The Ordinary Guide: Niacinamide, Retinol, Acids & Vitamin C
The Ordinary is known for simple, straightforward formulas that put the active ingredient and its percentage right in the product name. That makes it easy to shop by ingredient and by concern. We stock 22 products: niacinamide, exfoliating acids, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and two hair and lash serums.
Quick answer: Pores and uneven tone: the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Dehydrated skin: the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Blackheads and blemishes: the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. Dark spots: the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA or a Vitamin C Suspension. Fine lines: Retinol 0.2% in Squalane to start. Sensitive or stressed skin: the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum.
Which The Ordinary product is for you?
| Your concern | Type | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| Pores, oil, uneven tone | Niacinamide serum | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |
| Dehydrated skin | Hyaluronic serum | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
| Blackheads and blemishes | BHA solution | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution |
| Dullness and rough texture | Exfoliating toner | Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner |
| Dark spots and uneven tone | Brightening serum | Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum |
| Dullness, brighter look | Vitamin C | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% |
| Fine lines, first retinol | Retinol serum | Retinol 0.2% in Squalane |
| Sensitive, stressed skin | Calming serum | Soothing & Barrier Support Serum |
| Dark-looking, tired eyes | Eye serum | Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG |
Niacinamide and barrier support
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml — the brand's classic serum for pores, oil control and uneven tone.
- Soothing & Barrier Support Serum 30ml — a niacinamide serum with centella and ceramides for sensitive, redness-prone skin and a stressed barrier.
Browse Niacinamide and Serums & Ampoules.
Exfoliating acids
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30ml — a BHA treatment for blackheads, pores and blemish spots.
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml — a strong wash-off peeling mask for texture, pores and dark spots. It is the most intensive acid here, so read the label and use it rarely.
- Lactic Acid 10% + HA 30ml — a gentler AHA serum with hyaluronic acid for glow and uneven tone.
- Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml and 240ml — an exfoliating toner with aloe for texture and glow. The 100ml size is handy for trying it.
- PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum 15ml — a lip treatment that smooths the lips.
More in Exfoliators, Salicylic Acid and Pores & Texture. For breakouts, read our acne treatment guide.
Retinol
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml — the starting strength for anyone new to retinol.
- Retinol 1% in Squalane Serum 30ml — the stronger option, for skin already used to retinol.
See Retinol.
Vitamin C and brightening
- Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 30ml — a vitamin C suspension with hyaluronic spheres for glow and an even-looking tone.
- Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone 30ml — the higher-strength, silicone-based version.
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum 30ml — a serum for dark spots and uneven tone with hyaluronic acid.
Browse Vitamin C and Dark Spots & Pigmentation.
Hydration
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml — the best-selling hydration serum, with panthenol.
- Marine Hyaluronics Serum 30ml — a hyaluronic serum for hydration and glow.
More in Hyaluronic Acid.
Peptides and eye area
- Argireline Solution 10% 30ml — a peptide serum for fine lines and firmness.
- Buffet Copper Peptides 1% Multi Technology Serum 30ml — a peptide serum for firmness, hydration and glow.
- Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% 15ml — a serum aimed at a firmer, lifted look.
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 30ml — an eye serum with green tea for dark-looking circles.
- Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum 30ml — a caffeine serum for the eye area.
More in Eye Care.
Hair and lash serums
- Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density 60ml — a lightweight scalp serum with peptides for thinning-looking hair.
- Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum 5ml — a peptide serum for lashes and brows.
Results vary from person to person. For hair loss concerns, see our hair loss guide.
Tip: Acids and retinoids are strong. Patch-test first, introduce one new active at a time, and start two or three evenings a week. Do not combine exfoliating acids with retinol in the same routine, and skip actives if your skin is irritated. Use sunscreen every morning (see our sunscreen guide). Not sure how to build a routine? See the oily skin routine.
Shop The Ordinary Shop serums Shop exfoliators
Frequently asked questions
What is The Ordinary known for?
Simple, no-frills formulas where the active ingredient and its strength are in the product name, such as Niacinamide 10% or Retinol 0.2%.
Which The Ordinary product should a beginner start with?
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 are easy starting points. Add one new active at a time.
Can I use retinol and acids together?
It is best not to in the same routine. Use them on different evenings, patch-test first and always use sunscreen in the morning.
Which is stronger, Retinol 0.2% or 1%?
The 1% is the stronger one. If you are new to retinol, start with the 0.2%.
Is The Ordinary at lo la original?
Yes. lo la sells original products from authorised suppliers and delivers across all governorates of Egypt.
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