The Ordinary by Deciem : Complete Product Guide including NIOD 2023

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The Ordinary by Deciem skincare range can be a little confusing because there are so many products to choose from and combine. And of course, there’s big sister brand NIOD to consider too! It can be overwhelming so I have put together this product guide with all the best sellers to make things a little simpler. Here’s what you need to know.

The Ordinary by Deciem : Complete Product Guide 2020
The Ordinary by Deciem : Complete Product Guide 2023

The Ordinary by Deciem is all about offering advanced technology and quality ingredients at low prices. For skincare that actually works, and these products do, the prices are literally stunning and everything is amazing value for money.

This post is all about skincare but The Ordinary has amazing foundations. The Coverage one is my favourite. You can see my swatches here.

Excitingly, there are also The Ordinary Concealers in the line up.The Ordinary by Deciem : Complete Product Guide 2020

The Ordinary by Deciem : Complete Product Guide 2023

Many of the products can be used together and you can tailor your own regime to address your specific skin condition. I love the simplicity of the packaging, the straightforward names of the products, the clear ingredients listing.

Where to Buy The Ordinary & Niod

The Ordinary By Deciem – Best Sellers

Because lots of the products are based on single ingredients, we are encouraged to layer, which of course I love! When layering skincare, the general rule is to start with the lightest texture and layer on heavier formulations as you work through your routine. So you start with products such as Buffet and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 which are water solutions, and move on to the oils and creams.

If you are already familiar with The Ordinary, and want to move up to the more sophisticated formulations of NIOD, then scroll down for my top recommendations from that range.

The Ordinary by Deciem – Cleanser

Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is one of the newer additions to the line up. This cleanser is super gentle and has been formulated to thoroughly clean the skin of makeup and impurities. If you like oil cleansing with transformative textures then I think this will be for you.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

You dispense the product into hands and then rub together to warm the balm allowing it to melt into an oil. It takes a while, maybe 20 to 30 seconds, and it is important that you take the time to really warm it is your hands before taking it to your face. You suddenly feel it turn into an oil-like texture and then it’s ready to be applied.

It melts away makeup and dirt and leaves skin clean, smooth, soft, hydrated and glowy. Read The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review. It starts at £5.50.

The Ordinary by Deciem – Acids

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

If you are a fan of acid toners then this will be very interesting for you. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution can be used daily to exfoliate, brighten and clear the skin. Should you be looking for a super effective, much cheaper alternative to Pixi Glow Tonic, this is most certainly it! It’s just £6.80 for 240ml.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary by Deciem Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Alongside the Glycolic Acid which promotes mild, non abrasive exfoliation of surface skin, the formula is reinforced with caring ingredients such as Tasmanian Pepperberry which helps to reduce the irritation associated with acid use, and also Ginseng root and aloe vera for extra radiance and soothing.

Use it at night after cleansing and before the rest of your skincare regime. Read The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is one of my favourite products ever! It is brilliant! The first time I used it I was blown away, and it has pretty much the same effect every time I use it.

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

This brightly coloured mask treatment brightens up and decongests the skin in just 10 minutes. I love the instant results.

Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) work to exfoliate the skin’s top layer for a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also work to exfoliate the skin and also help clear pore congestion. The combination of the two offers up a deeper exfoliation with the dual benefit of clearer skin and increased luminosity.

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

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

This another favourite treatment of mine. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is s a gentle, yet super-effective treatment version of the original SA solution that some people find a little strong.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque

I love the texture. It has a bouncy, firm jelly texture with a very slight grainy feel. It smooths over the skin really easily and doesn’t have any sting or sensation. After use, my skin isn’t red or irritated, just smooth and clean-looking with a good glow. I often get congestion on the sides of my chin, but this mask leaves it feeling super smooth and de-congested.  It’s an excellent treatment if you want to prep skin for perfect makeup application.

It purifies without drying the skin, thanks to its nourishing squalane content. Read The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Review.

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is brilliant if you want great results but are looking for something gentler than Glycolic Acid.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary by Deciem Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like Glycolic Acid, however, it penetrates the skin differently which means a much gentler peel. It has a larger molecular size which means it penetrates the skin more slowly. Slow penetration makes it very gentle.

It works extremely well to brighten and even out skin tone and it really boosts hydration too. Read The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Review.

The Ordinary – Hydration & Moisturisers

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary e1493299085887

This HA serum (£5.90) boasts an excellent formulation and uses multi weight Hyaluronic Acid (low, medium and high) to ensure multi-depth hydration. It instantly plumps the skin and gives it a beautiful dewy look. It is best used as a first step after cleansing.

Marine Hyaluronics

The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics

If you are looking for something that is super hydrating but light as water, then The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is for you.  It is instantly quenching and sinks in instantly. It is the perfect extra layer of hydration.

Read The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review.

Amino Acids + B5

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 is a hydration support serum. It is a lightweight, concentrated formula that offers above and below-surface hydration. Amino Acids are found naturally within the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factors and are known for their ability to boost hydration, encourage repair and promote suppleness. This formula offers 17% Amino Acids along with 5% Vitamin B5, a humectant that soothes skin and stimulates the healing process.

Read The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Review.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a top-seller and loved by many. It’s a beautiful lightweight oil texture that makes for an excellent hydrator. The oil can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.

the ordinary plant derived squalane 30ml 1

It is non-greasy and non-comedogenic so great if you worry that oil will cause you to break out. Use after a water-based serum like Hyluronic Acid or Marine Hyaluronics (above).

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is a brilliant all-rounder oil that also works really well for those with acne prone skin.

the ordinary rosehip oil

It is made from cold-pressed, organic 100% pure rosehip seed oil and nothing else. It is rich in  linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A and is brilliant for repairing dry skin.

Use after a water-based serum like Hyluronic Acid or Marine Hyaluronics (above).

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is the brand’s only classic moisturiser and should be applied after serums. It works to keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated.

the ordinary natural moisturising factor

This formula is non-greasy and contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use.

The Ordinary by Deciem – Actives

Buffet

The Ordinary Buffet is a brilliant multi-peptide serum that’s ideal for adressing the signs of ageing. The technologies include Matrixyl 3000 along with a whole host of other peptides, in a base of  11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.

Use this after cleansing and before oils or creams. When I use this with other Deciem products, it tends to be in the evening before the Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (see below) and followed by the Rosehip Seed Oil.

Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% is a newer addition to the line and amazing if you are looking for an even more affordable alternative to one of my all time favourite skincare products, NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2.1.

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

Copper Peptides are amazing for strengthening the skin and boosting collagen production. This is Buffet with the added power of a 1% concentration of Copper Peptides.

Read The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% Review.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is £5 for 30ml, and also available in a 60ml for £8.90 which is amazing value.

Described as a high-strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula, this serum is great for tackling inflammation and hyperpigmentation and also helps t0 control oil. Niacinamide promotes the natural production of ceramides which strengthen barrier function. This has a positive effect on the appearance of blemishes.

It is best used in the morning regime, after a hydrating serum (eg The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5) and before creams or oils. Keep it separate from Vitamin C as the two ingredients don’t play well together.

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

The Ordinary offer a large range of different Vitamin C products, but as far as I know, the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the best seller.

vit c

It’s a powerful formula that provides the most direct exposure of extremely high concentrations of Vitamin C topically for a major brightening effect on the skin. When you first use it, it will tingle but this is merely the sensation rather than irritation.

The thing to note with this product is that the texture is slightly gritty, however, this is vital to its efficacy. This is because the only thing that solubilises pure Vitamin C is water. Water also oxidises Vitamin C, so water must not touch it until it is ready to be applied.

For Vitamin C to be as fresh and active as it can be, water must not go near it until it touches the water in your skin.  With this product, you are basically getting a powder that is dissolving in the water in your own skin – the same as if you applied powder straight to the skin. It’s as fresh as Vitamin C can get.

It is best used in the evening after your water based serums, and it doesn’t play well with Niacinamide so make sure you separate those out.

