The Ordinary has become one of the most well-known skincare brands in the world. Known for its science-backed formulas, affordable pricing, and ingredient-focused approach, the brand has helped millions of people take control of their skincare routines without spending a fortune.
However, one of the biggest challenges many users face is understanding how to properly use The Ordinary products. With so many serums, acids, oils, and treatments available, it can be difficult to establish the proper application sequence. Questions such as “Which product goes first?” “Can I use niacinamide with retinol?” and “When should I apply hyaluronic acid?” are extremely common.
The truth is that even the most effective skincare ingredients may not deliver optimal results if they are used incorrectly. Learning the proper The Ordinary skincare steps can help maximize product effectiveness, reduce irritation, and create a routine that supports healthier, brighter, and more balanced skin.
This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about The Ordinary skincare routine, including product layering, morning and evening routines, skincare steps for different skin types, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Following the Correct Skincare Steps Matters
Many people assume that skincare products will work regardless of the order in which they are applied. However, skincare layering plays an important role in how effectively ingredients absorb into the skin.
Each product has a specific texture, molecular structure, and purpose. Lightweight water-based products are designed to penetrate quickly, while thicker creams and oils create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
If you apply a heavy moisturizer before a lightweight serum, the moisturizer may prevent the active ingredients from reaching the skin properly. This can reduce the effectiveness of your routine and limit the results you see over time.
Following the correct skincare order helps:
- Improve ingredient absorption
- Increase product effectiveness
- Reduce product waste
- Minimize irritation
- Support a healthier skin barrier
- Create a more organized skincare routine
Fortunately, The Ordinary follows a fairly simple layering principle that makes building a routine easier.
The Basic Rule for Layering The Ordinary Products
A general rule when using The Ordinary products is the following:
Start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest.
This usually means:
- Cleanser
- Water-based serums
- Treatment products
- Oils or anhydrous solutions
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (morning only)
Following this sequence ensures that each product has the best opportunity to perform effectively.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin Properly
Every effective skincare routine begins with cleansing.
Throughout the day and night, your skin accumulates dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, pollution particles, sunscreen residue, and dead skin cells. Cleansing removes these impurities and prepares the skin for treatment products.
Morning Cleansing
Morning cleansing helps remove the following:
- Excess sebum produced overnight
- Sweat
- Dead skin cells
- Residue from nighttime skincare products
For most people, a gentle cleanser is sufficient in the morning.
Evening Cleansing
Nighttime cleansing is especially important because the skin has been exposed to environmental pollutants, makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime.
People who wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen may benefit from double cleansing, which involves:
- An oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen
- A water-based cleanser to remove remaining impurities
Proper cleansing creates a clean canvas that allows serums and treatments to penetrate more effectively.
Step 2: Apply Water-Based Serums
After cleansing, the next step is applying water-based serums.
These lightweight formulas absorb quickly and deliver active ingredients directly to the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
One of The Ordinary’s most popular products, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, focuses on hydration.
Benefits include:
- Increased moisture retention
- Improved skin plumpness
- Reduced dehydration lines
- Enhanced softness
- Better skin comfort
Apply hyaluronic acid to slightly moist skin for optimal effects.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient suitable for many skin types.
Benefits include:
- Reduced oil production
- Improved skin texture
- Minimized appearance of pores
- Enhanced barrier support
- Reduced redness
This serum is especially popular among people with oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Alpha arbutin is commonly used to address uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Benefits include:
- Reduced appearance of dark spots
- Brighter complexion
- More even skin tone
- Improved post-acne marks
Water-based serums should always be applied before heavier products.
Step 3: Apply Targeted Treatment Products
Once your hydrating and water-based serums have been applied, it’s time to use products that target specific skincare concerns.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
One beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gets deeply into the pores is salicylic acid.
Benefits include:
- Unclogging pores
- Reducing blackheads
- Controlling excess oil
- Preventing breakouts
- Improving skin clarity
Because it works within the pore lining, salicylic acid is particularly effective for acne-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin.
Benefits include:
- Smoother skin texture
- Brighter complexion
- Improved skin tone
- Enhanced radiance
- Reduced dullness
Many people use glycolic acid only a few nights per week to avoid over-exfoliation.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid provides gentler exfoliation compared to glycolic acid.
Benefits include:
- Improved skin texture
- Increased radiance
- Mild exfoliation
- Additional hydration support
Beginners often find lactic acid easier to tolerate.
Step 4: Apply Retinoids
Retinoids are considered among the most effective skincare ingredients for addressing signs of aging and improving overall skin quality.
The Ordinary offers various retinoid formulations suitable for different experience levels.
