How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products

The Ordinary is a popular skincare brand that offers over 50 products, most of which are formulated to showcase one specific ingredient and address skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne-prone skin, and more.

The Ordinary stands out among its competitors because they offer effective, targeted formulas at very low retail prices.

This post on how to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Building A Skincare Routine With The Ordinary Products

The Ordinary’s low pricing structure makes it very easy to purchase several products, but using them together is where things get more complicated.

It can be confusing when trying to determine how to use The Ordinary products, so I thought it would be advantageous to create some sample skincare routines which will give you an idea of how to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary products.

The sample routines contain The Ordinary products for different skin types and skin concerns.

Scroll down for the routines!

How To Layer The Ordinary Products In Your Skincare Routine

The Ordinary’s product range includes a variety of serums, oils, and moisturizers that can be overwhelming to navigate.

To help you get the most out of your routine, here is the general order of layering The Ordinary products in your skincare routine:

• Cleanser
• Water-based Serums and Solutions
• Anhydrous Serums and Solutions
• Suspensions
• Oils
• Emulsions/Creams

See my post on how to layer The Ordinary products for more details.

Best The Ordinary Products For Most Skin Types

You’ll see many products repeated in the sample The Ordinary skincare routines below, as quite a few The Ordinary products benefit most skin types and skin concerns.

The Ordinary has since expanded its line of cleansers that you can use based on your skin type:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser (excellent for dry skin)
• Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (excellent for oily skin)

Serum/Treatment

Skincare serums and treatments are the core of The Ordinary products, and arguably, give you the most bang for your buck. Here are some stand outs:

If you don’t love the tacky texture of hyaluronic acid, you can always try The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics, which is super lightweight yet an excellent hydrator.

Multiple peptide complexes in the serum help to increase collagen for firmer skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Several amino acids moisturize your skin, and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes plump your skin and improve the look of crow’s feet and fine lines.

An excellent The Ordinary serum for wrinkles and mature skin!

Related Post: The Ordinary “Buffet” Review

Niacinamide is one of my favorite skincare ingredients since it has so many skincare benefits.

Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, supports your skin barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with redness, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

This The Ordinary niacinamide serum can even help with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Retinoids improve multiple signs of aging, including fine and coarse wrinkles, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and roughness.

Please see this complete retinol guide for more details on the entire collection of The Ordinary retinoids.

NOTE: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG and Multi-Peptide Eye Serum are serums, so depending on your skin type, you may need to add a layer of moisture on top with a lightweight eye cream.

Face Oil (Optional)

The Ordinary offers a large selection of facial oils at very affordable prices. The Ordinary oils are especially helpful for dehydrated and dry skin types that need extra moisture.

Moisturizer

No matter your skin type, moisturizer is an important step in your skincare routine that will help lock in hydration and support your skin barrier.

Other active ingredients include 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols, sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, and sodium PCA.

Please note that The Ordinary now offers two additional moisturizers that you can use based on your skin type:

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides (excellent for dry skin)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan (excellent for oily skin)

Sunscreen (Last Step in AM Skincare Routine)

Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants is a mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection that also offers antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support.

Related Posts: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget

Combination Precautions: The Ordinary Conflicts

As with any skincare routine, it’s essential to consider potential conflicts between products.

Here are some general The Ordinary conflicts:

• Peptides should not be used in the same routine as direct acids (which are exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid) or pure or ethylated vitamin C.
• Direct exfoliating acids should not be used with other direct acids, EUK 134 0.1%, retinoids, pure or ethylated vitamin C, or peptides.
• Niacinamide can affect the integrity of vitamin C, so if you want to use both products, it is recommended that they not be used in the same routine (i.e., use one in the morning and one at night).
• Retinoids should not be used with other retinoids, direct acids, pure or ethylated vitamin C, or copper peptides.

NOTE: Retinoids and direct acids will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and limit sun exposure while using these products and for a week after.

For a complete list of The Ordinary conflicts, please see my The Ordinary Conflicts Guide with downloadable PDF.

Patch Testing

The Ordinary also recommends patch testing to avoid an adverse reaction to a new product. This is helpful for everyone but especially helpful to those with sensitive skin.

For complete information on patch testing, combining products, and how to use The Ordinary products, please see The Ordinary’s website.

Related Post: How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid

Multiple The Ordinary Product Options for Each Skin Type

There are several product options included for each The Ordinary routine below. Please keep in mind that you don’t have to use all of the products in these example The Ordinary skin care routines.

A few more tips:

• You can start with a few products and build from there or alternate products on different days of the week.
• If you are satisfied with the results from just a few The Ordinary products, stick with what works for your skin. Skincare is so individual, and everyone’s needs will be different.
• If you choose to use more than one serum or treatment product in the same The Ordinary regimen, you may consider using less of each product than you would if you were using each product alone. This will reduce the chances of the products getting sticky and balling up on your skin.