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

The Ordinary Granacitve Retinoid 5% in Squalane is a high strength formula that promises to deliver better results than Retinol with less irritation.

THEO0114F 1

You use a small amount in the evening, after your water-based serums but before heavier textures.

The Ordinary Antioxidants

I love The Ordinary’s antioxidants and enjoy using them mixed into my serums and creams to boost their enviromental protective powers and defend against free radicals.

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%  is an antioxidant powerhouse and contains very high concentrations Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid. Resveratrol is a natural phenol and this one is 100% derived from Japanese Knotweed. Ferulic Acid is a high-potency phytochemical antioxidant found naturally in walls of plant cells.

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

You can use this after a water based serum and under moisturiser or  mix a drop or two into serums or moisturisers to boost their antioxidant protection power. Read The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% Review.

Pycnogenol 5%

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% is a super potent antioxidant formula extracted from pine bark and it can revive oxidised vitamin C to make it active again.

February Favourites - The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

It works to enhance skin hydration and elasticity and can help bind to collagen and elastin, to protect them from degradation. It is a powerful antioxidant and scavenges for free radicals before they cause damage by oxidative stress.

Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly. Read The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Review.

NIOD – Moving on to more sophisticated formulas

The Ordinary by Deciem is a brilliant starter point for your skincare, and if you have found your perfect combinations, this may well be enough. However, if you then want to move up the scale, most of The Ordinary products have a big sister within Deciem’s higher end brand NIOD – that will deliver more intensive, stronger results. What a genius concept!

The Best Products from NIOD

Copper Amino Isolate Complex

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Complex (CAIS) is my absolute ultimate from NIOD. If I run out of this stuff, I panic, and that’s because it’s one of those products that you don’t realise how amazing it is until you stop using it!

Deciem Black Fiday - NIOD CAIS2
NIOD CAIS2

I have been using it religiously since the formula was updated and improved a couple of years ago and I never want to be without it. It works to improve skin health, is healing, calming and strengthening, and it reduces inflammation whilst stimulating collagen and fibroblast production.

You need it if you are concerned with enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, texture, lines and firmness – it works on all that stuff! It’s bloody amazing. Make sure you use it as your first step after cleansing.

Copper Amino Isolate Lipid (CAIL)

A newer product that I have been using for less time, but completely love, is CAIS’s more moisturising sister NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid (CAIL).

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL)
NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL)

It has the skin strengthening power of the original serum but also contains Squalane for brilliant moisturising benefit. If you like instantly dewy skin, you will adore it. Read my full review here.

Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC)

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC) is potentially the best hydrating serum I have ever used in my life! It’s an absolute wonder. The thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it really does vary in quality. MMHC uses so many different types (15 forms) and molecule sizes including a 1.0% direct Hyaluronic Acid which is far superior to the sodium hyaluronate found in many other hydrating serum formulas. The full review is here.

NIOD MMHC2 - The New Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
NIOD MMHC2 – The New Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex

It is deeply and intensely hydrating at multi-depths of the skin; the ideal inclusion in a regime for anyone looking for serious hydration, plumping, improved elasticity and tone. Even after first use, it makes skin so soft. It is the perfect second step after CAIS.

Modulating Glucosides

If you have inflamed or sensitive skin, then you might want to get aquainted with NIOD Modulating Glucosides (MG) which is another of my all time favourites. It is formulated to calm and soothe the skin, works to reduce redness, decongests and acts like a medicine to iritated skin. Read my review here.

NIOD Modulating Glucosides (MG)
NIOD Modulating Glucosides (MG)

It uses a blend of glucosides, peptides and lipids and if you are using a NIOD regime, Deciem suggest using it after CAIS and before MMHC2. I think it also works really well after The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and Buffet with Copper.

Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate

I love this eye serum. NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate is a hyper-concentrated bio-serum for the eye contour. It combines 28 clinical technologies to target many signs of under-eye and above-eye ageing, and is for use on both upper eyelids and lower eyelids.

nio005 niod fractionatedeyecontourconcentrate 15ml 1560x1960 yar3b

It tackles the looks of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines, loss of elasticity (especially upper-eyelids), dark circles, puffiness and textural unevenness. It’s amazing.

