How To Actually Use The Ordinary Products

If you’re on TikTok, then I’m sure you’ve stumbled across Skincare by Hyram and the brand The Ordinary. Hyram is a YouTube and TikTok creator who is passionate about good, simple skincare. Fortunately, for us college students, a lot of the products he recommends happen to be incredibly affordable and effective, and The Ordinary is no exception. 

The Ordinary is a brand built on honesty and integrity, which is relieving to see in the beauty industry. More often than not, skincare brands are built on bold claims and flashy advertising.

The Ordinary takes a different route by focusing on the products’ formulas and naming them after their active ingredients. While we appreciate the transparency, the majority of us don’t actually know what niacinamide and hyaluronic acid do for your skin, which is why we’re here to break down what everything means and what you should add to your cart.

If you have oily skin: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the product for you. This serum will regulate the amount of oil your skin produces while minimizing the visible size of your pores. Don’t think you have to sacrifice your glow though—the Niacinamide can also work to brighten your skin.

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If you have dehydrated skin: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an essential serum for hydration and skin repair. It helps restore your skin’s natural barrier and will make your skin look healthier than ever. Use it alongside the 100% plant-derived squalane for an additional boost of hydration. If your pores get clogged easily, squalane will be the better choice for you, since it is non-comedogenic. Additionally, it can be used as a heat protectant on your hair to help prevent breakage.

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If you have textured or uneven skin: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution should be a staple in your night routine. Applying it with a cotton pad will mildly exfoliate and even out your skin. If you need a deeper treatment, check out the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. This peeling mask should be used twice a week for 10 minutes max to combat dullness. Both of these products are acids, meaning they’re a little stronger than most. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid these, and even if you don’t, limit the number or acidic products you use in your daily routine to one.

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If you have dark circles: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is an absolute must after a long night of studying. Add a small drop underneath your eyes in the morning and night before the rest of your skincare routine to refresh your under eyes and start reducing puffiness. 

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If you want a head start on anti-aging: If you’re looking to protect your skin long term, you need to try the “Buffet.” This peptide serum gets ahead on anti-aging all while firming your skin. If you want to use this one, avoid using the glycolic acid, peeling solution, or any other type of acidic product with it because the ingredients don’t mix well with each other.

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Before trying any of these products, always, always do a patch test to make sure it’s a good fit for your skin. The last thing you want when adjusting your skincare routine is a negative reaction to a new product. When adding new products to your routine, it’s also important to make sure your products are safe when mixed with each other. Deciem, the company that owns The Ordinary, has a great guide that shows which products can and cannot mix!  

Beauty & WellnessAnna Cave