The Ordinary | Regimen Guide

Regimen Guide

We have developed this guide to offer suggestions on how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen.

In general terms, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations and we recommend using a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen.

The table below offers a summary on how our formulations can be combined into a regimen:

Use in the AM

Use in the PM

For Eyes

Avoid Contact with Eyes

UV Protection Recommended

EUK 134 0.1%

Targets	Antioxidant Support, Redness
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, or Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Pycnogenol 5%

Targets	Antioxidant Support, Enhance Skin Hydration, Rebuild Skin Elasticity
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Cream, After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Squalane Cleanser

Targets	Makeup Removal
Format	Balm-like
Regimen Step	Before Creams/Oils/Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Targets	Dullness, Textural Irregularities
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Use as a masque and rinse off
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	1-2 times a week, Ideally PM

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural Irregularities, Antioxidant Support
Format	Suspension
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural Irregularities
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	After cleansing, before serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%.
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Lactic Acid 5% + HA

Targets	Uneven tone, Textural Irregularities, Fine Lines
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Targets	Uneven tone, Textural Irregularities, Fine Lines
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural irregularities
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Targets	Lackluster Tone, Textural Irregularities
Format	Paste-like
Regimen Step	Use as a masque and rinse off
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	1-2 times a week, Ideally PM

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Targets	Lackluster Tone, Appearance of Blemishes
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	After cleansing, before creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Targets	Visible hair thickness, density & fullness
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Apply a few drops, or as needed, and massage into clean, dry scalp thoroughly. This formula is a leave on/in treatment.
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	PM

"B" Oil

Targets	Dehydration, Signs of Irritation, Uneven Tone, Antioxidant Support, Supports Healthy Skin
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil

Targets	Redness, Sensitivity, Inflammation, Dehydration, Supports Healthy Skin
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil

Targets	Dehydration
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	Ideally PM

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Targets	Dehydration, Dullness, Signs of Aging
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	Ideally PM

100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil

Targets	Supports Healthy Skin
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

Targets	Supports Healthy Hair, Tames Hair Frizz, Uneven Tone, Dehydration, Supports Healthy Skin, Antioxidant support
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil

Targets	Dehydration, Signs of Aging, Inflammation, Antioxidant Support, Supports Healthy Skin
Format	Oil
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums - Mix with other treatments
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	Ideally PM

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Targets	Dehydration
Format	Pure Molecule
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Amino Acids + B5

Targets	Hydration, Skin Repair, Supports Healthy Skin
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Targets	Hydration, Skin Repair
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Marine Hyaluronics

Targets	Hydration, Skin repair
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Targets	Hydration, Skin repair
Format	Emulsion
Regimen Step	Last step of skincare as a moisturizer (before makeup primer)
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane

Targets	Supports Healthy Skin, Supports Healthy Hair, Tames Hair Frizz
Format	Pure Molecule
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

100% Niacinamide Powder

Targets	Visible shine, Textural Irregularities, Enlarged Pores
Format	Powder
Regimen Step	Mix with other products
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA/Derivatives) or Direct Acids
Time of Use	AM and PM

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Targets	Hyper-pigmentation, Dark Spots
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Targets	Puffiness, Dark Circles
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM and PM

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Targets	Regulates Sebum, Minimizes Pores
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA/Derivatives)
Time of Use	AM and PM

"Buffet"

Targets	Signs of Aging, Firming
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids
Time of Use	AM and PM

“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%

Targets	Signs of Aging, Firming, Skin Health
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids, or Strong Antioxidants
Time of Use	AM and PM

Argireline Solution 10%

Targets	Signs of Aging
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids
Time of Use	AM and PM

Matrixyl 10% + HA

Targets	Fine Lines, Wrinkles
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids
Time of Use	AM and PM

Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Previously Advanced Retinoid 2%)

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities
Format	Emulsion
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Retinol 1% in Squalane

Targets	Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%
Time of Use	PM Only

Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants

Targets	SPF 15 Protection, Antioxidant Support, Dehydration, Signs of Irritation
Format	Emulsion
Regimen Step	Last step in skincare regimen, before makeup
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM

Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Targets	SPF 30 Protection, Antioxidant Support, Dehydration, Signs of Irritation
Format	Emulsion
Regimen Step	Last step in skincare regimen, before makeup
Conflicts	-
Time of Use	AM

100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder

Targets	Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support
Format	Powder
Regimen Step	Mix with other treatments
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Targets	Hyper-pigmentation, Dark Spots, Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support
Format	Water-Based Serum
Regimen Step	Before Oils/Creams
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide
Time of Use	AM and PM

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support
Format	Oil Solution
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide
Time of Use	AM and PM

Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution

Targets	Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support
Format	Anhydrous Solution
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	AM and PM

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%

Targets	Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support
Format	Emulsion
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide
Time of Use	AM and PM

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Targets	Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support
Format	Suspension
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

Targets	Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support
Format	Suspension
Regimen Step	After Water-Based Serums
Conflicts	Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1%
Time of Use	Ideally PM

Example Regimens

Example regimen for signs of aging:

AM

Squalane Cleanser, "Buffet", Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PM

Squalane Cleanser, "Buffet", Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

We recommend applying sun protection as the final step in your skincare regimen when UV index is moderate to high.

Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our in-depth guide to patch testing.

Example regimen for hydration support:

AM

Squalane Cleanser, Amino Acids + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PM

Squalane Cleanser, Amino Acids + B5, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Note: Alternatively, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil can be used instead of 100% Plant-Derived Squalane in the PM.

We recommend applying sun protection as the final step in your skincare regimen when UV index is moderate to high.

Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our in-depth guide to patch testing.

Example regimen for signs of congestion:

AM

Squalane Cleanser, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PM

Squalane Cleanser, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Note: The Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is intended to be used 1-2 times a week. This product contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

We recommend applying sun protection as the final step in your skincare regimen when UV index is moderate to high.

Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our in-depth guide to patch testing.

Example regimen for antioxidant support:

AM

Squalane Cleanser, Pycnogenol 5%, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PM

Squalane Cleanser, EUK 134 0.1%, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Simplistic regimen:

AM

Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PM

Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane