The Ordinary – Genius Skincare or Just Overhyped?
Hi, I’m Olivia, a beauty writer from London, and I’ll be honest—I’ve fallen for way too many skincare myths.
Like most people, I once believed that more exfoliation = better skin (it doesn’t). I thought niacinamide was the cure for all acne (it’s not). And I assumed that The Ordinary’s prices were too good to be true (turns out, not always).
So today, I’m busting 5 major myths about The Ordinary, with real science, real reviews, and real talk. Let’s go!
MYTH #1: “Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Will Cure Your Acne”
What’s in it?
✔️ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Balances oil production, reduces redness, strengthens skin barrier.
✔️ Zinc PCA – Soothes inflammation, has mild antibacterial properties.
💡 What science says:
- Niacinamide at 2-5% is clinically proven to reduce inflammation and oiliness. You can read the study here.
- 10% concentration may be irritating for sensitive skin.
💬 Reddit Says:
“Niacinamide made my skin super smooth and less oily, but it didn’t clear my acne.”
Reddit Thread
“It shrunk my pores, but also gave me tiny bumps at first.”
Reddit Thread
I expected this serum to be a miracle cure for breakouts, but it’s more of a supporting player than a hero. If you have acne, you need benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or prescription treatments.
🚨 How to Use It Correctly:
✔️ Start every other day to avoid irritation.
✔️ Don’t mix with Vitamin C (they neutralize each other).
✔️ Better Alternative: If acne is your main concern, try Differin (adapalene) or benzoyl peroxide.
MYTH #2: “Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a Dupe for Expensive Chemical Peels”
What’s in it?
✔️ Glycolic Acid (7%) – An AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that gently removes dead skin.
✔️ Aloe Vera & Ginseng – Reduce irritation.
💡 What science says:
- Glycolic acid at 5-10% is effective for mild exfoliation (study).
- For real peeling, you need 30-50% concentrations, which are only available in professional treatments.
💬 Reddit Says:
“I used it daily and burned my face. Now I do 3x a week, and it’s perfect.”
Reddit Thread
I definitely overdid it with this one. Exfoliation addiction is real. If your skin is peeling like a lizard, you’ve gone too far.
🚨 How to Use It Correctly:
✔️ Start with 2x a week, then increase if needed.
✔️ Always wear SPF in the morning.
✔️ Better Alternative: If you need serious peeling, go for professional lactic acid peels.
MYTH #3: “Retinol 1% in Squalane is the Best for Anti-Aging”
What’s in it?
✔️ Retinol (1%) – Speeds up skin renewal, reduces fine lines.
✔️ Squalane – Hydrates and prevents irritation.
💡 What science says:
- Retinol is proven to increase collagen and smooth wrinkles (study).
- Beginners should start with 0.2% or 0.5% retinol, not 1%.
💬 Reddit Says:
“I jumped straight to 1% and my face felt like it was on fire.”
Reddit Thread
Retinol works, but going too strong too soon will destroy your skin barrier. Learn from my mistakes.
🚨 How to Use It Correctly:
✔️ Start with 0.2% or 0.5%, then move up.
✔️ Use ONLY at night + always wear SPF.
✔️ Better Alternative: If you want gentler results, try bakuchiol.
MYTH #4: “Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% is a Dupe for Expensive Anti-Aging Serums”
What’s in it?
✔️ Copper Peptides – Boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, improve skin healing.
✔️ Matrixyl 3000 & Argireline – Peptides that smooth fine lines (sometimes called “Botox in a bottle”).
✔️ Amino Acids & Hyaluronic Acid – Strengthen skin barrier, provide hydration.
💡 What science says:
- Copper peptides stimulate collagen and may speed up wound healing (study).
- Matrixyl 3000 has been shown to reduce wrinkle depth over time (study).
- Argireline can slightly relax facial muscles (but NOT like Botox) (study).
💬 Reddit Says:
“My skin looks smoother and healthier, but it’s not a miracle serum. You need patience!”
Reddit Thread
“I love it, but it’s sticky. Wish it absorbed faster.”
Reddit Thread
It’s a solid anti-aging serum, but don’t expect overnight results. It takes at least 3 months to see a difference. Also, if you’re using vitamin C or acids, don’t mix them with copper peptides—they can deactivate each other.
🚨 How to Use It Correctly:
✔️ Apply after cleansing, before heavier serums or moisturizers.
✔️ Avoid using with Vitamin C or acids.
✔️ Better Alternative: If you want faster results, retinoids or professional microneedling work better.
MYTH #5: “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the Ultimate Hydration Fix”
What’s in it?
✔️ Hyaluronic Acid (HA) at 2% – Draws moisture into the skin, plumps fine lines.
✔️ Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) – Strengthens skin barrier, soothes irritation.
💡 What science says:
- Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000x its weight in water (study).
- Vitamin B5 helps with wound healing and reduces skin sensitivity (study).
💬 Reddit Says:
“I thought this would be life-changing, but it only works if you apply it on damp skin.”
Reddit Thread
“It’s hydrating, but you NEED a moisturizer on top, or it makes skin drier.”
Reddit Thread
I learned the hard way that hyaluronic acid can actually dehydrate your skin if you don’t use it properly. If there’s no moisture in the air, it pulls water out of your skin instead of into it.
🚨 How to Use It Correctly:
✔️ Apply on DAMP skin, not dry.
✔️ Seal with a moisturizer immediately after.
✔️ Better Alternative: If you want deeper hydration, try ceramide-based creams.
Final Verdict: What’s Worth Your Money?
| Product | Best For | Realistic Results |
| Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Oily skin | Controls oil, doesn’t cure acne |
| Glycolic Acid 7% Toner | Dull skin | Gentle exfoliation, not a real peel |
| Retinol 1% in Squalane | Wrinkles | Strong, beginners beware |
| Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% | Aging | Plumps skin, but no Botox effect |
| Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Dry skin | Instant hydration, needs moisturizer |
My Skincare Journey (And What Actually Helped Me)
I’ve ruined my skin so many times—over-exfoliating, mixing the wrong products, using too much retinol too soon.
My dermatologist had to put me on a recovery routine:
✔️ Laser treatments for hyperpigmentation.
✔️ Prescription tretinoin for wrinkles and acne.
✔️ Hydrating routine with ceramides and peptides.
Now, I use The Ordinary for maintenance, but professional treatments for real results.
📩 Questions or requests? Email us at: [email protected]