Benefits of retinoids include:
- Improved skin texture
- Reduced fine lines
- Better skin tone
- Increased cell turnover
- Enhanced collagen production
- Reduced acne breakouts
How to Use Retinoids
Beginners should start slowly.
A common approach is the following:
- Week 1–2: Twice weekly
- Week 3–4: Three times weekly
- Week 5 onward: Increase gradually if tolerated
Retinoids are generally applied during the evening routine.
Step 5: Apply Oils and Anhydrous Formulas
After treatment products, apply oils or water-free formulations.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight oil that supports hydration and barrier function.
Benefits include:
- Increased softness
- Reduced dryness
- Improved moisture retention
- Strengthened skin barrier
Unlike many heavier facial oils, squalane is generally suitable for most skin types.
Retinoids in Squalane
Some of The Ordinary’s retinoids are suspended in squalane.
These formulas combine the benefits of retinoid treatment with added hydration.
Step 6: Moisturize
Moisturizer is one of the most important skincare steps regardless of skin type.
Even oily skin benefits from proper moisturization.
Benefits of Moisturizer
Moisturizers help
- Lock in hydration
- Prevent water loss
- Protect the skin barrier
- Improve skin comfort
- Reduce irritation
- Enhance overall skin health
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
One of The Ordinary’s most popular moisturizers contains ingredients naturally found in healthy skin.
Benefits include:
- Long-lasting hydration
- Barrier support
- Improved softness
- Reduced tightness
Apply moisturizer after serums and treatment products.
Step 7: Apply Sunscreen Every Morning
No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen.
In fact, sunscreen is arguably the most important step in any skincare regimen.
Why Sunscreen Matters
Sun exposure contributes to the following:
- Premature aging
- Hyperpigmentation
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tone
- Skin damage
Daily sunscreen use helps protect the skin and preserve the benefits of your skincare routine.
Choosing a Sunscreen
Look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or higher
- Comfortable texture
- Daily wear compatibility
The last step in your morning regimen should always be applying sunscreen.
Sample Morning Routine with The Ordinary
A simple morning routine may include:
Step 1
Cleanser
Step 2
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Step 3
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Step 4
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Step 5
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
This routine focuses on hydration, oil control, and environmental protection.
Sample Evening Routine with The Ordinary
An evening routine may look like this:
Step 1
Cleanser
Step 2
Hydrating serum
Step 3
Retinoid or exfoliating treatment
Step 4
Moisturizer
This routine supports overnight skin repair and renewal.
The Ordinary Routine for Oily Skin
People with oily skin often benefit from ingredients that regulate sebum production.
Recommended routine:
Morning
- Cleanser
- Niacinamide
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Evening
- Cleanser
- Salicylic Acid
- Moisturizer
Consistency usually produces better results than aggressive treatment.
The Ordinary Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin requires a strong focus on hydration.
Morning
- Gentle cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Evening
- Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Squalane
- Moisturizer
This routine supports moisture retention and barrier repair.
The Ordinary Routine for Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots often require long-term consistency.
Morning
- Cleanser
- Alpha Arbutin
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Evening
- Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid (2–3 times weekly)
- Moisturizer
Daily sunscreen is essential when treating pigmentation concerns.
Common Mistakes When Following The Ordinary Skincare Steps
Using Too Many Products
Many beginners purchase multiple serums and acids at once.
This often causes:
- Irritation
- Redness
- Breakouts
- Barrier damage
Introduce products gradually.
Over-Exfoliating
Excessive use of exfoliating acids can weaken the skin barrier.
Signs include:
- Stinging
- Redness
- Flaking
- Sensitivity
Less is often more.
Skipping Sunscreen
Without sunscreen, many skincare treatments become less effective.
Expecting Immediate Results
Most skincare ingredients require several weeks or months of consistent use.
Patience is essential.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Typical timelines include the following:
- Hydration improvements: Days to one week
- Oil control: Two to four weeks
- Acne reduction: Four to eight weeks
- Pigmentation improvement: Eight to twelve weeks
- Anti-aging benefits: Three to six months
Consistency is the key to success.
Final Thoughts
Understanding The Ordinary skincare steps is one of the most effective ways to maximize the benefits of your skincare routine. While the brand offers a wide range of powerful products, success depends on proper layering, consistent use, and choosing ingredients that match your skin’s specific needs.
Start with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Then gradually introduce targeted treatments such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoids. By following the correct order and avoiding the temptation to use too many active ingredients at once, you can create a routine that supports healthier, smoother, brighter, and more resilient skin over time.
Remember that great skincare is not about using the most products; it is about using the right products consistently. With patience, education, and a well-structured routine, The Ordinary products can become valuable tools for achieving your skincare goals.