The Ordinary Skincare Routine: Easy Guide For All Skin Types

If you want to build a simple effective skincare routine, The Ordinary products are an ideal way to begin. This brand offers super affordable straightforward formulas that have products designed for every skin type.

With a simple three-step routine – cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF – you can get started by building a basic skincare routine and then add on products to target your skin concerns.

Below, we’ve outlined a beginner-friendly routine that will help you take care of your skin without breaking the bank. 

Before designing your The Ordinary skincare routine, it’s important to understand how and when to apply your products to get the most benefit from them.

How to Apply Skincare Products: The Correct Order

It is always recommended when layering skin care products to apply water and gel-based formulas first, followed by lighter oils, and then heavier cream-based products last.  

Step 1 – Cleanse

Having a clean slate to work with will help make the rest of your skincare ingredients more effective. Wash your face before applying any other skincare products to eliminate dirt, bacteria, sweat, and pollution from the skin’s surface.  

Step 2 – Apply a Toner or Mist

This is an optional step depending on your skin type.  Using a toner or mist will nourish and prepare your skin to absorb your serum.  Moist skin is up to 10 times more permeable than dry skin, so if you are not using a toner or mist be sure to apply your facial serum immediately after cleanser to maximize benefits.

Step 3 – Apply Facial Serum

After your skin is clean and hydrated, dispense a pea-sized amount of your serum and gently press it into your skin.  If your serum is dispensed from a dropper, apply about three drops. 

If the serum is new to you, start by using it every third day for the first week or two.  If your skin adjusts to it without irritation, increase to every other day and eventually daily. 

Some serums should not be used daily though depending on the ingredients.  If you are using retinol and glycolic acid, they should be used on alternate days.  See this article to find out more about how to use these serums together. 

Step 4- Apply Facial Oils

This is also an optional step, but if your skin type is especially dry, applying an oil after your serum can really help with hydration. But remember that an oil can not moisturize on its own.  Oils can help rebuild the lipid layers, but they do not have the ability to draw in moisture.

For an oil to be effective, you must also use a moisturizer with humectants to draw water into the skin. 

Step 5– Apply Moisturizer 

Here you will want a moisturizer with an occlusive effect to seal in nutrients and moisture from your face oils and serums. Check out this post to learn more about how using a moisturizer after your serum is a must.

Coating your face and neck with a non-comedogenic moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin will attract moisture to the skin. 

Step 6- SPF

Many serum ingredients increase sun sensitivity, so for your morning routine, always use a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, or follow up with sunblock.  

The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Normal Skin- Basic Regimen

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-  This cleanser formulated with hydrating squalane is designed to remove makeup while being gentle enough to leave the skin moisturized and smooth. When you rub the product between your palms for 10-30 seconds, it will change consistency from a balm-like texture to an oil-like texture. This emulsifies the formula to trap and dissolve makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Even normal skin can benefit from extra hydration.  Many skincare brands offer hyaluronic acid with claims of improved hydration, but most HA molecules are too large to penetrate the skin.  The Ordinary is unique in that it uses three types of HA with different molecular sizes to deliver hydration that reaches multiple depths. The formula is also enriched with Vitamin B5 to improve surface hydration. This is a must-have step for any skin type. Learn all the pros and cons of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum in my review here.

Step 3: Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA-  Every skincare routine should include a moisturizer.  The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA incorporates ingredients that are naturally present in the skin that protect and immediately hydrate.  This is a non-greasy formula that works great under makeup.  

Step 4: SPF

• The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants–  This unique sunscreen contains Tasmanian Pepperberry to help calm the skin as well as skin-identical lipids to retain moisture.  Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser–Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier and retain moisture while you sleep.
• The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi Squalane –  Squalane and Hemi-Squalane are both excellent natural emollients that can help keep your skin hydrated, reducing the daily ongoing loss of hydration that makes your skin weak and less elastic. Hemi-squalane has a lighter drier feel to it.  This formula can also be used as a moisturizing hair treatment. 

Step 3: Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA–  Apply immediately to lock in nutrients and moisture. 

