How to check ordinary original?
How to Check if Your The Ordinary Products Are Original
The Ordinary’s affordable pricing and cult following have made it a prime target for counterfeiters. Fake skincare isn’t just a waste of money—it can be genuinely harmful to your skin. Here’s your complete guide to ensuring you’re getting authentic The Ordinary products every time.
Why Authenticity Matters
Counterfeit skincare products may contain harmful ingredients, incorrect concentrations of actives, or contaminated formulations. At best, they won’t deliver the results you’re expecting. At worst, they could cause irritation, allergic reactions, or skin damage. When it comes to products you’re putting on your face, authenticity isn’t just about getting your money’s worth—it’s about safety.
Where to Buy Authentic The Ordinary Products
The simplest way to ensure authenticity is to buy from authorized retailers:
Official Channels:
- The Ordinary’s official website (theordinary.com)
- Deciem stores (The Ordinary’s parent company)
- Sephora (in-store and online)
- Ulta Beauty
- Cult Beauty
- Lookfantastic
- Authorized regional distributors
For Morocco:
- Ordinary-Maroc.com (authorized seller for Moroccan customers)
Red Flag Retailers:
- Unknown third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay
- Suspiciously cheap offers on social media marketplaces
- Unauthorized resellers offering bulk discounts
- Street vendors or unauthorized beauty supply stores
How to Spot Fake The Ordinary Products
Check the Packaging
Bottle and Box Quality: Authentic The Ordinary products have clean, precise printing with no smudges or spelling errors. The minimalist design should look crisp and professional. Fakes often have:
- Blurry or poorly printed text
- Color inconsistencies in the label
- Cheap-feeling plastic bottles
- Boxes that feel flimsy or have incorrect fonts
Batch Code and Expiry Date: Every authentic product has a batch code stamped on the box and printed on the bottle. This code should be clear and match on both. The format typically includes letters and numbers. You can verify batch codes on CheckCosmetic.net or CheckFresh.com by entering the code and selecting « Deciem » as the brand.
Seal and Cap: Authentic products come with proper safety seals. The dropper caps should fit snugly and operate smoothly. Fakes may have:
- Missing or poorly applied seals
- Caps that don’t close properly
- Cheap-feeling droppers that feel flimsy
Examine the Product Inside
Texture and Consistency: If you’re familiar with The Ordinary products, you’ll know their characteristic textures. Authentic products have consistent textures batch to batch. Be suspicious if:
- The serum is watery when it should be viscous
- The color looks off (especially with Vitamin C products)
- There’s unusual separation or graininess
- The scent is different from what you remember
Product Performance: While this isn’t an immediate test, authentic The Ordinary products deliver consistent results. If a product that usually works well for you suddenly causes irritation or shows no effect, it may be counterfeit.
Specific Warning Signs by Product Type
Serums:
- Should have the correct viscosity
- Droppers should dispense smoothly
- Glass bottles should feel substantial
Retinol Products:
- Should have an airtight pump or squeeze tube
- Color should be consistent (yellowing can indicate oxidation but happens gradually)
- Should be stored in opaque packaging to protect from light
AHA/BHA Peeling Solution (the red mask):
- The distinctive red color should be vibrant and even
- Should not have an overly chemical smell
- Texture should be consistent, not watery or separated
The Box and Insert Check
Authentic The Ordinary products include:
- Detailed ingredient lists with INCI names
- Clear usage instructions
- Proper warnings and precautions
- Deciem company information
- Correct spelling and grammar (counterfeits often have errors)
The box should close properly and feel sturdy. Many authentic products also include a small information insert—though not all do, so the absence of one isn’t necessarily a red flag.
Price Reality Check
The Ordinary is affordable, but if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A single product selling for half the retail price from an unauthorized seller is suspicious. Be especially wary of:
- « Bundle deals » from unknown sellers
- Products marked as « overstocked » or « closeout » at extreme discounts
- Sellers who can’t provide proof of authorized distribution
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake
- Stop using the product immediately if you notice any adverse reactions
- Contact the seller for a refund if you purchased recently
- Report to the platform (Amazon, eBay, etc.) where you purchased
- Report to Deciem through their official website—they take counterfeits seriously
- Leave a review warning other buyers (if appropriate)
- Take photos of the product and packaging for documentation
Pro Tips for Staying Safe
Keep Your Receipt: This helps if you need to verify authenticity with the brand or return a product.
Check Seller Reviews: Before buying from any retailer, read reviews specifically mentioning authenticity and product quality.
Compare to Official Images: The Ordinary’s website has high-quality photos of all products. Compare your product to these official images.
Join Community Forums: Reddit’s SkincareAddiction and The Ordinary communities often discuss fakes and can help verify suspicious products.
When in Doubt, Contact Deciem: Their customer service can help verify if a retailer is authorized or if a batch code is legitimate.
The Bottom Line
The best protection against counterfeit The Ordinary products is buying from authorized retailers. Yes, you might find slightly lower prices elsewhere, but the risk simply isn’t worth it. Your skin’s health and safety should always come first.
Remember: The Ordinary is already extremely affordable. The small amount you might save buying from unauthorized sources isn’t worth the potential harm to your skin—or your wallet when you have to replace the fake product with a real one.
When you stick to authorized sellers and know what to look for, you can shop confidently and enjoy The Ordinary’s effective formulations as they were meant to be used.
