How do you layer The Ordinary serums

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If you’re looking to build a new skincare routine from scratch, innovative brand The Ordinary are a great place to start. With high-quality ingredients for affordable prices, you will notice instant results no matter your skin type or skincare concern.

The best way to use products from The Ordinary is to layer them up to ensure your skin gets everything it needs to stay healthy. Building a routine from The Ordinary may seem a little overwhelming, however knowing which order the products should be used in will help build your morning and evening routines.

After Cleansing

The Ordinary mainly focus on treatments as opposed to the more traditional three-step cleanse, tone, moisturize routine. When using products from The Ordinary you should always use an additional cleanser before any step to ensure your skin is free from makeup and dirt so the treatments work most effectively.

If you’re using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, it’s recommended you use this after your cleanser and before any other products.

Water Solutions

The Ordinary products typically are either water-based or oil-based, and it’s important you apply your water-based products first. For your morning routine these include:

  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  • The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
  • The Ordinary Buffet
  • The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
  • The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

If you are using a retinol such as The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%, these should be used only at night time as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and they work best overnight.

After Water Solutions

The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% has an emulsion formulation, meaning it should be applied after water solutions and before oil-based products and can be used in both the morning and the evening.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% should also be applied after water solutions and before oil-based products but should only be used in the evening, and not in the same session as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% as the two ingredients can react and weaken each other.

Oil-based Products and Creams

Once you have applied you water-based solutions and suspensions, it’s time to use your heavier oil-based products and creams. These can all be used in both the morning and the evening. It’s recommended you start with only using one of these especially if you have an oily complexion.

  • The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
  • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
  • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
  • The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

The Final Step

The Ordinary do offer a more traditional moisturiser, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which can be used in the morning and evening to rehydrate skin. It should be the final step of your skincare routine to lock in moisture.

There are also two primers available which are a hybrid of skincare and makeup, the The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer and The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer . If you want to find out which is best for your skin, you can view our guide ‘Which is the right primer from The Ordinary for my skin type?’

If you’re still unsure as to which products you should be using, The Ordinary Skincare Guide will help you find the best products for your skincare routine.

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