Crash Course 101: The Ordinary Skincare Routine Made Fabulous

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Love skincare? Then you’ll adore The Ordinary! Trust me, as a skincare addict I’ve tried it all, and The Ordinary is the magic potion your skin needs. It’s always going to be on my shelf! Their products genuinely work – tackling any skin issue with perfectly combined ingredients wrapped up in cute packaging.

However, their broad range can be overwhelming if you’re not a skincare expert. What do you do with their peeling solution? How do you mix those acids? Can Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid be used together?

Too many questions, right?

Don’t worry! Let me whip up the best Ordinary skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns. No more skin-damage worries, only flawless skin on the horizon!

BTW, here’s how to use The Ordinary peeling solution at home for glowing, radiant skin 😉 And here’s what to use after using this AHA BHA peel, so that you don’t do harm more than good.

So, how to build the ordinary skincare routine?

You know the drill: for any morning skincare routine, you need to include a cleanser < toner < antioxidant serum < eye cream < spot treatment < moisturizer < face oil < sunscreen

And for the night, it has to go like: double cleansing < toners/boosters < eye cream < treatment < serum < moisturizer < sunscreen

With this in mind, let’s start building a skincare routine with The Ordinary products for all of us, starting with a simple The Ordinary skincare routine that would work for most skin types.

The ordinary skincare routine for morning

1. Squalane Cleanser

There is only one cleanser in The Ordinary range, The Squalane Cleanser. This product can be used on all skin types safely. It is a gentle gel-based cleanser that doesn’t make your skin dry or extra oily. It’s just perfect no matter what your skin concern is.

2. Caffeine eye serum

Honestly, if you don’t struggle with puffy eyes or dark circles, feel free to skip this step. But if you can’t get a good night’s sleep, then this eye serum is a savior!

It has a very thin formula jam-packed with caffeine that aids in reducing inflammations and adds brightness to those pesky dark circles.

2. antioxidant serum

If you want to deal with some skin issues like pigmentation, acne scars, brightening, acne, congestion, or whatever, this is where you’ll need to add antioxidants like vitamin C OR niacinamide.

[ Related Article: 10 Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars That Actually Work ]

Antioxidants are essential for healthy skin because they help protect against free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to premature aging.

And serums with antioxidants are obviously a great way to get extra protection against them, along with improving the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.

I have used both ascorbic acid and niacinamide serum from The Ordinary, and I have to give them points for being awesome at what they do.

2. hyaluronic acid serum

If you need to make your skin look nice, supple, and healthy, go with hyaluronic acid serum without a doubt.

• If you have oily skin and want lightweight hydration, the marine hyaluronic is a great option. It’s super light and quickly absorbs into the skin with no pilling.
• If you have dry skin or fine lines, you will need something stronger. I recommend buying Hyaluronic Acid + B5. It is an excellent all-rounder to include in your skincare rotation. It can be used with retinol and even copper peptides.

Don’t worry, most products can be layered with hyaluronic acid. It’s great for skincare newbies who are just starting to use actives and want some extra hydration.

2. natural moisturizing factors

End your The Ordinary skincare routine with emulsions – The natural moisturizing factor

Emulsions are like the holy grail of skincare. They’re lightweight, hydrating/moisturizing products that easily absorb into your skin and give it an even tone without feeling greasy or oily!

The ordinary skincare routine for Night

1. double cleanse with Squalane Cleanser

After a day of work and face with makeup, I normally suggest you start with double cleansing. You know, the good ol’ oil massage followed by a cleanser.

But what if you don’t wear makeup? Then simply go with the squalane cleanser to give other products a clean slate to work on.

2. treatments

Yes, The Ordinary has quite a few treatments for different issues. But they are quite harsh for beginners and sensitive skin alike. So I recommend using them only if you know what the correct and safe way is.

Like their salicylic acid mask or AHA BHA peeling solution is not for everyone.

However, if you want a little exfoliation but don’t wanna damage the skin even by mistake, try their glycolic acid toner. It’s a very gentle exfoliating formula that swipes away dead skin cells to give you a smoother, clearer skin complexion.

2. hyaluronic acid serum/squalane serum

Obviously, who has bad things to say about this? As we already talked about, adding hyaluronic acid to your nighttime skincare routine would ensure you wake up with supple, radiant skin.

Use hyaluronic acid 5% if you have dry skin. And marina hyaluronic acid if you have oily skin.

If not hyaluronic acid, go with plant-derived squalane serum for a change. It’s a beautiful alternative that hydrates your skin while supporting its natural moisture barrier. It is basically a fast-absorbing oil-like serum used for enhanced hydration.

2. natural moisturizing factors

Seal all of the good things in with a moisturizing emulsion. And you are good to sleep!

