
My Top 7 Picks From The Ordinary
Ping! Ping! Ping! The pinging sound of my email, Instagram DM and comments going off several times a day, all regarding the same request: a guide to the many products from The Ordinary I flash on my Instagram. So here it is!
About the brand
The Ordinary is a brand from DECIEM (an umbrella of brands, with sister brands like Hylamide and NIOD).
In blogger words: an extremely hyped brand that has broken the internet in regards of the skincare community, in parts thanks to dear Mrs. Hirons but also very much due to their affordable pricing, visual identity and SoMe branding. We’re all in love <3
“Where do you buy their products?”
you often ask me. Online, via their own website and once via asos.com. However, they’re constantly sold out. Everywhere.
The Product Jungle
My 7 Top Picks
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Active key-ingredients: niacinamide and zinc.
Among many beneficial properties niacinamide (Vitamin B3) inhibits sebum production in turns reducing the appearance of the size of the pores, enhance the barrier function and reduce skin hyperpigmentation. The added zinc salt helps sebum control as well[1]. My husband uses this to control his oily T-zone.
Use: After cleansing and before creams/oils. Apply to e.g. your oily T-zone (or the areas needed) or your whole face AM and/or PM.
Skin types: Oily to combination. And anyone interested in the many beneficial effects of niacinamide other than oil control.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Active key-ingredient: Lactic Acid 10%
Advanced Retinoid 2% (now re-named Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion)
In short vitamin A = retinoids are the gold standard for treating photo damaged skin. When applied in the right concentration and correct chemical formulation (important points!) not only do retinoids then protect the skin from further photoaging, but they also reverse it by treating fine wrinkles and pigmentations [2].
All-trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin) is the most well-studied with clinically documented effects[3], therefore used as prescription topical treatment for acne, photo damaged skin amongst others.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Active key-ingredients: linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A (transretinoic acid or natural tretinoin).
Rosehip seed oil strengthens the barrier function of the skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, is used in treatment of scarring [5] and thus beneficial for inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Active key-ingredient: Hyaluronic acid (HA).
HA is a glucosaminoglycan polysaccharide (think a long chain of paired sugar molecules) occurring naturally in the dermis of our skin, where it acts as a natural humectant. Read in-depth post WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID AND HOW TO USE IT.
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Active key-ingredient: Glycolic acid (GA)
GA is yet another AHA that exfoliates the skin. My #holygrailacidtoner that has got me rid of my dry patches and overall given my skin an even and beautiful texture. Many of you have asked me whether my sensitive rosacea skin can tolerate it, and yes, it can. Initially, I experienced a tingling sensation, but quickly my skin developed tolerance.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Active key-ingredients: Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). Quoted from their website
“Contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid”.
Disclaimer
This is not a sponsored post and it is without affiliations. All products are purchased by me. I know!
REFERENCES:
1) Topical Vitamins. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures, Second Edition. Edited by Zoe Diana Draelos. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2) Topical Cosmeceutical Retinoids. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures, Second Edition. Edited by Zoe Diana Draelos. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3) Isotretinoin improves the appearance of photodamaged skin: Results of a 36-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:56-63.) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(00)90009-4
4) http://www.janusinfo.se/Beslutsstod/janusmed-fosterpaverkan/?docid=139
5) Evolution of Post-Surgical Scars Treated with Pure Rosehip Seed Oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2015, 5, 161-167 http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52019