Product Reviews Rated 4.42 out of 5 stars
417 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review The only exfoliation my skin can handle and I love it! I have had a seemingly hopeless experience with exfoliation. I have a skin condition called dermatographia that makes me prone to rashes when triggered by heat or rubbing and ALSO take a medication that causes facial flushing as a side effect.
I also have dry skin with redness and minor acne, and I wanted to try exfoliation like everyone else!
EVERYTHING made my face flush or break out in rashes. I tried enzymatic face wash, I tried the gentlest konjac sponge, but my skin just couldn't take it!
This is the ONLY thing that, when used every other day (and once a day on my chin and forehead) has not irritated my skin and the benefits have been fantastic!
I still get small amounts of acne, but it's super controllable and my overall texture has really improved! I don't feel the need to wear foundation anymore because it's glowing and even!
I'm sure there are still some sensitive users who have problems with the formula, but for me, it's very gentle.
However, if it works for you, I would recommend using it as often as is comfortable FOR YOU and make sure to moisturize well, because it can be drying!
Most Helpful Critical Review This Ruined My Skin I bought this product because I watched a video from a dermatologist that recommended this for acne/brightening, etc. The first time I used it (which I only used it a total of 4 times, each in the morning) I could feel an actual burning sensation. After all these years of being interested and passionate about skincare, I stupidly thought this meant it was "working." Every time I scrunched my face, I could feel how tight and raw feeling my skin felt. I blamed it on it being winter weather, but it never got better. But I continued for 4 days and after the 4th day, I couldn't take it anymore and I threw the whole thing away. No amount of moisturizer or healing ointment could prevent the flakiness, sunburn like skin that was peeling off. It was peeling in small amounts but all over my face. It's been weeks since I've stopped using it and my skin is STILL flakey around my nose and temples and forehead. I had good expectations of using The Ordinary, but unfortunately, this ruined my skin. I have always had sensitive skin and I should have patch tested it like everyone says to do. BEWARE if you have any sort of level of sensitive skin, hopefully it doesn't mess up your skin like it did mine. Because of this, I don't see myself using any other The Ordinary products.
Reviewed by 417 customers Bad 1
Jo from Madison
Didn't do anything, it actually made my skin worse. Did not brighten my skin, didn't take away scars, made me skin texture worse.
Maybe 3
Vivi from Texas
I don't know if I see a difference using this product but my face does look lighter and smoother the next day but the only thing I don't like about this product is that it tends to crumble up when it dries up either by its self or when I use other products on top of it👎🏽
BEST THING EVER (PLS READ!!!) 5
clearskinnnnnn from astroworld
i have extremely acne prone skin with A LOT of texture.. to the point where even if i put any sort of makeup on to cover it it still looked so gross and bumpy. this cleared so much of my acne and i now have ABSOLUTELY NO texture. like none. whatsoever. my skin is so soft and my acne is clearing up so much!! this product is amazing! and i recommend pairing it with the alpha arbutin 2% + HA for maximum results!! i have combination skin and this made it so even and im finally so comfortable with my skin. BUY THIS. TRUST.
Really like this product 4
Gen from New York
I really like this product. I have had acne prone and dry skin for a long time. I'm 18 and always had trouble finding good products. This really works for me when I want to brighten my skin and get rid of my acne. I've noticed that it also minimizes my pores on my nose which I like. I tend to use it at night since it dries up my skin a little bit but I use Cerave lotion on top and the combination really helps me. Overall, this product is good. I just wish the bottle wasn't so small. A little goes a long way too :)
I love azelaic acid, but not this particular formula 1
Andi from California
Azelaic aid is a great ingredient in skin care. I have used other formulas in the past, including Paula's Choice and Melazepam, so I thought I would try this version as well. Just like some other reviewers have posted, this formula pills on my skin no matter what order I add it to in my regimen. I've tried it after moisturizer, before moisturizer, by itself, ... it still pills after awhile. It's not the best formulation I have tried, so I will not be repurchasing this product. I would rather spend a little extra for the other brands out there with just as much azelaic acid concentration.
This product is really working! 5
NJtoCAnowUTgirl from Utah
I use this product at night for the purpose of evening out some darker pigmented skin that came on during my pregnancies years ago. I also have acne scarring and sun damage that I am using this to even out skin tone.
nope 1
B from atlanta
This is the only of their products that i've actually disliked. I finally started to clear my skin up and this ruined it completely, huge cystic zits all over my chin and jawline and it made my skin feel so stiff and not to mention there was barely any product in the bottle to begin with.
Best acid-friendly overnight mask EVER 5
Chelsea from Athens, GA
I use this product, in the same routine that I use a modest percentage of L-Ascorbic Acid (the acidic form of Vit. C.), as the last step in my nightly acid routine. Even thought my skin is super sensitive to high percentages of L-AA, I find that I can successfully combine my 15% L-AA serum, followed by a calming serum (without niacinamide or too many peptides, of course), and then top if off with this product. I find that the acids work well together since they are at a similar pH, as as long as I don't combine this product with a super STRONG acid or exfoliator, then I have successfully seen results lightening my PIE (the RED kind of pigmentation, not the brown kind AKA PIE).
If you don't like silicones, you will hate this product. I don't like silicones under my SPF during the day (I find it "pills"), but LOVE this as a mattifying last step at night (I don't like to end my routine with greasy products at night, as I find that they transfer to my pillowcase). The silicones "hold" in the other products (Vit c and calming serum), without making my skin greasy. It's the perfect nighttime emollient for me. I wake up with insanely smooth skin and always use a facewash in the morning to get all the silicones off and to have a fresh pallette to absorb my daytime products (which include 10% niacinamide and tons of antioxidants and of course spf)..
