How To Use Ordinary Serums For Different Skin Concerns - Byrdie

We love having an extensive skincare routine and partaking in beauty trends as much as the next person, but as any skincare fan knows, the expensive habit adds up quickly. Lucky for us, the skincare brand, The Ordinary– owned by DECIEM– offers more affordable skincare with highly concentrated ingredients, making our habit a little more attainable. You've likely heard of them- The Ordinary sells a wide variety of products, with some items having gone viral, like the brand's AHA/BHA peeling solution or its vitamin C serum.

Whether you're new to the brand or want some expert insight into popular products—look no further. We've reached out to two board-certified dermatologists and the chief scientific officer at DECIEM to break down what you need to know about The Ordinary products. They tell us what to use and how to use it according to various skin concerns—from dry and oily skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and acne. Keep reading for your comprehensive guide to the best The Ordinary products, how to include them in your skincare routine, and a list of 14 expert-recommended products.

Meet the Experts

• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. She is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell - New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
• Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. She is the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut, the founder of DMR Research and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University.
• Prudvi Kaka is the chief scientific officer at DECIEM, where he leads scientists, biochemists and toxicologists in developing skincare and haircare products.

What to Look for in The Ordinary Products

• Main Ingredients: The Ordinary's serums feature one or two hero ingredients that target specific concerns. Let yourself be guided by what your skin concerns and expectations are in order to devise the most effective skincare routine. Do you have chronic acne? Oily skin? Skin dullness or dryness? Wrinkles?
• Strength of Ingredients: The combination of ingredients in each serum formula varies in strength and potency depending on the skin concern. Consider your skin sensitivities when choosing the right formula to avoid unnecessary irritation. For instance, opt for formulas with lower concentrations of potentially irritating ingredients like retinol. Serums that have a higher potency (like the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%) call for limited use—just twice per week.
• Combination of Ingredients: To get the most out of your serums, choose the most effective combination for each skin concern but make sure to use them in the right order so they don't cancel each other out. For instance, apply Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the morning and Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (a vitamin C derivative) at night.

Byrdie Tip

The Ordinary recommends doing a patch test for most of its products. This is highly recommended whenever you're trying a new product in order to ensure it doesn't elicit a negative reaction before incorporating it to your routine.

Our Top Picks

• The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

Skin Considerations

For persistent, chronic acne

Ongoing acne differs from the occasional pimple that can appear because of hormonal fluctuation. Note that chronic acne requires a professional consultation, diagnosis and treatment. "It is important to note that none of DECIEM’s products are formulated to target or mitigate persistent or chronic acne as it is a medical condition," DECIEM's Chief Scientific Officer, Prudvi Kaka says. "We recommend consulting a physician to address this appropriately." For anyone dealing with whiteheads, blackheads, and deeper cysts, use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, and Retinol 1% in Squalane.

For occasional breakouts

If your skin feels congested or if you experience minor but regular breakouts, opt for these product recommendations. "Although it is not possible to control or limit the extent of a breakout, one can take precautionary measures to either avoid the onset or exacerbation of a breakout," says Kaka. "For example, it would be best to avoid the use of ingredients that have the potential to exacerbate the compromised state of the skin. These include topical acids, retinoids, and comedogenic ingredients." Use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.

For sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be prone to redness or itchiness. A solution is to opt for a gentle, hydrating routine that will offer your skin some relief. Try to avoid formulas with harsh surfactants, ingredients with a low pH and ingredients that are "aggressive in action" like acids, recommends Kaka. "Redness of the skin can be attributed to the imbalance of epidermal lipids that play an important role in supporting the skin’s barrier function," he says. "Ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, sea buckthorn, and panthenol help to support the skin’s integrity and promote skin barrier preservation." Use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

For dry skin

If you have dry skin, Kaka recommends "applying formulations that are rich in texture and that incorporate ingredients that help to enhance the skin’s hydrating capacity. These include natural moisturizing factors, such as amino acids and hyaluronic acid, osmolytes like betaine, and emollients including facial oils." He also recommends "avoiding using formulations with harsh surfactants that result in the excessive stripping of epidermal lipids and moisture."

