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 the dominant active-ingredient skincare line in Lebanon. The reason is simple: at US$8–15 per product, you get the same concentration of clinical-grade actives as serums costing US$80+, with packaging stripped of branding so you're paying for the ingredients, not the marketing.
The catch: The Ordinary's product range is intentionally complicated. There are over 40 SKUs, many sound similar, and using them wrong can damage your skin barrier rather than improve it. This guide explains exactly what each of the bestsellers does, how to layer them, and what to avoid combining.
Understanding active ingredients (a quick primer)
Most The Ordinary products fall into five categories:
| Category | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (AHAs, BHAs) | Exfoliate, smooth texture, treat acne | Glycolic Acid 7%, Salicylic Acid 2%, Mandelic Acid |
| Vitamins | Antioxidant protection, brightening | Vitamin C, Niacinamide 10%, Alpha Arbutin |
| Retinoids | Anti-aging, cell turnover, acne | Retinol 0.5%, Retinal 0.2% |
| Peptides | Signal collagen production, firmness | Buffet, Multi-Peptide, Copper Peptides |
| Hydrators | Plump, moisturise, repair barrier | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, NMF + HA |
The golden rule: acids and retinoids exfoliate or accelerate cell turnover. Vitamins and hydrators support. You can stack supporters freely. You should not stack multiple exfoliating/accelerating actives in the same routine — that's how people get chemical burns and ruined skin barriers.
The 6 Ordinary products everyone should know
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — The "Everyone" Serum
The single most-bought The Ordinary product in Lebanon, and for good reason. Niacinamide:
- Regulates sebum (reduces oily shine)
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Reduces redness and visible pore size
- Has anti-inflammatory effects on mild acne
It works for almost every skin type and combines well with almost every other ingredient. If you only buy one The Ordinary serum, buy this.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
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 dissolves dead skin cell bonds on the surface, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
Use it for: Dullness, uneven texture, mild scarring, clogged pores. Frequency: Start 2x/week, build to every other night. Critical: Always wear SPF the next day — fresh skin burns more easily.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution — The "Acne" Spot Treatment
Salicylic is a BHA — oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates inside pores rather than just exfoliating the surface. This makes it the gold standard for blackheads, whiteheads, and the deeper "underground" pimples that haven't surfaced yet.
Use it for: Acne-prone skin, blackheads on the nose, chest/back acne. Frequency: Once daily as a spot treatment, or 3x/week all-over.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
4. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — The "Anti-aging Starter"
Retinol is the most clinically-proven anti-aging ingredient available retail. The Ordinary makes three strengths (0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%); 0.5% is the right starting point for most adults.
Use it for: Fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture, adult acne. Frequency: Start 1x/week, build slowly. Always at night. Always followed by sunscreen the next day. Adjustment period: Expect 2–4 weeks of mild flaking and sensitivity as your skin adjusts.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
If you've never used retinoids, you may want to start lower: the Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is actually a stronger form of vitamin A but in a gentler emulsion base.
5. Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% — The "Firmness" Serum
Peptides signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. The copper peptides specifically (GHK-Cu) have decades of clinical research behind them for wound healing and anti-aging.
Use it for: Loss of firmness, fine lines, post-procedure recovery. Frequency: Daily, AM or PM. Pairs well with: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sunscreen.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
6. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA — The "Dark Spots" Serum
Alpha arbutin inhibits melanin production at the tyrosinase enzyme step — meaning it actually prevents new pigmentation from forming, not just fading existing spots.
Use it for: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, sun spots, acne scars. Frequency: Twice daily for 8–12 weeks for visible results. Note: Combine with religious daily SPF — see our Best Sunscreens in Lebanon comparison.
