5 Best Products for Acne-prone Skin by The Ordinary

The Ordinary products are good for all skin types in Pakistan, from dry to oily and from sensitive to acne-prone skin. So I thought I would compile a list of my most favorite The Ordinary products, each made with active ingredients proven to help clear up acne & blemishes.

From my research, the most popular products of The Ordinary are Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Retinol 0.5% In Squalane, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

Let's have a look at what these products can do for your acne-prone skin!

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: A water-free solution (solubilized suspension) that supports barrier repair. Helps reduce the looks of blemishes, congestion and enlarged pores when used regularly. Can be added to formulations containing azelaic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.

According to The Ordinary’s website, using a high concentration of Niacinamide can help with the appearance of blemishes, congestion and enlarged pores. For these reasons, it is an excellent addition to your acne skincare routine. Combining Niacinamide with zinc also provides additional anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in the fight against pimples. If you are looking for an all-natural but powerful way to improve the condition of your skin, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% may be the perfect product for you. 

 

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Azelaic acid is derived from grains and has antibacterial properties that can be useful in clearing up spots. Azelaic acid also helps improve the appearance of scars and pigmentation over time. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a water-free, lightweight serum with a pH between 3 and 4 that you apply to the entire face at night after cleansing. It's worth noting that azelaic acid can have an exfoliating effect on the skin, causing it to turn red or flake, so you may wish to start out by using it every other night before increasing frequency.

Since Azelaic acid targets pigmentation and rough texture, you may find it works best when used in conjunction with other acne treatments. This is especially true of more aggressive ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid, which can make your skin extra sensitive. However, you don't need to wait until other active ingredients have fully cleared your pores before incorporating azelaic acid into your routine—the exact timing isn't as important with exfoliants as it is with spot treatments. In fact, combining the two may be particularly effective at speeding up results, as Azelaic Acid Suspension's formula also contains niacinamide (which improves barrier function) and antioxidant bisabolol that helps soothe inflammation. 

 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This gentle peeling solution is a great option if you want to introduce chemical exfoliation to your skincare routine. It comes in the form of a liquid, which means it's very easy to use—just apply and wash off, no waiting necessary. Plus, unlike many other AHA and BHA products out there that come in solid or bar forms, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution comes in an easy-to-use pump dispenser. Keep in mind that chemical exfoliation works best when it's paired with mechanical exfoliation, so make sure you are also using something like a physical scrub once or twice a week.

This solution is good if you’re looking to try chemical exfoliation but want to start with a gentle product. Chemical exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, making it a great option if you struggle with acne. In fact, chemical exfoliation is the first line of defense in many professional skincare lines that are designed to treat acne. It also works best when combined with mechanical exfoliation, so be sure to use something like a physical scrub once or twice a week as well. 

 

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Retinol is one of the most well known and commonly used anti-aging ingredients. What makes The Ordinary's squalane oil-based Retinol 0.5% different from other options is that it's packaged in a high concentration but at an affordable price, making it a more cost effective way to get your hands on retinol without breaking your pocket. If you’re new to using retinols or are looking for a gentler option than glycolic acid peels, The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane could be worth looking into! To use, apply a few drops to clean skin and follow with moisturizer.

If you’re looking to use retinol but want a gentler option, The Ordinary also has a Retinol 0.2% product. This is an even lower concentration of retinol and one that can be more gentle on skin. If you are more prone to irritation or are sensitive to retinols in general, consider using their Salicylic Acid 2% solution. To use any of these options, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizer after application to ensure your skin is protected from irritation and dryness! 

 

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

This product is a cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts because it works: Glycolic acid, the active ingredient in The Ordinary’s Glycolic Toning Solution, can help clear dead cells that have built up on your face over time. Apply the toner using a cotton ball and let it dry (the instructions recommend leaving it on your face without washing it off afterward) before applying other products. If you do get oily during the day, apply your moisturizer over the toner once you've washed your face that night. And if you're worried about breakouts as a result of using The Ordinary's glycolic acid formula, don't be: This chemical exfoliant is made to be gentle enough to use daily.

If you want a chemical exfoliant that's gentler than glycolic acid but still effective, pick Salicylic Acid. It's oil-soluble and thus can clear pore blockages and stubborn dead cells better than water-soluble glycolic acid can. If you want to target blemishes specifically, try The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. It has antibacterial properties that help fight against acne breakouts while also reducing redness and inflammation around existing pimples. 

Take-away

The truth is, there are an infinite number of products out there claiming to be the best of something. It’s tough to know what’s really worth spending your money on, especially when it comes to acne products in Pakistan. I hope this blog post helped you in understanding the difference between all The Ordinary products & their amazing benefits on your skin.

Tip: Before you expect any results, be consistent with your skincare routine & hydrate your skin by drinking lots of water along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

You know, you’re beautiful. You'll just be glowing in no time 😍

Any questions or topic suggestions? Please leave in the comments & I will respond soon.