Why The Ordinary became Lebanon's most-searched skincare brand
In the last three years, The Ordinary went from a niche Toronto-based brand to one of the most-searched active-ingredient skincare lines in Lebanon. The appeal is simple: minimal, no-frills packaging and a focus on delivering a single active ingredient per formula, so you know exactly what you're applying and why.
The catch: The Ordinary's range is intentionally extensive. There are over 40 SKUs, many with similar-sounding names, and combining the wrong actives can leave your skin barrier irritated rather than improved. This guide explains what each bestseller is formulated for, how people typically layer them, and which combinations to avoid — always checking the product label and, where in doubt, asking one of our pharmacists.
Understanding active ingredients: a quick primer
Most The Ordinary products fall into five broad categories:
| Category | General purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (AHAs, BHAs) | Exfoliate and refine surface texture | Glycolic Acid 7%, Salicylic Acid 2%, Mandelic Acid |
| Vitamins | Antioxidant support, brightening appearance | Vitamin C, Niacinamide 10%, Alpha Arbutin |
| Retinoids | Support skin renewal and a smoother look over time | Retinol 0.5%, Retinal 0.2% |
| Peptides | Support skin's firmness cues | Buffet, Multi-Peptide, Copper Peptides |
| Hydrators | Plump, moisturise, support the moisture barrier | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, NMF + HA |
A useful rule of thumb: acids and retinoids both exfoliate or accelerate cell turnover, while vitamins and hydrators are generally supportive and gentler. Many people stack supportive ingredients together, but layering multiple exfoliating or turnover-accelerating actives in the same routine can be harsh on the skin barrier if not introduced carefully — this is a good topic to discuss with a pharmacist before you start.
Six The Ordinary products worth knowing
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — the everyday serum
One of the most popular The Ordinary products in Lebanon. Niacinamide is generally used to help balance the look of oily areas, support the skin barrier, and even out the appearance of skin tone. It's formulated to suit most skin types and layers easily with other actives, which is why it's often the first product people try from the range. Explore complementary formats in our Acne-Prone Skin Garnier Routine collection if you're building out a full oil-balancing routine.
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution — the glow toner
This is the product that built The Ordinary's reputation. Glycolic acid is an AHA that works on the skin's surface to help smooth texture and refine dullness. Many users introduce it gradually and always follow with daily SPF, since freshly exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive. If you're focused on brightening as part of an anti-aging routine, our SERUMS OR OTHERS for anti-aging collection is a good next stop.
3. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution — the blemish-focused solution
Salicylic acid is a BHA — oil-soluble, meaning it's formulated to work inside pores rather than only on the surface. It's a familiar choice for people managing visible blackheads, congestion, and blemish-prone areas. For a full skincare line built around this concern, browse our Acne-Prone Skin Garnier Routine or the Avene Acne-prone Skin Solutions collection.
4. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — the retinoid starter
Retinol is one of the best-known ingredients in cosmetic anti-aging formulations. The Ordinary offers it in three strengths (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%), and many adults start with a lower strength before building up gradually, always at night and always followed by daytime SPF. It's common to experience some dryness or flaking while skin adjusts — if this persists, check in with a pharmacist. For a wider range of retinoid textures and strengths, see our SKINCARE RETINOL collection. If you're new to retinoids, the Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a gentler-textured alternative some people prefer to start with.
5. Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% — the firmness serum
Peptides are signalling ingredients often included in formulas aimed at supporting the skin's natural firmness cues. Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) in particular are a long-studied ingredient in cosmetic science. This type of serum is generally used daily, morning or evening, and pairs easily with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and daily sunscreen. Our Vichy LiftActiv Collection and Avene anti-aging range offer complementary firming formulas if you want to build this step out further.
6. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA — the dark-spot serum
Alpha arbutin is an ingredient commonly used to help address the appearance of an uneven skin tone by targeting how new pigmentation forms at the surface. It's typically applied as part of a consistent routine alongside daily SPF. Pair it with a dedicated day formula from our DAY CREAM for anti-aging collection, and consider a supportive NIGHT CREAM for anti-aging to round out morning and evening steps.
Sample routines by skin type
Routine A — Oily / blemish-prone skin
Morning: Gentle cleanser → Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% → lightweight moisturiser → SPF.
Evening (alternated across the week): Cleanser paired, on different nights, with Salicylic Acid 2%, Glycolic Acid 7% Toner, or Retinol 0.5%, always followed by moisturiser, with a recovery night of cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and moisturiser only. Explore our Acne-Prone Skin Garnier Routine for ready-made steps.
Routine B — Dry / mature skin
Morning: Cream cleanser → Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 → Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% → rich moisturiser → SPF.
Evening: Alternate retinol nights (with a recovery balm) with peptide-and-hyaluronic-acid nights and a night cream. A rest night with cleanser and moisturiser alone is a good idea. Our NIGHT CREAM for anti-aging collection is a useful place to find that finishing step.
Routine C — Sensitive / reactive skin
Morning: Gentle cleanser → Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% → moisturiser. Sensitive skin generally does best introducing one active at a time, with plenty of spacing between exfoliating steps — a pharmacist can help you sequence this safely for your specific skin.
Whichever routine you're building, always patch-test new actives, read the full ingredient label, and speak with one of our pharmacists if you're combining The Ordinary with other treatments or are unsure what's right for your skin.