That’s it for my The Ordinary by Deciem Guide. I hope you enjoyed the inclusion of the NIOD products because they are my true favourites! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Where to Buy The Ordinary & Niod

Stay tuned to the homepage and Instagram for news on all the latest launches and products. The Facebook page is here and make sure you also find me on YouTube.

Ree
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31 Comments

  • Thank you for ‘demystifying’ this overly complex range of products. Going to give it a go as everyone is raving about it. Quick question ……. do you then apply your make up on top/ after all the various ‘am’ skincare products? The regime does seem never ending!

    • Pleasure! Yes I let it all sink in for a few minutes and then do makeup as usual x

  • Hi thank you so much for this brilliant explanation! Just a question, is it one to use these products every day (especially for the night regime) or should I only use it every other day? Thank you!

    • Hiya – all the products I have featured are suitable for daily use. The only one that could cause problems is the Retinoid which you can use every other day if the skin is sensitised xx

  • Any advice for products for my teenage daughter with pretty bad acne? I find all the products overwhelming

    • Hi Claire,
      I’ve had amazing success with Panoxyl Aquagel 10% with my teenage daughter’s acne. You have to start slowly as it can make the skin red and sore at first, so use sparingly, but she went from acne to clear skin over the course of a few weeks. It’s very cheap too!

  • This article really helped me start tof understand more about the products. Although I am still confused, have contacted Deciem & Victoria Health but to no avail.

    What about cleanser ? Does that remain the same as you’ve always used ?

    I normally double cleanse, oil first then a cream wash off cleanser. Then toner, then a bha exfoliator, serum/antioxidant followed by moisturiser. All of which anti aging. Twice a day, morning & evening. (I’m 42) have dry skin, large pores & they do get clogged with the wrong products.

    Can anyone help me work out how I replace these with the right products.

    Thanks

    Tara

    • Hi Tara! Your regular routine looks great, and you can simply introduce The Ordinary products where you are currently using serums and or antioxidants! Their site explains the function of each product so that you can easily choose which is most appropriate for your skin type. They recommend layering up to 3 products at a time. I cleanse, tone, and then use buffet+niac&zinc in the AM before my regular moisturizer and then do the same process but use buffet+adv.retanoid+rose hip oil at PM prior to moisturizer (oily acne prone skin with early signs of aging). I just placed an order for Hyaluronic acid, their new Marula oil and Moisturizing Factors last week. You cannot beat the price point!

      I hope this helps!

  • i’ve neglected my skin for years & it shows. I’m 61. Any advice?

    I can afford to do a regime like you’ve described but even I know that much Retinol would dry me up and maybe I don’t even need it.What do you suggest for a formerly lazy, now repentant, baby boomer?

    • I’d say use a good Hyaluronic Serum under moisturiser. The Ordinary one is very affordable

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary skincare for around 4 days now and I’m already seeing a difference (and it’s that time of the month where my skin is usually horrendous!)
    I’m currently using these products (in this order):
    Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ((moisture))

    Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (reduce the appearance of blemishes and redness-morning only/should not be used with topical Vitamin C)

    Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (brightness & skin texture)I’ve used this morning for 2/4 days, and night for all 4)

    Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate ((Topical Vitamin C for brightness – evenings only/when using niacinamide)

    100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

    This has been my routine for both morning and night, although my skin is young (I’m 22). I usually suffer from an oily t-zone but this oil is magical and almost dries matte, and doesn’t leave a shine like most intense moisturisers and oils do on my face. I’m also a makeup wearer and the oil hasn’t caused my face makeup to break down, if anything it’s been lasting longer.

    Although it seems like you’re using a lot of products (because of the layering) you really don’t, I find I use less of each, because I’m using more things so don’t need to use too much… making this really cost effective.

