Once you reach the age of 50, you may notice that your skin has become drier, thinner, and more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
You’ll be glad to know that The Ordinary has a range of affordable products from which you can create a simple and effective skincare routine to address these skin concerns.
So in this post, we’ll be discussing The Ordinary skincare routine for over 50 based on skin type and best The Ordinary products for aging skin in case you want to incorporate a few into your current skincare routine.
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The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Over 50
Let’s start with the routines. Here are some sample morning and evening The Ordinary routines for aging and mature skin over 50.
Use them as a guide to help you build your perfect routine based on your skin’s needs.
AM Skincare Routine:
| Product Type | Normal Skin | Dry Skin | Combo/Oily Skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanser: | Squalane Cleanser | Glycolipid Cream Cleanser | Glucoside Foaming Cleanser |
| Hydrating Serum: | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics |
| Vitamin C: | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% |
| Eye Treatment: | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum |
| Moisturizer: | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides | Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan |
| Sunscreen: | Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants | Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants | Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants |
PM Skincare Routine:
| Product Type | Normal Skin | Dry Skin | Combo/Oily Skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanser: | Squalane Cleanser | Glycolipid Cream Cleanser | Glucoside Foaming Cleanser |
| Hydrating Serum: | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics |
| Peptide Serum: | Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) OR Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum | Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) OR Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum | Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) OR Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum |
| Retinoid: | Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane | The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion |
| Eye Treatment: | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum | Multi-Peptide Eye Serum |
| Moisturizer: | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides | Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan |
The Ordinary Products For Over 50
Here are several The Ordinary products that you can use to create a skincare routine if you are over 50. You can pick and choose the products that work best for your skin and needs.
The Ordinary Cleansers
The Ordinary offers three cleansers that are geared for different skin types:
- For Normal Skin: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- For Dry Skin: Glycolipid Cream Cleanser (non-foaming)
- For Combination/Oily Skin: Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a soap-free cleanser that contains squalane, a moisturizing ingredient that helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier.
Ideal for all skin types, Squalane Cleanser effortlessly dissolves dirt, makeup, oil and grime without stripping your skin’s natural oils, making it the perfect first step in any skincare routine.
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser is a cream cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and oil without stripping your skin or leaving it feeling tight or dry.
Perfect for dehydrated and dry skin types.
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is a foaming cleansing gel that gently removes impurities and excess oil while respecting your skin barrier.
It’s so gentle that it is even suitable for the most sensitive skin, including babies.
A Note On Double Cleansing
If you like to double cleanse at the end of the day, you can use The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser to remove your makeup.
After removing your makeup, you can follow with Glycolipid Cream Cleanser if you have dry skin, Glucoside Foaming Cleanser if you have combination skin or oily skin, and The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (again) if you have normal skin.
The Ordinary Hydrators
Regardless of your skin type, as we age, our skin becomes drier as it doesn’t retain moisture as well, so it is important to replenish your skin’s moisture levels with hydration.
The Ordinary offers multiple hydrators. Here are my picks by skin types:
- For Normal, Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- For Combination and Oily Skin: Marine Hyaluronics
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum that contains 2% hyaluronic acid, a hero ingredient for hydrating and plumping your skin.
This serum also contains Vitamin B5 to enhance surface hydration, making it perfect for normal, dry, or dehydrated skin. It provides both short-term and long-term hydration with continued use.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is another water-based serum that contains marine-derived hydrators to replenish your skin’s moisture levels.
The serum is filled with skin-loving hydrators: exopolysaccharides from skin-friendly marine bacteria, Hawaiian red algae, glycoproteins from Antarctic marine sources, micro-filtered blue-green algae, and several amino acids.
The most noticeable difference between Marine Hyaluronics and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is that Marine Hyaluronics has a MUCH LIGHTER CONSISTENCY. It has a watery texture and doesn’t feel as heavy on your skin.
This lightweight serum is ideal for combination and oily skin types, as it provides hydration without the weight or stickiness.
If you aren’t sure of your skin type, take The Ordinary Skincare Quiz now!
The Ordinary Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an all-star ingredient for anti-aging, and The Ordinary has several options to choose from.
