The Ordinary
The Ordinary is known for a stripped-down, ingredient-led approach, with a lineup built almost entirely around single-active formulas — niacinamide, glycolic acid, retinol, and a caffeine solution each getting their own bottle rather than being blended into all-in-one products. Nearly every item here is vegan, and the straightforward, concentration-labeled naming points to a clinical, no-frills positioning over fragrance or texture. It suits people who want to build a routine active by active.
23 products · often uses Niacinamide, Peptide, AHA · $7–$36
23 products18 fragrance-free🌱 22 vegan
What stands out about The Ordinary
Everything here is measured against all 2,068 products in our guide — “uses centella” means nothing on its own when 13% of Korean skincare does.
- Reviewers single it out for brightening — 30% of review answers across 21 products, against 15% typical.
- Less gentle than most — 50% of reviewers called it non-irritating, against 69% across the catalogue.
- Mostly fragrance-free — 18 of 23, where 43% is typical.
- Most-read product — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30mL, 309 international reviews.
All 23 The Ordinary products
About The Ordinary
- What does The Ordinary make?
- 23 products in our guide, most of them in the essence / serum, toner and moisturize steps — the formulas most often carry Niacinamide, Peptide, AHA, Retinoid. Prices run about $7 to $36.
- Is The Ordinary fragrance-free?
- 18 of 23. We read the full ingredient list rather than the front of the box, so this counts essential oils and declared allergens as fragrance.
- Where can I buy The Ordinary?
- All 23 are listed on Olive Young Global, which ships internationally. Prices there run higher than the Korean shelf price.