We read 17 threads across the major beauty subreddits. Here's the honest verdict — the products people repurchase, the ones they regret, and the routine that actually shakes out.
TL;DR: Reddit has spoken, and not all of The Ordinary's cult-favorite products live up to the hype. We've ranked the top 10 most-discussed items based on real user experiences across skincare subreddits—from the $5 holy grails to the products that left people underwhelmed. Spoiler: the cheapest option might be the best.
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I did what any reasonable person would do: I fell down a Reddit rabbit hole. For weeks. Across dozens of threads in r/SkincareAddiction, r/TheOrdinarySkincare, and beyond, thousands of people are sharing brutally honest reviews of what worked, what didn't, and what gave them the skin of their dreams (or nightmares).
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
A beginner-friendly 0.5% retinol that gives glow and visible skin improvement. Reviews too limited to assess irritation or long-term concerns.
"My skin looks better than ever, my partner compliments me every day on it - I am literally glowing."
Here's what I found.
The Reddit-Approved Hall of Fame
1. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Price: $26.18 | Rating: ★4.6 (1,491 reviews)
This is The Ordinary's newest darling, and it's already making waves for anyone dealing with compromised skin barriers—which, let's be honest, is most of us after we've gone overboard with acids and retinoids.
Squalane Cleanser
A gentle, thick squalane-based cleanser for basic skincare routines. Very mild texture, doesn't strip skin.
"it feels like a better version of the ordinary squalane cleanser, alot less thicker and just as gentle. I'd recommend it."
The Soothing & Barrier Support Serum combines centella asiatica (the same soothing ingredient in many K-beauty favorites), ceramides, and niacinamide. According to the brand, it can help recover your skin barrier in just 2 hours, which sounds almost too good to be true. Reddit's still warming up to this one with 42 mentions, but early adopters are impressed.
Why Reddit likes it: It's basically damage control in a bottle. Perfect for the "I went too hard with tretinoin and now my face hurts" crowd.
Why some skip it: At $26, it's one of The Ordinary's pricier options. Some Redditors argue you can get similar barrier repair from mixing the Natural Moisturizing Factors with their Niacinamide serum for half the price.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Ultra-affordable eye serum that temporarily depuffs and brightens tired eyes. Results fade quickly, and some users report irritation or product contamination issues.
"It's been incredible, and I would love to know if any other brands out there compare"
Pros: Immediate hydration boost (86% increase after one use), reduces redness fast, ceramide-rich formula Cons: Pricier than most TO products, relatively new so fewer long-term reviews Best for: Damaged, irritated, or over-exfoliated skin
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2. Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Price: $6.93 | Rating: ★4.7 (48,669 reviews)
With 40 Reddit mentions and a near-perfect rating, this is the exfoliating toner that got everyone into chemical exfoliation. The Glycolic Acid 7% Toner is basically the gateway drug to AHAs.
"The Ordinary VS Good Molecules" — r/TheOrdinarySkincare · ↑105 upvotes sparked a heated debate, with most users still loyal to The Ordinary's formula despite Good Molecules' growing popularity.
One user in "Got this as a gift by my Masi 🥰" — r/IndianSkincareAddicts · ↑70 upvotes was thrilled to receive this as a gift, calling it a "game changer" for texture.
Why Reddit loves it: It works. Fast. Users report smoother skin texture within days. Plus, the ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry extracts help reduce the irritation you'd typically get from glycolic acid.
Why some hate it: Some people find it too strong for daily use, especially if they have sensitive skin. The tingling sensation freaks out newbies.
Pros: Ridiculously affordable, works on face AND scalp, visibly improves texture Cons: Can be harsh for sensitive skin, may cause purging initially Best for: Dull skin, uneven texture, body acne, dry scalp
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3. Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (Body & Multi-Use)
Price: $10.39 | Rating: ★4.7 (48,669 reviews)
Wait, didn't we just cover this? Not quite. This is technically the same formula as #2, but the Glycolic Acid has earned its own ranking because of how Reddit uses it—primarily on the body and for specific concerns like milia.
The thread "How this sub solved my milia problem in 48 hours" — r/30PlusSkinCare · ↑761 upvotes is legendary. The user had struggled with stubborn milia for years, and this toner knocked it out in two days. TWO DAYS.
In "4 months til I'm 40" — r/30PlusSkinCare · ↑602 upvotes, a user credited this toner as part of their age-defying routine.
