Meet The Ordinary: The Skincare Brand That You Need

As someone that loves to try the latest skincare product to hit shelves, I was ecstatic to see that one of my favorite brands would be coming to Sephora. As a self-admitted beauty junkie; I have a cabinet full of half-used products and empties that I have repurchased time and time again. When it comes to skincare, I research before making a purchase. The products I use range from high-end to drugstore.  However, I was introduced to The Ordinary, a brand from DECIEM via a fellow beauty junkie and I couldn't resist filling up my cart.

It was hard not to stock up products…you see the price point of these products are almost all under $15 per item. The selling point for these products  was coupled with positive reviews and the quality that they claimed to offer. I was thrown off by the fact that these high quality ingredients and formulas could be sold at such a low price point.

The branding of the Ordinary is simple: clinical results with integrity and without harsh harmful ingredients. From an aesthetic point of view the packaging is kept simple.

Product Breakdowns

Matrixyl 10% + HA

According to the Ordinary's website, their version offers a high-strength peptide formation of this potent ingredient. Their version ranges with an acidic ph with a level hovering between 5.0-6.0 (an ideal ph for the surface of skin).

The origins of Matrixyl is trademarked by French based company, Serderma and has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This formulation contains a cocktail of Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe 6 to create an combined concentration of 10% in weight. This mixture is then combined with a highly potent level of Hyaluronic Acid (a compound known for anti-aging and plumping qualities).

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Impression:

This consistency of this product is slightly sticky, I find it best to use the eye dropper tool and to dab 1-2 drops onto fingertips. With the warmth of rubbing my fingertips together, the product can then be dispensed onto skin in gentle circular motions. This product seeps into skin fairly quickly and plumps skin to give off a more youthful glow.

For best results, it is best to use this product AM and PM before applying any heavy creams or primers. This product is ideal for those looking to reduce the signs of aging while adding moisture back into skin.

Cost: $11.50 USD

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This brightening vitamin packed formula is comprised of Niacinmide (a Vitamin B derivative) and clarifying Zinc. Niacin is known for its healing abilities of the surface of skin while aiding in its ability to retain moisture. This increase of moisture then leads to smoother and more youthful looking skin. Zinc is a mineral that aids in the prevention of the formation of acne while boosting and regulating healthy skin cells.

This formula carries a ph level ranging from 5.50-6.50 and has a lightweight touch and feel. This product is perfect for those seeking a product to help clear acne, reduce the appearance of shine or to even brighten skin tone.

Impression:

This product carries a more watery based feel in comparison to the Matrixyl formula; yet, it still penetrates as quickly. I found that this worked really well as a primer before I applied any type of cosmetic. It made my makeup stay on longer without an oily sheen or separation that oily skin can cause. Over time I found that I've experienced less breakouts and my skin is less oily.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Caffeine is widely known for its awakening qualities; but, it also has the ability to revive brighter looking peepers and reduce the appearance of dark circles. The main cause of eye puffiness aka “eye bags” can be attributed to lack of sleep or stress. Caffeine works to hell dilate blood vessels and help relieve eye retention.

This formula carries a ph level ranging from 4.5-5.0 and comes in a UV protective bottle to protect the integrity of the EGCG. What is EGCG exactly? For starters, EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate is a compound naturally found in green tea. It is known for bring a potent antioxidant that can reduce or even reverse the damage from free radicals. Both of this potent ingredients are known for their awakening properties, which makes them great for heavy eye bags.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

Final Thoughts

Although the price point of the Ordinary is low beyond belief, it carries effective results with potent ingredients that truly deliver. If you're able to get a hold of these products, I would highly suggest building a regime based off their curated guides. This is one brand that offers products for all skin types and needs. I predict that this brand is on the verge of mass popularity and that it will only expand from here on out. If you haven't added them to your skin care regime, now is the time!