The Ordinary Serums Comparison: Which Serum Is Right for Your Skin? (Complete 2026 Guide)

If you're planning to try The Ordinary skincare products, you've probably noticed that the brand offers dozens of serums—each formulated with different ingredients to target specific skin concerns.

This naturally raises one of the most common questions:

What's the difference between The Ordinary serums, and which one is best for your skin type?

In this complete 2026 guide, we'll compare the brand's most popular serums, explain what each product does, who it's suitable for, how to use it, and help you choose the right serum for your skincare routine.

We'll cover:

• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

• Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

• Hyaluronic Acid + B5

• AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

• Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Why Are The Ordinary Serums Different?

The Ordinary follows a simple philosophy:

Each serum is designed to target one specific skin concern rather than trying to solve everything with a single product.

Choosing the right serum depends on:

• Your skin type

• Your primary skin concern

• Your age

• Your current skincare routine

• Your skin's sensitivity

That's why the best serum for someone else may not necessarily be the best choice for you.

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Best For

✔ Oily skin

✔ Acne-prone skin

✔ Post-acne marks

✔ Enlarged pores

Key Benefits

• Helps regulate excess oil production.

• Reduces the appearance of blemishes.

• Improves post-acne marks.

• Refines skin texture.

• Minimizes shine.

• Helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores with consistent use.

Who Should Use It?

If your main concern is acne, oily skin, or enlarged pores, this is often the first serum worth adding to your skincare routine.

2. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

Best For

✔ Fine lines

✔ Wrinkles

✔ Uneven skin tone

✔ Skin renewal

Key Benefits

• Supports collagen production.

• Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Improves skin texture.

• Promotes smoother, younger-looking skin.

• Enhances skin elasticity.

Its squalane base also helps moisturize the skin and reduce the dryness often associated with retinol.

Use only at night and always wear sunscreen during the day.

3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Best For

✔ Blackheads

✔ Whiteheads

✔ Enlarged pores

✔ Acne-prone skin

How It Works

Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, helping dissolve excess oil and impurities that contribute to clogged pores.

Key Benefits

• Deep pore cleansing.

• Reduces blackheads.

• Improves skin texture.

• Helps prevent future breakouts.

4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5

If your skin feels tight or dehydrated after cleansing, this serum is one of the best hydration options.

Benefits

• Deep hydration.

• Improves skin elasticity.

• Reduces dryness.

• Supports the skin barrier.

• Soothes sensitive skin.

The addition of Vitamin B5 helps support skin repair and leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother.

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

One of The Ordinary's most iconic exfoliating treatments.

Best For

✔ Hyperpigmentation

✔ Acne marks

✔ Dull skin

✔ Uneven skin texture

Benefits

• Exfoliates dead skin cells.

• Brightens dull skin.

• Improves skin texture.

• Helps fade post-acne marks.

• Promotes a more even complexion.

Use only once or twice a week. Leave on for no longer than 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

6. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

If your goal is reducing dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation, this serum is an excellent choice.

Helps Improve

• Hyperpigmentation.

• Melasma.

• Post-acne discoloration.

• Uneven skin tone.

It also contains Hyaluronic Acid to help maintain skin hydration during treatment.

7. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

A targeted treatment designed specifically for the eye area.

Benefits

• Reduces puffiness.

• Improves the appearance of dark circles.

• Refreshes tired-looking eyes.

• Provides antioxidant protection with green tea extract (EGCG).

8. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

One of the brand's most versatile products.

Can Be Used On

• Face

• Neck

• Underarms

• Knees

• Elbows

• Bikini area

• Scalp

• Body

• Feet

Benefits

• Gentle exfoliation.

• Smoother skin texture.

• Brighter complexion.

• Improved skin tone.

• Helps reduce the appearance of dark areas.

• May help minimize ingrown hairs.

Quick Comparison Table

Can You Use More Than One The Ordinary Serum?

Yes—but only when combining compatible ingredients.

Good Combinations

• Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid

• Alpha Arbutin + Hyaluronic Acid

• Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid (nighttime)

• Glycolic Acid on one night, Retinol on another

Avoid combining Retinol with strong exfoliating acids such as AHA or BHA in the same routine to reduce the risk of irritation.

Where Can You Buy Authentic The Ordinary Products?

If you're looking for 100% authentic The Ordinary products with exclusive offers and a seamless shopping experience, you can shop through the Beauty Ten App.

App Benefits

• 100% authentic products.

• Exclusive discounts.

• Fast delivery.

• Easy browsing by skincare category.

• Access to the latest launches and promotions.

Don't forget to use the discount code B10APP when shopping through the app to enjoy additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best The Ordinary serum for beginners?

Hyaluronic Acid + B5 is an excellent starting point because it deeply hydrates the skin, supports the skin barrier, and is suitable for all skin types.

2. Which The Ordinary serum is best for acne and acne scars?

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best choices for oily and acne-prone skin, helping regulate oil production while improving blemishes and post-acne marks.

3. What's the difference between Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid?

• Niacinamide: Helps regulate oil production, minimizes pores, and improves overall skin appearance.

• Salicylic Acid: Penetrates pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells while targeting blackheads and breakouts.

They can be incorporated into the same skincare routine gradually, depending on your skin's tolerance.

4. Which serum is best for hyperpigmentation?

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is specifically formulated to help reduce dark spots, melasma, and post-acne pigmentation while promoting a more even skin tone.

5. When should I use Retinol?

Use Retinol 0.2% in Squalane at night on dry skin. Start with two nights per week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adapts. Always wear sunscreen during the day.

6. Can I use the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution every day?

No. This is a strong exfoliating treatment that should only be used once or twice a week for no more than 10 minutes before rinsing. Avoid using it alongside retinol or other exfoliating acids in the same routine.

7. Is Glycolic Acid 7% only for the face?

No. It can also be used on the body, including the underarms, knees, elbows, bikini area, scalp, and other areas that may benefit from gentle exfoliation and improved skin texture.

8. Which The Ordinary serum is best for dark circles?

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is specifically formulated for the eye area and helps reduce puffiness while improving the appearance of tired-looking eyes.

9. Can I combine multiple The Ordinary serums?

Yes, provided the ingredients are compatible.

Examples include:

• Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

• Alpha Arbutin + Hyaluronic Acid

• Niacinamide + Caffeine Solution

Avoid combining Retinol with AHA or BHA exfoliating acids in the same routine.

10. How do I choose the right The Ordinary serum?

Your choice should depend on your primary skin concern:

• Acne & enlarged pores: Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid

• Dry skin: Hyaluronic Acid + B5

• Hyperpigmentation: Alpha Arbutin

• Fine lines & wrinkles: Retinol

• Dark circles: Caffeine Solution

• Exfoliation & skin renewal: AHA 30% + BHA 2%

• Face & body care: Glycolic Acid 7%

Conclusion

Choosing the right The Ordinary serum depends on your skin's needs rather than the popularity of a product.

• Niacinamide is ideal for acne and oily skin.

• Retinol targets fine lines and wrinkles.

• Alpha Arbutin helps reduce pigmentation and dark spots.

• Hyaluronic Acid delivers deep hydration.

• AHA + BHA and Glycolic Acid provide effective exfoliation and brighter-looking skin.

Start with one serum, give your skin enough time to adjust, and remember that daily sunscreen is essential to maximize your results and protect your skin.