Today, the time has come for the long-awaited review of iconic, brilliant products by The Ordinary. The formulations the brand creates give a fantastic effect at an affordable price, delivering a maximal dose of active ingredients at the same time. Considering the price and components, they are second to none. I’ve already tested many of the (extra)Ordinary products and want to round up and review my favorites, the best products by The Ordinary.
The Ordinary Buffet Peptide Face Serum, 30 ml
It’s a real treat for my skin. The serum is cut out for you if you turned 35 since it’s mostly made up of peptides (bioactive amino acids) repairing the skin. Regular application of the serum smoothes face lines and ensures epidermal repair. Peptides in Buffet Serum delay the aging process.
You must be wondering about the exact peptides included in the serum. Let me quote the names.
- Buffet Serum’s pH is 4.50-5.50. It’s made up of:
- Matrixyl™ 3000 peptide complex (with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
- Matrixyl™ synthe’6™ peptide complex (with palmitoyl tripeptide-38).
- SYN™-AKE peptide complex (with dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate).
- Relistase peptide complex (with acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine).
- ARGIRELOX™ peptide complex (with acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18).
- Probiotic complex (with lactococcus lactis lysate).
All peptides work strongly and are enhanced by skin-friendly, powerful amino acids. The serum also features a few forms of hyaluronic acid.
How to use The Ordinary Buffet Serum?
I simply smooth it over the face in the am and pm after cleansing and before applying a moisturizer. After just a few uses I spotted a big difference in the appearance of my skin. Another cool thing is The Ordinary Buffet Serum is vegan and cruelty-free, formulated without silicones, alcohols, nuts and gluten.
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA Anti-wrinkle Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, 30 ml
In the fight against the wrinkles, The Ordinary has zero competition. Matrixyl™ 10% is the brand’s most powerful weapon, which I tested on my own skin. The effect is mind-blowing and I easily got rid of my first fine lines on the forehead.
Fun fact: Matrixyl™ 10% is a peptide complex that has been devised for The Ordinary by Sesderma labs in France.
The composition of substances effectively lessens the visibility of both static and dynamic (expression) lines and creases.
Matrixyl ™ 3000 and Matrixyl ™ synthe’6 ™ make up 10% concentration and are very strong antiaging agents immersed in hyaluronic acid which is one of the most essential skin-conditioning substances that have been discovered. The acid facilitates in-depth absorption of peptides (amino acids) and, as you know very well, moisturizes the skin like no other ingredient. <3
BE CAREFUL! Girls, you must remember that some products by The Ordinary don’t always make a good match. The concentration of acids, peptides and other substances is high so products having a similar effect are likely to interfere with each other, causing damage to the skin. As far as Matrixyl™ 10% is concerned, don’t use it in the same routine with acids, vit. C and its derivatives, and antioxidants.
Top-notch purification with The Ordinary Acids
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% was my saver after summertime: it excellently fights dark spots and uneven skin tone. It’s a quite mild exfoliator but, as AHA acid, it is unable to penetrate deeply to clear the pores. Luckily, The Ordinary has a wide range of acids so if you suffer because of oily skin, open pores and blackheads, try Salicylic Acid 2% Solution – a preparation which contains 2% of salicylic acid and witch-hazel water. It is ideal for clearing the pores, as well as has an astringent and antibacterial effect. You can also apply it topically to pimples (and wake up pimple-free) or shiny T zone (excellent to treat congested skin pores).
Sebum balance with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Since oily skin has been mentioned, I recommend a marvel for acne skin, that is The Ordinary Serum rich in vit. B3 and zinc. How it works on skin?
Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) effectively lessens hyperpigmentation, scars and all other post-acne blemishes. The serum’s success is owed to a high concentration (10%) of niacinamide and zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid put together to balance the sebum secretion and reduce skin’s oiliness.
Moreover, niacinamide is a great brightening agent so feel free to use it if your skin, like mine, was “invaded” by post-sun spots and uneven pigmentation in summer. You must keep one thing in mind, though: keep your skin moisturized during the treatment.
A note concerning combining it with other products: niacinamide may affect the integrity of vitamin C so you shouldn’t use it in the same routine with cosmetics infused with ascorbic acid. When it comes to The Ordinary products that are forbidden to use together with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, they include:
- Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone.
- Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.
- Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%.
- 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder.
How did I use the serum? First of all, I stopped using products that contained vitamin C (and returned to them after finishing the serum). I would apply the serum every morning and evening, mixing it with hyaluronic acid. You can try mixing it with Squalane launched by The Ordinary too. Of course I used the serum before my regular moisturizer.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
This serum makes a very good impression once you look at the ingredients. It is marvelous. The product aided me in reducing the notorious puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
This lightweight formula lasts very long and has a pretty unusual concentration of caffeine (5%!) enhanced by highly-purified Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) extracted from green tea leaves. This combination turns out to be infallible when caring for delicate skin under the eyes. The Serum INSTANTLY improves its condition and appearance.
You just need to remember to use it once a day, ideally in the morning, when lessening the puffiness and brightening dull skin under the eyes seem to be a priority. It has a brilliant effect and the price is… just right!
The (extra)Ordinary Serums. Which one leads in reviews?
Choosing just one is tricky because The Ordinary products are a class of their own and each one has a top quality. Still, if I were asked to point to my favorite, it would be Buffet Serum. Hands down, I will repurchase the product, together with the eye serum.
Have you ever used products by The Ordinary? Have you got any favorites? What effects have you achieved? Leave a comment!