- For Normal Skin: Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.
- For Dry Skin: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
- For Combination/Oily Skin: Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
I’ve included the most popular The Ordinary pure vitamin C product in the routines for normal, combination, and oily skin types: Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.
This serum contains a high 23% concentration of pure l-ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid), which is known for its brightening and anti-aging properties. The water-free and silicone-free formula also contain hyaluronic acid to provide an extra boost of hydration.
NOTE: The is a potent vitamin C product, so choose the vitamin C product that works best for your skin. If this 23% concentration is too strong, The Ordinary also offers The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%, which is excellent for brightening your complexion.
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
If you have dry skin, consider adding The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F to your routine.
The oil contains a vitamin C derivative that coverts to pure vitamin C in your skin. It’s more stable than pure vitamin C and less irritating. The lightweight oil-based formula nourishes dehydrated and dry skin.
This Vitamin C serum helps brighten and improve your skin’s texture and moisturizes with vitamin F (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) to support a healthy skin barrier.
The Ordinary Peptides
For All Skin Types
Peptides are essentially small chains of amino acids that are building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that we want to support since they help keep your skin smooth, firm, and elastic.
Think bouncy and plump!
What I love about the following peptide serums is that they are generally less irritating than other anti-aging actives like retinoids or acids.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”) is a peptide serum that targets multiple signs of aging.
It contains several peptide complexes, multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, and moisturizing amino acids that help reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness and skin elasticity.
It comes in a comfortable water-based formula that doesn’t leave your skin greasy.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
The Ordinary also offers a supercharged version of Multi-Peptide + HA Serum: Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum. This serum was previously called “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% (shown above).
This copper peptide serum contains the same ingredients as Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, plus 1% copper peptides for additional antioxidant support.
Direct copper peptides work to reduce the signs of aging that come with oxidative stress.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress happens when the body can’t get rid of harmful oxygen-reactive species, also known as free radicals.
This can cause damage to cells and tissues and is linked to the signs of aging. As we get older, the body becomes less efficient at dealing with these harmful effects, which can lead to various skin issues such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and a dull complexion.
NOTE: Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum is one of the most expensive products (if not the most expensive product) from The Ordinary, so if it’s not in your budget, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is still an excellent choice.
Related Post: Affordable Copper Peptide Serums
The Ordinary Retinoids
Retinoids are known for their anti-aging benefits and are the gold standard in over-the-counter skincare for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
If you are over 50, you should seriously consider incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine.
Retinoids (retinol is a type of retinoid) work by increasing cell turnover, which helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and can even help with acne.
Retinoids also stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
Granactive Retinoid is a newer form of retinoid that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is typically gentler on the skin and has been shown to produce similar results to retinol with less irritation.
The Ordinary offers three Granactive Retinoid products. Here are my picks for mature skin by skin type:
- For Combination/Oily Skin: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- For Dry/Sensitive Skin: Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
- For Normal Skin: Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
It is important to start slow when incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine, as they can cause sensitivity and irritation if used too frequently. Start slow and gradually increase usage as tolerated.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion has a cream-like consistency and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving your skin greasy, making it a great choice for those with combination or oily skin.
It contains 2% Granactive Retinoid and is boosted by a small amout of retinol.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is a lightweight oil-based serum that is ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
The serum helps to hydrate and nourish the skin with squalane while also targeting fine lines and wrinkles with 2% Granactive Retinoid.
If you are a retinoid beginner or have sensitive skin, this is the most gentle The Ordinary retinoid.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is the strongest Granactive Retinoid serum from The Ordinary and is recommended for those who are looking for a more potent formula.
The serum helps to improve skin texture, firmness, and overall radiance.
Please note that retinoids can make your skin slightly more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use sunscreen while using these products.
You can read more about The Ordinary retinol serums and their complete line of retinoids in my The Ordinary retinol and retinoid guide. For more drugstore retinoid options, see my complete guide to drugstore retinol.
NOTE: I’ve included The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoids in these routines, but if you prefer a The Ordinary retinol serum, by all means, use it instead!