 

The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Different Skin Types

Each of these regimens are designed to target specific skin types but since many people have a combination of skin types, feel free to mix and match when needed. 

The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

Step 3: Antioxidant serum

Choose one based on your skin type:

• If you have sensitive oily skin: The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%–  If you have sensitive oily skin: A gentle form of vitamin C in a water-based serum perfect for sensitive and oily/combination skin.  Brightens and protects the skin.
• If you have sensitive dry skin:  The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F–  Another gentle form of vitamin C that works best for dry skin.  This oil-based serum brightens and protects the skin. 

Step 4: Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA-Apply immediately to lock in nutrients and moisture. 

Step 5: SPF

• The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants-Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

Step 3: Treatment serum

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion  This product incorporates two forms of retinoid that both have proven antiaging benefits without irritation.  Even so, start slowly- use once every three to four days and work your way up to every other night once your skin has adjusted.  

Step 4: Oil

• The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil-  Excellent for relieving sensitive skin.  Borage seed oil calms and soothes dry/ irritated skin and helps to maintain skin health.  Forwarning- it does have a particular scent that isn’t for everybody.

Step 5: Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA-  Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser–Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics– Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 3:  Eye serum

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG– reduces puffiness and dark circles due to darker skin pigmentation around the eye area

Step 4:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA–  Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

Step 5:  SPF

• The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants–Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1:  Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2:  Treatment Serum

Choose one based on your skin concerns.

• The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA– reduces age spots and improves skin tone.
• The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5– hydrates, soothes, and repairs skin.
• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion – 30ml- reduces signs of aging such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity with less irritation and dryness than retinol.
• The Ordinary “Buffet”– combines several technologies to target signs of aging. 

Step 3:  Hydration serum

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics– Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 4:  Oil

All of these oils will improve hydration if you follow with a moisturizer.  Choose one according to your skin concerns. 

• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil– fights photoaging and improves overall skin health
• The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil– hydrates and restores radiance in dull skin
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil– reduces flaking due to dryness, and can be used for hair
• The Ordinary “B” Oil– fights free radical damage, great for sensitive skin
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil– hydrating, calming, soothing, and great for sensitive skin
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil– hydrating and can also be used for hair
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil– protects skin from damage due to dryness

Step 6:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Combination Skin, Oily Skin, and Acne-Prone Skin

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser–Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

This is an important step for oily and acne-prone skin because these skin types often are in dire need of hydration.  When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to offset the lack of moisture which in turn leads to acne. 

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics- Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 3:  Eye serum

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG– reduces puffiness and dark circles due to darker skin pigmentation around the eye area.

Step 4:  Antioxidant serum

• The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution-  This is a vitamin C serum. Find out here how vitamin C serums can help improve acne and acne scars.

Step 5:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

Step 6: SPF

The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants-Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1:  Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2:  Toner

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution– mild exfoliator to dissolve dead skin cells and reduce clogged pores. Formulated with aloe vera to soothe irritated inflamed skin.

Step 3:  Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics- Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 4:  Eye serum

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG– reduces puffiness and dark circles due to darker skin pigmentation around the eye area.

Step 5:  Treatment serum

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%– reduces clogged pores and blemishes. Improves skin barrier, skin smoothness, and radiance.  Important NOT to use this at the same time as your vitamin C serum as it reduces the efficacy of the vitamin C.  Find out how Niacinamide can help improve your acne here.

Step 6:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Aging or Mature Skin

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5–  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics– Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 3:  Eye serum

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG- reduces puffiness and dark circles due to darker skin pigmentation around the eye area.

Step 4:  Antioxidant serum

• The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%– brightens, reduces dark spots and uneven skintone.

Step 4:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

Step 5:  SPF

• The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants-Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1:  Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2:  Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics- Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 3:  Treatment serum

• The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides– Addresses multiple signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine lines, and skin laxity using several researched technologies. 

Step 4:  Oil

Choose one:

• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil– fights photoaging and improves overall skin health
• The Ordinary “B” Oil– fights free radical damage, great for sensitive skin
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil– protects skin from damage due to dryness

Step 5:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)  and Texture Issues

Morning

Step 1: Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 2: Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics– Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 3:  Eye serum

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG– reduces puffiness and dark circles due to darker skin pigmentation around the eye area.

