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Original poster

The Ordinary is certainly that.

111 replies

MrsGloop · 15/03/2018 01:44

So I drank the Kool-Aid, believed the hype and invested in a number of The Ordinary products. And my foundation pills every time I apply it and my skin is not only not improved, but more congested! Is there anyone else who’s distinctly unimpressed with this range?

OP posts:
PerfumeIsAMessage · 15/03/2018 05:45

Me!

I also have a cupboard full of it. Meh.

I reckon there are (or certainly were last year) a lot of threads started by product placers. And boy did we fall for it.

NeverTooOldForAnything · 15/03/2018 05:53

I like it!

I started using it a month ago and my skin is looking a lot better. I am also using their primer now, which is fab.

I did have issues with foundation pilling initially, but it was because I was still using my Dr Haushka face oil twice a day. Now I only use it at night and it has fixed the issue.

I guess it's like any other brand, it will be great for some people and others will hate it. I feel like this about Clinique, I have never liked their skincare but I know some people who swear by it.

seriouslystumped · 15/03/2018 05:59

I'm 10 days in to using their products and can't see any difference to my skin, but maybe it's a bit early, idk. It seems a lot of faff for little results. OP, I suffer from breakouts and the lady in the store said that my skin could get worse before it got better when I started to use their products. Thankfully that hasn't happened, but as I said, I can't see that it's making any difference at all.

margaritasbythesea · 15/03/2018 06:03

I have started with one product that they recommended to me but email and it has made a marked difference to my skin.

I tried someting else that I picked without really knowing what I was doing and it was totally the wrong thing for my skin.

Email them. They are really helpful.

ChangingStates · 15/03/2018 06:03

I've been using it for about a month- needed to cut spending on products after divorce - and it seemed to be a good option. 4 week's in and I think the tone & texture of my skin has improved, not sure if any effect on lines or wrinkles though. Find their hyaluronic acid gloopy & sticky so will try a different brand for that when it runs out

kalinkafoxtrot45 · 15/03/2018 06:08

I’m using the Buffet serum for daytime and the Vit C serum at night. Honestly, nothing else has ever improved my oily, spotty, ageing skin so much.

mojito55 · 15/03/2018 06:09

It's a huge rip off. The prices look great until you realise they're all 30ml! Actually far more expensive than a lot of luxury brands for the amount you get.

gaggiagirl · 15/03/2018 06:14

The acids and oils are great for me. The buffet did nothing for my skin unfortunately.

SporkInTheToaster · 15/03/2018 08:30

I tried a fair few of the skin care things, maybe 6 or 7. Most weren’t right for me, largely down to texture, but I’ve been an avid fan of the lactic 10% and the niacinamide + zinc ever since. Both are great, IMO. They might not suit everyone but they are great for my skin. I’m not a fan of the dropper packaging though. I’d like that to change. I can’t imagine it’s cheap to produce either.

As for mojito’s point about the price per ml vs higher end products. I don’t see that, I’m afraid. Most high end serums are sold in 30 or 50ml sizes, you can’t buy a high end ‘luxury’ serum for the same price per ml as the Ordinary. Not when their prices are less than £10 for 30ml. I’m not snobby either way, I mix the Ordinary in with higher priced skincare but I don’t think you can argue that the Ordinary is £££ per ml.

Didiusfalco · 15/03/2018 08:34

I think the matrixyl seems quite good. Not sure the argireline did anything, but honestly I think I probably need Botox to get the results I want.

Fosterdog123 · 15/03/2018 08:37

I've used loads of it and it's all been shit. Their retinol had zero impact on my skin. I bought Indeed Labs retinol a week ago instead and it improved my skin from the first moment of using it. The owner of The Ordinary is also running his business in the most peculiar fashion.

Flamingoringo · 15/03/2018 08:52

The rose hip oil is nice, but the rest of it, I don’t no. I can’t see a difference. I’ve decided to use Biore sun cream instead. Silky.

PerfumeIsAMessage · 15/03/2018 08:59

I wonder if they ever email anyone and just recommend one product, or indeed none at all?

I was told I needed 7.

Conversely, I emailed Neal's Yard about dd (teen) and was told to not worry about her skin for at least another 3-4 years and they wouldn't recommend anything for her except possibly a facial wash if she wasn't happy with what she was using.

What's the story behind the owner then? Apart from several different named companies under one umbrella using Victoria Health as their Avon reps! (are VH owned by TO as well?)

Fosterdog123 · 15/03/2018 09:14

There was a suggestion that Brendon was in a relationship with someone from VH but I have no idea if it's true. VH has pulled the plug though on stocking The Ordinary products and Brendon has had a few odd moments on social media and played out business decisions very publicly.

Littlechocola · 15/03/2018 09:17

Glad I’ve seen this as was thinking about buying some products!

WelshDutchLady · 15/03/2018 10:24

Have had bad skin for a year after priding myself on having lovely complexion. Emailed them requesting regimen and enclosed photos. They sent back list of 8 products totalling about 60 quid. I bought some (including niacinimide and HA) which made my skin worse. Paid privately to see a dermatologist as it was affecting my mood. He diagnosed seb dermatitis - Nizarol shampoo and a light steroid cream and I have my lovely skin back. Doc said he wary of TO as some take their advice as gospel.

SporkInTheToaster · 15/03/2018 10:48

I have to say, I didn’t email anyone for regime advice so can’t comment on the ‘6 products when 1 will do’ thing. I think it’s good if you have an idea about ingredients and what your skin likes but probably is a potential waste of time and money if you are emailing for regime advice because you aren’t sure what things do or how to use them.

SporkInTheToaster · 15/03/2018 10:53

Certainly a salesperson with little knowledge giving advice over email is never going to offer the same assessment service as a medically trained dermatologist who is performing a face to face assessment of skin, I agree there welsh.

NeverTooOldForAnything · 15/03/2018 12:27

I emailed them and they recommended 2 products for my skin complaints

Itsautumn · 15/03/2018 13:42

I quite like the Buffet serum. The retinol did nothing for me either.
I agree you need to understand ingredients to get the most out the products which is a minefield as there are no so many of them.
The owner Brandon posted some odd Instagram posts a few weeks ago, cutting ties with suppliers, giving instructions to employees etc. It seemed a little erratic and unprofessional....
I like their ethos of disrupting the beauty industry though and trying to make high tech ingredients affordable and available for all. Personally I just don't have enough of an understanding and knowledge of ingredients to make it work for me.

Littlechocola · 15/03/2018 14:09

What do people recommend instead?

Lottapianos · 15/03/2018 14:26

I have had mostly good results. I didn't get on with the foundation or the Caffeine solution (zero difference to under eye circles over about 3 months).

I now use Buffet in the morning, and Hyaluronic Acid at night, plus either Squalane or Marula oil at night. I could manage with either the Squalane or Marula, but I like to alternate them. So only a few products for me and I'm happy with the outcome. No brand is going to tick boxes for absolutely everyone. I have dry and dehydrated skin by the way

SparkyBlue · 15/03/2018 14:42

I have had very good results to be honest. I have oily yet dehydrated skin and on the recommendation of a poster on here I tried a few things and I am delighted I did.

Original poster
MrsGloop · 15/03/2018 15:29

Thanks for your responses. I’m wondering about dipping my toe in “Korean skincare” but not sure where to start...

OP posts:
ChardonnaysPrettySister · 15/03/2018 15:33

I quite like it.

The use the Resverstrol and Ferulic and the retinoid in squalane and I have seen good results.

Also bought the Lactic acid but haven’t used it yet, so can’t say anything about it.

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