Another brand I am very late to the party to. I’m assuming you’re already aware of The Ordinary so an in-depth introduction isn’t needed. They focus on putting science into skincare, releasing various formulas to target different skin concerns that don’t break the bank whatsoever. They have an abundance of products to choose from and to be frank, I was lost and didn’t where to start. I had chosen products that I had felt would benefit me and of course, read the existing reviews out there to convince me that tiny bit more.
After hours and days of indecisiveness as usual and full of yes, nos, maybes, erms, going back and forth, I’ve finally picked a few and immediately incorporated them into my skincare routine. Do I need to comment on how aesthetically pleasing the packing is? It speaks for itself really. The products I’m going to review are:
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Hyluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Without further ado, read on to know how I feel about each one of them and how I have incorporated them into my current routine.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
With 30% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic/lactic/tartaric/citric), 2% beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, vitamin b5, black carrot and tasmanian pepperberry.
I’m a newbie when it comes to chemical peels. Just even the phrase chemical peel scares me a tad yet am amazed at the results you can get when you get it done professionally. I would never have thought about doing a peel at home myself, then here comes The Ordinary’s (probably) most popular product, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. I’ve read a lot of positives along with a few horror stories. Apart from the appealing scarlet shade that is the talk of the town, its potent concentration blend of multiple exfoliants is the one to really shout out.
AHA – exfoliate the skin’s topmost surface for a brighter and even appearance
BHA – exfoliate the skin to help clear pore congestion
Tasmanian Pepperberry – help reduce irritation associated with acid use
Hyaluronic Acid – help with comfort
Vitamin B5 – assist in healing
Black carrot – an antioxidant
I use this every Sunday evening as part of a mini spa session, applying to dry skin after I’ve cleansed. Upon my very first application, there is a tingling sensation which then elevated into a slight burning sensation resulting in only being able to keep it on for 3 minutes. However week after week, I was able to gradually build my tolerance and can now leave it on for the full 10 minutes. Once the mask is washed off, I layer on my most hydrating serums, moisturisers and oils, leaving my skin baby soft and smooth. To put it simply, I’m glowing! Being a spot squeezer and picker, this has helped in healing the marks leftover from my grisly habit, making my skin more even over time. My skin texture has improved, more notably around my nose. I’m still waiting to see other benefits.
Do I recommend it? An easy YES. Not for sensitive skin though.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A hydration support formula with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid.
What do I know about hyaluronic acid? Only that it is a beneficial product for wanting moisture to penetrate deeper into the skin without drawing moisture out of it. The science behind Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is also interesting. Even though it is a water-based formula, it feels more like a gel and I would consider it to be thick. Once you applied it to the skin, it does leave a slightly sticky, tackiness feel immediately but it will disappear when you apply moisturiser. This feeling may be a little unpleasant for some. Nevertheless, it is a great base to pull in that extra needed moisture from your moisturiser and or oils.
I include this in my morning skin routine, after my vitamin C serum and before my moisturiser. This one had taken me by surprise. I love the way it helps my skin feel plump and giving me a healthy glow after each application. Say hello to that glass skin and I don’t feel the need to use any sort of base makeup. When I do decide to do a full face, I always wait at least 30 minutes to allow all of the skincare products to be fully absorbed otherwise, it may pill. This is a rule I always swear by. It hasn’t broken me out nor made my skin oilier.
Do you know what? I think I may have found a winner for oily skin. Oh, what a great introduction to hyaluronic acid itself. Now imagine the benefits of using it in the evening too, along with my masks, oils etc which I will start doing. Am I getting my hopes up? Yes, but I am confident it will be highly beneficial.
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Highly-Stable, Water-Free Solution of 0.2% Pure Retinol.
Another product I am a complete newbie at. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane is the first retinol product I have used. After reading reviews and how some have gone through a purging stage, I was a bit afraid of using it considering I’m prone to breakouts on my forehead and chin; but then again, no one would really see me in person whilst I’m still working from home. Thankfully I didn’t experience any purging or irritation.
I had started using it 3 times a week but then upped it to 6 times a week (Monday – Saturday) after my first week, applying it 5 minutes after Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum then wait another 5 minutes before applying a moisturiser. This allows the retinol to settle, prevent the products from pilling and the moisturiser will help seal in the retinol. It is an oily consistency to which many oily skinners may not like but I didn’t mind as it didn’t leave me with a shiny film on my skin. If I use too much, it will just settle on top of my skin and feel greasy. 3 drops are enough for my whole face.
I haven’t seen any visible results or any benefits. Once I finish this bottle, I will skip the 0.5% strength and head straight to 1%. I will have to do another review on the 1% itself. 0.2% would be a good start if you want to try retinol and are unsure as to how you would react to it.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
High-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% has got to be the one product I was most excited to test, you can say I’ve fallen for the hype. Anything that helps with spots and oily skin, I’m right there! I can recall The Ordinary was the first brand I had encountered to release a Niacinamide based product. Actually, it was the first time I’ve ever heard of this ingredient back then.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion
Zinc – balance sebum activity
I use this every evening after my toner and before my retinol. It has a thin and runny consistency that absorbs into the skin seamlessly without leaving a sign as long as I don’t use a lot of product. 3 drops are enough for me. If I massage it in too much, it will start pilling. I wish I could say I like it and report on its effectiveness but after using this for a few months, I couldn’t really see any visible results. I’m still breaking out the same on my usual areas and the same goes for the level of oiliness I am. It’s not worse yet not reduced. Niacinamide probably doesn’t have much of an effect on my skin. This is suited for oily skin but sadly, not mine.
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Blog photography: Corey Wong
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