How Do I Use & Layer The Ordinary Skincare Products?
I am a fully qualified freelance Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist. I have been working in the beauty industry for just over three years now.
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below
Key Takeaways
- Layering The Ordinary products is essential to maximise their effectiveness and achieve healthy skin.
- Start with cleansing to ensure your skin is free from impurities before applying any treatments.
- Apply water-based products first in your routine, followed by oil-based ones for optimal results.
- Use retinols only at night to prevent increased sensitivity from UV exposure during the day.
- Finish with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and maintain your skin's moisture barrier.
- Explore product combinations like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for enhanced benefits without negative interactions.
If you're looking to build a new skincare routine from scratch, innovative brand The Ordinary are a great place to start.
With high-quality ingredients for affordable prices, you will notice instant results no matter your skin type or skincare concern. But how do I use The Ordinary products I hear you ask, and how do I build a The Ordinary skincare routine?
The best way to use products from The Ordinary is to layer them up to ensure your skin gets everything it needs to stay healthy. Building a The Ordinary routine may seem a little overwhelming at first, but knowing which order the products should be used will help build your morning and evening The Ordinary routines.
How do I layer the ordinary products? How do I use the Ordinary products? Keep reading for The Ordinary step-by-step guide to layering your skincare products so you can create the perfect The Ordinary skincare routine.
Watch the video below as Jo explains how to find out the right order for your skincare routine.
Step 1: After Cleansing
The Ordinary skincare products mainly focus on treatments as opposed to the more traditional three-step cleanse, tone, moisturise routine.
When using products from The Ordinary in your routine you should always use an additional cleanser before any step to ensure your skin is free from makeup and dirt so the treatments work most effectively.
If you're using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, it's recommended you use this after your Squalane cleanser and before any other products.
The The Ordinary Supersize Squalane Cleanser 150ml rivals the efficacy of an oil cleanser, with a conditioning effect on the skin, leaving it cleansed, hydrated and smooth.
Then, apply your toner of choice like the fabulous option below.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 240ml
Designed to target textural irregularities and lackluster tone, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains 7% Glycolic Acid, Amino Acids, Aloe Vera, Ginseng and Tasmanian Pepperberry. Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use.
Step 2: Water Solutions
The Ordinary products typically are either water-based or oil-based, and it's important you apply your water-based products first. For your morning The Ordinary routine these include:
If you are using a retinol such as The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml, these should be used only at night time as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and they work best overnight. |For those wondering "Can I use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together?" or " Do I use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first??" You can use both together! One of our fave combos is combining niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together before applying them to the skin. For those wondering "Can you use lactic acid and niacinamide together?", yes you can! Check out our guides on how to use The Ordinary's Lactic acid and how to use The Ordinary Niacinamide serum.
Step 3: After Water Solutions
The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% has an emulsion formulation, meaning it should be applied after water solutions and before oil-based products and can be used in both the morning and the evening.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% - 30ml should also be applied after water solutions and before oil-based products but should only be used in the evening, and not in the same session as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - 30ml as the two ingredients can react and weaken each other.
Step 4: Oil-based Products and Creams
The next step in your The Ordinary routine is oil-based products and creams. Once you have applied your water-based solutions and suspensions, it's time to use your heavier oil-based products and creams. These can all be used in both the morning and the evening. It's recommended you start with only using one of these especially if you have an oily complexion.
Step 5: The Final Step
The Ordinary do offer a more traditional moisturiser, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml which can be used in the morning and evening to rehydrate skin.
It should be the final step of your The Ordinary skincare routine to lock in moisture.
This lightweight moisturiser uses a blend of hydrating ingredients to help nourish dehydrated and dry skin for both instant and long-term hydration. Containing ingredients that occur naturally in the skin, such as Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acids to deliver instant and long-term hydration.
There are also two primers available which are a hybrid of skincare and makeup, the The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer and The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer . If you want to find out which is best for your skin, you can view our guide 'Which is the right primer from The Ordinary for my skin type?'
If you're still unsure as to which products you should be using, The Ordinary Skincare Guide will help you find the best products for your The Ordinary skincare routine. Psst...Now that you know how to use The Ordinary products, why not build out your The Ordinary routine? We recently launched The Ordinary skin care quiz, a super easy, under 30 seconds quiz that will tell you what products from The Ordinary are perfect for your skin type and skin concerns. Check it out below...
Now that you know how to use The Ordinary products, and how to build a The Ordinary skincare routine why not learn more about The Ordinary and its skincare products? Check out the videos below...
Which of The Ordinary products are best for your skin type
How To Layer The Ordinary Skincare Products Based On Your Skin Type
What is the Difference between The Ordinary's Vitamin C Products?
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
