The Ordinary Skincare - Empties & Fails (Inc Update on ALA) 

Best Vitamin C: Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid. Vitamin C stays in your skin for around 48hrs. I only use it 3 days per week. My Ordinary fails: 1.) Salicylic 2%. It foams up and leaves a film. When you apply your next product 20 mins later, it will foam up again. 2.) Coverage foundation. I've tried multiple ways to get this to work and it just doesn't for me. 3.) Argireline. It did absolutely nothing. Not one thing.

Hi Karen, thanks for another great The Ordinary video. Im 37 and only started a thorough skin care routine this January. I incorporated some of the Ordinary items: rosehip oil - love this and use it daily in the pm; vitamin c suspension - love it, I use it daily in the AM (used the drunk elephant c-firma but it did nothing for me, the Ordinary c suspension visibly brightens my complexion!); hyauloronic acid 2% - it's ok, not going to repurchase; niacinemide - this one is also a keeper! use this in the PM and Its working well to keep my skin even; squalane- add this sometimes to my routine in pm. on the nights I use the tretinoin (which currently is 2 to 3 nights per week, I haven't been able to work up to more nights at this point) I also use Egyptian magic on tretinoin nights to give my skin an extra moisture to prevent the dryness and so far everything is working out really well.

I have been using the Lactic Acid 5%, Buffet, Argireline, Azelaic Acid, Argan oil and Hyaluronic Acid. I use the Cerave Skin Renewing Serum that has some retinol in it and Vitamin C from Derma e. I also use the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum which has Niacinamide in it on days I wear makeup, it never balls up on me. I've worked out a four day rotating schedule that accommodates days I wear makeup because on those days I don't have time to apply anything complicated beforehand, although I always do the double cleanse, toner, etc at night. I use a simple CeraVe moisturizer both day and night but at night I put in three drops of Argan oil. I have been really pleased with the results after 3 months. My skin is softer, has more life to it, my breakdowns have vastly improved and the combination of the Argireline and CeraVe's eye cream is helping under my eyes. My area of disappointment is broken capillaries around my nose and on cheeks - I don't see any change there. When the Azelaic Acid is finished I plan on ordering the Alpha Arbutin and see if that makes any difference. I have really appreciated your guidance and testing and agree that it is a journey of discovery many of us are travelling together.

Some of the NIOD products are being sold at Sephora, at least here in Canada, worht checking it out !

love your earring in this video

alpha lipoic acid: on the website they say you can mix it with oils. in this way probably i will not have dryness

i don't have a problem with the niacinamide balling up under my make up. I am doing my skin care before breakfast as a sort of wake up routine, then its all settled in to my skin when I'm applying my make up and i've not had a problem. I'm enjoying The Ordinary products I've purchased. Hylamide is another Deciem line i like, and also Indeed skincare, they have similar products to Deciem and apparently both brands share a common history.

Hi Karen, regarding being able to return skincare here in the U.K...... did you know that QVC stock brands such as Dr Denis Gross? It's slightly cheaper than say SpaceNK but they add approx £4 delivery. However, they have a 30 day returns policy, no matter how much of the product you have used. Yes you have to pay return postage but it is better to pay a fiver or so to do that & get your money back, especially when talking about expensive products. You mentioned a routine with less products, I would be interested in Dr Denis Gross overnight serum, neck cream & eye cream. It addresses everything that you are targeting, it will cost about £175 but they last for ages as you use so little. Watch the videos on QVCUK. And if you like it I will get it! x

Great video! So informative! I really appreciate all your research and testing of products. First the Rose Hip Oil DOES smell like fish to me too. I had to throw it out...could not stand it! I cannot eat fish..hate the taste...maybe people that do not mind the taste of fish do not smell fish in the oil? Great idea for the Vit C cream..I threw that one out as well cause it was so gritty it made my makeup ball up and I just could not stand the feel of it. It's funny how I am totally fine with a gritty feel in my exfoliators but have to have all my other face products be perfectly smooth. To remember to put it on your hands, maybe put it on your bedside table?

The ordinary products causes me major break out .I tried the hyaluronic acid, niacermide and the matryxil , I tried them together and separately but did not work for my skin at all. I do have oily combo acne prone skin but controlled by Retina-A Thank god for that.

