurities from the skin

Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane (every second night but build it up) To help increase the rate of cell renewal and reduce the appearance of pores, smooth the skin texture, improve lines and wrinkles and help with skin tone.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil- Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 acids as well as pro-vitamin A, excellent for improving the lipids barrier of the skin, protecting against dryness and signs of photo-ageing

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Use once a week if required AHA’s exfoliate the surface of the skin to improve brightness, texture and radiance while BHA’s clear the pore wall helping with congestion, blackheads and breakouts (not suitable for sensitive skin, only for experienced acid users)

Dry Skin Relief

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Helps the skin hold onto water to plump the skin and feel softer, smoother and radiantly hydrated, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA Smooths the surface layer of the skin and provides a protective barrier against surface hydration loss

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%  A brightening Acid suspension that is suitable for daily use, targets dull uneven skin and contains an anti-oxidant to protect skincells

Plant Derived Squalane Non greasy alternative to facial oils, hydrates the skin while improving visible elasticity and texture. Can also be used on the hair

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 acids as well as pro-vitamin A, excellent for improving the lipids barrier of the skin, protecting against dryness and signs of photo-ageing

Dull/Tired complexions

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Helps the skin hold onto water to plump the skin and feel softer, smoother and radiantly hydrated, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone – Helps with formation of new collagen, protects cells from oxidation and brightens the skin

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil- Packed with antioxidants, hydrates the skin and helps restore a radiant tone, suitable for use on face and in hair for softening and smoothing. Non greasy and non scented.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Mild daily exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity, will improve the texture of the skin after continued use (not suitable for compromised, irritated or sensitive skin)

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% A brightening Acid suspension that is suitable for daily use, targets dull uneven skin and contains an anti-oxidant to protect skincells

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil (As required)

Treatment

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Use once a week if required- AHA’s exfoliate the surface of the skin to improve brightness, texture and radiance while BHA’s clear the pore wall helping with congestion, blackheads and breakouts (not suitable for sensitive skin, only for experienced acid users)

Sensitive Skin

Marine Hyaluronics To hydrate and plump skin by helping it hold onto water, less viscous than Hyluronic acid to suit sensitive skin types

Plant Derived Squalane  Non greasy alternative to facial oils, hydrates the skin while improving visible elasticity and texture. Can also be used on the hair

Squalane Cleanser As a first cleanse this oil free balm will remove all makeup, contains a lipid that detach the impurities from the skin

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Superficial peeling acid to help with exfoliation of the skin while hydrating and avoiding irritation.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 acids as well as pro-vitamin A, excellent for improving the lipids barrier of the skin, protecting against dryness and signs of photo-ageing