Yes, it tingles. Monitor your own reaction and don't use in same routine with strong exfoliators, retinol, niacinamide, copper peptides, etc. Maybe do a patch test first. This product tends to be a hit or miss with most people. It is a hit with me, but I can see why others wouldn't like it as it does have it's limitations, especially when combining products. Anyway, for the price, it's worth trying. I'm glad I did.
I would but this product again. 5
DVP11 from Dale City, VA
I love this product and so inexpensive!
Great product 5
Karla B from MA
This does sting when putting it on face as directed on the product but it does work! Been using for over 2 weeks and already noticed a difference, more even skin tone.
Love! Love! Love! 5
A from Virginia
I have incredibly sensitive, reactive and rosacea prone skin. I use it with The Ordinary's squalane cleanser and La Roche Posay's Toleriane moisturizer and I have no issues. I even started putting it around my eyes for my ocular rosacea and it's clearing up. I love this product and will continue to use it on my skin forever. It is even rated as "non-toxic" on the EWG skin deep website which only adds to its greatness! Thank you The Ordinary for caring about ALL skin types!!
LOVE IT!! 5
kitty-cat from Texas
(I have normal/dry acne prone skin)
I LOVE this so much!!! I had broken out very badly over the past few months and once it cleared there was a bunch of scarring left. This got rid of (almost) all my scarring, it also helped with texture and it didn't take long to start working!
Great product 5
Lauren from NC
I have rosacea. So my skin has raised bumps and texture. I apply this a couple times a week and my skin is so much better. Softer, more even and the raised bumps (not pimples) go away !!! It does have a silicone film feeling to it. But I apply my normal moisturizer over top of it , pat it in and that feeling disappears. Great for using underneath your normal moisturizer.
Terrible 1
Mik from 33196
My dermatologist recommended this product to reduce redness (I have rosacea) but it doesn't play nice with any other skincare items I've tried. It pills and rolls when applied after a serum, even after waiting a few minutes in between. It makes my skin feel dry and tight and leaves a white residue on my skin when it dries down. I can't layer a moisturizer on top of it either cause the texture is dry and it doesn't seem to work well in combination with any other skin care items.
Leaves a matte look 5
Tdunn from NWA
I really like this product. I'll admit, if I do the order wrong, I do end up with white streaks across my face but as soon as I put a little moisturizer on it goes away. It leaves my face soft and with a matte look instead of shiny. Would recommend for sure
works wonders 5
kay from PA
This has noticeably cleared up my face especially evening out the texture of my face after so much acne scarring. I highly recommend and am on my second bottle. You can't beat the price for how well it works!
Game changing 5
Beauty consultant from TN
I am fairly new to The Ordinary line, but after asking some of my aesthetician friends for good products for combination, acne prone skin— I chose to add this product along with The Ordinary's chemical exfoliant to my routine. I use a pea size amount of this product twice a day after washing my face. The only time I do not use it is whenever I use the peeling solution (once a week before bed) as they cannot be used within the same routine. I am 25, and I have suffered from hormonal + stress acne since I was 13. Proactiv was helpful during my teen years, but I wanted to try a beauty regime that was formulated more-so for my own skin. In addition to large noticeable pores, acne and their scars have always been something that I have been self conscious about. However, I've used this product routinely for three weeks now and have already noticed several differences. For the last week, my skin looks noticeably brighter. My acne has dwindled down to about 2-3 pimples, (mainly around my cheeks where my son frequently touches with dirty little fingers haha.) My large pores are still noticeable, but I feel like they've shrunken slightly and are firmer in appearance. Generally, I feel confident in saying that I believe my skin will only to continue to improve over time with the use of this product. Overall, I really enjoy TO's azealic acid and I'll definitely keep it in my routine!
Makes my skin look brighter and more even 5
Stamper from Maryland
I simply apply it before my moisteriser.
already working great 5
boork from hi
i've used it for under a week and my acne scars are already lighter. i've been using this combined w the niacinamide every day and occasionally the BHA AHA peel. it's working well get all three products
absolute Favorite 5
Andi from Boise, ID
I've used almost every serum by The Ordinary. Especially the highly rated ones. The caffeine one is okay, and others are good too. But i picked this up cause I wanted something that brightened my skin. And I paired it with The Buffet. Just those two every night and day for a month. I started seeing results in a week. I'd wear concealer everyday at work and didn't even feel the need to after I used this. It's so good. My favorite The Ordinary product.
size is a total joke.... 1
Grace from pittsburgh, pa
I recently purchased this product for the price shown above and paid $6 shipping. I was shocked at how small it is. I am sure a little goes a long way but... with the amount in the container it seems like it might last me 2 weeks. It better really work wonders for my acne scars! Total joke.
Amazing!! 5
Allie from Connecticut
I've only been using this product for a few days and my acne scars are already going away. Fantastic for cystic acne and it helps with acne that's swollen. Incredible product so far
okay 3
tiff from california, usa
this does help with breakouts and acne scars, but the formulation is terrible.
great for the price 5
wendy from san diego, ca
Very good value and does what it claims to do. It does have a silicone-y filmy feel which a lot of people are bothered by but I personally didn't mind it. I use a pea size amount over a dry moisturized face morning and/or night. To avoid pilling, make sure you pat/gently rub other skincare products and makeup that you apply after this.
Love. 5
aly from hawaii
I've only used this product a few times and I can already see a more even skin tone. I have very textured uneven skin and I can tell you this has helped! This is your sign to buy it lol
