The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Beginners: Start Here

The Ordinary is one of the most effective skincare ranges available at any price point. It is also, for a beginner, genuinely overwhelming. Over 100 products, clinical ingredient names, percentage concentrations, conflict rules, layering orders — it's a lot to take in before you've even decided whether you need a serum.

This guide simplifies it. You'll find out which three or four products to start with based on your skin's main concerns, in what order to apply them, and — most importantly — what not to get distracted by on your first round.

The golden rule for beginners: start simple

The single most common mistake new The Ordinary users make is buying too many products at once and using them all together from day one.

More products is not better. Your skin needs time to adjust to new actives. If you introduce five new ingredients at the same time and your skin reacts, you'll have no idea which product caused it. Start with two or three products. Use them consistently for four to six weeks. Then add something new.

The foundation: what everyone needs first

Before adding any actives, every routine needs three things:

1. A cleanser

The Ordinary doesn't sell a standalone cleanser, but any gentle, pH-balanced cleanser works. This is step one of every routine — morning and evening.

2. A moisturiser

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA — This is The Ordinary's lightweight moisturiser and a genuinely excellent product. It mimics the skin's own natural moisturising factors (amino acids, fatty acids, sodium PCA) to maintain a healthy barrier. Use it morning and evening, after your serums.

3. SPF (morning only)

This is non-negotiable. Retinoids, acids, and many other actives increase the skin's UV sensitivity. Even if you're not using any of those yet, SPF is the most evidence-backed anti-ageing, anti-damage product you can use. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, every morning, as the last step in your routine.

The starter routine by skin concern

The Ordinary's philosophy is ingredient-first skincare. The products you choose depend on what your skin actually needs. Here are the best starting points for the most common concerns.

If your main concern is oily skin and large pores

Start with: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This is the most widely purchased The Ordinary product for good reason. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) reduces sebum production, minimises the appearance of pores, and brightens the skin over time. It is gentle, has almost no conflict issues for beginners (just avoid pure Vitamin C in the same session — but you won't be using that yet), and produces noticeable results within four to six weeks.

Use it: AM, after cleansing, before moisturiser.

Why just this one to start? Because it is genuinely effective on its own, and adding Salicylic Acid or anything else on top before your skin has adjusted doesn't help it work faster.

If your main concern is dull, uneven skin tone or early signs of ageing

Start with: Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

This is a stable, derivative form of Vitamin C. It brightens, targets hyperpigmentation, and acts as an antioxidant in your morning routine. It's the right starting Vitamin C product because — unlike The Ordinary's pure Vitamin C products — it doesn't conflict with most other ingredients, and it doesn't require PM-only use.

For early anti-ageing in a first routine, you might also add:

"Buffet" — a multi-peptide serum that targets multiple signs of ageing and is gentle enough for beginners

Use them: AM, after cleansing but before your moisturiser. Apply Ascorbyl Glucoside first (thinner), then Buffet.

If your main concern is blemishes and acne

Start with: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

These two are a natural pairing for acne-prone skin. Niacinamide regulates sebum and reduces post-blemish marks. Salicylic Acid (BHA) penetrates into pores to clear congestion and reduce active blemishes.

Use them: Niacinamide in the AM; Salicylic Acid can be AM or PM. Do not use both in the same session to start — introduce one at a time.

See the full guide to building a routine for acne-prone skin.

If your main concern is dryness and dehydration

Start with: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This is an ultra-gentle, non-active hydrating serum. It contains multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid (different molecular sizes that absorb at different depths) and Vitamin B5 to support barrier function.

Apply it to slightly damp skin immediately after cleansing, before any other serums. Follow with Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

If you want to add a second product, Marine Hyaluronics is another excellent, conflict-free hydrating serum.

If your main concern is pigmentation and dark spots

Start with: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Alpha Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme that drives melanin production. It is one of the most effective over-the-counter ingredients for fading hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks. At 2%, The Ordinary's version is meaningful without being aggressive.

Use it: AM, as a water-based serum after cleansing.

Over time, you may add niacinamide as a second step for its brightening and barrier-supporting properties.

When to add more products

After four to six weeks of using your starter products consistently:

If your skin has adjusted well, you can introduce one more product.
Exfoliating acids (Lactic Acid 5% or Mandelic Acid 10% + HA are gentler starting points) can be added to your PM routine 1–2x per week.
Retinoids (start with Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane — The Ordinary's gentlest option) can be added to the PM after your skin is stable.

Don't rush. Six weeks of two products working well is worth more than four weeks of five products and a compromised barrier.

Your first complete beginner routine

Here is a simple, effective routine suitable for most skin types as a starting point (adapt based on your concern above):

Morning

Gentle cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (if dry or dehydrated)
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (for most skin types)
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
SPF 30+ (always last)

Evening

Gentle cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Simple. Consistent. Effective. Once this is second nature, you're ready to add actives.

How the Skincare Routine app helps beginners

The Skincare Routine app was designed with beginners in mind. When you first open it, you can:

Select your skin concerns from a list (Dry Skin, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin, Mature Skin, Pigmentation, Oily Skin) and the app will suggest appropriate products to start with.
Browse pre-loaded DECIEM products with full descriptions, ingredient information, and recommended layering order.
Add products to your routine and the app automatically places them in the correct layer order, at the correct time of day (AM or PM).
Follow your routine in the app — ticking products as you use them, with the app alerting you if any conflicts arise.

For beginners, one of the most useful features is simply seeing your products laid out in the correct order, rather than having to figure it out from the instructions alone. The app does this automatically from the moment you add your first product.

As your routine grows, the conflict detection system protects you from common mistakes. When you eventually add a retinoid and an acid to your routine, the app ensures they're properly separated without you having to remember all the rules yourself.

Download it at skincareroutine.app.

Summary: The Ordinary beginner starter packs

Main concern	First product(s)	When
Oily skin / pores	Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%	AM daily
Dullness / anti-ageing	Ascorbyl Glucoside 12%, "Buffet"	AM daily
Acne / blemishes	Niacinamide 10% + Salicylic Acid 2%	AM + PM
Dry / dehydrated	Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5	AM + PM
Dark spots / PIH	Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA	AM daily

The rule everyone needs: Cleanser → Serums (lightest to heaviest) → Moisturiser → SPF (AM only).

Start with two products. Give them six weeks. Then build from there.