This is a very simple The Ordinary skincare routine safe for most skin types. You can obviously add and subtract the products as per your wish, but only when you know how to layer them.

the ordinary skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin

I’ve struggled a lot in the past to find products that wouldn’t clog my pores, make my face look greasier, or make me react. So when I finally found one with Tha Ordinary, I knew I had to stick to it!

For morning,

• Squalane cleanser – Because there is no other choice.
• Glycolic acid toner – is an excellent exfoliator and gets rid of dead skin cells in one swipe.
• Niacinamide + zinc – I LOVE it for brightening and waking up my face in the morning. Plus, acne scars stay away too.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – Close everything in with a lightweight emulsion that won’t clog your pores.
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 – Especially important because of all the active ingredients like glycolic acid and niacinamide.

For night,

• Squalane cleanser – The basic.
• The Ordinary peeling solution – Use it once or twice a week, but it’s so effective for combating acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, congestion, and black/whiteheads that you’ll get obsessed.
• Or Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – If you want a gentler version of the above peel, go for this. It deep cleanses and removes dead skin cells and excess oil to promote soft and smooth skin.
• Niacinamide + zinc – For brightening, hydrating, and healthy skin to wake up.
• Caffeine solution 5% – if necessary.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – The usual moisturizing emulsion.

the ordinary skincare routine for aging skin

I have a full guide on building The ordinary routine for aging skin, so feel free to check that out. But if you want a compact version of that, here it is:

For morning,

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – the one and only cleanser that they have. But it’s so gentle that it works for everyone.
• The Ordinary Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid – Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid are two of the most potent and significant antioxidants in skincare.
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Aging skin needs good amounts of hydration to tackle wrinkles and this serum gives just that.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – Seal all of the goodness in with a lightweight emulsion.
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 – Your morning routine just cannot end without sunscreen.

For night,

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – Of course!

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Will enhance hydration even more and nourish and plump tired, aging skin.

Or The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum – It does a little bit of everything for your skin.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion – This creamy treatment helps address fine wrinkles, acne, and discoloration while gliding softly over the face.

Caffeine solution 5% – is just what you need if you are looking to get rid of puffiness and dark circles.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – To lock it all in!

The ordinary skincare routine for dry skin

My mom has dry skin, and she’s always whining about how no moisturizer is able to hydrate her skin well and that she always feels she needs to put on a moisturizer every 4-5 hours.

So to tackle dry skin, here’s what I recommended to her, and I will you too. She said she now needs to reapply after 8-9 hours which she’s verryyyy happy about.

For morning,

• Squalane cleanser – The one and only option.
• Amino Acids + B5 – This is their new launch, but boy, it works! It’s like splashing water on the face.
• Or Marine Hyaluronic – And if hyaluronic acid doesn’t work for your dry, tight skin, give this a try. It’s more concentrated.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – The only moisturizer you need to lock it all in.
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 – There’s no doubt about sunscreen, or do you?

For night,

• Squalane cleanser – Try double cleansing with a balm or oil.
• Amino Acids + B5 – For that boost of hydration.
• Caffeine solution 5% – To get rid of dark circles.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – To seal it in.

Conflicting The Ordinary skincare products

How to layer The Ordinary skincare products

Here’s the best guide to check out what products to use together, what are a disaster, and how to layer The ordinary products like a pro!

But for a quick reference, here’s what you should do.

AM routine – Start with cleaning your face with The Ordinary Squalane Cleaner. Post that, take a few drops of toner on your palm or on a cotton pad and apply it all over your face and neck. Wait for 3-5 minutes and let it dry off.

Now take a few drops of any serum you’re going to use and apply it either directly on your face using the dropper or pouring on your palm and then applying it all over your face and neck. Wait again for 3-5 minutes, and let that penetrate deep into your skin. Now apply your moisturizer and layer it with sunscreen. 

PM Routine – Start with double cleansing your face and neck with cleaner. Go ahead and apply any peeling solution or masque if needed. Rinse it off and then apply 3-5 drops of the serum of your choice and apply it on the face and neck, same as guided above.

Now take 2 drops of eye solution and apply it under your eyes very delicately with your ring finger. Wait for 3-5 mins and finish it off with your favorite moisturizer.

wrapping up how to build the ordinary skincare routine

Having a proper skincare regime is like a treasure for most skincare junkies out there. I hope this article helped you out and solved most of your queries regarding building a proper The Ordinary skincare routine!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them down below in the comments section. As always, thanks for reading, and have a great day!

related articles to how to build the ordinary skincare routine for beginners

• How To Layer The Ordinary Products: Your Fuss Free Guide
• A Quick How To Use The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30 % + BHA 2%
• What To Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution? (Answers To All Your Questions)
• 10 Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars That Are Magical