"Look for serums and lotions with a blend of hyaluronic acid molecule sizes to reach the deeper layers of the skin as well as peptides, ceramides, and fatty acids that support the skin barrier," adds dermatologist, Deanne Mraz, MD. Try to avoid products containing drying alcohols or heavy fragrance that may irritate the skin, says dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD. Use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.

For fine lines and wrinkles

As we age, the loss of elastin and collagen causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear. If this is a concern, Kaka recommends "utilizing ingredients that have a positive impact on the structural components of the skin." In other words, a regimen consisting of "topical peptides, retinoids, and acids" will work wonders. "Although not to be combined in the same regimen, all three categories of ingredients play a role in maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and texture," he adds. Use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA in the morning, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion and 100% Cold Pressed Marula Oil in the evening, and Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% twice a week.

For Oily Skin

"Oiliness of skin occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum, resulting in the appearance of shiny skin and visibly enlarged pores," says Kaka. "To mitigate this, it is best practice to regularly cleanse the skin using a gentle cleanser that will not cause a disruption to the epidermal barrier or excessively strip the skin of its natural surface lipids and moisture." Dr. Mraz recommends using salicylic acid, which goes deep into the pores and helps clear out dead skin cells and sebum. Use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA in the morning and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution in the evening.

For Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone

"Uneven skin tone can be addressed through the use of chemical exfoliants, such as topical acids and vitamin C," says Kaka. "Topical acids help to reveal more radiant skin beneath by loosening the top layer of the skin to slough off dull and rough skin. Vitamin C improves the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone by targeting melanin production, promoting a brighter, more even complexion." Use The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the morning; The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion in the evening; and Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% weekly.

Important Note

Dark spots, hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone can have several causes, including pregnancy and sun exposure. If you are pregnant, we recommend checking with your doctor regarding the skincare products you're already using and/or want to start using.

Your Expert Guide to The Ordinary Products

Make sure to consult each product's label before use. Directions may include a warning or information to keep in mind during use. For instance, some products should only be applied in the evening because they contain ingredients that may increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

$7 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Salicylic acid is the active ingredient featured in this formula. It is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin. It targets chronic acne, occasional breakouts and balances oily skin.
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Dab a small dot directly on each blemish or over the entire face. Make sure to avoid any contact with or near your eyes. Dr. Garshick recommends only using one product with salicylic acid to avoid irritation. This ingredient can increase skin sensibility so avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

$6 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Powered by niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc, this serum is a blemish-fighting formula that also reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and combats excessive oil production. "Niacinamide helps to balance sebum production to help those with oily skin," says Dr. Garshick. "It's also anti-inflammatory and helps to support the skin barrier. This also helps to improve the appearance of acne and can help to improve tolerability to acne-fighting ingredients."
• When to use: morning
• How to use: For best results, apply the treatment to the entire face prior to using any creams. Since this serum can affect the integrity of vitamin C, alternate its use with any topical vitamin C product that may be part of your routine.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

$9 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Retinol is a popular skin treatment because it helps reduce blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Garshick says retinol helps regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
• When to use: evening
• How to use: Make sure to avoid using it with other retinols and avoid unprotected sun exposure since "retinol increases the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation during the first six months of use," according to Kaka. For this reason, it is recommended to use this serum in the evening. "It should be used two to three times per week when starting out and the frequency may be increased as tolerated," adds Dr. Garshick.

