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The Ordinary Products for Acne: What Ordinary Products Can Help Acne Problems?

Published Categorized as Beauty Tips

If you’re like many who are dealing with acne, you’re constantly looking for the right solution to clear up your skin and keep acne from controlling your life. You may have noticed that more and more individuals are turning to products from The Ordinary to treat their acne and address other skincare needs. If you’re ready to start trying out some of The Ordinary products for acne, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of their key products that can help you address acne, blackheads, acne scars, and other issues your acne is causing!

Table of Contents

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 240ml

Criteria for Selection: How are these Ordinary Products Good for Acne?

When choosing the best The Ordinary products for acne prone skin, we look at the ingredients, The Ordinary reviews, and results that users experienced after use.  We think you’ll find that one of these products will deliver the results you’re looking for.

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How Are These the Best Ordinary Products for Acne?

The products we selected are among the best The Ordinary products for acne.

One of the things the Ordinary is known for, in addition to their reasonably-priced products, is their belief in science. These products feature key ingredients, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, that are known to be effective for treating acne, clearing up complexions, and fighting some of the blemishes that acne can leave behind.

Additionally, users dealing with acne problems have tried these products and seen very promising results.

The Ordinary Products for Acne

What Ordinary products are good for acne? We’ll share our picks for the best Ordinary products for acne to help you decide! For each product, we’ll tell you a little more about how it can help address your acne concerns, the results other users have experienced after trying the product, as well as some pros and cons of the product.

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The Ordinary Acne Serum – The Ordinary Face Serum Set

The Ordinary Face Serum Set! Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG! Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5! Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%! Help Fight Visible Blemishes And Improve The Look Of Skin Texture&Radiance
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

This set of three serums includes some of The Ordinary’s most popular products for acne. The set includes the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Adding these to your routine can help decrease blemishes and clear up acne. The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is especially effective at clearing up acne and acne scars and balancing the sebum in your face. You can also keep your skin feeling hydrated with the Hyaluronic Acid 2% that uses three different hyaluronic acid forms to maximize hydration benefits.

Reviews

The vast majority of users are very happy with how adding these three Ordinary serums to their routine has helped improve their skin. They have shared that their acne has begun to clear up, their pores are less noticeable, and their skin has become firmer.

Pros and Cons

  • The set includes three different products to help you reduce blemishes and hydrate your skin
  • The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% will balance the sebum in your skin
  • Adding these serums to your routine can help shrink your pores
  • This set of three may contain extra products that aren’t as necessary for your routine

The Ordinary Spot Treatment – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 240ml
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

If you’re suffering from acne, you know keeping your pores from getting clogged is essential. This is exactly what the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution can help you do. It is an AHA which will exfoliate your skin’s upper level, remove dead skin cells, and even out your skin’s texture.

Reviews

Individuals with acne have been impressed with how adding the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution to their routine has helped. They have shared that it has helped reduce the appearance of blemishes and evened their skin tone.

Pros and Cons

  • Works to exfoliate the skin
  • It includes Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to reduce irritation from using acids on your skin
  • The toning solution evens skin texture
  • Some users found it too harsh for their skin

The Ordinary for Blackheads – The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (50 mL / 1.7 fl oz)
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

Add this Salicylic Acid 2% Masque to your weekly routine to exfoliate your skin, remove excess acne-causing oil, and leave skin clearer and smoother. The masque is also infused with clay and charcoal that work alongside the salicylic acid to improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Reviews

Customers have a lot of great things to say about the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. They have shared that it has helped clear up their acne flare-ups and leaves their skin much more even-toned and smoothed.

Pros and Cons

  • Exfoliates skin to remove dead skin cells
  • Evens skin texture
  • Cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free
  • You may feel a slight burning sensation when you apply the mask

RELATED: Best Salicylic Acid Toners

The Ordinary Acne Regimen – The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary 100% Plant-derived Squalane 30ml
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

If you’re looking for a product from The Ordinary to add to your acne regimen, consider the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. This can be added to your skin after applying some of the other acne-fighting products to help keep the skin balanced and hydrated. You can choose to use it every day, or on an as-needed basis.

Reviews

Those who have tried the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane rave about how hydrated and moisturized their skin feels after using it. They also like that it doesn’t leave their skin feeling sticky or greasy like some other products do.