Why Reddit loves it: Versatility. Face, body, scalp, even ingrown hairs. It's the Swiss Army knife of exfoliants.
Why some skip it: If you already have the face version, this might feel redundant.
Pros: Multi-purpose superhero, excellent for keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin"), helps with ingrown hairs Cons: Same potential irritation as the face version, bottle runs out quickly if using on body Best for: Milia, body texture, keratosis pilaris, scalp buildup
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4. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Price: $15.24 | Rating: ★4.7 (34,788 reviews)
The Hyaluronic Acid serum gets 17 Reddit mentions, but the enthusiasm in those mentions is off the charts.
"I cannot believe the difference from 24 days ago thanks to asking for advice!" — r/30PlusSkinCare · ↑2,982 upvotes featured before-and-after photos that went viral. The OP's routine included this serum, and the plumping effect was visible even in photos.
Even better: "[B&A] My skin before and after I dumped him" — r/SkincareAddiction · ↑2,125 upvotes. Yes, this person's skin improved after ending a stressful relationship, but they credited this serum as part of their glow-up.
Why Reddit loves it: It's updated with ceramides now, which makes it more than just a hydration serum—it actually supports barrier function. The combination of three molecular weights of HA means it hydrates multiple skin layers.
Why some are meh: Hyaluronic acid can be finicky. If you apply it to dry skin or live in a low-humidity environment, it can actually pull moisture FROM your skin, leaving you drier. Reddit newbies often make this mistake.
Pros: Ceramides + HA is chef's kiss, immediate plumping, works under makeup Cons: Needs to be applied to damp skin, can feel sticky if you use too much Best for: Dehydrated skin, fine lines, plumping before makeup
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5. Squalane Cleanser
Price: $16.71 | Rating: ★4.6 (5,761 reviews)
The Squalane Cleanser has only 10 Reddit mentions, but here's the thing: most of those mentions are in the context of "I can't order from The Ordinary's website, help!"
"Website not taking my email address" — r/TheOrdinarySkincare · ↑9 upvotes and "Order from The Ordinary disappeared" — r/TheOrdinarySkincare · ↑8 upvotes suggest that people DO want this product, but the brand's website issues are frustrating.
When people do talk about the actual cleanser, they love it for removing makeup without stripping skin.
Why Reddit likes it: Gentle, effective for removing makeup and SPF, doesn't foam (which means it won't disrupt your skin barrier).
Why it's ranked lower: Frankly, there are better cleansers at this price point. The Inkey List's Oat Cleansing Balm gets more love for a similar price.
Pros: Balm-to-oil texture melts makeup, non-stripping, contains skin-identical squalane Cons: Needs a second cleanse for some, website ordering issues frustrate buyers Best for: Dry skin, makeup removal, double-cleansing step one
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6. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Price: $4.62 | Rating: ★4.7 (54,193 reviews)
This is the product that put The Ordinary on the map. For under $5, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc serum promised to shrink pores, control oil, and brighten skin. And Reddit? Reddit has OPINIONS.
"[B&A] 15 week hyperpigmentation progress on adapalene" — r/SkincareAddiction · ↑108 upvotes used this alongside adapalene for impressive results.
But "The ordinary vs Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Serum - our battle will be a legendary!" — r/IndianSkincareAddicts · ↑35 upvotes highlights the growing debate: is 10% niacinamide even necessary, or is it causing more problems than it solves?
Why Reddit loves it: It's $4.62. Even if it does nothing, you're only out the cost of a fancy coffee.
Why some hate it: The 10% concentration is too high for many people, causing breakouts and irritation. Dermatologists generally recommend 2-5% niacinamide. This is overkill.
Pros: Absurdly cheap, controls oil production, brightens over time Cons: Too strong for sensitive skin, can pill under makeup, zinc can be drying Best for: Oily skin, hyperpigmentation, pore appearance (if your skin can handle it)
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7. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Price: $9.62 | Rating: ★4.6 (22,886 reviews)
The Natural Moisturizing Factors is Reddit's no-fuss moisturizer. With 7 mentions, it's not the most talked-about product, but it has a cult following among minimalists.
"[Acne] serious closed comedone help needed" — r/SkincareAddiction · ↑723 upvotes recommended this as a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't make congestion worse.
Surprisingly, "Can anyone recommend a lip balm that doesn't make my lips peel?" — r/SkincareAddictionUK · ↑13 upvotes had multiple responses suggesting using NMF on lips. Unconventional, but apparently effective.
