Beginners guide to The Ordinary!

The Ordinary is one of the hottest skincare companies at the moment.

Offering powerful, single-ingredient and low-cost products. The brand has revolutionised the way we look at skincare. Ditching all forms of traditional marketing like fancy packaging etc, their products have the most scientific names possible, which can be a bit intimadating but well worth the investment, the best part about The Ordinary? The price, you getting serious skincare with powerful ingredients at the fraction of the price.

They have every skincare concern covered, from dehydrated skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, ageing skin and they even have a line of makeup. So lets dive straight into it, these are some of my favourites from The Ordinary.

BRIGHTENING

Vitamin C products -

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. The Ordinary have several products which are rich in vitamin C varying in strength so you can enjoy the benefits no matter your skin type.

These are my personal favourites:

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Ascorbic - pure Vitamin C brightens the skin tone.

Alpha Arbutin - reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

• Texture - Light Serum

• Potency - Moderate

• Stinging - Moderate

• Absorption - 10-20 secs

100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder

'This formula offers a very fine L-Ascorbic Acid powder that visibly targets the appearance of uneven skin tone, dullness and signs of aging and is formulated to be mixed with other treatments'

• Texture - Light Powder

• Potency - Very High

• Stinging - High

• Absorption - 10-20 secs

Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

'This water-free formula provides 30% pure L-Ascorbic Acid. This formulation feels smooth on the skin, and should ideally be applied at bedtime'

• Texture - Heavy serum with smooth finish

• Potency - Very High

• Stinging - High

• Absorption - 10-20 secs

Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

'Topical Vitamin C offers a wide array of benefits to the skin. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble which allows for a very pleasant serum texture'

• Texture - Light serum

• Potency - High

• Stinging - Low

• Absorption - 1-5 secs

SIGNS OF AGEING,

Retinol products -

Retinol is one of the holy-grail anti-aging ingredients out there. It works by encouraging your skin’s cell turnover by boosting new cell growth and it stimulates collagen production. The Ordinary have multiple retenoids and retinol products to choose from varying in strengths.

P.S Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, you should start your retinol regimen with Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance.

Retinol 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% in Squalane

'This water-free solution contains 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin ageing.'

• 0.2% Low Strength, Moderate Irritation

• 0.5% Moderate Strength, High Irritation

• 1% High Strength, Very High Irritation

Granactive Retinoid 2% / 5% in Squalane

'This water-free solution contains a 2%\5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of aging than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol.'

• 2% - Moderate Strength, No Irritation

• 5% - High Strength, No to Low Irritation

MATURE SKIN -

“Buffet”

'This formuler targets multiple signs of aging at once, such as wrinkles, uneven skin texture and dehydrated skin for a more youthful complexion. It contains ingredients stimulates collagen production and repairs skin.'

Argireline Solution 10%

'Improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds, including around the eyes and in the forehead area.' Its like botox in a bottle.'

EXFOLIATORS(CHEMICAL) -

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

'Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. '

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

'This 2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity'

- great for acne prone skin

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

'This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity,'

MOISTURIZERS + OILS

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

'Natural Moisturizing Factors are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated, made up of multiple ingredients that are naturally present in the skin. This formula offers non-greasy hydration that offers immediate hydration and lasting results.'

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil

'This oil supports healthy skin and reduces the appearance of flaking. It also adds soft sheen and strength to hair.'

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

'shown to reduce signs of photo-aging and many other skin conditions.'

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

'Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This formula offers multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration.'

"B" Oil

'“B” Oil is a purified form of micro-algae in a blend of squalane and oils of marula, argan, baobab, pataua, brazil nut, inca inchi, rosehip and borage to support healthy skin defense, enhance radiance, quench free radicals and to help balance pro-irritant.

The formula has a golden green hue and a mild herbal odour as a result of its high micro-algae concentration.'

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

'Squalane is found naturally in the skin. It prevents ongoing loss of hydration that impairs suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential. '

EYECARE

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

'This light-textured formula contains an extremely high 5% concentration of caffeine to help reduce looks of puffiness and of dark circles in the eye contour.'

ACNE PRONE

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

'Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation.'

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

'Helps reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion and balance sebum activity.'

CLEANSERS

Squalane Cleanser

'A gentle cleansing product formulated to target makeup removal whilst leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized.'

SUN-PROTECTION

Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

'Neutralizes free radicals, minimizes the intensity of UV radiation penetrating the skin'

I hope this guide to these tried and tested products have cleared up your confusion about the brand and what to purchase.

P.S You can shop The Ordinary directly from me by dropping me an email at natasharanchod@gmail.com with your order.

Until next time...

Lot's of Love

Natasha

XOXO