I love the niod fractioned eye product it’s expensive but I cannot live without it sadly.... cleared my bags wrinkles and somehow my hooded eyes look better, must try and give about 8 weeks

Hi Karen I realize this video is a year or so ago...i want to mention that I absolutely am loving the Tetraisopalmitate vitamin C...this product is doing amazing things for my hyperpigment! I mix it with Trentinion without irritation..i was wondering if you are still enjoying it yourself...ive been using it 2months and although it's in the higher price range, I've not found a Vitamin c that works as well and is worth every penny😁 have you tried Hylamide c25? Ethylated ascorbate vitamin C yet??? I know is a bit pricey but has a higher concentration then The Ordinarys. I'm curious to compare to Tetraisopalmitate. Thx. Always enjoy your reviews, they are so helpful☺

Hi I have been using the niacinamide for months and the biggest difference it does on my skin is evening out my skin tone. My skin tone is quite dull in winter and I started to see the difference within 2 weeks. I am so happy because I can't use vitaminC (super reactive skin) but this one works for me. I did see an improvement in my pores but not anymore. If you just wait a few minutes before applying your next product it does not ball up. I was using it day and night but now that it is summer and my skin is naturally even and bright I use it daily in the morning only under my sunscreen as an antioxidant.

People smelling things differently both really interests me and scares me. A lot of people think makeup that has gone off smells like trash, garbage or "fart" while to me it smells fishy and I was always wondering what was wrong with their sense of smell.. There are also some smells other people hate that I really think smell quite nice. Anyway the rosehip oil only smells a bit earthy and musty to me.

Keep your oils in the fridge. They will last longer. Also, most essential oils sites will have cold pressed rosehip oil at a much better price.

Hiya, just enjoyed listening to you and have subscribed, thought you might want to see what I just read whilst looking up the ordinary rosehip oil (I bought some last week to try) so wanted to remind myself how and when to use it so went to the Victoria Health site and found a whole page of reviews for the ordinary products called 'the definitive review' - it's not just you who thinks it smells like fish lol .... take a look ... "This oil has a beautiful, rich golden yellow colour and a delicate fruity scent that is not at all unpleasant, despite the (and I cannot stress this enough) incredibly mild (I mean it, so don’t be put off) resemblance to fish oil due to the high Omega content." So there you go, it just shows you have a good 'nose'! I'm using a lot of the NIOD products, the copper, Fractionated eye concentrate, Neck Elasticity Complex (just excellent) - but if you want a good vitamin C I absolutely recommend the 'Timeless' one with Ferulic acid and vit E, this has blown my mind, in fact my husband was so impressed with the change it made he asked me to start using it on him. I found a UK distributor so I buy from them regularly and don't have to use amazon and it's always a fresh batch. I love the squalane, it is so hydrating and I use it after the multi-molecular hyaluronic acid (NIOD) which is far less sticky than the ordinary HA. I even add a few drops of squalane to my foundation and it stops that textured look I used to get as soon as I used any foundation no matter how sheer. My favourite product is the cleaning ester, my skin USED to be very dry, not any more, it is glowing hydrated and healthy. I'm 53 years old (54 next week) and my skin looks at least 15 years younger. It is quite incredible considering I used to go through jars of creams and now it's just a few drops of selected products. I am so glad I educated myself, took me a while but I got there in the end. It helps when there are people like you who take the time to talk about and explain these skincare products so thank you.

Indeed, rosehip Seed oil smelling like fish doesn't mean it is "off". It smells the way it does because it has certain similar chemical constituents, which are great for skin. Now... I'd be concerned if it smelled especially strong (a sign of possibly rancidity), but, if it smells lightly fishy, all good, if it smells too mild I'd be worried it might be processed in some way that got rid of some of the good stuff, or was otherwise adulterated. I've had great luck with rosehip, and with my essential oil blends added to it or other carrier oils, of course, have to be careful with them since you can become sensitized and some are photozensitizing (not rosehip, but, particular citrus and certain other EOs especially). Love them though.

Hey, Karen! The Ordinary will bring out a new Vitamin C (30% in Silicone). Will you try it? I absolutely Love your Ordinary Videos.

