When The Ordinary burst onto the beauty scene in 2017, it totally changed the game with its minimal-ingredient, science-based, affordable approach to skincare. Fast forward four years and the range has grown to over 60 products, which means that while the options and choice are endless, things can get a bit confusing when it comes down to knowing the differences between the products, and which ones will work best for your skin concerns.
To make things easier, we’ve launched our exclusive The Ordinary bundles. Four product power couples to address your most asked skincare questions and concerns. Whether you’re new to The Ordinary, want to try retinol, or experience skin concerns like congestion or dehydration, scroll down to find your bundle.
The Congestion Duo
Individual breakouts are far from ideal, but if there’s one thing worse it’s when they pop up in clusters – otherwise known as congested skin. Identifiable by a bumpy, uneven texture, often with larger under-the-skin cystic blemishes, blackheads, and patches of oiliness, congestion is caused by multiple factors, including a build-up of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt within pores. These products are our decongesting heroes – they all work hard to help keep skin smooth and clear.
Includes:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Niacinamide works in multiple ways – by ba;ancing visible sebum activity (helping to control shine and congestion), by supporting the skin’s barrier (keeping moisture in), and visibly tackling the aftermath of congestion, such as uneven skintone.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) which means it’s oil-soluble and therefore able to mix with the oils in our pores. Once within the pore, it exfoliates, removing sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells that can cause blockage and lead to congestion.
Best for: Skin that’s prone to breakouts and excess oil
How to use: Apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% morning and night, after cleansing and before moisturising. Use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque once or twice a week, after cleansing and before applying serums and moisturiser.
The Hydration Duo
If your skin is prone to dryness and dehydration then you probably experience symptoms like rough texture, flakiness, and the sensation of tightness. If your skin is incredibly dehydrated then you may also experience increased oiliness and breakouts. Basically, your routine needs to feature products which not only deliver moisture to skin but also draw it in and prevent it from escaping by supporting your skin barrier.
Includes:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – This uber-hydrating lotion mimics the substances naturally produced by the skin’s uppermost layers to keep skin smooth, hydrated, and supple. It includes a blend of amino acids, lactic acid, and peptides, which work together to counteract dehydration, improve skin texture, and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
The Ordinary Amino Acid +B5 – Amino acids work hard to support the skin barrier while vitamin B5 delivers intense hydration to the surface of the skin.
Best for: Targeting the symptoms of dry and dehydrated skin
How to use: Mix a few drops of The Ordinary Amino Acid +B5 with a coin-sized amount of The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and apply to skin after applying serums in both your morning and evening routines.
The Smoothening Duo
If your skin feels rough or bumpy to touch, you can treat it with a combination of gentle exfoliation and hydration. Using mild exfoliating acids will help to buff away the texture on the surface of your skin, while nourishing ingredients in moisturisers will help to effectively soften and smooth from within.
Includes:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – This uber-hydrating lotion mimics the substances naturally produced by the skin’s uppermost layers to keep skin smooth, hydrated, and supple. It includes a blend of amino acids, lactic acid, and peptides, which work together to counteract dehydration, improve skin texture, and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA – One of the gentlest exfoliating acids, mandelic acid works by breaking down the dead skin cells in the top layers of skin.
Best for: Treating textural issues like rough skin or flakiness
How to use: Apply The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA to dry skin after cleansing in your evening routine. Follow up by massaging on a thick layer of The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
The Brightening Duo
Dull skin or pigmentation left behind by breakouts or sun exposure can give skin an uneven appearance which can worsen with age, if untreated. With the right combination of active ingredients, it’s easy to visibly restore glow, radiance, and an even tone.
Includes:
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% – Otherwise known as vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside is a potent antioxidant which (unlike many vitamin C solutions) has a stable formula and is comfortable to use for all skin types. This water-based serum applies and absorbs easily, working hard to visibly brighten dull skin, even skin tone, and offer support against the cell damaging effects of pollution.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – This light-textured eye serum helps to target puffiness and dark circles thanks to its potent blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
Best for: Giving a radiant glow to the complexion and under-eye area
How to use: Press a few drops of The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% onto dry skin after cleansing in both your morning and evening routine. Then pat a small amount of The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG into the eye contours.
