In This Story:
Did you know that The Ordinary were pioneers of transparent beauty – taking a leaf from the healthcare industry to recommend concern-specific solutions? Ever since its foundation in 2016, The Ordinary has had one goal: To democratise skincare and put science under the spotlight. Starting with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, they labelled their first formulations by the percentage of their active ingredient.
It's common practice in 2024 that brands have begun divulging their concentration breakdown, courtesy of The Ordinary. So, let’s head back in time, all the way to 2015, when skin scientists at The Ordinary lab were experimenting with different formulae boasting potent ingredients to create two of their most-loved concoctions.
The Story Behind The Ordinary Heroes
Back in 2015, everything began with a blank page and an ingredient. Long before the awards and accolades – even before The Ordinary began – there existed potent ingredients that were well-regarded in the industry but not known to consumers. The goal was to achieve a balanced concentration stored in the perfect container to make the most of the formulation.
In 2016, as part of their launch, The Ordinary kept their bottles translucent yet frosted to avoid light exposure. They even traded in abstract names for those with active ingredient percentages for complete transparency.
Now, after almost 10 years, they have reformulated their hero product – Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, all new and improved.
The Ordinary’s Original Formulations, Evolved
Imitation is the finest form of flattery, and we can see this phrase come to action when The Ordinary launched their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This ingredient created a new category, gained popularity among the masses, made a niche, and dominoed into several dupes surfacing in the skincare ecosystem. But The Ordinary stood the test of time…let’s explore how.
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant found naturally in the skin, where it binds to water. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary lends a healthy dose of hydration for softer, smoother, plumper-looking skin. This elixir contains five forms of hyaluronic acid, which help provide hydration to the multiple layers of your epidermis.
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 visibly improves skin elasticity while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formulation also contains ceramides to seal in moisture and Provitamin B5 to fortify the skin barrier. Furthermore, fatty acids help retain hydration, ensuring long-lasting skin moisture.
The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum that boosts skin luminosity, all while improving skin texture and reinforcing the integrity of your skin barrier. The concoction also aids with persistent acne-related issues by curbing excess sebum in just three days. It also diminishes the appearance of enlarged pores and enhances the natural radiance of your skin.
How To Pair These ExtraOrdinary Ingredients
To fully experience the benefits of the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serum, follow our tips and tricks; you should know what to pair, when to pair, and how to layer active ingredients.
- While hyaluronic acid focuses on retaining hydration, niacinamide curbs excess oil. So the ideal order to use these actives is by starting off with hyaluronic acid and following it up with niacinamide. This way, your skin will stay hydrated while excess sebum will remain under control.
- Avoid AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, and vitamin C while using niacinamide. They can nullify the benefits your niacinamide serum offers.
- Avoid harsh chemical exfoliants, fragranced substances, and alcohol-based products to keep irritation and redness at bay.
- Always apply the serum on freshly cleansed, damp skin for the product to fully penetrate. Follow it up with a moisturiser to lock in the benefits and finish off with a broad-spectrum sun protectant.
- Always store your serum in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid the formulation from going bad. The Ordinary formulae come in frosted glass bottles to keep away from direct sunlight.
Parting Thoughts
Their latest campaign, The Ordinary: Behind the Heroes, highlights the brand’s commitment to democratising skincare and placing science under the spotlight. From samples in their first lab to a reformulated version of their holy grail formulations, the evolution of The Ordinary has been commendable. For this reason and beyond, we love the brand, its ethos, and its products.
FAQs
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How does hyaluronic acid benefit the skin?
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and moisturises the skin while improving its elasticity and fortifying the skin barrier. It’s also proven to be beneficial for stretch marks, fine lines, wounds, and scars.
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How does niacinamide benefit the skin?
Niacinamide supplements a vitamin B3 deficiency, preventing persistent pimples and treating pesky acne scars. It also minimises enlarged pores, reduces wrinkles, hydrates the skin, and brightens and treats hyperpigmentation.
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Why is The Ordinary so popular?
The Ordinary offers medical-grade solutions at an OTC-level price. While the formulation is expert-driven, the products are affordable and accessible to consumers all across the globe.
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How to use niacinamide serum?
Begin by cleansing your skin with a suitable face wash. Thereafter, take 2–3 drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and dispense it directly onto the skin, gently dabbing the product along the face and neck. Wait for the serum to penetrate the skin and follow it up with a moisturiser and sunscreen.
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How to apply hyaluronic acid?
Since hyaluronic acid is a humectant, you may also use it as a cleanser or toner. However, the best way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is via a serum. Take 2–3 drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum and apply it to cleansed, damp skin. Dab the product until it gets fully absorbed and follow up with a suitable moisturiser and sunscreen.