I LOVE you're channel !! Glad I found you. :) :) Great information and I'm learning so much. Love to see your sheet you used to determine the days you use different products a.m. and p.m. kind of daunting to reinvent the wheel.

I love the Ordinary, love! And I like your reviews as I'm still trying them out.

If you want an elegant hyaluronic acid you should try it from a K beauty line. It is a staple in Asian skin routines. I have both the Hado Labo premium and the regular lotion. I feel like they’ve put a lot of science behind their products and it is very pleasant to use. P.S. Hado Labo is a Japanese brand but I found it from K Beauty routines

Karen, before you go get another tube of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid, take a look at Skinoren 20% Azelaic Acid - you can get it at the pharmacy in cream or gel form. I use the cream three times a week and I have not had any adverse reactions (I use a retinoic acid nightly). For the most part, when there is a pharmaceutical-grade equivalent I've decided that it's just not worth- it to futz around with a similar, less potent, over-the counter skin care. That being said I LOVE The Ordinary Niacinamide - I'm on my second bottle! Since I layer it on with The Ordinary Matryxl, and I had half a bottle of each left I just mixed them together for a single application - that's working great. I'm don't have your background but I kept digging, and digging to try and find information on what Niacinamide does - I kept reading that it "resurfaced" the skin and many blogs said it "peeled". The medical research I was able to read talked about it regulating sebum and the skin's moisture. In fact, my skin feels sooo smooth with it. So here's my theory on how it works: It's like a "waxing" agent that smoothes the floor - have you seen how smooth highly-waxed marble floors are with all the cricks and cracks filled? Well, in a way, my theory is that's what it is doing to my skin! Would love to hear what's really going from you - tho. Ciao from Italy!!!

I just used AG 12% today for the first time and it didn't pill! I hope I didn't just get lucky!

The Ordinary products that I've been loving are the Natural Moisturizing Factors (that I mix with either Argan Oil or Rose Hip Seed Oil), 2% Retinoid, Niacinamide, Buffet, and Squalane. I don't really use the Hyaluronic Acid, except when I feel like my skin is really sensitive. I'm also using Pixi Glow Tonic, though I'm keen to try The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Toner when it comes back in stock. Adding the Glow Tonic has really made a dramatic difference, I never tried chemical exfoliation before, and I wish I had started doing it sooner. It's so much gentler than scrubs, which just irritate my skin to no end. For my Vitamin C I'm using the one from Timeless, which I use in the mornings after a nomral toner (Neutrogena Alcohol Free) and follow it with Buffet, NMF + Oil, and finally SPF. In the evenings I've been doing Pixi Glow Tonic, Niacinamide, Retinoid, and NMF + Oil. This regimen seems to be working really well so far, my skin is looking better than it has in years.

Great update! I am going to try MAP next. I have not been able to use vitamin C (and have tried LOTS of different brands), but it always ends up irritating my skin. I purchased Argireline based on your experience, and I think I am already beginning to see a very subtle difference in the small lines around my mouth. Looking forward to seeing your 3 month Argireline review! As always, I really love your reviews and your lovely personality. You are my favorite youtuber.

Another great informative video Karen, I think I'm going to buy Differin, vit F, & Map next. I used magnesium as Corby phosphate10%as I was scared I'd start peeling, but I've had no reaction at all, and don't really see any difference to my skin. I also use niacinamide, lactic acid 5%, matrixyl10% and argireline 10%. While I don't see great changes, I do see some, so will continue with them as my skin feels "taken care of" no if you know what I mean lol I do see slight difference to my eyes and surrounding area with the argireline 10% others might not, but I can. What I can't seem to get rid of are the white spots under my skin on my chin, my nose seems to be breaking out more than it used to, and my pores don't seem to have any change 😡 so again I'll try these ones that you've said your going to try as we seem to have the same problems lol Hope your feeling better xx