▶ Shop The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Sample routines by skin type
Routine A — Oily / Acne-Prone Skin
Morning: 1. Gentle cleanser 2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 3. Lightweight moisturiser 4. ISDIN Fusion Water SPF 50 or La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune Oil Control
Evening (alternate nights): - Night A (3x/week): Cleanser → Salicylic Acid 2% → moisturiser - Night B (1–2x/week): Cleanser → Glycolic Acid 7% Toner → moisturiser - Night C (1x/week): Cleanser → Retinol 0.5% → moisturiser - Recovery night: Cleanser → hyaluronic acid → moisturiser
Routine B — Dry / Mature Skin
Morning: 1. Cream cleanser 2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 3. Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% 4. Rich moisturiser 5. SPF 50 (cream-textured)
Evening: - Mon, Wed, Fri: Cleanser → Retinol 0.5% → Cicaplast Baume B5 as recovery - Tue, Thu, Sat: Cleanser → Peptides → Hyaluronic Acid → night cream - Sun: Cleanser → moisturiser (rest day)
Routine C — Sensitive / Reactive Skin
Morning: 1. Gentle cleanser 2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (anti-inflammatory) 3. Moisturiser 4. Mineral SPF 50 (e.g. Avène Ultra Fluid)
Evening: - 3x/week: Cleanser → Niacinamide → moisturiser - 2x/week: Cleanser → Alpha Arbutin → moisturiser - Avoid acids and retinol entirely until barrier is fully restored. Reintroduce one at a time, very slowly.
Routine D — Hyperpigmentation Focus
Morning: 1. Gentle cleanser 2. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (after 10 min) 4. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 with UVA protection — La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Spot Corrector is ideal here.
Evening: - 3x/week: Cleanser → Glycolic Acid 7% → moisturiser - 3x/week: Cleanser → Alpha Arbutin → Retinol 0.5% (after 20 min) → moisturiser - 1x/week: Rest
What NOT to mix (and the myths)
True warnings:
- ❌ Retinol + AHA/BHA in the same routine. Acids strip dead cells; retinol drives turnover. Combined, you'll damage your barrier. Alternate nights.
- ❌ High concentrations of vitamin C + niacinamide if you have very sensitive skin. This is more nuance than warning — for most skin types, they're fine together. But people with rosacea may notice flushing.
- ❌ Multiple acids on the same night (glycolic + salicylic + lactic).
- ❌ Retinol + benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide deactivates retinol — use AM/PM if combining.
Myths to ignore:
- ✅ "Vitamin C and niacinamide cancel each other out." False — based on decade-old research that's been superseded.
- ✅ "You can't use retinol in summer." False — you can, but you must be more diligent with SPF.
- ✅ "Hyaluronic acid will dehydrate your skin in dry climates." This is partly true — apply HA on damp skin and seal with a moisturiser to prevent this.
How long until you see results?
| Active | First visible effect | Full results |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide 10% | 2–4 weeks (oil reduction) | 8–12 weeks |
| Glycolic Acid 7% | 1–2 weeks (texture, glow) | 6–8 weeks |
| Salicylic Acid 2% | 3–7 days (blackheads) | 4–6 weeks |
| Retinol 0.5% | 2–4 weeks (texture) | 6–12 months |
| Multi-Peptide / Copper Peptides | 8 weeks | 6 months |
| Alpha Arbutin 2% | 8 weeks (PIH) | 12+ weeks (melasma) |
Where to buy The Ordinary in Lebanon
NexusCare carries the largest authorised The Ordinary inventory in Lebanon. Every product is shipped directly from Deciem (the parent company) to maintain authenticity and avoid the counterfeit market that's plagued The Ordinary internationally.
▶ Browse the complete The Ordinary collection
Frequently asked questions
I'm completely new to skincare. What 3 products should I start with? Cleanser + Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% + sunscreen. Use these consistently for 4–6 weeks before adding anything else.
Can I use The Ordinary while pregnant? Most products yes, but avoid retinol and retinal entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Salicylic acid is debated — most dermatologists allow it at 2% concentration on small areas, but confirm with your obstetrician.
Are The Ordinary products cruelty-free? Yes, all The Ordinary products are cruelty-free and most are vegan (formula-specific labels confirm).
How long do The Ordinary products last after opening? Most last 6–12 months. Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C derivatives degrade fastest — use within 6 months for best efficacy.
Why does The Ordinary cost so little compared to other serums? Because their parent company, Deciem, owns its own manufacturing and refuses to spend on luxury packaging or celebrity marketing. The savings flow directly to the customer.
Is The Ordinary actually effective compared to expensive brands? For the active ingredients they offer, yes — the concentration and formulation match clinical-grade serums. The trade-off is texture: premium brands typically have more elegant feel and finish.
Going deeper
Once your routine is stable, consider these companion guides:
- Best Sunscreens in Lebanon — comparison guide — because retinol and acids without SPF is a recipe for damage.
- Cicaplast Baume B5: 12 Uses — the perfect rescue product for over-exfoliated skin.
This article is informational and reflects best practices in evidence-based skincare. Always patch-test new actives on a small area of skin for 48 hours before adding to your full routine.