mybest
Skin careHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Skin careHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women 1
  • 10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women 2
  • 10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women 3
  • 10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women 4
  • 10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women 5

10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women

The Ordinary has quickly grown in popularity since its launch in 2016, becoming one of the most talked about brands in skincare. Their products are designed through extensive research, with straightforward formulations and ingredients coming in minimalistic, sleek packaging available at affordable prices. The Ordinary's range of serums, in particular, are well-loved by many - and they are far from ordinary!


Nevertheless, with complex sounding names that sound straight out of an advanced medical textbook, it can be quite daunting to know which serum is suitable for your complexion and beauty goals. We're here to help you break down 10 of the best The Ordinary serum formulas to take the headache out of your shopping. We'll discuss some of the ingredients in-depth, and share some suggestions from Amazon and Boots so you can easily pick out a few serums to try. 

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Serums From The Ordinary

1

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B530 ml
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Oil-Free Formula for Long Lasting Hydration

2

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution30 ml
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

10-Minute Exfoliating Facial With AHA and BHA for a More Refined, Brighter, and Radiant Complexion

3

The Ordinary

Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%30 ml
Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

Activate the Skin’s Own Healing Mechanisms to Nurture a Healthy Complexion

4

The Ordinary

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%30 ml
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Gentle Skin Brightening Formula With Vitamin C That Is Suitable for Sensitive Skin

5

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%30 ml
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Packed With Fantastic Acne-Fighting Ingredients For Healthy Skin

mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Serum From The Ordinary

Key Points to Consider
  1. Identify Your Skin Type and Any Existing Skin Issues
  2. Choose a Serum Based on Your Skin Type and Beauty Goals
  3. If You Are New to Exfoliants, Begin With a Mild Product Once a Week and Slowly Increase the Frequency
  4. Use Serums With Retinol, AHAs, BHAs, Lactic and Ascorbic Acid in the Evening to Avoid Irritating the Skin


1

Determine Your Skin Type and Consider Any Skin Issues You May Have

Determine Your Skin Type and Consider Any Skin Issues You May Have

Before we dive in, it is important to spend some time in understanding your skin and any concerns you may want to correct. Look for face serums that can help to address these issues, while also taking advantage of the other benefits it may offer. Buying a formulation suited to the wrong skin type will reduce the efficacy of the formulation, putting you further away from your skin goals and may even aggravate the skin.


While you're here, check out our favourite peptide serums!


Oily or acne prone skin may benefit from serums that have oil balancing and astringent properties to cleanse and minimise the pores, whereas dry skin types should look for hydrating and nourishing formulations. Moreover, experts recommend anti-ageing care as early as your twenties to delay the ageing process so that you can be wrinkle free.


Dull skin that looks lacklustre should opt for brightening serums to restore a radiance. For rough skin that feels bumpy to the touch, an exfoliating serum could be what you need to refine the skin. If you have a sensitive face, search for gentle nourishing and calming serums that won't cause any irritation, and be careful when using exfoliating ingredients such as harsh acids or vitamin C.

2

Anti-ageing, Exfoliating, or Hydrating - Choose a Type of Serum According to Your Skin Type and Skin Concerns

Anti-ageing, Exfoliating, or Hydrating - Choose a Type of Serum According to Your Skin Type and Skin Concerns

Generally, The Ordinary serums can be classified into 6 main types. The different varieties, as well as the combination of active components and overall texture, perform a range of functions to provide various skin benefits. You may also encounter serums with a combination of the several types for more comprehensive care.


  • Hydration: For dry or dehydrated skin types, a serum packed with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (panthenol), ceramides, squalane, vitamin E, Pycnogenol can help to significantly enhance moisture levels. This type of serum penetrates deep into the pores and layers of the skin, filling them in while preventing moisture loss at the same time. 

Moisturising after applying a serum is vital to lock in all the beneficial ingredients - browse our range of Korean moisturisers!


  • Anti-ageing: Anti-ageing serums boost cell turnover and repair, enhancing collagen and elastin production for firm, plump skin. This type of serum rejuvenates the skin, and targets signs of ageing and environmental stress by smoothing over fine lines and wrinkles. Common anti-ageing ingredients include retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Vitamin C, peptides, and amino acids.

  • Anti-acne: Anti-acne serums can help put an end to pesky breakouts. They are formulated to remove buildup, cleanse and minimise pores, balance oil, all while calming any redness or irritation. Common acne-fighting ingredients include salicyclic acid, alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), glycolic acid, citric acid, niacinamide, and zinc.

  • Exfoliating: Exfoliating is an essential step for all skin types to keep the skin functioning optimally as it sloughs away dead skin cells, encourages cell turnover, and corrects the complexion. It also helps the skin to absorb other ingredients more effectively. Look for ingredients such as acids AHAs and BHAs, glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, or retinol.

