Tell me about The Ordinary?

[Tinks15]

I want to start using their products as a couple of people I know use them & recommended them to me. But how do I even know where to start & what’s what?!

The ordinary are in fact v good despite the deceptively low cost
Start with
The squalane is a fantastic moisturiser and multitasker
Buffet serum is v good, a great night serum.

The foundations are remarkably good apply evenly don’t oxidise and have good colour range

I love The Ordinary, I like the salicylic acid (which stops spots and makes my skin feel less congested). I also second Buffet moisturiser, the formula isn’t like usual moisturisers but great once you get used to it.

Thank you, so I’m looking for something to put on at night do you recommend just the ‘buffet serum’ or that as well as the Squalane?

I didn't like Buffet (or any of the products I tried) it's a very slimy consistency.
You need to research what you need for your particular skin issues and get the product accordingly. They have so many, and it's no good getting something for spot prone skin if you're 58 and have dry skin.

If you email Victoria Health they'll suggest a regime. They suggested 5 products for me. I hated them all, but that's me!

Try the buffet serum at night,it’s quite gloopy but will absorb overnight

The ordinary has completely changed my skin for the better. I use hylaronic acid serum followed by the plant derived squalane. I haven't had a spot in months! Leave a bit of time before applying the squalane or it make the hylaronic acid 'pill' a little bit?

I like matrixyl for night. It’s not sticky. I have tried other things from them but nothing else has been as good for me.

There are a loooot of threads with info, I did an advanced search for you, hope the link works

www.mumsnet.com/SearchArch?mustmatch=The+ordinary+&dontmatch=&nickname=&src_displ_option=s_t_d_t&fromDate=01%2F01%2F17&toDate=17%2F05%2F19&topicmode=chs&chosentops=2350

I found it very ordinary sadly after all the hype.

What are your skin concerns, OP?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3492911--Fantastic-Skincare-New-Year-NuFaces

Lots of info in the links in the OP of this thread.

Definitely try the granactive retinoid emulsion, especially if you have aging skin and want to prevent/ decrease those pesky wrinkles. I have incredibly sensitive skin and even my damaged, dehydrated skin took to it like a charm. Have also found the map cream to smooth, hydrate and brighten skin, apparently it's a derivative of vitamin c but soothes rather than burns. For the price point it's worth a shot !

I think their glycolic acid is just as good as far more expensive acid toners, and the Buffet serum is a product I order over and over again.

Everything else I have tried from there (the moisturiser in the tube, the red face peel, hyloronic acid, rosehip oil, salycilic acid and niacidmide or whatever its called) I would rate from 'meh' to 'shit'.

HTH

Having said that, I would also probably rate most really expensive skincare as 'meh' to 'shit', and I think The Ordinary has shown that paying a fortune for skincare is indeed just a massive con.

Thanks everyone, so I get the odd spot here & there (suffered bad in the past but no more) & have a few blackheads on my chin & nose. I have quite large pores in some areas but not too bad. My skin isn’t overly dry or anything. I’m 28, so don’t think I would need anything ageing just yet.

I did message their Facebook page earlier & they replied with a few recommendations.
They’ve suggested the
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
Squalane Cleanser
The moisturiser factor + Ha
‘Buffet’
Salicylic acid

I don’t think I would need all these. I was thinking maybe the cleanser, moisturiser & buffet to begin with. What’s your thoughts? Or any other recommendation?

If it's just blackheads you're concerned about you could try Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Lotion or Liquid (can't remember what it's called). You can get a trial size for about £8. It's also Salicylic Acid and supposed to be really good. I think Look fantastic have it.

I've tried buffet and didn't see anything amazing about it. Same with the NMF moisturizer (wasn't expecting anything much but did expect to feel more moisturized). The Vitamin C was too stinging for comfort. I quite like the lactic acid 10% but I got it for a couple of quid on black Friday so I wasn't going to be upset either way. It seems quite gentle.

I think the squalane cleanser is quite expensive for the size but I haven't tried it and have no idea what it's like.

The thing you should invest in is a really good separate sunscreen that you're happy to wear everyday and suits your skin. That's the biggest anti aging thing you can do. The only ones I've found that don't sting my eyes are La Roche Posay for sensitive eyes and Bare Minerals Prep Step (I think it's called). It's kind of runny though so I wasn't sure if it was really protecting me or not.

