A Handful of The Ordinary Mini-Reviews
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This product is definitely a good deal at not even $9 for 240mL of product – other glycolic acid toners with fancy brand names attached to them will run you a lot more than even double the price of this one. The thing about this toner is that, imo, there’s nothing bad about it, but there’s also nothing that really stands out about it either or makes me excited to use it. Which, I mean, to be fair, is I think what it’s supposed to be: a product that’s not fancy or exciting but does what it’s supposed to at a reasonable price. And I do think it accomplishes that. But if you’re like me and are kinda lazy when it comes to skincare, especially when using products that don’t particularly excite you – this might not be for you. However, if you’re looking for a simple, affordable, just-get-the-job-done toner: this is probably perfect.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
I like this serum because I love Niacinamide for my skin and this is a seriously cheap way to get it ($5.90 per bottle at Sephora). However, it’s not perfect – under makeup or even just under moisturizer, it pills. Badly, at least for me, personally. So although my skin really likes the ingredients, I also get annoyed every time I use it because I’ll forget that it pills up after using it and then, of course, realize it once I start applying, and then I’ll either have to wait a while before finishing the rest of my routine so it has a chance to dry OR just wash it off and start over without it. I’m on the lookout for a new Niacinamide serum that works better for me, but haven’t found one as of yet.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
This is one of those products that you use and use and use for a significant amount of time on a regular basis but get absolutely z e r o results or, worse, bad results. At least that’s how it was in my case. I bought this, started using it regularly, and at first noticed no difference at all – and then, to my dismay, I started noticing tiny little under-the-skin bumps all over my face. I knew it was this product that caused the bumps because it was the only new product I had introduced and so I immediately stopped using it, and the bumps went away and haven’t come back since. I’m a little afraid to use Lactic Acid at all ever again because of this product since I’m not sure if my skin just didn’t like this formulation or if it doesn’t like Lactic Acid in general. I haven’t been brave enough to risk using another Lactic Acid product since then as of yet; honestly not sure if I ever will.