I wasn't going to reorder until some of the other things where back in Stock that I was wanting so I could just do one order. But I have been out of the buffet for 2 maybe 3 weeks now. I wasn't sure I could tell alot of difference in my skin using it or if it was my retin a making the difference but not using it now I can see a difference. I normally put my retin a on wait 15 minutes or so then the buffet then argon oil capsule from signature club a. and it keep me from having any flaking or irritation from the retin a. But since I ran out I have noticed some fine lines coming back around my mouth.And I liked using the buffet on my lips after using the dermaroller. So I broke down and put in an order for The buffet and the Matrixyle. Then yesterday I got an email that the foundation was back in stock. But now with so many bad reviews and since I already placed the order, I'm thinking I will just skip the foundation for now. And was waiting on the glycolic toner but gave up on that also a d bought a drugstore brand but in a cream. so will have to see how that goes. But I do like the buffet for using with retin a. I can't use the argon oil on my face because it makes me brake out in hives on my back so I used a bit in my hair and i was ok. so I won't be reordering it again. which makes me wonder just how much argon oil is in signature club a capsules because it doesn't give me hives lol. The things we go through for beauty lol. Hugs

I don't like Ordinary it did nothing for me. Thank you for this beautiful video.

Thank you for your The Ordinary review. As for the Matrixyl, for me it has helped smooth out my skin and plump it up. I'm on my third bottle and use it daily. I also think the Azelaic Acid has helped smooth out my skin tone as well. As for your enlarged pores, I too thought my pores were getting bigger due to age--and can be the case. However, I made a connection and though I'd run with it. My pores started to get bigger when I started my anti aging skincare routine three years ago. I went back to the basics six months ago as well as changed out my face wash to a soap free product (basics for me included retin-a). My pores are now back to where they where three years ago. It took about three months to see the complete change. For three months now I slowly added everything else back into my routine except soap, CeraVe and Ascorbic Acid. One of these products caused the enlarged pores! I do not plan to go back to soap products but will introduce Ascorbic Acid and CeraVe Back into my skincare but not together. I will give three to four months to Ascorbic Acid before reintroducing CeraVe. I now suspect the Ascorbic Acid is causing the issue.

The TO Retinol 1% is stronger than the retinoids, not the other way around! The way they have named them is misleading ... the 'retinoids' are an offshoot of retinol, whereas the retinol is the original. They said to me: 'Retinol 1% contains the highest strength of Retinol whereas Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is the highest strength of Granactive Retinoid that we offer. It is difficult to compare the strength of the two since they are different technologies. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin and newer technologies exist that mimic the visible effects of Retinol without causing skin irritation. Retinol 1% can be diluted to reduce the potential for inflammation while your skin grows tolerant to this new ingredient.'

I would love to know your take or other viewers on hyaluronic acid vs glycerin. I think this ingredient is way overpriced and not as effective as it is claimed. It's supposed to attract 1000 times its weight in water but we do not need that much anyway... Well I have tried many and in practice does not feel that it does a better job than glycerin. Actually for me hyaluronic serum don't do anything so glycerin seems to work better but maybe that's just me ?

The Azelaic Acid is for pigmentation problems. It's not for break outs, but the red marks some of us are left with after breakouts, etc. I use it at bed time, 4 nights a week.

Old video but I was watching this and just had to go smell my rose hip seed oil (from the Ordinary). Took a big whiff lol. Got nothing. Everyone’s obviously different though and apparently you’re just sensitive to this particular smell :)

Karen. I bought the Niod copper isolate plus hyaluronic complex plus the fractionated eye serum & non acid precursor. As well as ordinary alpha Arbutin & rose hip seed oil. I went to their shop at spiral fields & they give u an electronic receipt. You can return the products within 365 days even half used. I believe victoriahealth operate a similar policy Niod is fantastic my pores have disappeared & skin is supple. Almost as soft as my 9yr old daughters!! Skin has brighten but my pigmentation not reduced. Only been using it for 4wks. But noticing odd white spots now

ya, Karen, I bought a bunch of different products and I don't see anything happening. I'm going to go through them and just keep the moisturizing ones, maybe the argireline, and the rose hip oil, but as far as the rest.....ehhhh......I am getting more results from the organic Snail face and eye creams I got at Bed Bath and Beyond. Try that !!!! My wrinkles show much less when I use that xo Simone

i love all their products and cannot wait for them to release their suncare products! currently using NMF, HA, Squalane, Rosehip Oil, High Adherence Primer. will try out Buffet, Advanced Retinoid & Vit c in Vit F ASAP 😀