Important to note

Some peeling and skin-purging may occur within the first four to eight weeks of using this serum. If persistent irritation occurs, stop using it and consult a physician.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

$12 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Azelaic acid is found in grains and is produced naturally by yeast that lives on the skin. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties treat acne by cleaning bacteria from pores. "Azelaic acid is a great option for acne treatment as it helps to reduce breakouts, but also helps to improve the appearance of blemishes, such as post-inflammatory redness or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Garshick. "It's considered safe for all skin types as it is less irritating than other acne-fighting ingredients." You can expect dark spots and blemishes to fade and skin to brighten.
• When to use: evening
• How to use: Apply this lightweight cream-gel to the face at night and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

$9 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, lightens dark spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is the star ingredient of this peeling formula, which aims to improve skin's tone and texture. Tasmanian pepperberry plays a minor, albeit important, supporting role in reducing inflammation and sensitivity. It is also moisturizing.
• When to use: twice a week
• How to use: Use this serum in the evening with a maximum of twice of week. If needed, this can be diluted with other treatments to reduce its strength.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)

$10 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: This formula combines hydrating hyaluronic acid and repairing B5 (pantothenic acid) to help moisturize and plump skin.
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin as it helps pull moisture into the skin and boost hydration, says Dr. Garshick. Apply a few drops over the entire face in the morning before applying face creams.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

$7 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: This product combines amino acids, dermal lipids and hyaluronic acid in order to protect the outer layer of the skin while keeping it hydrated. Its non-greasy formula keeps the skin moisturized. Add this product in your routine if you're looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Apply over the entire face after your serums.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

$10 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: This 100% plant-derived squalane product actively hydrates and also prevents the loss of hydration. "It works as an emollient that helps to moisturize the skin without feeling too greasy, as it mimics the body’s natural sebum," says Dr. Garshick.
• When to use: evening
• How to use: Apply a few drops to the entire face after any water-based treatments. If your hair is looking dull or damaged, this light-weight formula can also be used to boost shine and reduce breakage.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

$32 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: This serum is a multi-peptide serum comprised of hyaluronic acid, amino acids and bio-derivatives that target signs of aging, dryness, dullness, uneven texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Apply a few drops to the entire face on a clean face. Avoid using it with strong antioxidants, direct acids, LAA (L-ascorbic acid) and ELAA (ethylated ascorbic acid).

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

$13 at Ulta

• What it does: This exfoliating toning solution helps combat dullness and uneven texture and promotes brighter and visibly clearer skin. It features a combination of glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry.
• When to use: evening
• How to use: After a clean face, saturate a cotton pad with the solution. Wipe it across your face and neck while avoiding contact with and near the eyes. Do not rinse off.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

$12 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: "Retinol increases skin cell turnover rate, the natural process of shedding dead skin cells and generating new ones," says Dr. Mraz. "This process naturally slows down with age, so by speeding it up we keep vibrant, healthy skin cells at the surface for a brighter complexion and softening fine lines and wrinkles." This serum emulsion features next-generation retinoid actives to improve skin's tone and texture, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation often associated with other retinoids (including retinol).
• When to use: evening
• How to use: Use a small amount on your face after water-based serums and before heavier formulas like creams and lotions.

The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

$11 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: This lightweight oil is easily absorbed while restoring hydration and radiance without clogging pores. Rich in antioxidants like vitamins E and C, marula oil fights free radicals and offers protection from damaging UV rays and pollution.
• When to use: evening
• How to use: Simply apply a few drops on the entire face for beautiful, glowing skin.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

$12 at Theordinary.com

• What it does: Alpha arbutin is a useful ingredient to keep on your radar. "It reduces melanin production in the skin to improve the appearance of various types of hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Mraz. This concentrated serum combines purified alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid to reduce the look of spots and hyperpigmentation thereby improving uneven skin tone.
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Apply a few drops of this serum in the morning and follow with SPF.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

$21 at Sephora

• What it does: Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble and extremely stable derivative of vitamin C, which has been shown to offer enhanced skin brightening benefits. This high-strength oil solution contains vitamin F (a.k.a. essential fatty acids) and helps improve skin's dullness and uneven texture (including visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles).
• When to use: morning
• How to use: Apply a few drops in the a.m.