The Ordinary Skincare Routine
If you've ever landed on The Ordinary's website and immediately closed the tab — you're not alone. With over 50 products, scientific ingredient names, and zero hand-holding, it's one of the most overwhelming skincare brands for beginners. But here's the thing — once you understand the basics, The Ordinary is actually one of the best things that ever happened to affordable skincare.
This guide tells you exactly what to buy first, what order to apply everything, and which combinations to never mix together. No chemistry degree required.
Shop my full The Ordinary beginner kit
Why The Ordinary Is Worth The Learning Curve
The Ordinary is made by DECIEM and focuses on single-ingredient formulas at clinical concentrations. That means you're getting the same active ingredients found in luxury skincare — retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide — at a fraction of the price. Most products are under $15. Some are under $7. The catch is that you have to know what you're doing because some ingredients can't be mixed together without causing irritation or canceling each other out.
That's exactly what this guide is for.
Step 1 — Start With a Clean Base
Before any actives, you need a good cleanser. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a gentle oil-based formula that removes makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without stripping your skin barrier. It's suitable for every skin type and costs around $9.
Apply it to dry skin, massage in circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Step 2 — Hydration First (Hyaluronic Acid)
If you only buy one The Ordinary product, make it this one. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight serum that pulls moisture into the skin and holds it there. It works for every skin type — dry, oily, combination, sensitive — and costs around $10.
Apply it to damp skin immediately after cleansing. The damp skin is important — hyaluronic acid needs water to work, and if your skin is dry it will pull moisture from deeper layers instead.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Step 3 — Target Your Main Concern
This is where you personalize your routine based on what your skin actually needs:
For oily skin and large pores:The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — reduces sebum production, minimizes pores, and calms redness. One of their most popular products for a reason. Apply after hyaluronic acid.
For dullness and uneven skin tone:The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA — fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation without irritation. Gentle enough for daily use. Apply after hyaluronic acid.
For fine lines and anti-aging:The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% — a gentler alternative to retinol that targets expression lines. Great for beginners who aren't ready for retinol yet.
Step 4 — Moisturize to Lock Everything In
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a lightweight, no-frills moisturizer that seals in everything you just applied. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and costs around $7. Apply it as the last step of your routine before SPF in the morning.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Step 5 — SPF Every Single Morning (Non-Negotiable)
SPF is the single most important anti-aging and skin protecting step you can take — more important than any serum. The good news is The Ordinary actually makes one. The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 45 with Antioxidants is a lightweight, no-frills formula that sits beautifully under makeup and works for every skin type. Apply it as your final morning step after moisturizer, every single day without exception.
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45
When You're Ready For The Next Level — Add Retinol at Night
Once you've used the basics consistently for 4-6 weeks and your skin is stable, you can introduce The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane on alternating nights. Start with 2 nights per week, then increase gradually. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and clears congestion — but it takes time and it requires patience.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
The Ingredients You Should Never Mix
This is the part most beginners get wrong and it's where irritation and purging come from:
Never mix Vitamin C with Niacinamide at high concentrations — they can reduce each other's effectiveness
Never mix Retinol with AHA or BHA acids in the same step — use on separate nights
Never mix Retinol with Vitamin C — use Vitamin C in the morning, Retinol at night
Never use the AHA/BHA Peeling Solution more than twice a week — it's strong
Your Simple Beginner Routine At A Glance:
Morning:
Squalane Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on damp skin
Niacinamide or Alpha Arbutin (based on your concern)
Natural Moisturizing Factors
SPF 30+
Evening:
Squalane Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Niacinamide or targeted serum
Natural Moisturizing Factors
Retinol 0.2% (2-3 nights per week once skin is ready)
How Long Before You See Results?
This is the most common question and the honest answer is 8-12 weeks of consistent use. Skincare is not fast. One week of using hyaluronic acid won't transform your skin — but three months of a consistent routine absolutely will. Take a photo on day one and compare at week 12. The difference will surprise you.
The Ordinary Beginner Kit — Everything You Need:
Squalane Cleanser — $9
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — $10
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — $8
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA — $7
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane — $10 (add after 4-6 weeks)
Total: under $45 for a complete skincare routine. You'd spend more than that on one product at a department store counter.
Not sure what routine is right for your skin type? Build your personalized AM and PM routine for free → [link to your Skincare Routine Builder on the Resources page]
