The last year and a bit has been a bit transformative for me in terms of my skin and my skin care routine.  After struggling with everything from acne, dryness, redness and oiliness my skin has settled into being mainly dry coupled with hormonal breakouts in varying degrees of severity.  Last year I determined that dairy was actually the main cause behind my acne (a double-edged sword) and I know that if I want completely clear skin, I need to cut out dairy completely.  While I’ve made quite a few concessions, there’s still some things I can’t give up (ahem cheese) and occasionally I indulge in ice cream or mac n cheese, knowing I will pay for it later on – sometimes it’s worth it.  😉

I also discovered some ingredients my skin really likes – one of them being hyaluronic acid (HA).  I tried a few products (serums and moisturizers) that contained HA and was really happy with the results I saw from them. Then I started hearing murmurings about a brand called The Ordinary and when I visited their website I was intrigued by the variety of skin care products they offered, in addition to their very reasonable prices.  It took me a while to finally pull the trigger but last month I finally placed an order for a few of their products (from well.ca) and since I’ve been using them for a while, I figure it’s about time I share how they’re working for me.

ABOUT the product

From The Ordinary website:

“Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. A more advanced HA formulation with 15 forms of HA, including precursors of HA, is offered by our brand NIOD in Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex. 

Note: Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily, while making you feel like you need more HA after the product is rinsed. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration.” 

PRICE

$6.80 CAD/USD for 30 mL / 1 fl oz

PACKAGING

This serum comes packaged in a slightly frosted glass bottle complete with a glass eye dropper inside.

INGREDIENTS

Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.

PERFORMANCE

When I first started using this serum I was using it as part of my morning skin care routine.  I was switching it up between the Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Ole Henriksen’s Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer.  I was started to get frustrated because even though I’d let the serum soak in for a while prior to applying the moisturizer, it was consistently pilling up on my skin.  I decided to start using it in the evenings instead and that worked much better for me.

This serum has a thick, slightly sticky, gel-like texture and zero fragrance.  I apply approximately 3-4 drops on my face and neck and start massaging it into my skin right away as I find it starts sinking in quickly.  It stays tacky until it completely absorbs and I usually wait until around the 10 minute mark before I move on to the next step of my skin care routine.

I’m a little over halfway through my bottle and I must say I am loving this.  My skin feels plumper, more hydrated and more youthful.  Paired with my moisturizer, its really transforms my skin.  While it’s still on the drier side, it has less dry patches and texture and my makeup applies smoother. I’m interested to see how this performs in the Winter when my skin tends to get even drier but for now it’s doing it’s job really well.

Another thing to note: I’ve also seen a lot less breakouts lately (even despite giving in to ice cream a few times) and while I think this might be contributing to that, I think more of the credit can be attributed to The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% that I’ve also been using (review coming up on this soon!).

MISCELLANEOUS INFO

• Alcohol-free
• Oil-free
• Silicone-free
• Nut-free
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Cruelty-free

VERDICT

I have zero complaints with this serum; I find it works just as well, if not better than other HA products I’ve tried but the best part is, it comes in at nearly half the price of most of them!  And if you know me, you know that I love a good deal! 🙂  The only drawback was that it didn’t seem to play nicely with some of my other skincare products but that isn’t the first time that has happened so I won’t hold that against it.

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What products have you tried from The Ordinary?