The Ordinary carries a lot of anti-aging products. Many are hits, some are misses, I’m undecided on a few. Read on and build your own The Ordinary regimen for aging and mature skin today.
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The Ordinary carries so many products with no-nonsense ingredient names that it’s challenging — often intimidating — to navigate.
Fear not. I’ve tried quite a few and I’m sharing my favourites below, as well as some that didn’t work for me.
What is The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is known for their simple, no fuss, straightforward approach to skincare. Under the DECIEM umbrella, they’re part of a group of skincare brands that focus on “advanced functional beauty”.
They’re also popular for offering products that are extremely affordable but looks chic and high end on our dresser.
Read more about the company and their philosophy here.
When should I start using anti-aging products?
It’s best to start using anti-aging products in our 20s.
According to Scientific American, “after the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age.”
It’s never too late though. Start your anti-aging regimen as soon as you can, be consistent, and you will see results.
What are anti-aging products?
When we hear anti-aging, we automatically think retinol or retinoids.
Derivatives of vitamin A, they’re probably the most popular ingredient known for decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and regulating the growth of cells on the skin’s surface.
However, for me, having an anti-aging skincare routine means more than just dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. My goal is a more youthful complexion overall, which means having skin that’s:
- Balanced
- Brighter
- Clearer
- And firmer
So my anti-aging routine not only includes retinol but also exfoliating acids like BHA and AHA, and peptides.
I also make sure to use cleansers and moisturizers based on my skin type, and wear sunscreen everyday.
The best The Ordinary anti-aging products
Here are my favourite products from The Ordinary for mature skin. They’re part of my daily routine and have been for a couple of years now.
Product | What it does | What I like about it |
Retinol 0.2% or 0.5% in Squalane | Reduces the appearance of fine lines, photo damage and general skin aging. | Mild and very affordable retinol option, but might cause irritation in some people. (1) |
Matrixyl 10% + HA | Peptide formulation that reduces the look of static winkles (e.g. lines at the corners of the mouth and cheeks) and dynamic wrinkles (e.g. laugh lines). | Immediately plumps up skin and helps reduce the look of wrinkles with consistent use. |
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | Provides mild exfoliation to improve skin radiance, texture and clarity. | Delivers mild exfoliation without irritation. Comes in a generous 240-ml bottle. (2) |
Lactic Acid 5% or 10% + HA | Provides mild and gentle exfoliation. | Very light and gentle on skin. (2) |
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion, and helps control sebum production. | Well tolerated by most skin types and works well with majority of active ingredients. |
(1) Retinol is known for causing skin irritation so The Ordinary came up with two formulations that they say cause no irritation at all — Granactive Retinoid 2% or Granactive Retinoid 5%. They’re not available in Canada though so I’ve been using their squalene formula. Happily, and even though I have sensitive skin, I’ve never had a bad reaction to it.
(2) Using exfoliating acids may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so best to only use them at night and always put on sunscreen during the day.
The Chemistry Brand is another line of products under the DECIEM umbrella and I really like Hand Chemistry, a multi-functional hand cream that targets signs of hand aging. It really works! And it’s never greasy.
What didn’t work for me
I’ve tried the following and unfortunately, they didn’t work for me. I didn’t break out or have any irritation from using them but I didn’t see any change in my skin either.
Product | What it’s supposed to do |
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA | Provide superficial dermal peeling that is gentler than other AHAs. |
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil | Provide deep hydration, support healthy skin and help reduce signs of photo-aging. |
And because I liked Hand Chemistry so much, I tried Heel Chemistry too. This moisturizer isn’t as effective though. The hydration didn’t last and my heels ended up feeling drier than before.
Another product I tried from one of The Ordinary’s sister brands is SubQ Eyes, under the Hylamide line. This eye cream felt heavy, greasy and didn’t sink in. Definitely not for me.
What I’m still undecided about
These two products I’m still undecided about. I’m still using them but not sure if I will repurchase.
Product | What it’s supposed to do | Why I’m on the fence |
“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | It’s a buffet of peptides that target multiple signs of aging at once. | I breakout whenever I use this product. Maybe it’s purging? But I don’t break out from Matrixyl so I may just stick with that to get my peptide fix. |
Argireline Solution 10% | Another peptide complex that improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds (a.k.a dynamic wrinkles). | I haven’t been using this product long enough to see significant effects; will report back once I do. |
My daily The Ordinary anti aging routine
Currently, my The Ordinary anti aging regimen looks like this (evening routine):
Retinol Day | Exfoliation Day |
Double Cleansing | Double Cleansing |
Toner/Essence | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Lactic Acid 5% + HA |
Argireline Solution 10% | Essence |
Matrixyl 10% + HA | Moisturizer |
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
Moisturizer |
I switch things up depending on the season or how my skin feels that day but this is generally what my regular skincare routine looks like.
Creating your The Ordinary skin care routine
The Ordinary offers effective and affordable solutions to a wide array of skin concerns. Plus, they have a generous return policy. It’s really worthwhile to check them out.
These are active ingredients though so you will need to read up on how to use them properly, what ingredients not to use in the same routine, etc.
Here are really helpful and free online resources on how to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary, and more:
Plus, here’s a good reference comparing retinol vs hyaluronic acid.
If you’re looking for anti-aging options outside of The Ordinary, here are a few to consider:
- By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream
- Rovectin Clean Forever Young Biome Ampoule
- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
As always, remember that every person’s skin and skin type is different so what might work for me might not work for you, and vice versa.
So before trying a new product, it pays to do a little bit of research first. Pay special attention to ingredients that you might have a reaction to.
And doing a patch-test is always a good idea. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.
Happy skin experimenting!
What’s your favourite product from The Ordinary? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
I’ve recently discovered the wonders of bakuchiol, known for being one of the only natural skincare ingredients that can rival the anti-aging effects of retinol without as many side effects. Check out this Bakuchiol Night Cream from Wishtrend.
And let’s get social — follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook where we can get a little bit more personal and talk about skincare in real time.
Hi in my 60 s with a few lines not many . Been using argeline for one week . Fist wash my face leave it damp use argeline sur ime spelling this wrong . Let it dry for a few minutes then apply moisturiser useing olay products at the moment tried some very expensive ones but olay is right for me .after just a week my skin that had went dry feels like silk good luck everyone
That’s great Isobel! I use argireline solution too but haven’t tried applying it to damp skin. Will try that!
In what order do I apply these products am/pm?
Hi Amy, it really depends on which products you use overall.
I love The Ordinary! I use their retinol and their lactic acid in my skincare routine 🙂
These sound like great anti-ageing products… and I definitely need that right now, lol! Will check The Ordinary out as I haven’t heard of them before.
I know people who swear by this brand. I’ve been meaning to try it because I need a good serum for my bedtime routine.
I’ve never heard of The Ordinary brand before. I was just at the dermatologist today and they reminded me to make sure I am putting on a sunscreen every day. I’ve gotten much better at that the last year.
Oh I love the Ordinary! I have used a few of their products and really liked them.