At the risk of sounding like a snob and a half, The Ordinary continues to be the epitome of a mixed bag for me. I love the clinical aesthetic and fully support the concept, but only every fifth product I have tried has left a lasting and positive impression. Do I sound jaded? Possibly. But there is context.

Over the years, I have run through countless serums from the brand and learned that their retinoids or anything labeled “in suspension” simply are not my thing. They take ages to absorb and almost never layer well. And if you build your entire identity around single-ingredient formulas, the least you can do is make sure they play nicely with others.

The cleansers are also not my favorite. They all feel a little meh. And I strongly disagree with the idea that just because a formula features the same key ingredient as something pricier, it automatically performs at the same level. Lay’s potato chips and Balthazar fries both contain potatoes and oil, but one is clearly not the other.

Now that we have set the scene, here are the five products from The Ordinary my skin actually loves. Maybe yours will, too.

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

A basic done incredibly well. This slightly viscous liquid is gentle, effective, and reliable. Powered by everyone’s favorite alpha hydroxy acid, the formula also includes antioxidants and amino acids to help calm and hydrate. Use it in the PM to avoid added photosensitivity. I either pat it directly onto my skin or sweep it on with a cotton pad. Both work beautifully. Because my skin gets temperamental when I travel, I keep the smaller 100 ml bottle in rotation (for on-the-go convenience). $8.70 (100ml or $14 (240ml)

Multi-Active Delivery Essence

I hated everything about the Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner but I was not ready to give up on The Ordinary liquid steps. And I am glad I did not. This essence foams slightly on contact (is “saponification” the right word?) but disappears into the skin within seconds. It noticeably boosts absorption of whatever comes next, which is where it shines. It is not a treatment essence since it includes no ferments or antioxidants, but it hydrates instantly and elevates the Niacinamide and Zinc serum to another level of performance. $12 (100ml)

Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum

This brought back memories of how much I liked the original Buffet when the brand first launched. Packed with peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators, it is a radiance-driven formula that performs. If traditional l-ascorbic acid serums overwhelm your skin, this is an excellent alternative. My tip is to stick to a few drops to avoid pilling. Applied sparingly, it layers perfectly under sunscreen. I am genuinely thrilled with this launch. $14 (30ml)

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A bona fide classic. While technically formulated for blemish-prone skin, I use it for its brightening and soothing benefits. It is juicy yet lightweight, hydrates well, keeps congestion in check, and leaves my complexion balanced. Results are not overnight but give it a couple of months and you will notice a gradual brightening. Consistency pays off here. $6 (30ml)

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

My skin loves Mandelic Acid like nobody’s business, so I was hopeful and this exceeded expectations. The texture feels slightly slippery at first, but you can buffer it with a water-based serum for easier absorption and less irritation. I love what this particular AHA does for my skin. My tone is more even and, surprisingly, it helps with enlarged pores better than some BHA formulas designed for that very issue. It is potent, so skip it if your skin is sensitive. Everyone else should absolutely try it. $7.80 (30ml)

Check out theordinary.com for the full lineup. Take advantage of the Slowvember 23 percent off sale while it lasts.

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