How To Use The Ordinary Products Step-by-step​?

How To Use The Ordinary Products Step-by-step​?

The Definitive Guide: How to Use The Ordinary Products Step-by-Step for Transformative Results

The world of skincare can be a labyrinth of complex ingredients, extravagant promises, and prohibitive price tags. Enter The Ordinary, a brand that disrupted the entire industry with its clinical formulations, radical transparency, and uncompromising affordability. However, with great power comes great responsibility—and a potentially overwhelming array of choices. The brand’s no-frills, ingredient-focused approach can be confusing, leading to the common refrain: « I bought these bottles, but now how do I actually use them?« 

Misusing these potent formulations can, at best, render them ineffective and, at worst, lead to significant irritation and a compromised skin barrier. This guide is more than just a routine builder; it is a deep dive into the science of formulation, the philosophy of layering, and the art of building a personalized, effective regimen. We will demystify the process, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently navigate The Ordinary’s lineup and achieve the healthy, radiant skin you deserve.

Part 1: The Foundation – Understanding The Ordinary’s Philosophy

Before touching a single dropper, it’s crucial to understand the core principles that define The Ordinary. This isn’t a brand about magic beans or miracle cures; it’s about bio-available, scientifically proven ingredients delivered at effective concentrations.

1. Clinical Formulation: The Ordinary avoids proprietary blends where the concentration of key ingredients is hidden. If a product says « 10% Niacinamide, » it contains 10% Niacinamide. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions based on scientific literature, which often specifies effective concentration ranges for ingredients.

2. Skin Diagnostics, Not Marketing: The brand encourages you to identify your skin concerns (e.g., hyperpigmentation, dehydration, fine lines) and then select ingredients that directly target those issues. This is a stark contrast to marketing-led brands that sell a « dream in a jar » based on vague claims.

3. The Price Revolution: By eliminating fancy packaging, extensive marketing campaigns, and perfume, The Ordinary invests the cost into the formula itself. This allows them to offer high-quality actives at a fraction of the price of comparable products from other brands.

Understanding Your Skin’s Needs: The first step is self-diagnosis. Take a clear-eyed look at your skin:

• What are your primary concerns? (e.g., acne, dryness, dullness, dark spots, redness, aging)
• What is your skin type? (e.g., oily, dry, combination, sensitive)
• What are your goals? (e.g., maintenance, prevention, correction)

Your answers to these questions will form the blueprint for your personalized routine.

Part 2: The Golden Rules of Layering: Consistency and pH

The order of application is not arbitrary. It is governed by two fundamental principles: product consistency and pH level. Getting this right is the difference between a regimen that works in beautiful synergy and one that causes pilling, irritation, or neutralization.

The Consistency Rule (Lightest to Heaviest):
As a general rule, you should apply products from the thinnest, most watery consistency to the thickest, most oily or creamy consistency. This ensures that each subsequent product does not block the absorption of the lighter, water-based treatments that need to penetrate deeply.

The pH Rule (Lowest to Highest):
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Your skin’s natural acid mantle sits at a slightly acidic pH of around 4.7 – 5.75. This mantle is a protective barrier against bacteria and environmental stressors.

• Direct Acids (AHAs, BHAs, L-Ascorbic Acid) require a low pH (acidic environment around 3-4) to be effective. Applying a higher pH product (like a serum with a pH of 7) immediately before an acid will raise your skin’s surface pH, neutralizing the acid and rendering it useless.
• Therefore, you must apply low-pH products first to allow them to work at their optimal potency. Afterward, you can apply products with a higher, more neutral pH.

The Ultimate Layering Order Cheat Sheet:

Step	Product Type	Examples from The Ordinary	Key Note
1	Water-Based Cleanser	Squalane Cleanser	Removes surface impurities, makeup, and SPF.
2	Low-pH Direct Acids	AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Salicylic Acid Masque	Use only 1-3 times weekly. Apply to dry skin.
3	Water-Based Toners	Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution	Not a mandatory step. Can be used daily or every other day.
4	Water-Based Serums	« Buffet, » Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA	Thinnest consistency first. Allow a minute to absorb between layers.
5	Eye Serums	Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG	Apply around the orbital bone, not directly on eyelids.
6	Treatment Oils / Anhydrous Serums	Retinoids, Vitamin C Suspensions, EUK 134 0.1%	Oil-based treatments. Check for conflicts (e.g., don’t mix direct acids with EUK 134).
7	Oil-Based Serums / Face Oils	100% Plant-Derived Squalane, « B » Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil	Lock in previous layers and provide nourishing lipids.
8	Moisturizers	Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA	Creams and lotions that hydrate and occlude.
9	Sunscreen (AM ONLY)	Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants	Non-negotiable final morning step. Reapply every 2 hours with sun exposure.

Part 3: Building Your Routine – AM vs. PM, Step-by-Step

Your morning routine focuses on protection and hydration, while your evening routine focuses on repair and treatment. The skin’s cellular renewal process is most active at night, making it the ideal time to use your most potent actives.

