If you're one of those people who want to try The Ordinary, but don't know how to choose from the multitude of products, you've definitely come to the right place... Welcome and I believe this guide will be a small inspiration for you on how to combine The Ordinary according to your skin type.

So, let's get straight to the point.

Hydration

Skin type: Dry / dehydrated skin

Goal: support hydration, nourishment

Additional tips:

• Hyaluronic acid + B5
• EUK 134 0.1% or Resveratrol or Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (antioxidants)
• Squalane - hydration

Acne / oily and problematic skin

Goal: stopping inflammatory processes, normal sebum production, hydration

Additional tips

• Salicylic acid masque - facial mask for deep pore cleansing. The composition targets the elimination of inflammatory processes, acne and improves uneven texture
• Salicylic serum - exfoliating serum for deep pore cleansing, skin radiance and elimination of post-acne discoloration
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• antioxidants
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Natureal tips for combining:

Salicylic acid, Niacinamide and Azelaic acid can be used together, in this order. The only problem with this combination is that it can cause skin sensitivity and dryness, so caution is needed.

Salicylic should not be used 2x daily, max. 1x daily. Azelaic may be a better choice as it can be used more frequently than Salicylic acid.

Hyperpigmentation

Goal: even skin tone, reduced pigmentation spots, clear skin

• skin cleansing
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% (Niacinamide is suitable for oilier skin. We do not recommend combining Niacinamide with Vitamin C - for best results use one product in the morning and the other in the evening)
• Vitamin C - Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% - antioxidant, brightens skin, reduces signs of aging
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA if your skin is dry
• sun protection

Evening:

• skin cleansing
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
• Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone or another from our Vitamin C range
• Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane or another from our retinoid range
• rosehip oil or Natural Moisturizing Factors cream

Extra: regular exfoliation with AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or Lactic Acid 10% + HA - only a few times a week

Mature skin

Goal: hydration, skin refinement, targeted at signs of skin aging

Morning:

• skin cleansing
• hydrating toner (e.g. facial water - rose for example)
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Buffet or Matrixyl
• EUK 134 0.1%
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or oils (argan, rosehip, pomegranate seed oil...)
• sun protection
• High-Spreadability Fluid Primer if you use makeup

Evening:

• skin cleansing
• Buffet or Matrixyl
• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
• Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% or EUK
• Retinoids
• argan, rosehip, pomegranate seed oil...

Extra: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% or Argireline Solution 10% for deeper wrinkles.

Combination skin

Morning:

• skin cleansing
• hydrating toner (e.g. facial water - rose for example)
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - targeted at reducing skin imperfections, skin spots from rashes, pigmentation spots, acne and reducing the occurrence of enlarged pores
• to supplement antioxidants EUK 134
• cream Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Evening:

• skin cleansing
• you can skip EUK and replace it with retinoids: Retinoids
• ALPHA LIPOIC ACID - improves visible skin texture and tone
• finally cream or oil e.g. jojoba, argan or dry oil Velvet from Liqoil... There are many options.

Normal skin

Goal: maintain hydration, slow down skin aging

Morning:

• skin cleansing
• toner or facial water
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• EUK 134 0.1% or Resveratrol
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• sun protection

Evening:

• skin cleansing
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% or Vitamin C
• Retinoids
• 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or oils

Extra: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 1x per week.

Rosacea

• gentle skin cleansing (products without SLS)
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Scars, stretch marks

For scars, stretch marks, eczemas, The Ordinary Rosehip Oil is suitable. It is rich in omega fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is regenerative, maintains a healthy level of skin moisture, slows down skin aging and prevents wrinkle formation.

Hand and whole body skin care

Discover a new era of body care with The Ordinary products that bring simple yet highly effective solutions for healthy and beautiful skin. Each product is designed with an emphasis on clean ingredients and a scientific approach that respects the needs of your skin.

Eye area care

A special product for the eye area is Caffeine Solution with a high dose of caffeine and EGCG. It prevents puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Read our article dedicated to special eye area products from The Ordinary

Pregnancy

You often ask which products are suitable to use and which to avoid during pregnancy. From public sources and from Deciem's statement, we recommend not using retinols and retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I also asked The Ordinary directly and their statement confirms the above: "While each ingredient has been tested and considered safe for topical application, DECIEM products have not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids, such as formulations with granactive retinoid or retinol. We also recommend not using any of our dietary supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding."

What not to combine

The Ordinary does not recommend combining Niacinamide with Vitamin C at the same time of use, but you can use one in the morning and the other in the evening.

The Ordinary does not restrict combining these products, but I found in some source that EUK 134 0.1% should not be combined with Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and with Vitamin C. So it's up to your discretion :) I'm looking for more sources... if you have any, bring them on :)

Using too many exfoliants can irritate the skin, cause redness, peeling, flakes and sensitivity, especially to light. Therefore, we do not recommend combining glycolic acid with retinols/retinoids and acids – AHA's (glycolic, lactic acid), BHA's (Salicylic acid) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at the same time. It is ideal to use them separately, not directly one after another, to avoid redness and skin irritation (we first recommend doing a test e.g. on the forearm).

Buffet, as it contains peptides, should not be used with direct acids or antioxidants and Vitamin C.

Compared to AHA acid, salicylic acid is suitable for oilier skin. Lactic acid is a gentler form of exfoliation, available in 5% and 10%. Mandelic acid is suitable for sensitive, drier and sensitive skin.

I believe this mixed cocktail will be to your skin's liking. Have we inspired you? Let us know how you combine The Ordinary... We look forward to your feedback.