Pros and Cons

  • It absorbs quickly into the skin
  • Your skin will feel soft and hydrated
  • It can be used alongside other products in your acne routine
  • A few users couldn’t use it on their face without breaking out

The Ordinary Face Wash – The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (50mL/1.7oz)
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

Before applying any products to treat acne, you need to start with a clean face. The Squalane Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that is suitable for use with all skin types. It can be used to remove makeup and works to moisturize and smooth the skin.

Reviews

Individuals who have tried this cleanser love that it works so gently on their skin. Many users with sensitive skin even shared that they were able to use the cleanser without issue and were left with smoother, more hydrated skin.

Pros and Cons

  • It can be used by individuals with all skin types
  • Works getles to remove makeup, cleanse skin, and leave skin feeling smoother
  • Free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, SLS, SLES, and other harmful substances
  • Some users with acne found that the cleanser clogged their pores

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Serum – The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%

(1) THE ORDINARY. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution size 1oz
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

If you’re looking to clear up acne breakouts, the Salicylic Acid 2% from the Ordinary should be a top consideration. Salicylic acid works to unclog pores and clear blemishes on your face. The BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) in the formula exfoliates skin and penetrates deep down for noticeable and lasting results.

Users

Those who have tried the Salicylic Acid 2% serum from the Ordinary have shared that it has helped to keep their acne under control.

Pros and Cons

  • The serum exfoliates the skin
  • It works to unclog your pores
  • Using it can help keep your acne under control
  • A few individuals who tried this serum said it caused their skin to break out more

The Ordinary Exfoliator – The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

“Can I use the ordinary peeling solution on acne,” is a common question. Yes, the AHA and BHA Peeling Solution works to exfoliate both the outer layers of skin as well as the inside of the pores. This combination can help leave skin clearer, eliminate blemishes, and smooth the skin’s texture.

Reviews

If you ask users, “Is Ordinary Peeling Solution good for acne scars,” many will tell you that it has helped to make their acne scars fade and become less noticeable. They’ll also tell you that it leaves their skin feeling much softer and looking more radiant after each use.

Pros and Cons

  • The Peeling Solution exfoliates both the outer layer of skin as well as the inside of the pores
  • It can improve the skin’s texture
  • Using this can help fade acne scars, brighten dark spots, and reduce blemishes
  • It may burn when you use it

The Ordinary Brightening – The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation from acne and need to brighten your skin, consider the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.  In addition to brightening your skin tone, this cream can also work to reduce acne blemishes and even your skin texture.

Reviews

Customers who have used this product have experienced overwhelmingly positive results.  Many shared how much lighter their hyperpigmentation was after using it, and others shared that their skin’s texture was noticeably smoother.

Pros and Cons

  • The cream brightens skin tone.
  • It can reduce blemishes caused by acne.
  • If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, adding this cream to your routine can help lighten the areas of hyperpigmentation.
  • Some users with acne-prone skin said that this cream made their skin more oily.

The Ordinary Niacinamide – The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - Large 60mL/2oz
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Why is this one of the best products for acne?

Wondering which Ordinary product is best for acne scars?  Give the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% a try!  The Niacinamide works to reduce the appearance of acne scars and other skin blemishes as well as signs of congestion.  You’ll also notice a visibly brighter skin tone.  Now, “how do you use Ordinary products for acne scars” may be your next question.  For the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, you’ll simply want to put a few drops on your face each morning and night before you apply your moisturizing creams.

Reviews

Have a conversation with individuals who have tried this Niacinamide + Zinc formula, and you’ll hear stories about how their skin is much less oily and how their acne and acne scars have faded.  Users are very impressed with how it makes their face feel and are very pleased they found this Ordinary product.

Pros and Cons

  • Reduces the appearance of blemishes, such as acne scars
  • Balances sebum activity
  • Free of alcohol, silicone, fragrances, gluten, and nuts
  • Sadly, some users didn’t experience the same benefits that others did and shared that they didn’t really notice any difference in their skin

The Ordinary for Acne and Dark Spots – The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

(1) THE ORDINARY. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA size 30ml
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Why is this the one of the best products for acne?

Use the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum to lighten dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation.  While the alpha arbutin in the formula works to reduce dark spots, the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and allows the alpha arbutin to be more effective.

