The Ordinary Skincare Review

Finally, I got my hands on The Ordinary skincare. Well, to be exact...Now only I dare myself to try out this skincare. I was a bit sceptical due to its chemical-based name. Not that other skincare isn't loaded with chemical, but this one too honest and even add the chemical name to its label. I was very confused with many ranges from this brand. I don't know which one to use and how to apply this in order. Is this going to damage my skin? Too afraid which took me,  1 year to decide. huhuhuh

I did my research and since the main motivation to try this out is to get rid of my hyperpigmentation, so I bought the specific prescription. The prescription goes like this :

Morning 

• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Niacimide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Ascorbyl Tetra 20% in Vit F

Night

• Glycolic Acid 7% toning
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Azelaic Acid Suspens 10%
• Advanced Retinol 2%

I didn't buy all listed. I end up skipping some of the routines. My main intention to try out this skincare from The Ordinary is to eliminate my hyperpigmentation and reduce the enlarged pores.

The Ordinary skincare routines I practice,

Morning 

• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Niacimide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Natural Moisturising Factors +HA
• Sunscreen

Night

• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Natural Moisturising Factors +HA

I tried this skincare routine for a month and some of the items have duly finished since I purchase the smaller bottle. Currently waiting for my second purchase to be delivered to me. Read this post to the end to know my experience in using The Ordinary skincare.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Product claimed  -  a  gentle squalane based face cleanser and makeup remover and support surface hydration

My experience is this non-fragrance and non-foam cleanser is good to remove makeup but not that effective to remove waterproof makeup. The texture when rubbed between palms for 10 - 20 seconds, it changes from balm-like to a clear oil consistency. Since I usually used a traditional foaming cleanser in my skincare routine, this one kind of put off when I first tried it. However, if you are like me lazy to do a double cleanse in the skincare routine, this is the one you should include in your daily dose.  Well, provided you don't apply any waterproof makeup on.

Though The Ordinary Squalane cleanser is suitable to use day /night, I only use this whenever I apply the makeup on. Like I said earlier, I have used to foaming cleanser, I stick to my Melano CC Foaming cleanser for my daily use. I really dislike oil-based cleanser.

I did try the routine for 2 weeks consecutively. I didn't have any zit or any allergy appear on my skin. In fact, I did feel the skin impurities and hydration. I just, don't like the texture.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

 Product claimed - visibly target hyperpigmentation and dark spots

My experience - This serum is colourless slimy gel-like consistency (just like a hyaluronic acid serum, if you have tried that before). It kind of quick absorption into the skin. I applied this serum with the main intention to reduce the dark spot and hyperpigmentation on my skin. I pat the serum gently on my face and I didn't see any difference after a week. So, I tried to gently press the ingredients on the targeted area and then pat on my other area as I usually did in the second week until the fourth week. Nothing happened! Not even close to fade my dark spot or hyperpigmentation. Guess mine is the stubborn one! I am now at the second bottle of Alpha Arbutin serum.

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Why I purchase my second bottle despite the no result after one month try?

Well, one month may not be enough to see the result. Maybe 2 months will helps! hehehehe... just trying since it doesn't give any harm to my skin. Why not? I kind of love that this serum brightens up my dull skin due to Alpha Arbutin and hydrates my skin well since it has Hyaluronic Acid added in. Highly recommended for those who have dry skin.

For those who don't know what is Alpha Arbutin, this ingredient is naturally derived from the bearberry plant and also can be found in cranberries, blueberries, wheat and pears. Alpha Arbutine helps in prevents the formation of melanin as it also functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor to provide skin lightening and a brightening effect. 

As mentioned, since it reduces melanin production so relatively de-pigment the skin and ultimately helps to reduce the hyperpigmentation issues such as dark spots, brown spots acne scars, sunspots and uneven skin tone.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Product claimed - regulates sebum and minimizes pores

My experience - again this is another colourless gel slimy like serum. I guess most The Ordinary skincare is colorless just like any other serum I ever used. I have tried Niacinamide based skincare before to minimize pores but it doesn't really work for my skin. When tried this, I was a bit sceptical. No high hope at all. But the review I read is all sounds very promising though! 

For those who are still new with Niacinamide or in another term known as nicotinamide, is a vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. This is a water-soluble vitamin and doesn't dissolve in oil. So for a person like me who really hates oil-based skincare topicals - this is perfect! In another word, Niacinamide is perfect for those who have oily skin type. Mine is a combination. 

I applied niacinamide after alpha arbutin. Just make sure alpha-arbutin penetrate and absorb into your skin before applying niacinamide. A bit put off with the little foaming appear from this serum when applying to the skin. I read this is normal. So afraid not. It just makes me have that feeling as if I don't cleanse my skin well.  No sting or any sensation feeling on my skin. Thank God for this.

I love the result after a month of diligently apply this serum. My enlarge and visible pores have got smaller and the blackhead has gone and the white head has reduced a lot too. So I guess this works well for me.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Product claimed -A hydration support formula

My experience - I have been repeating this again and again in this post. The texture is colourless gel-like slimy. A bit sticky but easy absorption into the skin. I usually apply this serum at night after alpha arbutin serum. I skipped Niacinamide serum at night and replace it with Hyaluronic Acid. I notice my skin moistures improve a lot after a month of use. I seriously don't feel regret to try this out. 

For those who are looking for a serum for more skin hydration, this is for you. I don't see any effect and different on wrinkles or fine lines but it super good for people who have dry skin.

The Ordinary Moisturizing Factors + HA

Product claimed - Hydration and moisturizing

My experience - This is a fragrance-free thick cream moisturiser but it will quickly absorb when you rub it on the skin. Not sticky and not shining texture. This moisturiser is good for dry skin. I really dislike that the pH level of this moisturiser is too high which will lead to harm to the skin. So I applied this little as possible. But definitely not going to repeat purchase this again. 

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

(sorry no photo for this one. lazy to snap since it just reached me 2 days ago.)

This the final product from The Ordinary which I recently trying. I bought this because it claims can target the uneven skin ton and signs of age.

My experience - I really don't recommend you use this on your broken skin. When I applied this, it really brings back my memory of when I tried out The Body Shop Vitamin C series. It really makes my who face itchy and it stings really bad to the extend I have to quickly wash off since I couldn't take that itchiness. The texture really bothers me too. Its a yellowish liquid and when you apply it on the skin become more and more like exfoliates with the peel off the more you rub on the skin. So annoying! It's oily too and the oiliness feeling doesn't go off even after I wash my hand with soap. Damn! I am not going to give this a try again for the second time. I guess this doesn't suit me at all. 

There you go my super honest review on The Ordinary skincare that everyone hyping up since two years ago. It took me sometimes to check this out because I was so confused with too many serum to apply on the skin. Which goes first? Is it ok to apply more than one serum on the skin? I really afraid the chemical reaction between more than one serum could harm my skin. That's explained why it took me too long. 

For those who have the intention to try out The Ordinary skincare better do lots of research beforehand. You don't want to apply something that your skin doesn't need.

Disclaimer: Above opinion are strictly my personal experience after applied the products to my skin. I don't have any intention to condemn the products. All products have varies effect on different individual.