Everything you need to know about The Ordinary
The Ordinary Skincare’s motto is, "clinical formulations with integrity". As in, you get the good stuff without the price tag.
And while they’ve removed all those smoke and mirrors when it comes to ingredients - most of us still have no clue what those products actually do.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So, we taken it into our particularly inquisitive hands to breakdown the benefits of the wonder products and their supercharged ingredients
- and how in the heck we’re supposed to use them.
Product: 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Sorry, plant derived WHAT?
Translation: Basically, this beautifully natural oil will soften, smooth and quench your dry, thirsty skin leaving you with a baby’s butt-like complexion. It can also be used on your HAIR.
Application: This baby is best applied to your pretty face in the PM, and after you’ve used any water-based products, like your acids and AHAs.
Product: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG - 30ml
As in, not your morning coffee - right?
Translation: But SIMILAR. You know how people say, “You look so tired!” and you’re all, “but I’ve been sleeping very well, thanks.” This water solution reduces those pesky dark circles and puffy panda eyes with a right dose of caffeine - making you look as awake as you feel.
Application: With a drop or two, give yourself a little massage morning and night between your cheekbone and bottom of your eye.
Product: Buffet 30ml
No, no.. not that kind of buffet.
Translation: A SMORGASBORD of hard-working ingredients performing at an Olympic standard in one little serum to target signs of ageing - at once.
Application: Throw it on (in moderation) over your face morning and night after you’ve done your usual clean.
Product: High-Spreadability Fluid Primer - 30ml
Well, I mean this one’s a bit more obvious…
Translation: Dewy complexion - ever heard of it? Look like you’ve just stepped off a runway with this lightweight non-oil serum that ensures no balled-up bits of makeup.
Application: Use at the transition between the end of your skin regimen and your makeup application.
Product: 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil - 30ml
AKA your new best friend...
Translation: Think of moroccan argan oil like a bra for your skin - totally supportive, boosting, plumping etc. And say sayonara to those pesky, flaky parts of your complexion.
Application: Skin or hair? Doesn't matter, apply as you need, when you need - or just daily.
Product: 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - 30ml
The lord of all oils.
Translation: Spend a bit too much time in the sun this summer? Perfect! This little hero reduces the signs of sun damage and a myriad of other skin concerns.
Application: Apply once a day to the face, ideally at bedtime after application of water-based treatments.
SKINCARE MATHLETICS
NOW you know what these products do, you’re asking: but which one is for me? How are they used with the other products? And other pressing questions.
Well, here’s a few skin concerns complete with suggested regimes by the fine people behind The Ordinary (for super in depth alternatives head to their website).
FIRSTLY, ALWAYS avoid sticking your head in the sun without slip, slop, slapping beforehand when using these potent products.
General signs of age:
AM
= Buffet + Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5
PM
= Buffet + Granactive Retinoid 2% Squalane + 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Pigmentation issues:
AM
= Alpha Arbutin 2%+HA + Niacinamide 10+Zinc1% + Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
PM
= Alpha Arbutin 2%+HA + Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Dehydration:
AM
= Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 + Natural Moisturizing Factors +HA
PM
= Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 + 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Congestion and spots:
AM
= Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
PM
= Salicylic Acid 2% Solution + Niacinamide 10% +Zinc 1%
Textural irregularities:
AM
= Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
PM
= Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution + Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