I'm using a few different ones. Stopped the 1% Retinol Massive peeling. but I did a you..jumped in both feet. So I'll try again..but not yet. It's to dam confusing I'm 53. So my skin is infinitely different to yours. I've always used Estee Lauder night time. Brown bottle with a dropper. I believe this has one of these new "you must try things in" might be HA can't remember. take care don't forget to take it easy ...All in good time 💖

I love your videos and that you buy things that you don't "need". We all do that to an extent. I learn so much from you. I love their Rosehip Seed & Squalane oils. I don't know if y'all have something like Curology available there, but you can get a monthly bottle made just for you like a prescription. Mine is Tretinoin 0.012%, Vit C (MAP 5%) & Niacinamide 4% all together in one bottle that is mailed to me.

hi, you're the 1st person I've watched addressing 'bumps' on the chin. This is s'thing I'd like to correct, what do you recomend? Right now my regime is the Clinique 3 steps, spf cream, a mix of Hyaluronic acid, Matryxil 3000 & Argereline. Also Vit C 23% in the morning and the advanced retinoid 2% at night. Thanks for all your reviews. Forgot to say I'm your age... not a 20 s'thing... lol 😀

Does OVERexfoliating ...or just exfoliating ...WORSEN melasma..does anyone know? thank you ...(desperate for help)

Karen.....you may enjoy using mandelic acid as a facial peel/mask. I am fair skinned, and blonde with very sensitive skin.......and I love my results with mandelic. Derived from bitter almonds, it is both gentle and effective.

What lipstick are you using?

Im still loving the Buffet, Matrixyl and Hyaluronic Acid for skin plumping, Vitamin C 23% for brightening and anti ageing and the Caffeine Solution, which works very well on me. Going to try 30% aha, argireline, 10% lactic Acid and an oil.. would also Love to try some Niod Stuff..

It’s funny because once I stopped using my Paula’s choice BHA 2% liquid the niacinimide stopped pilling! I now use AHA’s since my skin has changed dramatically after my partial hysterectomy. I’ve enjoyed it and started my daughter 15yr old on it.

Can't stand the texture of niacinimide :/

curious why you're using differin when the active ingredient is adapelene, which hasnt been studied with its effects to help reduce wrinkles? could you make a video talking more about this?

Two things: I figured out that it was the vitamin C suspension that was pilling on me, not the azelaic acid. Also, Perricone MD's Cold Plasma smells like fish to me! I checked the ingredients but I'm not sure if there's anything in common with the oils that bother you, but it made me laugh to notice.

Men's noses aren't that strong. And true at different times we're more sensitive or could even be giving different scents off ourselves. I try to eat healthy but I'm a coffeeaholic and I swear I smell rancid coffee coming out of me periodically. lol

Great video as always Karen. There's so much to think about isn't there. QVC sell a few NIOD products, at least you can send them back.

Haha!! What you said about the rosehip oils smelling like fish, I've had a similar experience! Except I find that it smelt like play-doh and it was so disgusting! I'm interested to see if I have the same reaction

Thank you for all your detail and follow up! I think all rosehip oil smells of fish, it also makes me breakout so no love lost there but good to have a sister out there who finds fishies where others do not:) I also think neem is stinky but others think it smells of roasted peanuts. We are all unique and wonderful!:)

I'm sure the fish smell is due the receptors in your nose. I also experience some weird scents when my allergies are flaring up - scents that others don't smell.

I love the matrixyl retinoid 2% rose hip seed oil and natural moisturising factors. Didn't like the 23% vit c and am still undecided on the niacinimide

I feel the exact same way about HA! I have very dry skin, but oil works better for me. I don't feel or see results quickly.

Rosehip oil stinks sooooo bad! It's not just you. It doesn't smell like fish to me but good grief it's horrible!

