Is the Ordinary just a hoax?

[CutToChase]

I've been using the Ordinary's retinol for a year now. It's done absolutely fucking nothing as far as I can see?

I've also been using the hyaluronic acid for a few months now on damp skin with moisturiser over the top: doesnt feel any different to using straight moisturiser.

Buffet: didnt feel any different

The one product I DID actually like was the azelaic (is that it?) acid which is kind of like a thick lotion and definitely toned down my redness, so will be buying that going forward.

But overall I'm really disappointed especially with the retinol. What's going on? I thought retinol was a wonder ingredient? And the Ordinary's is in fairly high concentration? It feels like all it did was slightly dry out my skin at worst, and leave it unchanged at best.

What can I move onto now? I'm early thirties with a few lines beginning to creep in. It looked like LRP Redermic would be excellent but they seem to have discontinued it and replaced it with a hyaluronic acid range (zzzzzzz).

I've been using their 7% Glycolic for over a year now, couldn't really tell ot was doing anything but carried on. Then recently been noticing a few blackheads on my forehead which the glycolic wasn't shifting, so decided to try the Superdrug 5% one intead to compare.
And within a few days all the blackheads had gone, so I'm going to keep using this one now and see what happens.

My husband loves the vitamin C powder tho, I've not really noticed any difference when I've used it

Tried it and wasn't impressed . Not in the same league as my Alpha H .

Here I am again - not a bot but, I can advocate for Tropic Skincare. You can buy direct from the company no bot required.

Use their routine finder for product recommendations on skin type and problem areas. Has made a big improvement in the condition of my skin. Particularly the supergreens syrum and fruit peel.

I didn't get on with it. Same with HydroLab products - the £4 superdrug serum is much better for me.

Just switched from TO to medik8 for vit C and retinol and I can feel a big difference. TO vit C was v sticky and horrible and the caffeine made no difference to my eyes. The HA didn't really hydrate but I am one of those who never found HA hydrating. I have also tried the inkey one. The Estee ANR is the only one which I find hydrating but not sure if it's the HA or peptides in it. It's also really expensive for me this year so not going to buy it. I always go back to my trusted cetaphil moisturizer with a sunscreen (LRP)

@Bagelsandbrie

Complete load of crap. Never liked anything I’ve purchased from them.

Me too - absolute shite

I'm trying so hard with the ordinary, honestly I am, but see no difference. I've been using buffet for months. I'm 38.

I used Elemis for years and it did absolutely nothing for me at all beyond feel and smell nice and leave my bank account significantly lighter.

Curiosity got the better of me this time last year, emailed them for a routine and spent £30 on the recommended products, my skin was transformed within six weeks. I honestly never thought I'd have clear and smooth skin without visible filaments/blocked pores and the confidence to go out without foundation.

Now that my skin is in much better condition I've streamlined the process a bit. I showed my brother who is very alpha male, an enormous man mountain the before and after photos, I've since had to send him his own routine and products 😂

I love the products that have worked for me.... but some haven't. But skin care is very personal, what works for some won't work on others.

I had quite bad skin. Always getting spots on my chin and skin just generally felt rubbish.

Started using the squalane cleanser, and niacinamide and it has worked wonders!
I did buy other bits and pieces - vit C and some others but they were two harsh for my skin.
My skin looks sooo much better. No spots and any I do get are gone in no time and my skin feels silky smooth!!

I use their AHA/BHA once a week definitely makes a big improvement to my skin tone and texture. Also like the Retinol and HA

@Frequentflier @OneForTheRoadThen. Thank you, I will have a look at Dermatica.

My skin was shocking after using it.

I like some of the French skincare brands like LRP or Avene.

@wrinkleyeyebags you emailed TO? How old are you, if you don't mind me asking.

[quote PusheenLove]@wrinkleyeyebags you emailed TO? How old are you, if you don't mind me asking.[/quote]
Hey

Yes on the Deciem website there is an email address that you can write to and enclose a photo of yourself, tell them your concerns and they reply with a regime. They also have suggested regimes for particular issues that you can buy which also look good. I'm 37

I find the ordinary very, well, ordinary

It's well named if nothing else.

I've heard good things about Revolution skincare in similar price bracket. Has anyone tried it?

Worked for me because:

A - my skincare regime was non existent before

B - the fact it is cheap meant I could buy lots of different products and test them out and figure out which ones suit my skin.

C - the online guides help me figure out what I need

I don't think the products are necessarily any better than other brands but the affordability, ease of use and guides make it much less complicated to find the right products from the ordinary for your skin and therefore more chance of it working