Deciem's The Ordinaries - any new feedback from mumsnetters?

[bibijay]

Hello all, I'm a bit of a lurker but spend a huge amount of time on Mumsnet and Reddit Skincare forums, from which I have learnt everything about effective anti-aging (Retin A, sunscreen, Vit C, Niacinamide) - thank you everyone!
So of course I've seen the huge media reaction on the launch of The Ordinaries and am looking for advice on which products to go for.
I want to try the Vit C 23% and the Niacinamide. I already use Tretinoin nightly so assume I'd need to use the Vit C daytime and can't combine that with the Niacinamide. So just wondering has anyone tried using the Niacinamide with Tretinoin? Or the Vit C with Tretinoin? Or the Vit. C mixed in with a lotion to dilute it so that it can be safely used alongside Niacinamide or Tretinoin?
Would be really grateful for advice and for any other feedback on the range - am also looking at the Alpha Arbutin and the (not yet in stock) moisturising lotion.
Hoping this thread could be useful for anyone looking at this new range!
Thank you

[faustina]

I've been using them for a couple of weeks now and am really impressed! I just bought the suggested regimen from their guide for general ageing www.victoriahealth.com/editorial/the-ordinary-regimen-guide and I don't think it includes any of the items you're asking about, but they seem really helpful at Victoria Health and I'm sure if you ring them tomorrow they'll answer your questions

[Beautifullymixed]

I'm using, and liking the niacinamide and retinol 2% serums. They smooth out my rosacea prone, dehydrated but oily skin, acne prone skin. I had a nasty cystic acne break out this summer, and am left with dark marks.
I'm hoping both serums will help fade the pigmentation. The acne has cleared thankfully, and the retinol redness and peeling has now stopped. I can use retinol after acid toning (nip and fab pads) , with no irritation, although I apply serum x 2, moisturise and use jojoba oil first as a barrier. Retinol goes on last. It seems very gentle, and I love the milky appearance of it, and how smooth my skin feels after application.

I also use (and love) the hyaluronic acid serum. Am, I use this after the niacinamide serum, and instead of a moisturiser. I then use a primer, before my foundation. My skin loves it this way, and it's not too oily.
Pm, I use this after acid toning and the niacinamide again.
I alternate this with hada labo hyaluronic acid - which I adore.

I also purchased the alpha arbutin serum, but have not used it yet.

So far, I love these products.
I had to do a lot of reading first to understand what to use (and listen to my skin as well), but the products, and the prices are fantastic.

[Dulcimena]

Yes - mixed results for me.

Love the Buffet and 2% retinoid. Fab, will repurchase both.

Not impressed by the 10% lactic acid. I'm quite used to acids but I'm not sure this is doing anything. I haven't checked the pH.

Actively dislike the Vit C suspension. Weird texture, don't like how it feels on my skin and they seem to be having trouble finding an appropriate dispensing method. I have the original dropper bottle which just doesn't work, but I understand that the tube they are using now is no better.

Take a look at the Skincare Ingredients thread for more people's experiences.

[bibijay]

Thanks so much, I looked at their Example Anti-aging regime:
AM: Buffet, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5; PM: Buffet, Advanced Retinoid 2%, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

I already use Retin-A, and as far as I'm aware rosehip seed oil is also Vitamin A, so don't want to double up on that.
I've done loads of research that suggests Vit C and Niacinamide are the top anti-aging ingredients after Retin-A and sunscreen, so wanted to add those in.

[buckeejit]

Hi

I to I need to add vit c & niacinide also but not sure where to fit it all on. My skin has been dehydrated lately, dull & uneven. I've been using the buffet & love it-also the hyaluronic but unsure if it's doing anything, was using oz before. I generally follow Hirons procedure, without the acid tone lately as felt the need to scale back. Use a retina a about twice a week. Will check on the summary to see what's recommended

[FrickOnAStick]

I'm a skincare nerd and wanted to try the Ordinary stuff because of a)the hype and b) the price. I wanted to see how it performed vs my much pricier favourites. I ordered,

Lactic acid 5% - I like this one. I've used acids for years but recently started getting sensitivity to glycolic. Lactic is gentler so thought I'd try it. It improved the texture of my skin, it is smoother, softer and less congested. I use it every other night.

Lactic acid 10% - not used yet. I bought this as a fortnight or so exfoliating boost.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - I use this in the evening after the lactic. It has done wonders for my congestion. I'll rebuy the lactic and this as the combo really works for me.

Retinoid 2% - I've only used this a couple of times. I'm on the fence as I think it breaks me out. I might have to limit it to problem (wrinkly!) areas. Won't be repurchasing.

Vitamin C 23% - Another 'meh' for me. I don't get the tingly irritation or any issues from it but I also don't see much improvement. The tube opening makes it come out way too fast so I end up with too much dispensed/wasted. I don't like the odd gritty and silicone-y feeling texture of it either.

Overall, providing I continue to get good results, I'll reorder the Niacinamide & the lactic. The rest, not so much.

[buckeejit]

Frick, do you agree with vit c in general for dull skin? Any other brand recs?

