Best The Ordinary Products for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Fine lines creeping around your eyes? Deeper wrinkles forming on your forehead? Noticing your skin losing its firmness and bounce? You’re not alone, and you don’t need to spend hundreds on luxury anti-aging creams to see real results.
The Ordinary has some of the most powerful, clinically-proven anti-aging ingredients available at drugstore prices. In this guide, you’ll discover which products actually reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and how to build an effective anti-aging routine that delivers visible results.
Understanding Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Before diving into products, let’s understand what causes aging skin. Wrinkles form when your skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm and bouncy. This happens naturally with age, but it’s accelerated by sun damage, pollution, smoking, stress, and repeated facial expressions.
Fine lines are shallow, surface-level wrinkles that appear first, usually from dehydration and early collagen loss.
Deep wrinkles are more established folds in the skin from years of collagen breakdown and sun damage.
The good news? The right ingredients can stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and visibly reduce both types of wrinkles. The Ordinary has all of them at prices that won’t make you cry.
The Best The Ordinary Anti-Aging Products
1. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (The Anti-Aging Powerhouse)
Price: Around $10-12
This is the gold standard for wrinkles. Retinoids are the most researched, most proven anti-aging ingredient in existence.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Stimulates collagen production deep in the skin
- Speeds up cell turnover for fresher, younger-looking skin
- Reduces fine lines and deep wrinkles
- Improves skin texture and firmness
- Fades age spots and sun damage
- Prevents new wrinkles from forming
Why this formula: Granactive Retinoid is gentler than traditional retinol but just as effective. Less irritation, same results.
How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening only. Start 2-3 times per week, gradually increase to nightly. Always use SPF the next morning as retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
Results timeline: 8-12 weeks for visible reduction in fine lines, 3-6 months for deeper wrinkles
Best for: All types of wrinkles, overall anti-aging
2. Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (The Advanced Option)
Price: Around $12-14
Once your skin tolerates the 2% formula, level up to 5% for more dramatic results.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Higher concentration for faster, more visible results
- Deeper wrinkle reduction
- Significant improvement in skin firmness
- Enhanced collagen stimulation
How to use: Same as 2% version. Only upgrade after using 2% successfully for 2-3 months.
Results timeline: 6-10 weeks for noticeable improvement
Best for: Established wrinkles, experienced retinoid users
3. Buffet (The Multi-Peptide Serum)
Price: Around $17-19
This cult-favorite contains multiple peptides that signal your skin to produce more collagen and repair itself.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Reduces appearance of fine lines immediately through hydration
- Stimulates long-term collagen production
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Plumps skin for smoother appearance
- Repairs damaged skin
How to use: Apply to clean skin morning and evening before oils and creams. Can be used with retinoids.
Results timeline: Instant plumping effect, 4-8 weeks for lasting improvement
Best for: Fine lines, loss of firmness, combining with retinoids
4. Matrixyl 10% + HA (The Collagen Booster)
Price: Around $13-15
Matrixyl is one of the most studied anti-aging peptides, proven to reduce wrinkle depth by up to 45%.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Reduces wrinkle depth and length
- Improves skin firmness and bounce
- Repairs sun-damaged skin
- Prevents new wrinkle formation
How to use: Apply to clean skin morning and evening. Works beautifully layered under or over retinoids.
Results timeline: 6-12 weeks for visible wrinkle reduction
Best for: Deep wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of elasticity
5. Argireline Solution 10% (The Expression Line Fighter)
Price: Around $10-12
Often called « topical Botox, » this peptide reduces the appearance of expression lines from repeated facial movements.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Reduces muscle contractions that cause expression lines
- Smooths forehead lines
- Softens crow’s feet
- Minimizes frown lines between brows
- Provides a slight « relaxing » effect on facial muscles
How to use: Apply to areas with expression lines morning and evening. Focus on forehead, between brows, and around eyes.
Results timeline: 4-8 weeks for softening of expression lines
Best for: Forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines
6. Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (The Brightening Anti-Ager)
Price: Around $6-8
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights aging from multiple angles.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Stimulates collagen production
- Protects against free radical damage
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Reduces age spots and sun damage
- Firms and tightens skin
- Prevents environmental aging
How to use: Apply a small amount to clean skin in the evening, 3-4 times per week. Has a slightly gritty texture that dissolves quickly.
Results timeline: 8-12 weeks for firmness and brightness
Best for: Sun damage, age spots, overall brightness, collagen support
7. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (The Instant Line Smoother)
Price: Around $7-8
While not a long-term wrinkle treatment, hyaluronic acid provides instant plumping that makes fine lines disappear.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Holds 1000x its weight in water
- Plumps skin instantly
- Smooths fine lines from dehydration
- Creates a youthful, bouncy appearance
- Enhances absorption of other products
How to use: Apply to damp skin morning and evening before all other serums. This amplifies everything else you use.
Results timeline: Instant plumping, lines reduced within hours
Best for: Fine lines from dehydration, instant results
8. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (The Regenerator)
Price: Around $10-12
Rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, this oil promotes skin regeneration and reduces visible aging.
How it fights wrinkles:
- Contains natural vitamin A (retinol alternative)
- Deeply nourishes aging skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Fades sun damage and age spots
How to use: Apply 2-3 drops as the last step in your evening routine, after all serums and moisturizers.
