Top 10 Ordinary for Glowing Skin Reviews 2025

Achieving radiant, glowing skin doesn’t require a luxury budget—just the right products. The Ordinary, known for its science-backed, no-frills formulations, offers a range of serums, exfoliants, and treatments that address everything from dullness to uneven texture. Below, we’ve curated the top 10 products for luminous skin in 2025, supported by glowing reviews, expert insights, and real-user testimonials.

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Key Benefits: Reduces excess oil, minimizes pores, and brightens skin tone.
Why It Works: Niacinamide (vitamin B3) regulates sebum production and calms inflammation, while zinc balances oiliness. Together, they combat blemishes and fade post-acne marks, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin.
User Reviews:

“My skin transformed—fewer breakouts, smaller pores, and a natural glow. I can’t live without it!”
Editors at Women’s Health praise it for tackling acne-prone skin and improving texture .
How to Use: Apply 2–3 drops after cleansing, morning and night. Avoid mixing with vitamin C to prevent irritation.

2. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Key Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and boosts radiance.
Why It Works: This potent blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric) and beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic) resurfaces skin, tackling dullness and congestion. The result? A “glass skin” effect.
User Reviews:

TikTok users and Glamour editors rave about its “instant glow” and visible reduction in acne scars .
A Cosmopolitan reviewer noted smoother, brighter skin after weekly use .
How to Use: Apply once weekly for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with hydrating serums.

3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Key Benefits: Plumps, hydrates, and enhances skin’s natural glow.
Why It Works: Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin’s surface, while vitamin B5 strengthens the barrier. Hydrated skin reflects light better, creating a dewy finish.
User Reviews:

A beauty blogger credits it for making their “dry, lackluster skin look supple and radiant” .
ELLE editors highlight its universal appeal for all skin types .
How to Use: Layer on damp skin morning and night before heavier creams.

4. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (Vitamin C)

Key Benefits: Brightens dark spots and protects against free radicals.
Why It Works: A stable vitamin C derivative that evens skin tone and boosts collagen production. Unlike pure L-ascorbic acid, it’s gentle and non-irritating.
User Reviews:

“My hyperpigmentation faded, and my complexion looks lit from within,” shared a Refinery29 editor .
Users on Thingtesting praise its compatibility with sensitive skin .
How to Use: Apply in the morning under sunscreen for enhanced UV protection.

5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Key Benefits: Gently exfoliates and refines texture for a luminous finish.
Why It Works: Glycolic acid, a mild AHA, dissolves dead skin cells and boosts cell turnover. Regular use reveals smoother, brighter skin.
User Reviews:

“My skin looks tighter and more radiant after just a few days,” noted a Cosmopolitan UK tester .
Reddit users call it a “budget-friendly alternative to luxury toners” .
How to Use: Swipe onto a cotton pad 2–3 times weekly at night. Avoid overuse to prevent irritation.

6. The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

Key Benefits: Firms skin and enhances elasticity for a youthful glow.
Why It Works: This peptide-rich serum stimulates collagen and elastin production, while copper peptides accelerate repair. The result is plumper, more radiant skin.
User Reviews:

A Sorry About The Mess blogger dubbed it a “holy grail” for reducing fine lines and improving texture .
ELLE experts recommend it for long-term anti-aging benefits .
How to Use: Apply nightly after water-based serums. Avoid pairing with direct acids or vitamin C.

7. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Key Benefits: Reduces redness, smoothes texture, and brightens.
Why It Works: Azelaic acid tackles hyperpigmentation and inflammation, making it ideal for rosacea-prone or acne-scarred skin. Its lightweight formula leaves a matte, luminous finish.
User Reviews:

“My redness faded, and my skin looks calmer and more even,” shared a Thingtesting user .
Editors at Cosmopolitan UK praise its dual action against acne and dullness .
How to Use: Apply a pea-sized amount in the morning or evening. Layer under moisturizer.

8. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

Key Benefits: Gently exfoliates and hydrates for a soft, lit-from-within glow.
Why It Works: Lactic acid, a milder AHA, removes dead skin cells without irritation, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. Perfect for sensitive or dry skin types.
User Reviews:

A user on Help I Look Terrible noted “baby-soft skin and reduced dullness” after consistent use .
Women’s Health recommends it for beginners exploring chemical exfoliants .
How to Use: Apply 2–3 nights weekly. Follow with a nourishing oil or moisturizer.

9. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Key Benefits: Boosts cell turnover and fades signs of aging for a radiant complexion.
Why It Works: Retinoids accelerate collagen production and unclog pores, leading to smoother, brighter skin over time. This formula is gentler than traditional retinol.
User Reviews:

“My fine lines softened, and my skin looks fresher,” shared a Cosmopolitan tester .
A beauty editor on Help I Look Terrible credits it for reducing acne scars and improving texture .
How to Use: Start with 1–2 nights weekly. Always follow with SPF in the morning.

10. The Ordinary Growth Factors 15% Serum

Key Benefits: Stimulates skin repair and firmness for long-term radiance.
Why It Works: Growth factors (EGF, IGF, TGF) signal skin to regenerate collagen and elastin, reversing environmental damage and restoring a youthful glow.
User Reviews:

The Independent hailed it for delivering “impressive results in weeks,” including smoother texture and reduced wrinkles .
Users compare its effects to “Botox in a bottle” for its lifting and brightening benefits .
How to Use: Apply morning and night. Avoid pairing with exfoliating acids or vitamin C.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Results

Layer Strategically: Start with water-based serums (e.g., hyaluronic acid), then oils or creams. Avoid mixing incompatible actives like niacinamide and vitamin C .
Consistency Matters: Most products, like retinoids and growth factors, require 4–8 weeks to show visible improvements .
Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable: UV exposure undoes progress. Pair your routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ .
Patch Test New Products: Introduce one product at a time to monitor reactions .

Final Thoughts

The Ordinary’s minimalist approach empowers users to build tailored routines for glowing skin without breaking the bank. Whether you’re battling acne scars, dullness, or fine lines, these 2025 standout products—backed by dermatologists, editors, and thousands of reviews—deliver transformative results. Pair them with patience and sun protection, and you’ll unlock a complexion that’s radiant, healthy, and confident.