    Overall I really really love The Ordinary skincare, and if you can get over the names and understand what each product does, for the price point I really don’t think you can go wrong.

  • It’s great to have a rundown of some of The Ordinary’s products! I was quite overwhelmed when I first looked into them. So far I’ve tried the Niacinamide, which has definitely given me good skin brightening/evening results. Next up I’ll be trying the Vitamin C.

  • The US online store Beautylish just started offering The Ordinary. They have a wonderful “Treatment Guide” online that describes the various products, when to use, etc. in much easier terms than any information I found on The Ordinary’s website.

    https://d2k21z21l53iby.cloudfront.net/guide/beautylish-the-ordinary-treatment-guide.pdf

    Really Ree’s regime and others’ experiences also helped me to understand how to use the products to achieve your desired outcome.I also benefited from YT videos by Gostamista who goes through the line as well as her routine.

    I spoke with a Beautylish representative who suggested products to use with my current routine, identified gaps, where I might want start, and where I could add over time. I’m starting slowly with areas of greatest concern: retinol, exfoliation, and under eye puffiness/creping.

  • Hi I’m 50 and want to use these products but I’m totally confused as its such a big range , basically I want to know what I should be using to start a skincare regime, I normally cleanse , tone and mositurise morning and night , I’m all about the anti aging but diner want to many products , can you please advise what I should be using for the best effects

    • I’m 51! I have never really had a skincare routine besides washing and moistIurising. I have quite sensitive skin and sometimes eczema. This is what I’ve just started using:

      Same AM & PM:
      Hyaluronic Acid (not The Ordinary) as I’d just bought one from La Roche Posay so I’m using that.
      Then Caffeine Solution (TO) under my eyes. Let it sink in for a minute or two. 1 drop for each eye
      Then Buffet (TO) 2 drops for whole face & neck
      Then a moisturiser (La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra (for sensitive skin)

      I’ve been using for 4 days and already my skin is much, much softer and hydrated! No adverse reactions at all.

      I plan to buy a few more products: The 100% Squalene, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phospate 10% (the gentlest Vit C in the range) and maybe their moisturiser, the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. I’m a bit scared of the lactic acids and stronger formulas of Vit C! I might try the Alpha Arbutin though, or Matrixyl for older skin (although Buffet contains Matrxyl already) So far, so good.

      You can email victoriahealh.com, giving your skin condition and ask them for a suggested regime.

    • I’m 51! I have never really had a skincare routine besides washing and moistIurising. I have quite sensitive skin and sometimes eczema. This is what I’ve just started using:

      Same AM & PM:
      Hyaluronic Acid (not The Ordinary) as I’d just bought one from La Roche Posay so I’m using that.
      Then Caffeine Solution (TO) under my eyes. Let it sink in for a minute or two. 1 drop for each eye
      Then Buffet (TO) 2 drops for whole face & neck
      Then a moisturiser (La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra (for sensitive skin)

      I’ve been using for 4 days and already my skin is much, much softer and hydrated! No adverse reactions at all.

      I plan to buy a few more products: The 100% Squalene, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phospate 10% (the gentlest Vit C in the range) and maybe their moisturiser, the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. I’m a bit scared of the lactic acids and stronger formulas of Vit C! I might try the Alpha Arbutin though, or Matrixyl for older skin (although Buffet contains Matrxyl already) So far, so good.

      You can email victoriahealh.com, giving your skin condition and ask them for a suggested regime.

  • Does anyone know what The Ordinary product would help with sunburn??

  • Does anyone know what The Ordinary product would help with sunburn??

  • Hi
    I have recently purchased the ordinary products. I also use the body shop sleeping mask at night. I was wondering when I would incorporate the ordinary products and oils?!?
    I have been told to use alpha arbutin then the vitamin c suspension then the rosehip oil. So would I use my sleeping mask after that?

    I hope you can help me

  • Hi Ree. Today i tried niacinamide under m6 foundation and it all pilled up. Any ideas how ti stop this happening?

    • I would try using slightly less product and seeing if it’s still a problem x

Comments are closed.