Reviews

Individuals who have tried this Ordinary treatment for dark spots are very happy that they did.  They have shared that over the span of just a few weeks they have noticed a drastic improvement in the way their skin looks.  Many have shared that their complexion is brighter, their dark spots have faded, and their acne is clearing up.

Pros and Cons

  • Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
  • Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin and maximizes the effectiveness of the alpha arbutin
  • Does not contain phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, alcohol, silicone, nuts, or fragrances
  • A few users weren’t happy with the results they experienced and didn’t feel that this Ordinary product was worth the money

About The Ordinary

Company Background

The Ordinary is owned by parent company, DECIEM.  Since its founding in 2013, DECIEM has taken the beauty and skincare world by storm.  The company has seen rapid growth because of the quality products they offer and their belief in transparency and science.

The Ordinary is the best performing company under the DECIEM umbrella.  They believe in offering their customers clinical-quality products at a very reasonable price.  Brandon Truaxe made this a priority when founding the company after seeing so little transparency between other beauty companies and their customers.

What Is the the Ordinary’s Reputation?

The Ordinary has a very positive reputation among users and beauty experts.  It is seen as an honest and trustworthy company that offers a skincare line that actually performs as promised.  Customers also appreciate that the Ordinary doesn’t believe in marking up their prices and sells their products for a very reasonable price (many items cost less than $10).

How Has the Ordinary Brand Developed Over Time?

The Ordinary is a relatively young company.  It first launched in 2016.  A falling out between Brandon Trauxe and co-founder Nicola Kilner, led to Kilner getting fired in February 2018.  However, shortly after that time, Trauxe asked that she return back to the company to continue building their vision together.

In October, 2018, Trauxe lost his position as CEO after facing a lawsuit from Estee Lauder (a well-known beauty company that holds a minor stake in The Ordinary’s parent company, DECIEM).  Sadly, Trauxe unexpectedly passed away in January of 2019.

Kilner continued leading the company and building The Ordinary’s positive reputation that it now holds.  She put a lot of emphasis into building staff morale and making The Ordinary not only a great skincare company, but also a great place to work.

Kilner has pledged to keep leading the company and upholding their original standards it was founded on.  These include maintaining a focus on the customer’s needs, scientific innovation, functionality and design, and transparency.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - Large 60mL/2oz

The Ordinary for Acne FAQs

Is The Ordinary good for pimples?

Yes, some of The Ordinary’s products can help with pimples.  Salicylic acid can help reduce pimples since it is an anti-inflammatory.  If you’re suffering with pimples, look for one of the products from The Ordinary that includes salicylic acid on its ingredients list.

What product from The Ordinary is best for acne?

The Ordinary offers a number of products that work well for acne.  Two of the most popular options include the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque and AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

Does The Ordinary have products with benzoyl peroxide?

No, benzoyl peroxide is not an ingredient found in products from The Ordinary.

What Ordinary products are good for oily acne prone skin?

If you have oily, acne prone skin, there are a few products from The Ordinary that you may want to try.  These Ordinary acne products include:  the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, the Squalane Cleanser, the Salicylic Acid 2%, and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

How do you use Ordinary products for acne prone skin?

The exact routine you’ll want to follow will vary based on the specific Ordinary products you purchase.  Always consult the directions for the acne treatment products you purchase.  You can try following this routine as a general starting point:
Wash your face using The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser and pat it dry.
Apply one of The Ordinary’s anti-acne serums (either Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, or Retinol).
Apply a moisturizer and sunscreen to your face
You can also integrate The Ordinary’s 2% Salicylic Acid Masque to your routine once or twice every week before applying the anti-acne serum.

Do The Ordinary products help hormonal acne?

Yes, you may find success using some of The Ordinary products to help with hormonal acne.

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The Ordinary Products for Acne

The Ordinary certainly offers an impressive lineup of products.  Which of the acne products that we highlighted are you ready to try?  Be sure to come back to this post and share your results with us!

Looking to learn more about skin care, sensitive skin, and acne?  Check out these related posts on our blog:

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2 comments

  1. Unfortunately my skin doesn’t get on well with The Ordinary but it’s great that there are so many high performance actives available out there on a budget these days!

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