So, a bit about the brand: The Ordinary is the brainchild of parent company Deciem. The brand itself prides itself on offering clinical formulations with integrity and, thus, manages to keep costs almost laughably low. There exists an odd equation in the beauty industry where a higher price tag is affixed to ‘Shit Me This Must Work’ and whilst I’m no stranger to splashing the cash where my precious skin is concerned, I’m also a firm advocate in just great ingredients. (A skincare and beauty training course at one of my previous career roles gave me the gift of ingredient knowledge!) The aesthetic of the brand reflects its simple mantra: monochrome, no-frills labels on dropper bottles and home to some pretty damn great formulae.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
I’m a huge fan of rose hip seed oil in other products and so was very encouraged to see a pure version in the range. Rose hip seed oil is rich in linoleum acid and vitamin A and as it is cold-pressed, the oil thus preserves all of its original qualities that reduce photo-ageing, aid and correct dark spots, hydrates skin and reduces scarring and fine lines. It’s water-, silicone- and alcohol-free, so no nasties or anything to bump up the formula, and is vegan and cruelty-free.I have really been enjoying using this product in my weekly routine. It goes on right after toner, essence and serum, but before night cream. Around 3-4 drops on my fingertips and pressed into the skin. It brings out a radiant glow in the morning and my skin feels less tight, something I often struggle with in the changing seasons.
Shop it here.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation. It's used at a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. Alpha Arbutin is much stronger in effect than Arbutin or Beta Arbutin.
Whilst my skin isn’t problematic at all, my main skin concern at the moment is hyper-pigmentation. My cheeks are home to dark spots and freckles and I think they age my skin a LOT. I’ve been using this product 3/4 times a week, applied both morning and evening in place of my usual serum (after toner and essence). Dare I say I have already seen an improvement? My complexion seems much more even, although I do dislike that my skin feels a touch tight following use.
Shop it here.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.
I have never been a huge believer in Hyaluronic Acid products but decided to give this a try as, like I mentioned, my skin has been leaning on the drier side. Again vegan and cruelty-free, this product does a great job as promised. No nasties, just goodness. I’ve been adding this to my night cream and am pretty happy with the results (i.e. my night cream sinks in and my skin continues to feel hydrated, as opposed to going back to pre-night cream status).
Shop it here.
The range is available on ASOS. Prices begin at just £5!
Have you managed to try anything by The Ordinary yet?
My Thoughts on The Ordinary
28.4.17 The Ordinary is a beauty brand that has seemingly erupted out of the blue. I tend to focus more on Asian beauty brand launches and so this one sort of slipped through my net. Desperate to seek out more, I came across some positive/decent reports and decided to indulge in a few products from the range and I can confirm that the hype is fairly well-deserved.So, a bit about the brand: The Ordinary is the brainchild of parent company Deciem. The brand itself prides itself on offering clinical formulations with integrity and, thus, manages to keep costs almost laughably low. There exists an odd equation in the beauty industry where a higher price tag is affixed to ‘Shit Me This Must Work’ and whilst I’m no stranger to splashing the cash where my precious skin is concerned, I’m also a firm advocate in just great ingredients. (A skincare and beauty training course at one of my previous career roles gave me the gift of ingredient knowledge!) The aesthetic of the brand reflects its simple mantra: monochrome, no-frills labels on dropper bottles and home to some pretty damn great formulae.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
I’m a huge fan of rose hip seed oil in other products and so was very encouraged to see a pure version in the range. Rose hip seed oil is rich in linoleum acid and vitamin A and as it is cold-pressed, the oil thus preserves all of its original qualities that reduce photo-ageing, aid and correct dark spots, hydrates skin and reduces scarring and fine lines. It’s water-, silicone- and alcohol-free, so no nasties or anything to bump up the formula, and is vegan and cruelty-free.I have really been enjoying using this product in my weekly routine. It goes on right after toner, essence and serum, but before night cream. Around 3-4 drops on my fingertips and pressed into the skin. It brings out a radiant glow in the morning and my skin feels less tight, something I often struggle with in the changing seasons.
Shop it here.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation. It's used at a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. Alpha Arbutin is much stronger in effect than Arbutin or Beta Arbutin.
Whilst my skin isn’t problematic at all, my main skin concern at the moment is hyper-pigmentation. My cheeks are home to dark spots and freckles and I think they age my skin a LOT. I’ve been using this product 3/4 times a week, applied both morning and evening in place of my usual serum (after toner and essence). Dare I say I have already seen an improvement? My complexion seems much more even, although I do dislike that my skin feels a touch tight following use.
Shop it here.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.
I have never been a huge believer in Hyaluronic Acid products but decided to give this a try as, like I mentioned, my skin has been leaning on the drier side. Again vegan and cruelty-free, this product does a great job as promised. No nasties, just goodness. I’ve been adding this to my night cream and am pretty happy with the results (i.e. my night cream sinks in and my skin continues to feel hydrated, as opposed to going back to pre-night cream status).
Shop it here.
The range is available on ASOS. Prices begin at just £5!
Have you managed to try anything by The Ordinary yet?