The Ordinary Routine: How to Build One on Amazon (2026 Guide)

A balm-to-milk cleanser that removes makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without stripping. Squalane base is non-comedogenic and skin-compatible. Works as a first cleanse in a double-cleanse or as a standalone cleanser. Fragrance-free and flexible for many routines. The gentlest cleanser in The Ordinary lineup.

Multi-weight hyaluronic acid (surface, mid-depth, and deeper penetration) plus Vitamin B5 for barrier support. One of the most broadly compatible products in The Ordinary catalog -- it has very few routine conflicts. Apply to damp skin after cleansing and before heavier serums. Under $15.

The single most popular product in The Ordinary's catalog. 10% niacinamide addresses oiliness, enlarged pores, redness, and uneven skin tone. Zinc controls sebum further. Works for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Sensitive skin should start with 5% or less -- at 10%, some users experience a temporary flush in the first days of use. Compatible with most other The Ordinary products. Apply after HA, before heavier serums or cream.

The Ordinary's best daily moisturizer -- amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids, and HA in a lightweight cream that mimics the skin's natural moisture complex. Not the richest moisturizer for very dry skin (pair with squalane or a richer cream for that), but the best for normal to oily skin. Compatible with all other The Ordinary products. Use as the final PM step and the step before SPF in AM.

The Ordinary's most complete anti-aging serum -- 10+ peptide complexes (matrixyl, argireline, leuphasyl, and more) combined with HA and amino acids. Works in both AM and PM. Conflict note: Do not use with direct acids (AHA, BHA, low-pH vitamin C) in the same step -- acids denature peptides. Use Buffet on non-acid days in PM, or in AM while acids stay in PM.

Pure retinol in a squalane carrier -- stable, effective, affordable. Use PM only. Start at 2-3 nights per week and increase frequency as skin adapts over 6-8 weeks. Conflict note: Do not use on the same night as AHA/BHA. Niacinamide can be used after retinol to reduce irritation -- it's one of the few products that actually pairs well with retinol in PM. The Ordinary also sells 0.2% (gentler start) and 1% (advanced) versions.

The most beginner-friendly vitamin C in The Ordinary catalog -- a stable derivative that converts to active ascorbic acid in the skin with a lower irritation profile than their Vitamin C Suspension 23%. At 12%, it can support brightening and tone-evening, but more gradually than pure L-ascorbic acid. Use AM. Compatible with niacinamide. Conflict note: Do not use with Buffet in the same step -- the acid environment can affect peptide stability. Use on non-Buffet mornings or at separate times.

Azelaic acid is one of the more versatile cosmetic ingredients for blemish-prone and redness-prone routines -- it can support a calmer-looking tone and gradual improvement in post-blemish discoloration. At 10%, it is a practical over-the-counter option, but it is not the same as prescription-strength azelaic acid and can still irritate reactive skin. Compatible with many other The Ordinary products. Can be used AM or PM. Apply as a thin layer after serum and before moisturizer.

2% salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliates inside the pore to clear blackheads and prevent new breakouts. Use as a targeted treatment or all-over exfoliant 2-3 times per week. Conflict note: Do not use on the same application as retinol or direct vitamin C. Alternate with retinol in the PM (acid nights vs retinol nights). Works well paired with niacinamide to control post-acid redness.