Review: The Ordinary’s 3 Bestsellers
Before I take the plunge and buy a skincare product, I heavily research it, read reviews from those who have the same skin type as me, and then I sit back and longingly think “do I really need this” until I cave. The answer is always “no,” I do not need it, but I love to test products and recommend good ones to my friends. These three products from The Ordinary are no different. I have thought about purchasing these products for well over a year, and last month I finally caved.
What’s the story with The Ordinary?
You’re probably asking yourself “what’s the big deal about these products?” Good question! The Ordinary is a skincare brand that is owned by parent company Deciem, who prides themselves on “doing everything others don’t do.” What might this be? They formulate and create their own products in-
Testing The Ordinary’s bestsellers
If you go onto YouTube, you will hear about the same three products over and over again, and if you go to Sephora you will see that The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and Buffet serum have over 700 reviews each. They are so incredibly popular that Sephora is constantly restocking them. So, when I got the email that they were back I acted quickly and scooped these up!
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide is a powerful chemical that my acne-prone skin LOVES! This is a water-soluble vitamin that works to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and dullness (this is all great, but I do love my skin). However, my favorite benefit of niacin amide and the reason for which I picked this up is because it helps heal acne, especially since I’m a chronic pimple popper.
Niacinamide is very much compatible with other chemicals and you don’t have to worry about a dangerous combination that is going to burn your skin. In fact, niacinamide is great for sensitive skin and all other skin types.
Another great benefit of niacinamide is that this ingredient helps restore the skin’s moisture loss and production of skin-strengthening ceramides, according to Paula’s Choice.
When I use this product, I take a half a dropper full of this liquid, dab it on my chin, cheeks, forehead, and then rub it in lightly. I did find that this product, when left on the skin, can be a bit tacky. I did not feel that this was too heavy or greasy, but it does not sit well with
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
AHA or, alpha hydroxy acid, and BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, are both non-abrasive liquid exfoliants that assist with cell turnover. That was the part that I was really interested! Before acquiring this product, I had included physical exfoliation with a sonic brush in my skincare routine, but noticed that it might be too abrasive. Having used Glossier Solution liquid exfoliator, I was curious about this one that suggested a use of twice a week for a ten minute facial.
Now, fair warning, when you use this product it looks like your entire face is covered in bright red sticky blood. It can be scary and can stain, so be careful.
I apply this by simply taking a dropper full of the red liquid, squeezing it onto my fingertips, and spreading it evenly across my face, neck, and chest, careful to avoid contact with my eyes and mouth. I let this sit as directed and then, again, carefully rinse it off with lukewarm water. By the morning, my complexion is visibly brighter because the dead skin has been sloughed away. I do want to note that this product is not for dry or sensitive skin types because this will irritate your skin.
Buffet
This serum is a holy grain for many, including me! This multi-peptide serum, which includes hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and many other great ingredients. This is an anti-aging product that targets signs of aging, but what I really like about this product is that it plumps my skin with much needed hydration. Similarly to Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, I apply a half of dropper onto my skin with my finger tips. I dap and smooth this onto my forehead, under eyes, and neck, carefully avoiding contact with my eyes.
Because this is a heavier liquid, especially when layered with the Niacinamide, I tend to only wear this at night. So, my nightly skincare is cleanse, exfoliate (one or twice a week with the AHA – BHA product), dab on the Niacinamide, smooth on the Buffet, and then finish up with a moisturizer.
In summary…
All three of these products work fabulously! I love the simple ingredients (read: simple NOT clean), noticeable results, and accessible price point. The Ordinary has gained a new fan and I am happy to give them my money and continue to explore their many other products and brands.
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