Step 4:  Antioxidant 

• The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder– mix this fine powder with your moisturizer to improve uneven skin tone and fade dark spots. You may feel a tingling on your skin when it is first applied.  Use every three to four days and increase frequency as your skin adjusts. 

Step 5:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA  (mixed with ascorbic acid powder)

Step 6:  SPF

• The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants-Non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores) and hydrating, this is a sun protection perfect and necessary for any skin type. 

Night

Step 1:  Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser-Traps and dissolves makeup and facial impurities to be easily rinsed away.

Step 3:  Hydration serum

Choose one:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5-  Necessary to maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

or

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics- Attracts and holds water like hyaluronic acid but is lighter in texture and feel than HA.

Step 4:  Treatment serum

• The Ordinary”Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%– Helps to improve skin texture and reduce dark spots along.  Addresses many signs of aging using several researched technologies. 

Step 5:  Oil

• The Ordinary “B” Oil– fights free radical damage, great for sensitive skin

Step 6:  Moisturizer

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA– Essential step to lock in moisture and nutrients.

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Which The Ordinary products should not be used together?

The Ordinary cautions that some ingredients should not be used together.  When using The Odinary products including peptides, do not apply direct acids containing glycolic or lactic acid,  or L- Ascorbic/Ethylated Ascorbic Acid. 

Avoid using more than one retinoid product at a time and do not apply niacinamide at the same time as vitamin C as it will affect the integrity of the vitamin C.

Ingredients that are conflicting or possible irritants cam be used alternating between morning and night or on alternate days.

The Ordinary Products Not To Mix

The Ordinary Products	←🚫→	Possible Irritants/Conflicts
Peptides Buffet Matrixyl Argireline	←Do Not Mix→	Direct Acids Vitamin C Pure/Ethylated Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid
Copper Peptides Buffet + Copper Peptides	←Do Not Mix→	Antioxidants Direct Acids Vitamin C Pure/Ethylated Retinol & Retinoids
Vitamin C (Direct) L-Ascorbic Acid Powder Vitamin C 23% Vitamin C 30% Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Ethylated Ascorbic Acid	←Do Not Mix→	Peptides Copper Peptides Niacinamide Serum or Powder Direct Acids Retinol/Retinoids Pure/Ethylated Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Derivatives) Ascorbyl Glucoside Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution	←Do Not Mix→	Niacinamide Serum Niacinamide Powder
Direct Acids Glycolic Acid Mandelic Acid Lactic Acid 5% & 10% Azelaic Acid Salicylic Acid Salicylic Acid Masque Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution	←Do Not Mix→	All Acids Niacinamide Powder Peptides Copper Peptides Retinol/Retinoids Vitamin C Pure/ Ethylated
Antioxidant Reveratrol+Ferulic Acid	←Do Not Mix→	Copper Peptides Pycnogenol
Antioxidant Pycnogenol	←Do Not Mix→	Buffet+Copper Peptides Reveratrol+Ferulic Acid
Retinol/Retinoid Retinol 0.2%,0.5%, 1% Retinoid 2% & 5% in squalane	←Do Not Mix→	Copper Peptides Other Retinol & Retinoids Vitamin C Pure/Ethylated Direct Acids
Niacinamides Niacinamide 10%+Zinc 1%	←Do Not Mix→	Direct Vitamin C Vitamin C Derivatives
Niacinamide Powder	←Do Not Mix→	Direct Acids Vitamin C Only mix with water based products with pH 5-7

Patch Test

Always do a patch test before applying products to your face to check for allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.  Apply a thin layer to a 1-inch square on your forearm and do not wash for at least 24 hours.

If you do not experience any adverse reactions such as itching, burning, or blistering, you’re good to go and can feel free to use the product as directed.  

Conclusion

As you can see, The Ordinary has a brilliant line of affordable well researched no-frills products for every skin concern.  With an abundance of choices, it can be confusing to design the perfect routine.  Just remember, when beginning a new skincare routine, start with trying out one or two products at a time and then add more as you discover what works best for your skin.