Results timeline: 6-10 weeks for improved texture and reduced lines
Best for: Dry, aging skin, gentle anti-aging support
Your Complete Anti-Aging Routine
Beginner Anti-Aging Routine (Start Here)
Morning:
- Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser
- Serum 1: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (on damp skin)
- Serum 2: Buffet
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- SPF 50+: CRITICAL (prevents 90% of aging)
Evening:
- Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser
- Serum 1: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (on damp skin)
- Serum 2: Granactive Retinoid 2% (start 2-3x per week)
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Oil: Rose Hip Seed Oil (2-3 drops)
Cost: Under $60 total
Advanced Anti-Aging Routine (Maximum Results)
Morning:
- Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser
- Serum 1: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Serum 2: Vitamin C Suspension 23%
- Serum 3: Matrixyl 10% + HA
- Treatment: Argireline 10% (targeted to expression lines)
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- SPF 50+
Evening:
- Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser
- Serum 1: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Serum 2: Granactive Retinoid 5% (nightly)
- Serum 3: Buffet (wait 5 minutes after retinoid)
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Oil: Rose Hip Seed Oil
Weekly: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (once per week, skip retinoid that night)
Cost: Under $100 total
Targeted Treatment for Specific Areas
For Forehead Lines:
- Morning: Argireline 10% + Matrixyl 10%
- Evening: Granactive Retinoid 5%
For Crow’s Feet:
- Morning: Caffeine Solution 5% (reduces puffiness) + Argireline 10%
- Evening: Granactive Retinoid 2% (gentle around eyes)
For Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines):
- Morning: Buffet + Matrixyl 10%
- Evening: Granactive Retinoid 5%
For Neck and Chest:
- Morning: Matrixyl 10% + Vitamin C
- Evening: Granactive Retinoid 2% (start gently, skin here is sensitive)
What to Expect (Realistic Timeline)
Week 1-4:
- Skin feels smoother and more hydrated
- Slight improvement in skin texture
- Fine lines from dehydration reduced
- May experience retinoid adjustment (slight flaking or redness)
Week 4-8:
- Noticeable improvement in fine lines
- Skin looks brighter and more even
- Texture significantly smoother
- Skin feels firmer
Week 8-12:
- Fine lines visibly reduced
- Deeper wrinkles beginning to soften
- Skin tone more even
- Overall younger appearance
Month 4-6:
- Significant reduction in deep wrinkles
- Dramatic improvement in skin firmness
- Expression lines softened
- Age spots faded
Month 6+:
- Maximum results achieved
- Continued improvement with consistent use
- Prevention of new wrinkles
- Maintenance mode
Pro Tips for Maximum Anti-Aging Results
Sunscreen is 90% of Anti-Aging
Nothing you put on your skin at night matters if you don’t protect it during the day. UV damage is the number one cause of premature aging. SPF 50+ daily, reapply every 2 hours in sun.
Start with Lower Strengths
Begin with Granactive Retinoid 2% and build up. Starting too strong causes irritation and setbacks.
Be Patient with Retinoids
The first month might include adjustment period with slight flaking or sensitivity. Push through. Results are worth it.
Layer Correctly
Thinnest to thickest: water-based serums → oil-free treatments → oils → creams.
Don’t Neglect Your Neck
Your neck ages faster than your face. Apply everything you use on your face to your neck and chest.
Consistency Beats Intensity
Using products correctly every day beats using the strongest products inconsistently.
Retinoids at Night Only
Retinoids break down in sunlight and make skin sun-sensitive. Always use PM only.
Wait Times Matter
After retinoid application, wait 5-10 minutes before applying other products for maximum effectiveness.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Results
Mistake 1: Not wearing sunscreen daily. This undoes all your anti-aging efforts.
Mistake 2: Starting with too many products at once. Introduce one new product every 1-2 weeks.
Mistake 3: Giving up too soon. Anti-aging takes 8-12 weeks minimum. Patience is essential.
Mistake 4: Using retinoids during the day. They increase sun sensitivity and degrade in sunlight.
Mistake 5: Mixing retinoids with vitamin C at the same time. Separate to morning and evening.
Mistake 6: Applying products to dry skin. Damp skin absorbs better, especially for hyaluronic acid.
Mistake 7: Forgetting the eye area. The skin around eyes shows aging first. Treat it gently but consistently.
Budget-Friendly Anti-Aging Starter Kit
If you’re on a tight budget, start with these three essentials:
- Granactive Retinoid 2% ($10-12) – The anti-aging essential
- Buffet ($17-19) – Peptide support
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7-8) – Instant plumping
Total: Under $40 for a complete anti-aging system
Add SPF 50+ and a basic moisturizer, and you have everything you need.
Combining Products Safely
Safe Combinations:
- Retinoids + Peptides (excellent together)
- Retinoids + Hyaluronic Acid (perfect pair)
- Vitamin C (AM) + Retinoids (PM)
- Multiple peptides together
Avoid Combining:
- Retinoids + Vitamin C (same time)
- Retinoids + AHA/BHA acids (same night, unless experienced)
- Multiple strong actives when starting out
When to See a Dermatologist
While The Ordinary is powerful, some situations need professional help:
- Very deep, established wrinkles (may need injectables or lasers)
- Severe sun damage
- Sagging that’s beyond topical treatment
- No improvement after 6 months of consistent use
The Bottom Line
Wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable, but they’re absolutely manageable with the right products. The Ordinary proves you don’t need to spend $200 on a luxury cream to see real anti-aging results.
The secret weapon? Retinoids. Combined with peptides for collagen support, hyaluronic acid for plumping, and vitamin C for protection, you have a complete anti-aging system for under $100.
Start with Granactive Retinoid 2%, add Buffet for peptide support, and always, always wear SPF 50+. Give it 12 weeks of consistent use. Your skin will look smoother, firmer, and years younger.
Your most youthful skin doesn’t require a luxury budget. It just requires the right ingredients, patience, and daily sunscreen.
What’s your biggest concern with aging skin? Have you tried any of these products? Share your anti-aging journey in the comments! Remember, for severe concerns or if you’re unsure about starting retinoids, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