The Morning (AM) Routine: Protect and Hydrate

Step 1: Cleanse

• Product: A gentle, water-soluble cleanser.
• The Ordinary Pick: Squalane Cleanser (for all skin types, especially dry) or a non-ABR bland cleanser.
• Why: To remove overnight sweat and product residue. For many with dry skin, splashing with water may be sufficient in the AM to preserve natural oils.

Step 2: Tone (Optional)

• Product: A gentle, hydrating toner. Avoid strong acid toners in the AM as they can increase photosensitivity.
• The Ordinary Pick: They don’t have a traditional hydrating toner. This step is often skipped in an Ordinary-focused routine.

Step 3: Treat (Water-Based Serums)
This is where you target hydration and antioxidant protection.

• For Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Apply to damp skin to pull water into the epidermis.
• For Antioxidant Protection (to fight free radicals from UV/pollution): EUK 134 0.1% OR Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (a stable Vitamin C derivative). Important: Do not mix EUK 134 with direct acids (low pH) or Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), as it will deactivate it.
• For Oil Control/Blemishes: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
• For Brightening: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.

Step 4: Moisturize

• Product: A light-to-medium weight moisturizer.
• The Ordinary Pick: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. A fantastic, straightforward moisturizer that mimics the skin’s natural hydrating factors.

Step 5: Protect (The Most Important Step)

• Product: A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• The Ordinary Pick: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants.
• Why: Sun damage is the primary cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. All your hard work with treatments is undone without proper sun protection. Apply as the absolute last step and reapply every two hours if outdoors.

The Evening (PM) Routine: Repair and Treat

Step 1: First Cleanse (Oil-Based)

• Product: An oil or balm cleanser.
• The Ordinary Pick: Squalane Cleanser. Massage onto a dry face to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Emulsify with water and rinse.

Step 2: Second Cleanse (Water-Based)

• Product: A gentle foaming or cream cleanser.
• Why: To remove any residual impurities from the first cleanse, ensuring a perfectly clean canvas for treatments.

Step 3: Treat (Acids & Targeted Treatments – Use on alternate nights)
This is the core of your treatment rotation. You do not use all of these every night.

• Night A: Exfoliating Acids (1-3 times per week, not daily)
  • For Surface Exfoliation (Texture/Brightness): Lactic Acid 5% or 10% or Mandelic Acid 10% (gentler, good for sensitive skin).
  • For Deep Pore Cleansing (Acne/Blackheads): Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (2x week) or Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.
  • The Power Treatment: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (MAX 1x per week for 10 minutes).
• Night B: Retinoids (Start with 1-2 times per week, build tolerance)
  • The Beginner: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or 5% in Squalane (gentlest, least irritating).
  • The Advanced: Retinol 0.2% in Squalane -> 0.5% -> 1.0% (more potent, higher risk of irritation).
  • Application: Apply to dry skin after cleansing. Wait 20 minutes post-cleansing for best results. Follow with moisturizer.
  • Contraindications: Do not use retinoids on the same night as direct acids (AHA/BHA) or Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid). This will cause severe irritation.
• Night C: Hydration & Repair (The other nights)
  • Multi-Target Repair: « Buffet » + Copper Peptides 1% (the flagship anti-aging peptide serum).
  • Intensive Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on damp skin.
  • Brightening: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.

Step 4: Moisturize & Occlude

• Product: A richer moisturizer or face oil.
• The Ordinary Picks: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA followed by 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or Rose Hip Seed Oil. The oil will lock in all the previous treatments and provide intense nourishment overnight.

Part 4: Ingredient Spotlights and Conflicts: The « What Not to Mix » Chart

This is perhaps the most critical section. Combining conflicting ingredients can deactivate them, cause redness, stinging, and inflammation, and damage your skin barrier.

Ingredient	Primary Function	Best Paired With	Do NOT Mix With	Why?
Direct Acids (AHA/BHA) e.g., Lactic, Glycolic, Salicylic	Exfoliate, improve texture, brighten	Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Moisturizers	Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic), EUK 134, Retinoids, Other Acids	Conflicting pH levels. Combining causes extreme irritation and neutralizes efficacy.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)	Antioxidant, brightening, collagen synthesis	Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E (not in TO line), Hyaluronic Acid	Niacinamide (debated but cautious), Direct Acids, EUK 134	Highly unstable at incorrect pH. Can cause flushing and irritation when mixed with Niacinamide (though modern science suggests it’s less likely with stable formulas).
Niacinamide	Regulates oil, minimizes pores, brightens, anti-inflammatory	Almost everything: Acids, Retinoids, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C (likely)	Nothing directly, but high concentrations may cause flushing with strong acids/Vit C.	A very stable and versatile ingredient. Modern research disputes major conflicts, but caution is advised for sensitive skin.
Retinoids (Retinol, etc.)	Gold standard for anti-aging, acne, cell turnover	Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Moisturizers	Direct Acids, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic), EUK 134	Can cause severe sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Needs a stable pH environment.
EUK 134	Powerful Catalytic Antioxidant	Almost any non-acidic serum or moisturizer	Direct Acids, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)	Requires a neutral pH. Acids will completely deactivate this unique molecule.
Peptides	Support collagen, anti-aging, skin repair	Most ingredients, especially hydrators	Direct Acids (maybe)	Acids might interfere with the peptide’s stability and function. Best to use them at separate times.

