My Favorite Ordinary Products

OK! So I asked you guys if you needed a guide for using the Ordinary products, and you overwhelmingly said YES. Like thousands of you! On another post, I created a generic guide for the order of use of any skincare products that I think are necessary, and you can use some of these Ordinary products to plug into the formula. I am also posting an IGTV explaining everything.

This is a list of The Ordinary products that I have tried and tested. This is not an exhaustive list of their products, however it is a list of products that I have incorporated into my routine. This list will change as I try new products, so I will keep you up to date. Use what works for you- this is not a hard and fast list, because I will only share products with you that I have tried and think are effective.

The first on the list is the Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGC. As you may know, I don’t really use eye creams often. Most of them irritate my eczema and I believe you can put most things you use on the face, on the eye. This stuff, and Shani Darden Eye Cream I’ve been able to use. Other than that, I will use La Mer Original Moisturizing Cream, or Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm, on my eyes. The caffeine solution smooths, de-puffs and brightens. It has ECGC (from the green tea leaf) and it absorbs quickly, and I can layer my moisturizer over the top.

The second thing on my list of The Ordinary products is the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc. I love this and it can be used day and night. If you like vitamin c, you can use vitamin c during the day, and this one at night. This is a vitamin B3 derivative and reduces skin blemishes and congestion. it also evens skin tone!

Number three on my list is the 100% Plant Derived Squalane. This oil is perfect for all skin types because it is lightweight and does not break you out. It is found in our skin naturally. I like several different oils, but this is high on my list due to the price point and simplicity in ingredients (just one). You can also use this on hair for heat protection and to reduce breakage!

The next one is Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane. Retinoids are important because they help with fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, and exfoliation over time. Retinols are a must have in my book. I like several different retinols but this one really is amazing to me because it does not irritate the skin like others. This one apparently is more affective than the others, and has almost no irritation. It is encased in Squalane oil, which makes it that more hydrating. This one is a big winner in my book. Use at night only. You can alternate, and use a peptide on opposite nights.

Speaking of peptides, this one is awesome. It is called Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% and targets multiple signs of aging all at the same time. Copper Peptides are a power house as far as healing and anti aging is concerned. They are found in human plasma and help with immune function, collagen production, and fibroblasts (that’s your firmness and elasticity y’all!) plus it is anti-inflammatory! This formula is so good because it also has probiotics and hyaluronic acid and a bunch of amino acids. Like I said, it’s awesome.

Finally, I think everyone should be doing a deep exfoliation weekly. This one here, the Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2% is incredible. It takes care of fine lines, evens skin tone, and the BHA digs down to dissolve oil and black heads. This is a deeper peel, and won’t cause irritation as long as you are used to using AHA’s/Glycolics etc. If not, I suggest using a lower concentration until you work up to this. You leave this on for 10 minutes (it stings at first, but it subsides) and then rinse. Then follow with a simple hydrating routine.

With all products, you need to make sure you are using the right thing at the right time, since some products and ingredients should not be mixed. I have included a link and a screenshot to a site that lists all Ordinary products and conflicts- what should and should not be used together.

And there you have it- my favorites from The Ordinary! I will add to this list as I try more products. Please make sure you do what is right for YOUR skin. These are what I use, and not all things work for all people, but I am happy to share what works for me. I hope that you’ll have some great results as well! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a post!