Is The Ordinary Good?
First, let’s address how this brand can sell its products for such low prices...
They use simple stock bottles that are significantly less expensive than custom molded. I am talking CENTS here.
They use labels which are cheaper than printing on the bottles.
Their formulas are pretty simple and don't contain a lot of ingredients. Fewer ingredients = cheaper formula cost.
We can assume they are ordering their bottles, boxes, and formula in massive quantities which will result in better pricing for the brand and their margins.
They don't spend a ton of money on big marketing campaigns.
PROS
Budget-friendly
An option if you want to try out a new ingredient without investing a lot of money.
They are cruelty-free
Most of the packaging is glass and can be recycled
CONS
They are selling active ingredient products with no real instruction on how to use them. For example, if you are using multiple acid products and retinol then decide to get facial waxing done did you know you could rip off skin?
The inexpensive price tag leads people to want to try multiple products at once because “it’s so affordable.” And since most of these serums contain few ingredients, this also leads people to try to "fit it all in" and layer multiple products. This is just a recipe for over-exfoliation and over-processing the skin. It can cause a damaged skin barrier, acne, dermatitis (rash), inflammation, and even chemical burns.
Also, being so inexpensive I have found many people think “they need all the things!” The question is "do you even need it and is it suitable for your skin type and conditions?" Not everyone needs or is a candidate for the use of a 30% AHA + 2% AHA peel!
Too many products lead to jumping around and inconsistency. It doesn't allow you to ever really see results. Let’s remember, it does take time!
So, would I use any of the products? Sure, the 10% Lactic Acid + HA and the Hyaluronic serum are decent.
