The Ordinary & NIOD FAQs – these Q&A have featured in The Facebook Group when Deciem have done a “Takeover” and also on Reddit.
General Skincare & Routine Basics – The Ordinary & NIOD FAQs
What is often overlooked in a skincare routine?
This depends on your skin concerns! However, hydration is a very important part of all routines – even if you have more oily skin.
Is there any room for an extremely low-maintenance skincare routine?
Absolutely! High and low maintenance skincare routines can each be effective in their own ways, dependent on your skin concerns. While I feel that cleansing is an important step of any routine, a simple hydrator and a treatment product on occasion (such as Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution) could suffice based on your needs.
What is the correct way to layer products for PH?
Most of our skincare products are around a pH level of 5-6. My best rule of thumb is to follow any listed contraindications for the products you are using and avoid mixing high concentrations of a variable of high-contrasting pH level.
Can you moisturise after NIOD FECC or use oils after NEC?
We would recommend applying creams and oils before NEC! You may use a hydrating cream after FECC if you wish as well. FECC can also be used all around the eye contour.
Are there any conflicts with Amino Acids + B5? Where does it fit in a routine?
We would generally recommend applying Amino Acids as your first step after cleansing and toning. No conflicts, but always patch test.
Hydration & Dry Skin
Hyaluronic Acid makes my skin feel drier. Why?
Hyaluronic Acid aims to hydrate the skin through retaining moisture from its surrounding environment. Generally speaking, in humid conditions, it is ideal to use a light moisturizer which can retain moisture from the environment.
In dry conditions, Hyaluronic Acid and a rich-textured cream like The Ordinary’s Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% or NIOD’s Hydration Vaccine would be ideal. Our products that contain Hyaluronic Acid also include other active ingredients that have the ability to continuously supply water to the skin and increase the skin’s potential to retain more water.
For instance, we incorporate Hyaluronic Acid elastomers, where medium to high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acids are cross-linked, generating a variable molecular weight compound that tightly binds water and releases it in a timely fashion upon application to the skin.
Pigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone
Alpha arbutin 2% + HA or ascorbic acid 8% + alpha arbutin 2%? Which is best for a newbie with pigmentation?
If you are new to the use of Vitamin C, we would recommend incorporating The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA and The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% until your skin builds tolerance. Both offer great benefits for signs of pigmentation.
Best single product for pigmentations, sun damage and acne scar?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for a multifunctional brightening direct acid formula that visibly targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and the look of blemishes.
Which products would you recommend to help lessen the appearance of freckles?
You may wish to explore The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA for signs of hyperpigmentation.
Best The Ordinary products for combination skin, hormonal acne, Hyperpigmentation, under eyes that need help?
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA for hyperpigmentation. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is also a great option for congestion and brightening!
What are the best The Ordinary for normal skin, uneven skin texture (acne scarring) and reduce pigmentation from sun exposure whilst keeping the skin hydrated?
For texture and scarring, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is also a great serum to incorporate for hyperpigmentation. For hydration, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5! Your routine using these would be as follows:
AM – Alpha Arbutin > Hyaluronic > Moisturizer > SPF. PM – Alpha Arbutin > Hyaluronic > Moisturizer > Azelaic.
How can I reduce pigmentation around my mouth area? It is due to an allergic reaction, not genetically.
We suggest consulting with your physician, however, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA which is a concentrated serum with purified alpha-arbutin; Alpha Arbutin reduces the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Best The Ordinary products for over 50s with ageing skin, pigmentation and old acne scars.
The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum. For your pigmentation The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, which is a concentrated serum with purified alpha-arbutin; Alpha Arbutin reduces the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. As for the cleanser, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser.
What Deciem products would you recommend for blemishes/hyperpigmentation?
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA which helps with dark spots and pigmentation and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% which can help with blemishes and congestion.
Best The Ordinary product for melasma?
