I finally got my hands on Deciem’s The Ordinary Skincare…Here’s what I think of them.
It’s been about a year since I started a skincare routine and I’m happy to announce that there’s been no regret. It took a lot of research and experimenting to come this far but I’m figuring this stuff out and totally open to sharing my journey with you.
No doubt, there are a ton of skin care products in the beauty market some are quite pricey while others are pocket-friendly, some are organic while others contain good (sometimes harmful) chemicals but with proper research, recommendations from your dermatologist and experimenting you’ll figure it out.
Personally, before starting my skincare routine I did a ton of reading and searched for products that were affordable and equally effective, I wrote all about my first set of skincare products in this post. Catch up if you missed it.
My first set of skincare products was a mix of homemade remedies and store-bought items. Over time, I’ve had to discontinue some products and embrace clinical formations that are effective and equally affordable. Ain’t nobody breaking the bank for healthy skin!
My current stash is a mix of organic products and products from established beauty brands. One of these brands is DECIEM the founders of The Ordinary Skincare line.
THE ORDINARY SKINCARE
For those who are not aware, The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand which sits under the umbrella of the parent company Deciem.
The Ordinary is a range of skincare products which are highly affordable and which contain highly effective ingredients for a wide variety of skin issues. If you are a skincare addict or follow a number of skincare bloggers you’ll definitely have come across one or more products from this brand.
I was curious about this brand and I proceeded to do a lot of research (Read as scouring through a million skincare blogs for thousand of hours) before deciding to give them a shot.
MY SKIN TYPE & ISSUES
Growing up I never really had any serious skin issues. I didn’t have to deal with ginormous pimples and all that eeky stuff but I had this persistent forehead acne and really oily skin. I also struggle with whiteheads, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. My skin is oily on my face but dry everywhere else so I guess some might say that’s combination skin but for the sake of this post I’ll be mostly claiming oily skin.
THE ORDINARY SKINCARE REVIEW
It’s been over 3 weeks since I got my hands on a couple of The Ordinary products off the ASOS website. I’ve decided to share my first impressions plus a mini-review of the products just in case you’re looking to add some to your stash.
As mentioned earlier my skin type is oily and the major issues I’m trying to work on include:
- Control oil (sebum) production
- Brighten skin and fade acne scars
- Treat hyperpigmentation / Uneven skin tone.
Now that we’ve outlined that, what products did I get to fix these issues?
Well, The Ordinary Skincare has a wide range of products and without proper research, you could end up buying a ton of stuff your skin doesn’t actually need. They have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), Moisturizers, Vitamin C Serums, Retinoids, Suncare and even Primers.
Pretty wide range!
I got the; Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (Vitamin C Serum), Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and the High Adherence Silicone Primer.
1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
What is it?
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that is naturally found in the skin. The substance works as a magnet for moisture, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated, plump and healthy. It can be found in cleansers, moisturizers or even as a product on it’s own.
What does it do?
Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant. Basically it draws moisture from the air onto your skin.In cases where the weather is dry the opposite is the case. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration.
Who should use it?
Hyaluronic Acid works for any skin type even sensitive or breakout-prone skin, as well as those with an oily complexion.
When should I use it?
Apply a few drops to face AM and PM before creams. This is usually the first treatment I use after cleansing and toning.
2.Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (Vitamin C Serum)
What is it?
A Brightening Serum with Stabilized Vitamin C Derivative. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid.
What does it do?
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin tone and reduces signs of aging.
Who should use it?
The Ordinary has about 6 to 7 different types of Vitamin Cs. Some in powder form and others in suspension and serum form.
Out of all The Ordinary Vitamin C products, this one has the best texture. It absorbs quickly, too. It is ideal for oily skin but can be used by other skin types because of it’s fast absorption rate.
Check The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Guide here
When should I use it?
Apply a few drops to face AM and PM. You’ll want to use your Vitamin C serum after you cleanse and tone, but before you use moisturizer. Avoid using Vitamin C with Retinoids/Retinol and Niacinamide.
Note: Vitamin C is unstable and will degrade over time, losing its efficacy. Interacting with heat, light, and air speeds up the process, which is why you should look for serums in opaque, airtight bottles.
3. Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
What is it?
You’ve probably been hearing the words Retinol and Retinoids thrown about by skin care experts, bloggers and enthusiasts. Well, it’s not just some fancy dermatological term used to chop your money. What then is it? – Retinol and retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that ultimately get converted into retinoic acid.
Retinol, which is readily available over the counter, contain a lower concentration of the active retinoic acid ingredient. Prescription retinoids have a much higher concentration of the active ingredient, so they are readily available for the skin to use. In other words, retinol is what you’re used to using in your regular serums and creams, whereas retinoids can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Of all The Ordinary’s Retinoids (they have 5 of them) The Retinol 0.2% in Squalane has the lowest strength. This is a great option for me because I’m a first time user and it’s best to allow your skin to get used to it before using stronger percentages.
What does it do?
Retinol helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and signs of ageing. It is also highly recommended by dermatologists for its ability to clear up acne.
Who should use it?
Anyone who is just getting started with retinol. Start at this strength and then work your way up to 0.5%.
Who should avoid it?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using retinol and retinoids altogether.
- If you suffer from rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis avoid retinol because it can make you more vascular – meaning that you will end up with more inflammation and thereby worse symptoms of whatever it is you are suffering from.
When should I use it?
Retinoids break down in sunlight hence they should only be worn in the evening, once a week.
Other points to note
- It is recommended for those with dry & dehydrated to seal the product in with a moisturiser at the very least.
- Also. avoid using Retinol with Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide and Acids. When two active ingredients like acids and retinol are used together, they can cause excessive dryness, redness and irritation. Because of that, it is best to use them at different times of the day or different days of the week.
- It is also suggested that one uses retinol for 3 months, then takes a three-month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after 3 months of retinol usage.
4. High Adherence Silicone Primer
What is it?
As the name suggests this product is a primer that can be used to achieve long-lasting makeup. It can also be used as a moisturizer. It comes in a sleek, 30ml plastic tube that is perfect for travel. It is a white, gel-cream formula that dries down almost instantly on the skin.
What does it do?
This formula uses advanced adaptive silicones to act as a matte, hydrating, blurring primer for makeup that looks higher in the definition and adheres for longer. The formula can also be used alone as a non-greasy hydrator that reduces the looks of pores and of imperfections.
Who should use it?
All skin types and especially those with an oily complexion
When should I use it?
Use as the last step in your skincare regimen either on its own or as a makeup primer.
The Ordinary currently has two primers; this and the High-Spreadability Fluid Primer. I opted for the High Adherence Silicone Primer because it had better reviews and the packaging looked better for a primer, unlike the other one that comes in a dropper bottle.
Watch me take you through my skincare routine while using the products above. I also share the prices and how you can order from ASOS.
I’ll be doing an individual review of each product over time, 3 months max. I also look forward to adding more products to my The Ordinary stash.
Got any skincare related questions? Feel free to drop a comment or send me a DM on my social media pages.
Until next time,
WanShyGirl
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Another brand to try one day – have heard all good stuff
The good stuff are true. Great that you have them on your bucket list. Keep us posted when you do try them.