It’s official! On October 25, 2023, The Ordinary announced on their website that Slowvember is coming!
It’s time for one of the most exciting times of the year for The Ordinary fans – Black Friday!
As the holiday season approaches, many customers (including myself) eagerly await The Ordinary Black Friday Sale.
Yet the brand has taken an unconventional approach to tackling the typical shopping frenzy of the season, embracing a concept called “Slowvember” instead.
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The Ordinary Slowvember Sale
For the past few years, Deciem, the parent company of The Ordinary, decided to take somewhat of a stand against hyperconsumerism and impulse buying that is often associated with Black Friday.
Instead of participating in the typical Black Friday sales, Deciem closed all its stores and their website on Black Friday. I know, it’s hard to believe!
But… The Ordinary offered a 23% discount on their products throughout the rest of the month of November. This approach aimed to encourage people to be more mindful about their purchases and not in a crazy rush to snag a deal.
The idea behind “Slowvember” was to promote sustainable shopping habits, allowing customers to shop at their own pace and make more conscious buying decisions.
By not having a typical Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale, The Ordinary has made a conscious effort to impact the environment positively and encourage responsible consumer behavior.
What To Buy in The Ordinary Black Friday Sale
If you’re new to The Ordinary or looking to expand your skincare routine, The Ordinary Slowvember sale is the time to explore their wide range of over 50 products.
You’ll be smart to get your list ready early.
Remember, the Slowvember Sale only lasts for the month of November, and in the past, out-of-stock items were not restocked during the sale, so it’s best to act fast and take advantage of the discounts.
Note that in addition to The Ordinary’s skincare products, this 23% off sale also extended to other Deciem brands. This is where the real savings come into play.
NIOD, a Deciem brand, is a much pricier skincare line than The Ordinary. So, during the Slowvember sale, you can grab products like their best-selling NIOD Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate for a “fraction” 😉 of its original price.
As a bonus, you can take 50% off NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS 3 1:1) and NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1 % (CAIL 1%).
Here are some of my picks to stock up on or to try for the first time if The Ordinary launches their Slowvember sale this year:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
TARGETS: Signs of Congestion, Textural Irregularities, Dryness, Dullness, Visible Shine
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is a popular choice for skin concerns like oily skin and inflammation.
The combination of high-strength niacinamide (10%) and zinc (1%) improves your skin’s appearance by regulating sebum production and reducing the look of blemishes.
Excellent for acne-prone and oily skin.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
TARGETS: Dullness, Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities, Uneven Skin Tone
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is an exfoliating acid toner that removes dead skin cells, brightens your complexion, and improves skin texture.
Its effectiveness makes it a favorite of those looking to address concerns like dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines.
It is important to note that this glycolic acid toner may cause some initial stinging or irritation, especially if you’re new to using chemical exfoliants.
Also, be sure to use sunscreen when using exfoliating acids since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
TARGETS: Dryness
You can keep your skin hydrated and supple with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum.
This best-selling formula combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid plus a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer to penetrate your skin at multiple layers, providing sustained hydration.
The addition of Vitamin B5 helps to enhance surface hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and plump.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
TARGETS: Dirt, Makeup Oil, Dryness
Effective yet gentle, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a favorite among many for its ability to remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
The cleanser is formulated with squalane, a hydrating ingredient that mimics your skin’s natural oils yet is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
TARGETS: Dryness
For a no-frills moisturizer that combines the benefits of multiple ingredients, check out The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
This lightweight cream is formulated with natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) such as amino acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and nourishment to your skin.
This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and protected.
The moisturizer also comes in a smaller 1 oz. size for travel or if you want to test it before buying the full size.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
TARGETS: Blemishes, Textural Irregularities, Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone
If you want to improve uneven skin tone and texture, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution could be your go-to product IF your skin can tolerate it.
This rinse-off exfoliating facial treatment combines alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the form of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid, and a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in the form of salicylic acid to help you reveal smoother, brighter skin with fewer visible imperfections.
Just make sure you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation, and you don’t have sensitive skin because this peel is no joke (i.e., it’s really strong)!
The World of The Ordinary
Known for its transparency in ingredients and minimalistic packaging, The Ordinary offers high-quality yet budget-friendly products that cater to a wide range of skin concerns.
The Ordinary is a brand under Deciem, a company committed to revolutionizing the skincare industry by providing transparency and high-quality products at an affordable price point.
By focusing on simple formulations with key active ingredients, they have gained a loyal following among skincare enthusiasts (including me!).
With an extensive range of products, you’ll find everything from cleansers and serums to moisturizers and sunscreens.
Each product in their lineup targets specific skin issues, such as acne, dullness, or dehydration.
So whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned expert, The Ordinary’s products allow you to create a personalized routine to meet your unique needs.
Want a The Ordinary skincare routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns? Take my exclusive The Ordinary Skincare Quiz now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Deciem Black Friday Sale start?
The Deciem Black Friday Sale, also known as Slowvember, typically starts on November 1st at 12 AM (EST). Keep an eye on The Ordinary’s social media pages and website for any updates or changes.
What products are included in the Deciem Black Friday Sale?
Typically, all products from The Ordinary are included in the Deciem Black Friday Sale, which, in years past, has run the entire month of November.
Is there a specific promo code for the sale?
In years past, no specific promo code was required for The Ordinary Black Friday sale. The 23% discount was available all month and applied automatically to your purchase during checkout.
Will Sephora also offer discounts on The Ordinary products?
Although Sephora may have their own Black Friday deals and promotions, it’s important to note that the 23% off discount for The Ordinary products was available on The Ordinary’s website only.
It’s always a good idea to check both Sephora and The Ordinary’s websites for the most up-to-date information on promotions and discounts.
The Ordinary Black Friday 2023: The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a Black Friday deal from The Ordinary, mark your calendars for the beginning of November and add your favorite products to your cart now.
Keep an eye out for any updates from The Ordinary on their social media platforms as well.
Check out some of the best The Ordinary products for your skin concerns:
What’s your favorite The Ordinary skincare product? Will you be shopping The Ordinary Black Friday sale this year? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
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!