The Simplest Rule: Do not layer strong actives together. If you want to use an acid and a retinoid, use them on alternate nights. This « night cycling » approach is the safest and most effective way to use potent ingredients without compromising your skin’s health.

Part 5: Sample Routines for Common Skin Concerns

Let’s translate this knowledge into practical, weekly schedules.

Routine 1: For Anti-Aging & Prevention (Dry/Sensitive Skin)

• AM: Squalane Cleanser -> Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin -> « Buffet » + Copper Peptides -> Natural Moisturizing Factors -> SPF 30
• PM:
  • Mon, Wed, Fri: Squalane Cleanser (x2) -> Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion -> Rose Hip Seed Oil
  • Tue, Thu, Sat: Squalane Cleanser (x2) -> Hyaluronic Acid -> « Buffet » -> Natural Moisturizing Factors + Squalane Oil
  • Sun: Squalane Cleanser (x2) -> Lactic Acid 5% (20 min) -> Hyaluronic Acid -> Moisturizer (No actives, just recovery)

Routine 2: For Acne & Oil Control (Oily/Combination Skin)

• AM: Gentle Foaming Cleanser -> Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% -> Natural Moisturizing Factors -> SPF 30
• PM:
  • Mon, Thu: Gentle Foaming Cleanser -> Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (10 min, rinse off) -> Niacinamide -> Natural Moisturizing Factors
  • Tue, Fri: Gentle Foaming Cleanser -> Retinol 0.5% in Squalane -> Natural Moisturizing Factors
  • Wed, Sat: Gentle Foaming Cleanser -> Niacinamide -> Alpha Arbutin (for dark spots) -> Natural Moisturizing Factors
  • Sun: Rest night. Just cleanse and moisturize.

Routine 3: For Hyperpigmentation & Brightening

• AM: Gentle Cleanser -> Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA -> Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% (Vit C) -> Moisturizer -> SPF 50 (Crucial!)
• PM:
  • Mon, Wed, Fri: Gentle Cleanser -> Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% -> Moisturizer
  • Tue, Sat: Gentle Cleanser -> Lactic Acid 10% -> Alpha Arbutin -> Moisturizer
  • Thu, Sun: Gentle Cleanser -> Granactive Retinoid 5% -> Moisturizer

Part 6: Pro Tips, Common Mistakes, and The Purging Period

Pro Tips for Success:

• Patch Test: Always apply a small amount of a new product to your jawline or inner arm for a few days to check for adverse reactions.
• Introduce Slowly: Add one new product at a time, waiting 1-2 weeks before introducing another. This way, if you have a negative reaction, you know the exact culprit.
• Less is More: You do not need a 10-step routine. A simple, well-chosen 3-4 product routine is far more effective and sustainable than a complex one that irritates your skin.
• Water is Key: Apply water-based serums to damp skin. This dramatically increases their hydrating efficacy.
• Don’t Forget Your Neck: Extend your products down to your neck and décolletage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Over-Exfoliating: Using acids too frequently is the fastest way to destroy your skin barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Stick to the recommended frequency.
2. Mixing Conflicts: Layering Retinol directly over an acid toner because you didn’t check the pH.
3. Skipping Sunscreen: Rendering all your expensive and potent anti-aging and brightening treatments useless.
4. Using Too Much Product: One drop of serum is often enough for the entire face. Over-applying increases the risk of pilling and irritation.
5. Giving Up Too Soon: Skin cell turnover takes about 28 days. You need to use a product consistently for at least one full cycle (often 2-3 for retinoids) to see significant results.

Purging vs. Reacting:

• Purging: This is a good thing. It occurs when actives like retinoids and acids increase cell turnover, bringing pre-existing microcomedones (tiny clogs under the skin) to the surface faster. It typically happens in areas where you usually get breakouts. Purging should subside within 2-6 weeks.
• A Bad Reaction: This is bad. It appears as redness, itching, burning, stinging, or small rash-like bumps in areas you don’t normally break out. This indicates irritation or an allergy, and you should stop using the product immediately.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Expert Formulation

Navigating The Ordinary is a journey of becoming your own skincare formulator. It requires patience, careful observation, and a willingness to learn the science behind the ingredients. It’s not about instant gratification but about building long-term skin health through intelligent, consistent choices.

Start simple. Master the basics of cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting. Listen to your skin above all else—it will tell you what it needs. With this guide as your roadmap, you can move beyond the confusion and confidently build a personalized, potent, and effective regimen that harnesses the unparalleled power of The Ordinary. Your skin, and your wallet, will thank you for years to come.