If you’ve been reading this blog, you know by now that I’m a skin care fanatic. So image my curiosity when I heard about this new company making waves in the industry called, The Ordinary. Trust me when I tell you there is nothing “ordinary” about this brand.
Considering star ingredients that are the life blood of many of our favorite creams and potions, most of these products come at a pretty steep price. Take for instance one of the most talked about and darling ingredients of the moment, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that instantly draws moisture to the skin and it can do wonders for the fine lines and keeping the skin plump and youthful. So while you pay $100+ for a cream (looking at you Charlotte Tilbury), you can get the same ingredient with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. And the price you’ll pay is (insert drumroll)…a whopping $7!! Can you believe it? $7?!
I first read about this line on beauty website, Byrdie. I could not believe how a company could actually afford to sell quality skin care at bargain basement prices. It’s even cheaper than what you’ll find in a drugstore. So after I visited their website, I placed an order for the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($7), and the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil ($7). At the priced they charge, I could buy out the whole website and not suffer from buyer’s remorse.
So with all of this hype, do these products actually perform well? I’m glad you asked. So here’s my experience with each one.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This product is a serum and not a cream. The texture is lightweight, but it seemed to take a bit of work to get it into my skin as it didn’t seem to penetrate easily. I used the product for a solid two weeks and followed the instructions by using this after cleansing and toning and wearing it underneath my regular moisturizer. I used it day and night. I have normal to oily skin (yes, we need moisture, too!) and I didn’t find this product to be that moisturizing. In fact, my skin felt a little dry after use. After the two weeks, I put this serum away and bit the bullet and bought the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (for another post).
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
With most active acids, I only use these types as part of my nightly skin care routine. I tested this product over another two week period and I must say that I’m pretty impressed with the results I’ve gotten. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks really smooth and even, which is a plus in anybody’s book. The Lactic Acid 10% provides a “mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.” The 10% may be a little strong for some, so they offer a 5% version. I can easily see myself keeping this product in heavy rotation. And for $7, I can’t afford not to.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
It’s a solid oil with multiple uses. I use this on top of the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% each night for extra hydration. With my oily skin, I’m a firm believer in using the proper oils for my skin and my skin loves me for this. No breakouts and no clogged pores.
What’s interesting is that most of the products are vegan, silicon-free, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free. For the prices, they are worth testing out. I’m sure you’ll find something you would love. And for the record, it proves that you don’t have to spend your whole paycheck to have healthy skin unless you want to.