  • Regenerating: This type of serum have ingredients to promote the skin's natural repair functions, fading away scars and sun damage, enhancing collagen and elastin production, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. They also supply moisture and balance oils, keeping the skin hydrated and supple. Look for retinol, antioxidants such as zinc, essential oils, and omega 3 fatty acids. 

If you've been thinking of incorporating oils into your beauty routine, rosehip oil can be a good place to start! Check out our buying guide here.


  • Brightening: For dull complexions or those experiencing hyperpigmentation, a brightening serum is what you need revive the skin's lustre and glow. Alpha-arbutin, antioxidants such as vitamin E and C, peptides, certain acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid are ingredients you want to search for that will help to even out the skin tone and fade unwanted pigmentation.
3

For Those New to Exfoliants, It’s Best to Begin With a Gentler Product Once or Twice a Week to Avoid Irritation

For Those New to Exfoliants, It’s Best to Begin With a Gentler Product Once or Twice a Week to Avoid Irritation

While exfoliating serums are beneficial for the skin, excessive exfoliation, whether done too frequently or with an exfoliant that is too harsh or incompatible, can result in unpleasant reactions such as redness, peeling, and flaking. 


Moreover, the duration for how long you should leave the exfoliant on your face varies from product to product. Especially if your skin is new to exfoliants, it may take some time for it to build up tolerance. We recommend always sticking to the duration specified on the product label, and monitor how your skin reacts before building up the frequency. 

4

Serums With AHAs, BHAs, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid or Retinol Should Be Used in the Evening as They Can Increase the Skin’s Sensitivity to the Sun

Serums With AHAs, BHAs, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid or Retinol Should Be Used in the Evening as They Can Increase the Skin’s Sensitivity to the Sun

AHAs, BHAs, lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and retinol are best used in the evening or at night since they buff away dead skin cells to reveal fresh, delicate skin which can be extremely sensitive, even towards the sun. Thus, it is also important to protect the skin by applying sunscreen the morning after using any of these ingredients, and avoid layering them with other active substances to prevent irritation. 


Speaking of sunscreen, how about some mineral sunscreen or sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best The Ordinary Serums in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B530 ml

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 1

Oil-Free Formula for Long Lasting Hydration

2

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution30 ml

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 1

10-Minute Exfoliating Facial With AHA and BHA for a More Refined, Brighter, and Radiant Complexion

3

The Ordinary

Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%30 ml

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% 1

Activate the Skin’s Own Healing Mechanisms to Nurture a Healthy Complexion

4

The Ordinary

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%30 ml

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 1

Gentle Skin Brightening Formula With Vitamin C That Is Suitable for Sensitive Skin

5

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%30 ml

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 1

Packed With Fantastic Acne-Fighting Ingredients For Healthy Skin

6

The Ordinary

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane30 ml

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 1

Superb Anti-Ageing and Skin-Repairing Serum With 0.2% Retinol

7

The Ordinary

Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% 1

Mild Exfoliant With Calming and Nourishing Properties

8

The Ordinary

Pycnogenol 5%15 ml

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 1

Boosts Hydration, Collagen Production and Elasticity While Protecting the Skin From Oxidative Stress

9

The Ordinary

Amino Acid + B530 ml

The Ordinary Amino Acid + B5 1

Lightweight Moisturising and Soothing Serum With 17% Of Amino Acids to Reinforce the Skin

10

The Ordinary

Buffet Serum60 ml

The Ordinary Buffet Serum 1

The Age-Defying Multi-Technology Peptide Serum

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B530 ml

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.40
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.40
Low Mid

Oil-Free Formula for Long Lasting Hydration

Vitamin B5 is a humectant that can attract water to the skin and keep it locked in. It is also great for strengthening the skin barrier. Coupled with 2% of hyaluronic acid, you will be getting intense hydration in a bottle without any uncomfortable feeling thanks to the lightweight ingredients. 


For achieving and maintaining a hydrated and smooth complexion, this combination of ingredients is ideal. Even oily skin can benefit from its light, oil-free consistency, which leaves a fresh, dewy feeling for all skin types. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution30 ml

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.30
Low Mid

10-Minute Exfoliating Facial With AHA and BHA for a More Refined, Brighter, and Radiant Complexion

Don't let the blood red colour scare you away, this exfoliating serum can really help to reset the skin for a more refined appearance - trust us, this tiny bottle can do wonders! AHA and BHA exfoliates the skin at different levels, brightening, correcting and unclogging the pores. 


The result is a radiant complexion that looks healthy, and feels pleasantly smooth to the touch. In fact, you'll immediately notice how soft the skin feels after using this serum, and the healthy glow will last for days. It does make the skin tingle a little while it sits on the face. But don't worry, it just means that the acids are doing their job!

No.3

The Ordinary
Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%30 ml

Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£28.90
High Mid
Reference price
£28.90
High Mid

Activate the Skin’s Own Healing Mechanisms to Nurture a Healthy Complexion

While its bright blue formulation may appear striking, this powerful formulation works long term to keep your skin naturally healthy and radiant. As is found naturally in human plasma, peptides work to support skin health. The 1% concentration of pure copper peptides targets work to reduce and circumvent signs of ageing.


