An Introduction to The Ordinary

Hi, everyone! Over the last several months I've done quite a lot of gushing about the Deciem umbrella of brands. Lines like Niod, Hylamide, and and Fountain have left me quite impressed with their unique approaches and cutting edge technology. So when I saw that Deciem was birthing a whole new range of products (which they do at an exciting frequency), I was way excited! 

The first advertising I saw from The Ordinary featured images of basic pipette-topped glass bottles (I'm a sucker for any skin care product packaged that way) and the brand's tag line "Clinical Formulations with Integrity". I was intrigued. I immediately navigated to the website and when I saw the price tags I was speechless (and not for the reason I'm usually speechless when I see the costs of skin care I'm interested in). With prices ranging from $5.90 (seriously) to $17.80 USD, I knew this line was something different. I quickly realized that the integrity piece of their motto meant to signify that there were not huge price mark-ups on the ingredients used in the formulas. 

Indeed, The Ordinary was created to present formulas including well-known, proven-effective ingredients at prices that reflect the true cost of the components, rather than the hugely inflated prices seen in other brands. It seriously got me thinking about the profit margins of other companies, that's for sure! Further, The Ordinary, like all Deciem offerings, never include parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, or formaldehyde (among other nasties) and is also cruelty- free. 

All The Ordinary goodies come in minimalistic white cardboard boxes with silver detailing and black lettering. The boxes also include instructions and a full ingredient listing. 

I have since received a couple more products from the range (which is continuing to expand at rapid pace!), but I thought I'd share a breakdown of the first four The Ordinary items that I had the pleasure to test. 

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil** ($9.80 USD)

I've used and loved rose hip oil in the past, as it's never broken me out and seems to soothe and brighten my skin quite nicely. This rose hip offering is 100% pure and organic and promises to reduce signs of photo-aging with added potency due to the cold-pressing process. 

I'm a big fan of Pai's rose hip oil, but my husband (still weird, but exciting to say that) totally hated the smell. Problem-solved, because The Ordinary version is essentially scent-free! On top of that, I'm totally adoring this as a final step in my evening skin care routine. It seals in my other skin care potions perfectly, has not irritated my skin, hydrates wonderfully, and always leads to bright, even skin come morning. 

Advanced Retinoid 2%** ($9.80 USD)

I've tried several retinol-based products to date, yearning to find one that works for me as the ingredient has been proven to be an anti-aging wonder. This version includes two forms of "next generation" retinoid ingredients that both promise to be delivered to the skin readily and reduce signs of aging without the typically irritating side-effects. 

I have to say that every single retinol-based product I've tried has irritated my skin- except for this one! I was so seriously surprised to find my skin looking calm, even, and glowing the morning after I'd used this for the first time. I now use it every other night and it's one of those products that leaves skin plump and luminous instantly and also more even and-toned come morning time. I really think it's improving the texture of my skin; I can't imagine being without this one! 

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%** ($5.90 USD)

This was the serum I was initially most interested to try, as it seemed to be just what my combo/oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin called for: niacinamide to soothe the skin and treat blemishes and zinc to balance oil production without the use of any harsh acids.

Sounded amazing on the label, but unfortunately this is the formula my skin likes least. I'm still unsure of the culprit in terms of ingredients, but I feel that this serum tends to increase redness and irritation (and even the occurrence of new blemishes) somewhat. I was sort of bummed about this one, but hey- can't win them all! 

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5** ($6.80 USD)

Hyaluronic acid has been a huge player in the skin care world over the past few years, touting itself as the best natural, lightweight hydrator on the market. This version contains different HA molecule sizes to ensure deep penetration of the product as well as vitamin B5 to enhance hydration on the surface of the skin. 

I've tried several hyaluronic-based serums in the past and was never really wowed. I only had mediocre hopes for this one, but it was a totally pleasant surprise! This serum sinks into my skin wonderfully and combines well with other serums, oils, and creams while adding an extra hydration boost. It wears well under makeup and has never broken me out. 

What I love about The Ordinary (aside from the price point and my overall positive experience so far) is that the range really has something for everyone. Not only will all age groups and skin types find something, but I really think this brand will appeal to both skin care newbies and junkies alike. Those just getting into skin care will love that they won't have to splurge and that the formulas are generally simple and skin care addicts will be excited that they can find much-loved ingredients at a fab price while also discovering some super unique blends (like the "Buffet" or the Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F- a mouthful!). I cannot wait to try more from the brand and my wallet will be (almost) none the emptier! 

What skin care brands are you using and loving at the moment?

Thanks for stopping by!

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**These products were given to me as PR samples for consideration and review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% authentic and my own!