[shereebobbins]

I use Niacinamide serum along with Tretinoin every night.
I also use Vit. C serum every morning.
I have good results with this routine and no problems at all, although I realise everybody can react differently.

[FrickOnAStick]

buck, I don't use a standalone vit c serum because I haven't found one I like (horrible textures, messy packaging or fast oxidisation). I like the Sarah Chapman Age Repair serum, it's a mix of actives and peptides and plus hyaluronic acid. The vit c levels aren't high in it but it my skin loves it.

I think vit c is good for brightening and pigmentation but I'm yet to find one I like.

[Jointhejoyrun75]

I've got Buffet, and while ok to use, I haven't noticed any effects from it.

[MissFoodie]

I've just started this week:
AM buffet + matrixyl 10% + day cream
PM retinol 2% and vit c 23% on alternate nights, alone

too early to tell yet but no bad reactions, focusing on eye area so will probably order caffeine serum next,don't love the slightly sticky texture of the AM serums as both contain HA, but this is normal with HA, nothing to do with the brand. Had no issues with applying foundation and powder over top either.

[Lottapianos]

I have dry and dehydrated skin, with a bit of flakiness in the winter. I've got my eye on the Vitamin C serum and the hyaluronic serum. I already double cleanse, acid tone every evening, and use a good general moisturising serum. Does Vit C and hyaluronic sound sensible? Anything else that I should be buying from the range? Too scared to do retinols!

[likeavirgo]

I have the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA to help with my post acne pigmentation. Unfortunately, I'm struggling again at the moment so have put this on hold for the moment whilst I get my breakouts under control as I'm certain Dr Sam Bunting advised to tackle one thing at a time!

[sergeantmajor]

I'm using Buffet + hyaluronic acid in the morning, and retinol 2% in the evening.
Any recommendations for the best moisturiser to pair with the Ordinaries?

[buckeejit]

Lotta

I've found with the weather change that acid toning has made my dry patches worse. I've laid off for the last week & saw a big improvement.

I use 0.025% retina a twice a week, (apparently in tests there was no noticeable difference between the lower & higher level creams)

I think any moisturiser will work fine, I use Aldi caviar, Eve lom or neals yard mostly. Another thing that I've been doing when I've had dry patches is instead of using powder over foundation (tinted moisturiser), I've used 2 drops of facial oil dabbed all over with a beauty blender which seems to help

[Truckingalong]

I'm underwhelmed by it tbh. Not seen any difference whatsoever to my skin.

[Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree]

I use retin a and have started using the vitamin c every other morning. I use cerave niacinamide on the other mornings. Once I am using vitamin c every morning I will switch the niacinamide (and get the ordinary one) to the evening with retin a.

I've been using retin a for over a year, but not massively convinced it is reducing wrinkles, but maybe slowing things down and evening things up.

I like the vit c serum, I find it very mattyfying which I really like. I also use a biore bright face milk spf 50+, which is a similar texture to the vit c so they work well together for me.
I'd like to add Matrixyl into the mix in the mornings too. And I'll up the strength of my retin a too at some point.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

I love the ritinol 2% and I am using the vit c serum though it's quite a joyless product to use. I prefer the OST C20 for C serum but the ordinairy is effective, affordable and has a clean ingredient list so I will persevere.

For acids I prefer R Skincare really effective and affordable and available in lots of different strengths.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

SR skincare, not R skincare.

[Binkysays]

Thanks everyone!
shereebobbins and ochristmastree - your routines are exactly what I'm hoping to follow. Good to know no problem with RetinA + Niacinamide.and Vit C alternate mornings seems sensible to begin with.
The buffet sounds really interesting too....

[MissFoodie]

I'm giving up with the vitamin c, the texture is awful, moreso the silicone feel than the grainyness.

Retinoid 2% good so far but need a few weeks before can comment on any changes to fine lines.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

Miss - have a look at the OST C20, much nicer texture and still affordable.

I tolerate the ordinary C texture as it's such an important ingredient and the serum is so affordable. I treat it the same way as eating veg you don't like but know is good for you

I also use the ost one which I keep in the fridge.

[Justneedaname]

I'm using
HOS0001 Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Use AM & PM
HOS0007 Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA by The Ordinary Use AM & PM
HOS0010 Advanced Retinoid 2% by The Ordinary Use PM
HOS0018 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% by The Ordinary Wash PM
HOS0019 Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% by The Ordinary Wash AM

Although I haven't actually recieved the suspensions yet.

I am about 3 weeks in I think.
My problem areas were dry cheeks. Oily t zone, red nose and increased acne on my chin since I've turned 30.

At the moment I am (I hope) in the get worse before it gets better stage. With awful awful break outs on my chin. But the actual skin there is smoother.

I've been using talika photo hydra day moisturiser but as it's about to run out I am keen to find something else as lovely but fast absorbing.

[KiwiKay]

I purchased the Arbutin serum as it's a popular ingredient in Japan but doesn't seem as common here in the UK. So far it's fine but I'm not 'wowed' by it. However it's pleasant enough for me to use.

[MissFoodie]

I've got small spots on my nose and chin... so just using buffet and retinoid 2% round eyes now