A wide range of skin processes are fostered by these peptides, such as maintaining optimal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast formation, and anti-inflammatory responses. 

No.4

The Ordinary
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%30 ml

Reference price
£10.00
Mid

Gentle Skin Brightening Formula With Vitamin C That Is Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Arbutin is utilised to inhibit the synthesis of the enzyme involved in melanin production, preventing the formation of dark spots while improving the skin tone and texture. Ascorbic acid, which is essentially vitamin C, works to fight the effects of ageing and while also refining the skin.


Since the serum only uses low amounts of vitamin C, it is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Together, the ingredients help to brighten the skin's overall appearance, combatting hyperpigmentation and the symptoms of skin ageing.

No.5

The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%30 ml

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£5.60
Low Mid

Packed With Fantastic Acne-Fighting Ingredients For Healthy Skin

This serum (like most of The Ordinary's serums) has plenty of great reviews. It is especially recommended for those with oily and acne prone skin, as the blend of 10% niacinamide and zinc effectively regulates sebum production, creating a healthy skin environment so that blemishes don't even stand a chance


Those who often experience breakouts, including hormonal flare ups, should definitely give this serum a try. The ingredients work together to eliminate black heads, cleanse and minimise the appearance of pores by removing congestion, reduce redness, and even smooths over skin texture. 

No.6

The Ordinary
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane30 ml

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.00
Low Mid

Superb Anti-Ageing and Skin-Repairing Serum With 0.2% Retinol

If you haven't yet heard of retinol, this serum is a good way to introduce it into your routine. It is a form of vitamin A and a superstar ingredient with the most proven anti-ageing benefits. Although it is known to cause irritation, this serum uses a type of retinol that effectively mimics the beneficial effects without triggering sensitivities.


Retinol accelerates cell turnover, increases collagen formation, combats pigmentation, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, unclogs the pores, and regulates sebum, making it an effective anti-acne ingredient too! Nevertheless, do take note that it takes time for the skin to build up tolerance towards retinol, which could result in slight irritation, redness, or peeling when you first begin to use it. 

No.7

The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid

Mild Exfoliant With Calming and Nourishing Properties

Lactic acid is an AHA, which means it is an exfoliant that works to remove dead skin cells. Since exfoliation typically causes some redness, Tasmanian pepperberry is added to soothe and minimise these symptoms. 


This 10% formulation may be too harsh for sensitive skin types, but there is an even milder 5% formula that may be suitable. Either way, always do a patch test to avoid any problems. You can also dilute it with other non-reactive treatments to further reduce the acid's strength and still get the benefits for refined skin.

No.8

The Ordinary
Pycnogenol 5%15 ml

Reference price
£8.60
Mid

Boosts Hydration, Collagen Production and Elasticity While Protecting the Skin From Oxidative Stress

Although Pycnogenol sounds like a type of chemical, it is actually a natural plant extract derived from pine trees that has the ability to enhance collagen and elastin production. Plus, it's also a fantastic hydrator!


Pycnogenol contains a bunch of helpful antioxidants and organic acids that encourages skin repair, helping the skin to maintain hydration and elasticity. It also protects important proteins from degradation by selectively binding to them, nourishing the skin from the inside out. 

No.9

The Ordinary
Amino Acid + B530 ml

Amino Acid + B5 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.90
Low Mid

Lightweight Moisturising and Soothing Serum With 17% Of Amino Acids to Reinforce the Skin

We like this serum's weightlessness because it means that a wide range of skin types can enjoy using it. But it is particularly effective for dry or dehydrated skin types. The formula contains a variety of amino acids to boost hydration at different levels of the skin, adequately moisturising without any unpleasant greasiness. 


Since dry or dehydrated skin types often experience breakouts and inflammation, Vitamin B5, another hydrating humectant is added to hydrate while also soothing and stimulating the skin's healing process. Do take note that it has a strong smell that may put some people off. 

No.10

The Ordinary
Buffet Serum60 ml

Buffet Serum 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid

The Age-Defying Multi-Technology Peptide Serum

Loaded with peptides and formulated through multiple technologies, this serum has powerful anti-ageing effects. The combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid complexes enhances the firmness of the skin, while reinstating a plump, youthful bounce. 


Plus, it's called buffet for a reason, as it also contains a probiotic complex and a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids for overall skin enhancement. The only downside is that the stickier consistency of this formulation over the copper peptide variant is less inviting.

Written and Researched by Audrey Tan

Top 5 Serums From The Ordinary

No. 1: The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B530 ml

No. 2: The OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution30 ml

No. 3: The OrdinaryBuffet + Copper Peptides 1%30 ml

No. 4: The OrdinaryAscorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%30 ml

No. 5: The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%30 ml

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Skin care

Korean Toners

10 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Skin care

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.