It seems like this brand just came out of NOWHERE. My sister mentioned it to me saying she had heard some good things about it, then an ad for The Ordinary popped up on facebook, then I saw a few blog posts..and it made me realize: I must try this brand.

The Ordinary is a cruelty free Canadian brand which offers high quality skincare at affordable prices. Their value statement "clinical formulations with integrity" was formed due to seeing brands overcharging on skincare when it doesn't need to be so expensive. The team is specialized in materials chemistry and biochemistry which no doubt explains the success of their products. From reading multiple reviews online it's difficult to find anyone who has a bad thing to say about it. 

Today I went into Myer with my sister and bought quite a few products to try. It's so hard not to overspend who everything is so damn cheap!! 


I first heard about this product on Wayne Goss' YouTube channel (video here) where he raves on about how incredible it is. Can't wait to properly try it.

Price: $13.90
What is claims to do: "This new generation of primer is a lightweight serum-like formula that increases the spreadability of subsequent complexion makeup to help avoid unnatural and uneven accumulation of pigments especially around the eyes and on dry skin". 

From reading reviews online this primer seems better suited to those with dry skin.

Price: $9.80
What is claims to do: "This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of impaired Natural Moisturizing Factors. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use."

Some reviews i've read online say that it's great for sensitive skin and gives great hydration to dry skin. The only negative thing I read said how they wish it came in a bigger tube, but for $9.80 I think it's pretty affordable to re-purchase.

Price: $21.90
What it is: A brightening serum with stabilized vitamin C derivative. pH is 6.0-7.0
What it claims to do: "Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it's impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits."
When to use it: Apply a few drops to face in AM and PM, use before other oils and moisturizers. 

This seems like one of the most popular products from The Ordinary so i'm excited to give it a whirl

Price: $12.70
What is it: A high-strength lactic acid superficial peeling formulation (basically an exfoliator)
What does it claim to do: "Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation. "
When to use it: Apply once per day. The pH is approx 3.8 so it's important to avoid mixing with other products with a much higher/lower pH. 

Price: $17.90
What is it: A stable emulsion of next-generation forms of retinoid. Retinoid is vitamin A derivatives and have anti-aging properties. pH is 5.0 - 6.0.
What it claims to do: "This product uses next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of ageing than retinol without irritation."

On The Ordinary website there is a lot of science jargon I don't really understand but basically from a lot of the reviews i've read people have said it has made a noticeable difference to their skin making it look healthier than ever. People have said it works with all types of skin. pH is 5.0 - 6.0
It's important to know the pH as it can alter when you use a product and what you use it with. To get the greatest benefits it's advised to mix similar pH products together otherwise it can be counterproductive to use ones on opposite end on the spectrum. I'd get into the nitty gritty details but this article here explains it INCREDIBLY and a lot better than I could. 

So basically out of my products I should use the Advanced Retinoid 2% and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% together and avoid using the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% at the same time. My plan is the use the lactic acid in the morning and use the other two in the evening.