CeraVe moisturizers are reasonably priced. I just use their huge bottle for my face and body, I haven't actually tried the face moisturiser. Their hydrating cleanser is meant to be good too.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Cleansers are good, I use one of those. If you wear makeup or sunscreen everyday it's recommended you do a double cleanse - first with an oil based cleanser and then a water based one.

I forgot to mention their primer - love it, it’s like Elizabeth Arden, but waaay cheaper. Makes my skin feel lovely and gives a good base for my foundation. I’m currently trying their foundation and mineral sunscreen (normal sunscreen clogs my pores and gives me spots).

I would use all the products you’ve been recommended otherwise you’re just cleansing and moisturising with an added (crappy imo) serum. The whole point of the ordinary is their treatment products rather than just cleanse, tone, moisturise.

Try the lactic acid as an acid exfoliater (maybe in place of the salicylic acid or you could use both). Chances are you don’t actually have blackheads but sebaceous filaments which everyone has and are normal.

I'm currently using Niacinamide and Zinc, and Azaleic Acid. I prefer the Niacinamide as I think my skin doesn't like the silicone in the acid. I had the salicylic acid and the red peel treatment but I've become allergic to salicylic acid now which is annoying.

It’s very ordinary. Meh

I have read about Paula’s choice in the past but never tried any of their products.

I’ve also noticed that I have small under the skin white spots on my cheeks too the past few days, with make up on their raised so can look obvious. I want to get rid of these too but it’s finding the right product for me without paying so much.

Which products do you already use? Do you double cleanse in the evenings? I'd try that first and then I'd try the Paula's choice. So an oil based cleanser first to remove SPF and make up, then a cream or lotion cleanser to remove any residue and clean your skin. Simple is meant to be good for an oil based and it's only a couple of quid. Give your skin 6-8 weeks of that and see if it helps with the cheeks and blackheads.

I wouldn't spend a heap of money on the ordinary until I knew exactly what I wanted. The individual prices are cheap enough but it soon adds up. Toy can't start them all at once in any case as if anything causes a reaction you won't know which one it is.

I have seen lots of people reporting positive results with the niacinamide but I've also seen loads of people saying it caused their skin to break out.

Your basic routine should be cleanse, hydrate/moisturise (superdrug do a hydrating serum if you think you need one) and SPF of 30. In the evening, double cleanse, hydrate/oil/moisturise.

It depends on what you think your skin needs regarding hydration or moisture. Some people find their SPF is moisturising enough by itself. Or you don't need a hydrating serum because your skin isn't dehydrated. Or you don't need an oil because your skin isn't dry.

Paula's choice is also Salicylic Acid. £8 for same size as the Ordinary. I suspect it's better (disclaimer I haven't tried either of them).
m.lookfantastic.com/paula-s-choice-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant-trial-size-30ml/11174179.html?settingsSaved=Y&shippingcountry=IE&switchcurrency=GBP

CeraVe face moisturizer (not the one with the SPF) contains niacinamide and might be helpful.

I just wouldn't buy all that The Ordinary stuff and try it all at once. You won't have any idea what's helping or breaking you out.

I think the Buffet might have had a positive effect on my skin but it also caused any hair on my face to look lusher. Great for eyelashes, not so much for peach fuzz.

It's really all about trying to get to know your skin!

I want to try the ordinary I just don’t know what to go for first, as above I don’t want to buy it lots in case it doesn’t suit my skin.

I use:
Morning
Niacinamide + zinc (controls oil and minimises pores)
Hemi squaline (very light weight hydrator)

Evening
Buffet (anti aging and just generally improves skin)
Retinoid 2% emulsion (helps with fine lines and plump skin)
Borage seed oil (hydrator, quite light and fantastic for sensitive skin)

I've tried natural moisturising factors but found it too greasy. I don't really know about the other products, I just research when I need to tackle something new.

I have combination skin. Oily t zone with open pores, used to get big spots on my chin at that time of the month but my skin can also be really sensitive and blotchy. The ordinary has completely changed my skin to the point that I rarely wear foundation any more, I just do my eyebrows and mascara. Used to never leave the house without a full face of make up on. I'm 28 but I use the buffet and retinoid because I do think prevention is better than the cure when it comes to aging.