The Ordinary Eye Treatment
The Ordinary currently only offers eye serums, and the following eye treatment is formulated to address the signs of aging around the eye area.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum contains an impressive list of active ingredients to address the signs of aging around the eyes (one of the first areas of your skin to show the signs of aging!)
The serum helps reduce the look of fine lines, crow’s feet, puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles. It helps brighten and smooth the delicate eye area.
NOTE: If this eye serum doesn’t provide enough moisture for your eye area, you can always follow with a lightweight eye cream.
The Ordinary Moisturizers
Regardless of your skin type, you need to moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and support your skin’s moisture barrier.
While none of The Ordinary moisturizers are specifically formulated for aging skin, The Ordinary offers three moisturizer options that are suitable for different skin types:
- For Normal/Combination Skin: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- For Dry Skin: Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
- For Combination/Oily Skin: Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
All three moisturizers are fragrance-free, like all The Ordinary products, and can be used in the morning and evening as part of your skincare routine.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and aging skin.
The cream contains natural moisturizing factors (NMF) like amino acids and hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and improve its moisture retention.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is a rich moisturizer that contains natural plant-based ceramides to help improve your skin’s moisture barrier, making it perfect for dry skin.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is a lightweight moisturizer that contains beta-glucan to soothe and hydrate your skin without feeling heavy or greasy. This makes it ideal for those with combination or oily skin types.
Face Oil (Optional)
Not everyone needs to use a facial oil, but if you find that your skin responds well to them, The Ordinary has a great option for aging skin:
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is perfect for those with aging and dehydrated skin.
Rosehip oil helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots while providing nourishing hydration.
The Ordinary Sunscreen
The Ordinary only offers two sunscreens: Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants and Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants.
I always advocate for using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, so Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants would be my choice if you want to add The Ordinary sunscreen into your skincare routine.
If mineral sunscreens aren’t your favorite, or if you prefer another brand of sunscreen, then by all means, use what works best for your skin.
Just don’t forget to use sunscreen every day, whether the sun is shining or not since the sun is the main culprit when it comes to accelerating the visible signs of skin aging.
More The Ordinary Products For Aging Skin
These are relatively simple The Ordinary routines for skin over 50. The Ordinary offers several more products to target the signs of aging, such as:
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: This toner helps to exfoliate and brighten the skin with glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone. It also contains aloe vera and ginseng to soothe and hydrate your skin.
- Lactic Acid 10% + HA or Lactic Acid 5% + HA: Lactic acid is an AHA with a larger molecule size compared to glycolic acid, making it a gentler exfoliant. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of age spots and fine lines.
- Argireline Solution 10%: This anti-aging serum contains a peptide (also found in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum) that helps to reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles.
- Matrixyl 10% + HA: This anti-aging serum contains Matrixyl synthe’6 and Matrixyl 3000 (also found in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum), as well as hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Why Choose The Ordinary For Skincare Over 50?
With so many skincare brands and products on the market, it can be overwhelming to navigate which ones are best for your skin needs. However, The Ordinary stands out for its simple yet effective approach to skincare.
Their products are formulated with high-quality ingredients that have been scientifically proven to benefit the skin.
But why specifically choose The Ordinary products for mature skin over 50? Here are a few reasons:
- Anti-Aging Benefits: The most obvious benefit: The Ordinary’s products contain powerful anti-aging ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants that can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
- Affordable Pricing: As we age, our skin may require more specialized and (typically) expensive skincare products. The Ordinary offers high-quality ingredients at an affordable price point, making it easier to incorporate into a daily routine without stretching your budget.
- Customizable Routine: The Ordinary’s range of products allows you to create a personalized skincare routine based on your specific skin concerns. This is especially helpful for mature skin, which may have multiple concerns such as dryness, wrinkles, and age spots.
Looking for an anti-aging skincare gift? Check out this post on the best anti-aging skincare gift sets!
The Bottom Line
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, The Ordinary’s products can be an excellent option for mature skin over 50.
With their effective and affordable range of products, you can create a personalized routine that works best for your unique skin needs. With consistency and patience, you should see noticeable improvements in the overall appearance and health of your skin.
If you decide to try a few new The Ordinary products, remember to always patch test new products before incorporating them into your skincare routine.
Thanks for reading!
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Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!