Where was The Ordinary when I was growing up? Where was it when I was going through the rough patch in my 20s? Better late than never.

As you already know, I suffered from cystic acne all throughout my young adult life and it only got better after many visits to facial salons, aesthetic clinics and very strict (and very expensive) skincare routine. I was lucky as I had the resources and knowledge then to fix my skin issues but after leaving the beauty industry and those resources got cut-off, I found it hard to find products with the right ingredients for my now aging skin at prices that I can afford. I know, I’m late to the party because apparently The Ordinary was introduced to Singapore a few years ago when I was living under a rock (i.e. I was really busy being married and building our home) until recently.

In my adventure down the rabbit hole of Tiktok beauty trends, I discovered The Ordinary and its array of treatments with clinical technologies all at crazy affordable prices. At first, I was sceptical. Having worked in the beauty industry years back, I was programmed to think that good products have to come with a big price tag but why should it be that way? Shouldn’t skincare be available to everyone? Upon further research, I realised that although The Ordinary has so many treatments, not every treatment works for you. Some treatments may work wonders on other but may burn your skin. It’s all about knowing what works for you and how to use it. Do not buy a treatment just from it’s rave reviews because it might send you to the hospital instead so be very careful.

Which The Ordinary Treatments are Safe for People-of-Colour?

I’m a brown girl which is a minority in Singapore hence there are not many proper aesthetic services or advice catered towards us. Hence, I’m compelled to inform you that our skin tone is prone to melanocytes and when our skin burns from the inside, it comes out as hyperpigmentation and chemical burns that are almost impossible to treat. Girl, I’m not a doctor but thankfully, I first learned this from my doctor during consultation before I decided to go for laser treatment to fix my skin. I was shocked when I researched further and realised why I was turned away from certain procedures and was never told why.

Since then, I’ve been very cautious about the ingredients that go on my skin. After thorough research, these are The Ordinary treatments that I added to my skin care regime.

The Ordinary Buffet Serum

The Ordinary Buffet Serum targets visible signs of ageing with the Buffet Multi-Technology Peptide Serum. Combining an array of effective technologies, the “Buffet” serum is designed to firm and plump skin’s appearance. Its formula boasts multiple peptide complexes, including Matrixyl 3000, Syn-Ake and Relistase, which work in synergy with 11 skin-friendly amino acids. With regular use, it can help to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth and replenished complexion.

Directions: Apply to the entire face in AM and PM after cleaning. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Alpha Arbutin, Argireline, Niacinamide, Retinol.
Cannot be used with Mandelic Acid or any direct acids.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA evens the look of skin tone with the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. The serum combines purified alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid to help minimise the appearance of age spots and discolouration. 2% alpha arbutin brings brightening properties that works to reduce the production of melanin. Hyaluronic acid offers enhanced delivery, working deep beneath the skin’s surface to promote a more even-toned complexion.

Directions: Apply a few drops to darker tone area of the face (around the mouth, forehead, etc) AM and PM. Use sun protection in the AM. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Buffet, Argireline, Niacinamide, Retinol, Mandelic Acid.
Cannot be used with none on this list.

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Serum

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Serum is a lightweight serum containing a patented concentration of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, which effectively prohibits muscle contractions to alleviate the appearance of expression lines and sagging skin. Water-based for optimum preservation and efficiency, the advanced treatment acts a as a ‘Botox in a Jar’, delivering powerful anti-ageing results with continued use. Skin feels firmer and more refined with enhanced structural contours.

Directions: Apply a few drops on the forehead, around the eyes and neck AM and PM before heavier treatments. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Buffet, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Retinol.
Cannot be used with Mandelic Acid or any direct acids.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum purifies dull and congested skin. Harnessing the powers of advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration. The addition of Zinc Salt balances the formula, helping to regulate sebum production for a visibly clearer and refined complexion.

Directions: Apply serum to entire face AM and PM before heavier creams. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Buffet, Alpha Arbutin, Argireline, Retinol.
Cannot be used with Mandelic Acid or any direct acids.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane addresses signs of ageing. It is a water-free, multipurpose, potent solution formulated to refine pores, reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles and improve skin texture. Enriched with a 0.5% concentration of the anti-ageing powerhouse Retinol, which is a derivative of Vitamin A, the serum has a plumping and firming effect on the complexion, as well as protecting the skin from harmful environmental aggressors. Another key antioxidant ingredient Squalane prevents UV damage and the formation of age spots whilst counteracting harmful bacteria, leaving you with flawless skin.

Please Note: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Do not use Retinol in the day. Sun protection must be used. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.

Directions: Apply a small amount to face in PM, after compatible serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Store in a cool, dry place. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Buffet, Alpha Arbutin, Argireline, Niacinamide.
Cannot be used with Mandelic Acid, other Retinol or any direct acids.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA brightens and refines your complexion, a solution that provides superficial dermal peeling gentler than other Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). With a larger molecular weight than other AHAs (152.1 daltons compared to Glycolic Acid’s 76.0 daltons), Mandelic Acid penetrates slower into skin, which provides a gentler experience and makes it suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. Helping to brighten and unify, the formula will promote a fresh and refined-looking complexion.

Please Note: This product contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn. Do not use AHA in the day. Sun protection must be used, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using this product for a week afterwards.

Directions: Apply a small amount to face in PM. Avoid contact around eyes. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician. Use only as directed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch test prior to use is advised.

Can be used with Alpha Arbutin.
Cannot be used with Buffet, Argireline, Niacinamide, Retinol, other Retinol or any acids.

Will I Add More of The Ordinary Treatments to my Regime?

Yes, I’ve already got my eyes set on more however I do need to pace myself. My skin is loving the ones I have now, they are causing minimal to no side effects and I’m extremely satisfied I do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on good serums anymore with The Ordinary (please don’t hike up the prices!). There is one that I’m definitely adding to my next list – The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density – and I’ll review it of course.

Where to Purchase The Ordinary Treatments?

The Ordinary is now available in Sephora Singapore. I purchase them from one of my favourite and trusted online beauty retailer Lookfantastic that carries over 500 premium brands and 12,000 products with complimentary worldwide shipping to over 200 countries including Singapore, you’re bound to find almost any product you’re looking for!

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Reference:
Deciem
Lookfantastic
Sephora

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