The Ordinary’s catalog can feel overwhelming precisely because it’s so large – dozens of single-ingredient actives with clinical names and no obvious starting point. Knowing which The Ordinary products fit your skin type is the fastest way to cut through the catalog and avoid buying something that isn’t right for you. Here’s a breakdown by skin type, along with why each pick makes sense.
A Quick Note Before You Start
Everyone’s skin is different, and reactions to actives can vary even within the same general skin type. If you have a diagnosed skin condition (eczema, rosacea, active acne under treatment) or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s worth checking with a dermatologist before introducing new actives, since some common ingredients (like certain retinoids) aren’t recommended in those situations.
Best The Ordinary Products for Oily Skin
Oily skin generally benefits from lightweight, oil-regulating formulas that don’t add heaviness.
- Niacinamide + Zinc serum, to help regulate oil production and minimize the look of pores
- A salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliant, useful for oily and acne-prone skin specifically
- A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to avoid over-drying while still hydrating
What to avoid: Heavier, oil-based serums as a first step – they can feel too rich for already-oily skin types.
Best The Ordinary Products for Dry Skin
Dry skin benefits most from hydration-focused and barrier-supporting formulas.
- Hyaluronic acid serum, for a lightweight hydration boost
- A plant-derived squalane oil, to help lock in moisture
- A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) serum, which mimics the skin’s own hydrating compounds
What to avoid: Strong exfoliating acids as a starting point – dry skin often needs a hydration foundation first before introducing exfoliation.
Best The Ordinary Products for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin does best with gentler, lower-concentration formulas and a slower introduction process.
- A lower-concentration niacinamide formula, rather than jumping to the highest strength available
- Squalane oil, which is generally well-tolerated across skin types
- Panthenol-based support serum, often used to soothe and support the skin barrier
What to avoid: High-strength acids or retinoids without patch-testing first, and introducing more than one new active at a time.
Best The Ordinary Products for Combination Skin
Combination skin – oily in some areas, dry in others – benefits from a more customized, zone-based approach.
- Niacinamide + Zinc serum for oilier zones like the T-zone
- Hyaluronic acid serum for drier zones like the cheeks
- A balanced, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t overwhelm oilier areas while still hydrating drier ones
Tip: Combination skin often benefits from applying different products to different areas of the face rather than a single one-size-fits-all routine.
General Rules for Any Skin Type
- Patch test new actives on a small area before applying to your full face
- Introduce one new product at a time, waiting at least a week before adding another, to isolate what’s working (or not)
- Always use sunscreen during the day, especially when using exfoliating acids or retinoids, since they can increase sun sensitivity
- Start with lower concentrations if you’re new to actives, even if a higher-strength version is available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same The Ordinary products regardless of skin type? Some products (like squalane oil) are well-tolerated across most skin types, but formulas like high-strength exfoliating acids or heavier oils are better suited to specific skin types and can cause irritation or breakouts if mismatched.
How do I know my skin type if I’m not sure? A simple approach: if your skin feels tight and flaky without moisturizer, you likely lean dry; if it looks shiny and prone to breakouts by midday, you likely lean oily; if you experience both in different areas, you likely have combination skin.
Is it safe to combine multiple actives from The Ordinary in one routine? Some combinations work well together, while others (like certain acids and retinoids) can increase irritation if used at the same time – when in doubt, introduce one new active at a time and monitor how your skin responds.
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