Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary·Cleanser

An unscented, cream-gel oil cleanser with a balm-like texture favored for gentle makeup removal and layering in double cleansing, though it can cause irritation and occasional breakouts especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The Ordinary·Moisturizer

Lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer loaded with natural moisturizing factors and hyaluronic acid, favored for layering under tretinoin and for mildly dehydrated or sensitive skin but often flagged for insufficient hydration on very dry or compromised barriers.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary·Oil

A minimalist, single-ingredient plant-derived oil that r/SCA swears by for sealing moisture, healing dry and sensitive skin, and calming post-tretinoin flakiness without feeling greasy or heavy.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

The Ordinary·Oil

Cold-pressed rosehip seed oil is a lightweight, hydrating facial oil loved for its skin barrier support and scar-softening effects but can cause breakouts for some acne-prone users.

100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane

The Ordinary·Oil

Lightweight, fast-absorbing dry oil that leaves no greasy finish and supports the skin barrier without disrupting pH, favored for oily and dry skin alike.

100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

The Ordinary·Oil

Light, cold-pressed marula oil that sinks in eventually and mainly serves as a heavy, rich moisture boost for dry or sensitive skin.

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

The Ordinary·Retinoid

A 0.

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary·Retinoid

A mid-strength 0.

Retinol 1% in Squalane

The Ordinary·Retinoid

A 1% retinol in an oily squalane base that's a strong contender for anti-aging but often too harsh for sensitive or dry skin and can trigger irritation or purging if overused.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

The Ordinary·Retinoid

A gentle 2% retinoid emulsion favored as a starter retinoid for sensitive and combination skin that offers mild anti-aging and acne benefits with low irritation risk.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary·Serum

A high-strength 10% niacinamide plus 1% zinc serum frequently praised for reducing oily skin, minimizing pores, and fading acne marks over time but notorious on sensitive or rosacea-prone skin for causing breakouts, redness, and irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary·Serum

Basic hydrating serum with 2% hyaluronic acid and added B5, favored for layering on damp skin but notorious for sticky texture and mixed reactions on irritation and effectiveness, especially for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary·Serum

A hyaluronic acid serum with 2% alpha arbutin that r/AsianBeauty and r/tretinoin use mainly for fading hyperpigmentation and post-acne dark spots, though some say results take months and can be subtle.

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

The Ordinary·Serum

High-concentration L-ascorbic acid suspension with hyaluronic acid spheres that brightens skin and tackles hyperpigmentation but often stings and feels gritty on application.

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

The Ordinary·Serum

Low-dose vitamin C serum with alpha arbutin for dullness and hyperpigmentation that works well under makeup but can sting sensitive skin.

Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

The Ordinary·Serum

A lightweight 12% ascorbyl glucoside vitamin C solution that targets hyperpigmentation and dullness with some users seeing immediate brightening but mixed results on overall improvement.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary·Toner

A 7% glycolic acid toner known for exfoliating dead surface skin and improving texture, often used 1-3 times weekly but prone to irritating sensitive and dry skin or compromising the barrier if overused.

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

The Ordinary·Treatment

The 2% salicylic acid solution is a liquid BHA staple for oily and acne-prone skin types targeting clogged pores and blackheads, but it often requires careful introduction to avoid irritation, dryness, and breaking the skin barrier.

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary·Treatment

10% lactic acid + HA serum favoured for weekly exfoliation to brighten skin, smooth texture, and tackle hyperpigmentation, but watch out for irritation especially on sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary·Treatment

If you want a weekly chemical peel that aggressively sloughs off dead skin and clears texture but requires careful timing and moisturizer follow-up to avoid burns and irritation, this is the peel r/SCA debates for its strength and effectiveness.