Related Post: The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review

The Ordinary Example Skincare Regimens/Routines

If you want to get an idea of which The Ordinary products to use for your skin type, I’ve included some sample The Ordinary routines for various skin types/concerns, including:

• dry skin
• aging/mature skin
• oily/combination, and acne-prone skin
• hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone
• sensitive skin
• normal skin

Note that The Ordinary recommends using no more than three serums in a single regimen for optimal layering and absorption.

The example regimens below contain no more than three serum formulations for the face, not including Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG or The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum for the eye area.

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, your skin will benefit from products that draw moisture to your skin and protect your skin barrier function.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the perfect product for this and can be used twice daily.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F is an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that brightens your skin tone. Its jojoba oil content moisturizes and supports the skin barrier, which is especially helpful for dry skin.

The Ordinary has some fantastic oils that will help seal in the active ingredients underneath, so feel free to try some options like their Squalane, Marula, or Argan oils.

Morning Routine For Dry Skin:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Dry Skin:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
• Optional: Lactic Acid 5% + HA if your dry skin can tolerate direct acids (on alternate nights, replace with Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane applied after hyaluronic acid serum if your dry skin can tolerate retinoids)
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

For Extra Moisture: Marine Hyaluronics

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Aging/Mature Skin

The Ordinary offers an extensive selection of products for aging skin.

Their retinoids are the star of the show, so if you want to start with a single product for anti-aging, The Ordinary offers Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to increase cell turnover for younger-looking skin.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is another product that addresses the signs of aging. It is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic, and pro-vitamin A to help with dehydration, dullness, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Morning Routine For Aging/Mature Skin:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Optional: Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (vitamin C derivative)
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Aging/Mature Skin:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane*
• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and (optionally) a few drops of 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Weekly: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation. (For more details on how to use The Ordinary’s peeling solution, please see this post.)

Use once a week in the PM after cleansing and follow with only Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin. If this product is too strong for your skin, Lactic Acid 5% + HA or Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is an alternative.

*May substitute with Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane or Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.

Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Products for Wrinkles and Mature Skin

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

Oily and combination skin and skin prone to acne and breakouts can benefit from The Ordinary’s best-selling Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to regulate sebum and minimize pores.

Marine Hyaluronics and Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan offer lightweight hydration.

Morning Routine For Combination, Oily, and Acne-Prone Skin:

• Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Marine Hyaluronics
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Combination, Oily, and Acne-Prone Skin:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Optional: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan or a few drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Based Squalane (lightweight hydration for oily/very oily skin)

Weekly:

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque removes dead skin cells and other impurities that clog pores. Use once a week in the PM after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only.

This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation. Use once a week in the PM after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only.

Avoid using this treatment on the same day as the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

If your skin deals with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, it will benefit from exfoliating acids to sweep away dead skin cells and retinoids to promote cell turnover.

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution: This The Ordinary serum for pigmentation targets uneven skin tone and those pesky post-acne marks.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA: These serums work to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Morning Routine For Hyperpigmenation, Dark Spots, and Uneven Skin Tone:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Hyperpigmenation, Dark Spots, and Uneven Skin Tone:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% OR Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Weekly:

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a 10-minute exfoliating facial that is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.

Use once a week in the PM after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only. This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, be sure to incorporate products that support your skin barrier into your skincare routine. Sensitive skin should patch test to ensure compatibility with The Ordinary products.

I love both Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (vitamin C derivative) and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for their gentle formulas.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA will hydrate and support the skin barrier, while 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil helps with redness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Morning Routine For Sensitive Skin:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser or preferred cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Optional: Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
• Soothing & Barrier Support Serum (if needed to target irritation and redness)
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Sensitive Skin:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser or preferred cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Soothing & Barrier Support Serum (if needed to target irritation and redness)
• Optional: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion if your sensitive skin can tolerate retinoids (on alternate nights, replace with Lactic Acid 5% + HA if your sensitive skin can tolerate direct acids)
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Normal Skin

If your skin is normal, lucky you! Be sure to use products that provide hydration and protect your delicate skin barrier.

Regarding actives in your skincare routine, try adding vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid in the evening.

Morning Routine For Normal Skin:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or preferred moisturizer
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening Routine For Normal Skin:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or preferred moisturizer

The Bottom Line: How To Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products

The Ordinary offers several products that you can combine to create a complete The Ordinary routine. Remember that you don’t have to use 10 products in your The Ordinary routine.

Depending on how your skin is behaving, you can alternate products or limit your routine to a few tried and true favorites from The Ordinary.

Are you new to skincare? If these routines seem too complicated for you, don’t miss The Ordinary skincare routine for beginners!

I love Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) for its firming peptides, The Ordinary retinoids such as Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for anti-aging, and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for lightweight hydration and moisture.

There are so many effective products from The Ordinary, and they are all cruelty-free and vegan!

Where to buy these products? You can buy The Ordinary products on The Ordinary’s website and other retailers like Ulta and Sephora.

Thanks for reading!