What the bloody hell is hump day? Love your Skincare videos x

Hi Karen! I love the Niacinamide and it has worked on my pores from the beginning, still on my first bottle. It will not bring back the tiny pores from a much younger skin but should minimise them. I then used the Squalene to seal everything, AM/PM, for me it's a great oil. I'm still using the Retinoids 2% every evening, although I had to stop it for a few nights because I had a chemical reaction to my perfume and burnt my neck, the Squalene worked wonders for this. I swapped The Ordinary HA 2%+B5 for the Hyaluronic Concentrate from The Chemistry Brand, even though it's for body I find it works best for me, it allows the other serums to sink in well. It also helps with the Niacinamide not to ball up, I do wait though, before putting makeup on. I still love The Ordinary, I still have a few products to try. NIOD, I will try one of the masks for acne prone skin. And must remember to buy on Black Friday as I've heard that they did a massive discount on last year. I do think that some people use it for the sake of using a product, my mind boggles at a young person using some of these products, especially those targeted for ageing/wrinkles. But hey! Looking forward to your findings! Xxx

Do you recommend limiting the number of serums/actives per AM & PM? Or do you use as many as you need to accomplish what you need? I've heard to use just 3, but then I realized that then I was just trying to find serums/products with more active ingredients per product instead of just what I needed. Thanks!

I've also tried several rosehip oils and they have all smelt of fish to me too! Weird!

You can put a few drops of essential oil in the rosehip seed oil 😉

Your hair 😍 pls tell us the secret of such gorgeous hair.

Rosehip oil contains Omegas the same as fish oil. I think that maybe the smell. I also think it smells of fish loll! x

I have the rose hip oil and it does smell like fish. I don't like it and have to mix with a lotion to cut the smell

Just wondering what is holiday , I head u talked about it in a few other videos

Retinol is not a family of retinoid?

I've managed to work my way up to using the 1% Retinol everyday and I also layer it with Differin. It has improved my skin texture a lot :)

This is such useful video! I was underwhelmed by quite a few products of the Ordinary line and I have to admit I was buying into the rave reviews of their products but most people who review them did not use them to the last drop so to speak and I really like following the real progress of using up products!!

Pls update about lactic acid

What is meant by pilling?

What specifically are you using the argireline for? Crows feet and age spots? I adore Niacinimide and lactic acid as well as vit c believe it or not. I'm still using Rosemary seed oil and will repurchase. I'm done with buffet but won't reorder. I don't feel like hylaronic acid is doing anything. I'll be trying matrixyle soon. I still will use the ordinary forever

Karen you are not alone. I hate the smell of Rosehip oil (tried lots of brands) it reminds me of cod liver oil. But I cannot smell it when it sinks in and my husband cannot smell it on me so I just keep going with it. BTW I am getting peeling from the 2% retinol.

I am still loving the 2% retinoid, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid. I can't decide about the alpha arbutin and have recently started using MAP and the jury's still out.

I don't know why but I did not like many of the products from the ordinary apart from the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. I opened the lactic and binned it due to the nasty adour it had, the vit c suspension was a pain to use, the others vit c's I felt were not the high strength I wanted to use so am using these up on the backs of my hands, hated the rosehip oil as it just sat on my skin, the matrixyl and buffer were okay but don't feel they did much. I don't think I will be repurchasing even the ones I thought were okay as I'd rather find better quality and little more expensive branded products. The new products I have found instead is the vit c, matrixyl sinte 6, squalane, b5+hyaluronic acid all from Skin Deva and the Avene skincare brand is amazing, I've started on retin a(tretinoin) so there's no need for the retinol/lactic but I do use light glycolic products from time to time to exfoliate my retin a flakes. Will be trying out some Korean and Japanese products especially their SPF as they are supposed to be amazing compared to what we get here in the UK so let's see how they workout. I feel like everyone went crazy with the ordinary hype due to the prices but I'm a true believer of what you pay for is what you get, I did not think any of the ordinary products were absolutely amazing lol

I was not impressed with The Ordinary. I use mostly Paula's Choice and some products from Niod, Drunk Elephant, and Hylamide

The ordinary as line was a complete fail for me. 80% of the products all ball up on me as well, and I'm not a fan of that watery, slightly gel like texture that most of their serums have. I appreciate well priced skincare but I found their products just irritated my skin. I'm back on my Retin-A Micro 0.04% (FLAWLESS product) my Sebamed moisturizing cream and my physical spf 30 and my skin looks pretty much perfect. I think less is more when it comes to skincare.