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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Tori Crowther

Quality skincare that actually works can exist for all—this brand's science-backed formulations driven by efficacy proves it

Best The Ordinary products

When it comes to skincare, it’s time to ditch the narrative that truly efficacious skincare is only available to a select few. And one brand in particular is leading the way when it comes to science-led products that are accessible to the masses. After bursting onto the market in 2016, The Ordinary has been breaking the boundaries of at-home skincare since day one. 

The Ordinary, under the umbrella company, Deciem, is a skincare brand producing pioneering products backed by teams of chemists and top innovators (which is why it’s such a firm favourite for team MC)—and it’s without exclusionary price tags.

The brand initially launched with simple products, but effective formulations featuring commodity ingredients and clearly stating the percentages to speak directly to the well-informed skincare enthusiast—something that hadn’t previously been done. Since then, The Ordinary has become a mainstay in the routines of skincare buffs far and wide. The Ordinary’s mission is powerful: democratise science-led skincare and put consumers first by delivering efficacious, accessible products to all.

Knowing you can easily get your hands on a hard-working formula, without worrying about ethical practices or obscene product markups, makes the brand truly stand out in what is, frankly, an oversaturated market. Another breath of fresh air? The brand is transparent about continually striving for better, so products are regularly updated with the newest technology, even inviting consumers to submit new product requests. 

While plenty of brands today claim to be disruptive, it’s safe to say none have truly transformed the skincare space quite like The Ordinary. Here’s why team Marie Claire always goes back to The Ordinary products…

The brand cares about quality equality 

The Ordinary has always been a brand for everyone. To them (and us), accessibility matters and everyone deserves quality. The brand is dubbing it ‘quality equality’ and there’s never been a more important time to drive that message home than 2023. Access to skincare that really works should be available for everyone—it should be an industry that accepts and welcomes everyone. So, when brands like The Ordinary both recognise that and work towards helping their consumers access products without encouraging excessive purchasing (a big problem in the beauty industry right now), it can encourage us all to do better. 

Everyone deserves to be able to not only access basic hygiene like skincare, but to also get their hands on products that actually work. To be well-produced with clear packaging and sensibly priced products is no mean feat. Not only that, but The Ordinary is also vegan, cruelty-free—talk about accessibility. 

You can trust their pricing strategy

There’s no denying that the beauty industry is a master of marketing and, unfortunately for the consumer, that can be confusing. It’s not uncommon to hear of 500%+ markups for products, which can leave you wondering: what am I actually paying for? And sure, sometimes there’s a place for ridiculously fancy jars and celebrity appeal, but having the choice is important. Strip away the superfluous packaging and replace it with clear and concise labelling and in-house manufacturing, and you’ve got yourself a skincare that puts you and your needs first.

It’s this commodity approach that really sets the brand apart. Using commodity ingredients that are proven and trusted without the steep mark-up means accessible, high quality formulations are within reach for everyone. Something that has been done in other markets before but not in the skincare space in this way. 

The key takeaway? In today’s skincare market, expensive doesn’t automatically equal efficiency. The magic happens when there’s something to suit everyone—no matter your skin type, tone, budget or background. 

After all, shopping knowing you can trust the brand you’re buying into is priceless. Below, shop our go-to products from The Ordinary...

1. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

2. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

3. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

4. Squalane Cleanser

5. Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

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