As none of our products can be considered medical treatments for melasma, you may wish to discuss suitable treatments for persistent signs of melasma with your physician or dermatologist. Melasma may be due to a number of reasons (i.e sun exposure, hormone changes). However, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA to target melanin-related pigmentation issues.
Acne, Blemishes & Congestion
Which products help with hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation?
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA for hyperpigmentation. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is also a great option for congestion and brightening!
Best products for oily skin with comedones and breakouts?
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, a high-strength vitamin and mineral formula that visibly targets the look of blemishes and signs of congestion. We also recommend trying The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, which is a multifunctional brightening direct acid formula that visibly targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and the look of blemishes.
Best products for cystic acne?
None of our products can be considered medical treatments for cystic acne, so we suggest consulting with your physician. You could look at The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% which is a multifunctional brightening direct acid formula that visibly targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and the look of blemishes.
The Ordinary for acne and acne scars (without Niacinamide)?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for a multifunctional brightening direct acid formula that visibly targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and the look of blemishes.
Best exfoliation routine for closed comedones?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque which helps to target signs of congestion. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% may be used both AM and PM before creams or oils. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is recommended for use no more than 1-2 times a week and can be followed with Niacinamide and Moisturiser as well.
Is there anything that really gets rid of blackheads?
Blackheads often referred to as open comedones, are clogged pores with an opening at the top, causing its contents (a mix of sebum, skin microbiome and dead skin cells) to oxidize and turn black when exposed to oxygen in the air.
Blackheads can be mitigated with the use of chemical exfoliation and regular efficient cleansing. For example, beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid are chemical exfoliating agents that are lipophilic (oil-loving) in nature. This allows them to mix with the lipophilic impurities within the skin to achieve a deeper cleanse of the skin and pores.
I have comedonal acne. What would you recommend?
There are multiple factors related to comedonal acne. If it’s a recurring issue, I would suggest consulting with your physician. We are also working on The Ordinary Pharmaceuticals which may offer some solutions for you in the future.
Regarding sun protection, SPF 30 blocks up to 97% of UVB rays and SPF 60 blocks up to 98%. While SPF 60 offers an additional 1% of protection, the formula would require many more actives and may not have a good texture for application. I would also suggest looking for products that offer PA+++ level protection (or more) and reapplying every 2 hours, as well as 20 minutes prior to UV exposure. Hope this is helpful.
Can I use Glycolic Acid, Alpha Arbutin and Salicylic Acid together?
Avoid using 2 acids in the same routine.
Is Glycolic Acid followed by Niacinamide okay?
Yes
Anti-Ageing & Mature Skin
Best routine for over-50s with ageing skin?
You may wish to explore The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum + HA and 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil which help to target signs of ageing.
Best products for a crepey neck?
NIOD Neck Elasticity Catalyst (NEC) is a treatment that offers a highly focused and singular effort on the increase of and the protection of visible skin elasticity, which in turn counteracts signs of persistent skin deformation (necklines), slackness and sagging.
Retinol on your neck – yes or no?
Yes
What should I use instead of retinol while breastfeeding?
The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum to help with general signs of ageing. We recommend consulting with your doctor before incorporating new skincare products into your routine.
Sensitive Skin & Redness
What products are good for rosacea?
As none of our products can be considered medical treatments for rosacea, you may wish to discuss suitable treatments for persistent signs of rosacea with your physician or dermatologist. You could try NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2) or NIOD Modulating Glucosides.
What is a good NIOD routine for sensitive skin?
NIOD Modulating Glucosides to target inflammation and redness.
What would you recommend for sensitive combination skin with eczema?
As none of our products can be considered medical treatments for eczema, you may wish to discuss suitable treatments for persistent signs of eczema with your physician or dermatologist. You may wish to explore some of our hydrating options, such as The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA and The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil.
Retinol & Retinoids
What products pair well with retinoids?
I would recommend combining retinoids with ingredients that support the skin’s barrier function, such as amino acids or vitamin B5. I would also recommend applying sun protection daily if using retinoids!
