We covered an all ‘Ordinary Skincare’ routine for all skintypes in the previous post. If you haven’t checked it, Do check here before reading this post. This post is much requested by all of you and I am also answering some of the most commonly asked queries regarding layering of Ordinary Products towards the end of this post.
With tempting low prices and seeing all products at once, most of the people would hoard Ordinary Skincare Products and end up using it in a wrong way or not using at all. So many products at the same time can be really confusing and it’s tough to understand which of The Ordinary products you can and cannot mix together. The Regimen guide page on Ordinary Deciem site is good as it offer suggestions on how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen. But, there seem to be quite a few conflicts missing on their official regimen guide.
| The Ordinary Peptides | ||
|---|---|---|
| YES | NO | |
| Buffet | Retinol and Retinoid More Molecules [Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%] Hydrators and Oils Vitamin C Derivatives [ Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%,Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F] Antioxidants |
Products containing Direct Acids, pure Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA). |
| Matrixyl 10% + HA | ||
| Argireline Solution 10% | ||
| Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | More Molecules [Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%] Hydrators and Oils Vitamin C Derivatives [ Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%,Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F] |
Retinol and Retinoids Products containing Direct Acids, pure Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA). Antioxidants |
| The Ordinary Antioxidants | ||
|---|---|---|
| YES | NO | |
| EUK 134 0.1% | Hydrators and Oils More Molecules Retinol & Retinoids Vitamin C Derivatives Peptides except Buffet + Copper Peptides |
Do not use with highly acidic treatments, Pure Vitamin C (EAA/LAA), and Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%. |
| Pycnogenol 5% | All Products except “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% |
| Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% | ||
| Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% | More Molecules Hydrators and Oils Vitamin C Derivatives |
Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides |
| The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids | ||
|---|---|---|
| YES | NO | |
| Retinol 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% | Hydrators and Oils More Molecules Vitamin C Derivatives Peptides except Buffet + Copper Peptides Antioxidants except Alpha Lipoic Acid |
Buffet + Copper Peptides Do not use with other Retinoid or Retinol treatments. Pure Vitamin C [Refer to above charts too] |
| Retinoid 2% emulsion, 2% & 5% in squalane | ||
| The Ordinary Direct Acids | ||
|---|---|---|
| YES | NO | |
| AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | More Molecules Vitamin C derivatives Hydrators & Oils Antioxidants except EUK 134 0.1% |
Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides. |
| Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | ||
| Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | ||
| Lactic Acid 10% + HA | ||
| Lactic Acid 5% + HA | ||
| Mandelic Acid 10% + HA | ||
| Salicylic Acid 2% Masque | ||
| Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | ||
| The Ordinary Vitamin C | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pure Vitamin C | YES | NO |
| 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder | More Molecules Alpha Arbutin and Caffeine Hydrators & Oils Antioxidants except EUK 134 0.1% |
Peptides Niacinamide Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% Retinol & Retinoids |
| Vitamin C Suspension 23%+ HA Spheres 2% | ||
| Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone | ||
| Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution | ||
| Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin | ||
| Vitamin C Derivatives | ||
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% | Use with all products | No conflicts |
| Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F | ||
| Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% | ||
| The Ordinary More Molecules | ||
|---|---|---|
| YES | NO | |
| Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA | Use with all products | No conflicts |
| Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | ||
| Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Use with all products except Pure Vitamin C ( Refer to above table) | Pure VItamin C 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder Vitamin C Suspension 23%+ HA Spheres 2% Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin |
In general, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations and we recommend using a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen. Also, Please always make sure you use a sunscreen, especially if you’re using acids and retinoids. It’s a good idea to do a patch test before trying new products. Here’s a detailed patch test guide from deciem.
Most commonly asked Questions Regarding Ordinary Layering of products
Heard a lot about The Ordinary skincare and I don’t know where to begin it all, How do I get into a proper routine?
Checkout an elaborative guide on choosing skincare routine against your skin type has been discussed here OR there are sample regimens on Deciem.com or you can email Deciem for a personalised routine. It’s very important to follow the thumb rule – start slowly, take one each time. You never know how your skin reacts to it. Also, By using fewer products everytime, you can observe how your skin reacts to each ingredient.
I have a lot of skincare concerns. How do I choose one single routine ?
For example. I have dry skin, acne problems, Pigmentation issues etc. How do I fit into one routine when I have multiple skincare concerns. First of all, don’t overdo your skincare or incorporate a lot of products. Find out what exactly are you looking from your skincare products. What is that you are trying to achieve. Most Ordinary Products have more than one use and helps target more than one concern. For eg: Niacinamide and Azelaic acid targets acne etc but also has brightening effects. Similarly, Buffet has brightening properties and also targets wrinkle fine lines etc. So, key is understand what each product does and choose them according to your skintype and the ones that are multiuse.
It’s raining Vitamin C all over web. Which Vitamin C should I use ?
I totally feel you. Even I had this doubt before I found my perfect Vit C that I never changed and always repurchase. With below 8 The Ordinary vitmain C products to choose from – it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
- 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
- Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
- Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
- Vitamin C Suspension 23%+ HA Spheres 2%
- Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Well, If you’re trying out vitamin C for the first time The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is the best for you. I started with it and I never felt the need to switch. It really helped even tone my skin.
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is the golden standard of vitamin C derivatives. Pure vitamin C is unstable in water-based solutions, however Ascobyl Glucoside is a water soluble derivative. Some advantages of using water based solutions includes their quick absorption to skin and also being suitable for all skin types including oily and sensitive. So if you’re looking for a comfortable formula of vitamin C this solution is the perfect option. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% should be applied before heavier oils and creams, and can be using both in the morning and the evening.
If you’re after vitamin C in it’s purest form, You might want to try The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% which is a water-free, silicone-free product ; It contains pure 23% L-Ascorbic Acid. Excellent if you want dramatic and fast results. It also contains additional spheres of Hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and smooth. Also, Very important point – This suspension to be used at night time, after applying any water-based solutions, and you will wake up with a radiant, youthful complexion! Any product in its pure form is going to be stronger to the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to avoid this one. Also avoid using it alongside Niacinamide as this will decrease its efficacy.
If your skin is sensitive then a water-based solution will work best.
A water-based solution works best with sensitive skin and it helps hydrate and calm down skin. The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% is based around the water-soluble vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, so you can still enjoy the brightening and anti-aging effects of vitamin C without the risk of skin rritation. This lightweight emulsion should be applied after water-based products in both AM and PM.
If you want to use a vitamin C product which rehydrates dry skin, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F.
This is an oil-based solution with a high concentration of the oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.
This solution also contains high amounts of Vitamin F which are essential fatty acids, known to firm and rehydrate skin, so if you have mature or dry skin, or suffer from premature aging this solution will be perfect for you. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F should be applied after water solutions, in the AM/PM routine
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% – Best for Dry Skin. Most potent and best for people who use Vitamin C regularly.
- The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% – Best for Sensitive, Oily, Dry and Combination Skin. Best for people new to Vitamin C.
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F – Best for Dry. Best for Mature Skin.
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% – Best for Oily and Combination Skin. Best for people new to Vitamin C.
I hope this post was helpful to atleast few of you who always was confused regarding which Vitamin C to use and what ordinary products to layer and what to avoid.
Let me know which products do you guys use together. I would love to know which Vitamin C is your go-favorite.
Please note I’m not a dermatologist. So, If you are someone who have cystic acne or deep pitted scars or is taking any medication etc – It’s always best to consult with your doctor first before creating a regimen for yourself. Also, Pregnant and Lactating people, Kindly visit the deciem website to know what to avoid etc. Any products should be used with caution when you have a medical condition.
Data Source and reference – Deciem Site, Adore Beauty and Deciem Chatroom