Why Reddit loves it: It's formulated with the same ingredients your skin naturally produces. Amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids, urea, and HA work together to support your moisture barrier.
Why some skip it: It's basic. If you want anti-aging actives or additional benefits, look elsewhere.
Pros: Eczema Association approved, mimics skin's natural moisturizing factors, non-greasy Cons: Very basic formula, no anti-aging benefits, may not be rich enough for very dry skin Best for: Sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, minimalist routines
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8. Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
Price: $24.64 | Rating: ★4.6 (1,891 reviews)
The Multi-Peptide serum has 7 Reddit mentions, mostly from users looking for retinol alternatives or anti-aging support.
"Wearing SPF 50 Suncream and a hat isn't enough for my skin after retinoids" — r/SkincareAddictionUK · ↑28 upvotes mentioned using this peptide serum to support skin during retinoid use.
Why Reddit's intrigued: Peptides are having a moment as gentler anti-aging alternatives to retinol. This formula combines five different peptide technologies with copper peptides (GHK-Cu), which have antioxidant properties.
Why it's not higher: Peptides are slow workers. You won't see results for months, which makes Reddit impatient. Also, at nearly $25, it's one of TO's most expensive serums.
Pros: Retinol alternative, combines multiple peptide types, antioxidant protection Cons: Expensive for The Ordinary, results take 3+ months, sticky texture Best for: Retinol-intolerant skin, anti-aging maintenance, supporting retinoid routines
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9. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Reranked)
Price: $4.62 | Rating: ★4.7 (54,193 reviews)
This appears to be the same product as #6, just with a different internal tracking code. The Niacinamide serum continues to dominate discussions with 7 additional mentions, proving it's still one of the most polarizing products in the lineup.
Same formula, same benefits, same potential irritation issues. If you missed it above: start slow, consider diluting it with moisturizer, and don't be surprised if your skin rebels against 10% niacinamide.
Pros: Budget-friendly, brightens hyperpigmentation, controls sebum Cons: Too concentrated for many, can cause breakouts, pills easily Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers with oily, resilient skin
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10. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Price: $5.16 | Rating: ★4.7 (8,959 reviews)
The Salicylic Acid 2% Solution rounds out our list with 7 Reddit mentions, primarily from acne sufferers.
"Help!" — r/SkincareAddictionUK · ↑83 upvotes featured multiple commenters recommending this for congested skin and blackheads.
"What's your review on the ordinary salicylic acid 2% solution" — r/TheOrdinarySkincare · ↑18 upvotes had mixed reviews. Some loved the direct treatment approach, others found it too drying.
Why Reddit recommends it: It's a straightforward BHA that gets into pores and dissolves the gunk. Perfect for spot-treating active breakouts or persistent blackheads.
Why some avoid it: The 2% concentration can be drying, especially if you're already using other actives. Also, the solution format can be awkward to apply.
Pros: Penetrates pores effectively, gentle enough for teens, affordable Cons: Can be drying, solution format is messy, may not be strong enough for severe acne Best for: Mild to moderate acne, blackheads, spot treatment
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The Verdict: Is The Ordinary Worth the Hype?
Here's what Reddit taught me: The Ordinary is brilliant for specific problems, but terrible if you don't know what you're doing.
The best-performing products are the simple ones. The Glycolic Acid Toner solves milia in 48 hours. The Hyaluronic Acid plumps dehydrated skin. The Natural Moisturizing Factors does exactly what it says on the bottle. These products work because they focus on one job and do it well.
The more controversial products—like the Niacinamide 10%—fail not because the ingredients are bad, but because the concentrations are unnecessarily high. More isn't always better, and Reddit's collective experience proves it.
If you're new to The Ordinary, start with the basics: a simple cleanser, the HA serum, and Natural Moisturizing Factors. Once you understand how your skin responds, add one active at a time. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you.
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Methodology
Based on 173 Reddit mentions across 15 distinct subreddits (including r/SkincareAddiction, r/TheOrdinarySkincare, r/30PlusSkinCare, r/IndianSkincareAddicts, r/SkincareAddictionUK, and r/AsianBeauty), last 12 months. Updated January 2025.
Data compiled from highly upvoted threads, user reviews, and community discussions. Products ranked by mention frequency, community sentiment, and demonstrated results in before/after posts.
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