Why shouldn’t Copper Peptides be used with retinoids?
We don’t recommend combining copper peptides with retinoids and retinol in the same routine due to the combination’s potential to increase skin sensitivity. We also do not recommend combining copper peptides with strong antioxidants due to the antioxidant’s susceptibility to the copper ions present in the formula.
Can you use AHA + BHA with retinoids?
No, best used in alternative routines.
Can I use Niacinamide, Retinol and Azelaic Acid together?
It would be good to alternate retinol and azelaic acid.
Is retinol safe while breastfeeding?
When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Vitamin C & Antioxidants
Which Vitamin C is best for beginners?
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Can I use Vitamin C with Pycnogenol or EUK?
You may use these antioxidants with The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. We would recommend alternating the use of EUK with Ascorbic Acid.
Why shouldn’t Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid be stored in the fridge?
The saturation of Resveratrol and Ferulic is extremely high. Low temperatures will make it crystallize over time.
Peptides & Copper Peptides
What products shouldn’t be used with Copper Peptides?
We don’t recommend combining copper peptides with retinoids and retinol in the same routine due to the combination’s potential to increase skin sensitivity. We also do not recommend combining copper peptides with strong antioxidants due to the antioxidant’s susceptibility to the copper ions present in the formula.
Why can’t Copper Peptides be used with tretinoin?
We do not recommend combining Copper Peptides with retinoids/retinol in the same routine due to the potential for the combination to increase skin sensitivity. We also do not recommend combining with strong antioxidants due to the susceptibility of the antioxidant to reacting with the copper ions present.
The Ordinary & NIOD FAQs
Acids & Exfoliation
Can I use Azelaic Acid with Ascorbic Acid?
We would recommend using Azelaic Acid and Ascorbic Acid in alternate PM routines.
Can I use Lactic Acid and Azelaic Acid together?
We would recommend using alternate PM routines.
Do direct acids lose effectiveness after being exposed to air?
As long as they’re used within the period suggested once opened they should be fine. They should also be stored in a cool, dry place.Our stability tests actually capture the normal usage of our products (including air exposure) and their time on the shelf.
Can you explain NIOD NAAP?
Our NIOD NAAP uses a bacterial lysate to support the skin’s own exfoliating mechanisms, much like a gentle acid exfoliant. It does so without the inclusion of a direct acid. Regarding the “unclogging” of pores, it is undeniable that a BHA will do this job seamlessly, as it can blend with the lipids trapped inside the pore (thanks to BHA’s lipophilicity). NAAP will be a great replacement for direct acids if you wish to achieve a skin-smoothing effect.
Product Storage & Shelf Life
What is the shelf life of unopened NIOD products?
CAIL 1% and our sun protection products will have an expiry date written on the product. For all other items, the shelf life of our products is three years when unopened and stored at room temperature.
Can I decant products into travel bottles?
Good question! While we have only tested stability of formulas in our own packaging, it should be fine to store formulas in plastic bottles for short-term trips. That said, the majority of our packaging is carry-on friendly.
Product Recommendations by Skin Type
This section works well because many people search using their skin type.
Best products for normal but acne-prone skin
The Daily Set would be a great place to start.
Best products for oily skin
Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid
Best products for dry skin
Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids, Marine Hyaluronics – Check all hydration products.
Best products for teenage skin
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to help with congestion and hydration.
What products should someone in their mid-20s start with?
The Daily Set is great
Product Application & Usage
When should I use Pycnogenol?
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% can be used on its own or mixed with another treatment to dilute its potency! It can be used AM or PM.
Should Survival be applied before or after HV?
We recommend applying the Survival products before NIOD HV.
Brand & Product Questions
How does DECIEM decide which products to launch?
While there’s no pattern for how we curate and launch new products, there are a few factors prior to launching new formulas – we learn about the market, new innovations in skincare, any gaps/trends in the market, requests from our community, and then figure out how we can do things better. 😉
The Ordinary & NIOD FAQs
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