The Ordinary Skincare: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Routine
New to The Ordinary and not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly guide shows you how to build a simple, effective routine using The Ordinary’s most-loved formulas perfect for Sri Lanka’s warm, humid climate. Shop 100% authentic The Ordinary at Angels Beauty with islandwide delivery and KOKO payments.
What Makes The Ordinary Different?
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Ingredient-first formulas: clear percentages, no marketing fluff.
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Mix-and-match approach: target oil, acne, pigmentation, texture, or dehydration.
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Great value: clinical actives without luxury markups.
The 4-Step Routine Framework
Follow this order, morning and night:
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Cleanse → 2) Treat (serums/acids) → 3) Moisturize → 4) Protect (AM only: SPF)
Morning (AM)
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Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser (gentle, makeup-friendly)
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Treat: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (controls shine, supports pores) or Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (hydration)
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Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
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SPF: Pair with your favorite broad-spectrum sunscreen (crucial in Sri Lanka’s UV).
Evening (PM)
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Cleanser: Squalane Cleanser
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Treat (choose one):
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Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (clogs/blackheads) – 3–5×/week
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Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (dullness/texture) – 2–4×/week
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Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (texture/fine lines) – alternate nights
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Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or 100% Plant-Derived Squalane (dry zones)
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Tip: Start slow add one active at a time and increase frequency only if your skin tolerates it.
Quick Picks by Skin Concern
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Oily / Acne-Prone: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (AM), Salicylic Acid 2% (PM).
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Dry / Dehydrated: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (AM/PM), Squalane, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
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Dark Spots / Uneven Tone: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (PM) + daily SPF; consider Vitamin C (AM).
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Texture / Early Lines: Granactive Retinoid (PM), Glycolic 7% (on non-retinoid nights).
What Not to Mix (Beginner Rules)
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Don’t use strong acids (e.g., Glycolic/AHA) on the same night as retinoids.
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Introduce Vitamin C separately from strong acids if you’re new (use AM for Vit C, PM for acids).
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When in doubt, keep actives on separate days.
Weekly Planner (Easy Start)
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Mon: Retinoid PM
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Tue: Hydration only (HA + moisturizer)
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Wed: Glycolic 7% PM
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Thu: Hydration only
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Fri: Retinoid PM
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Sat: Salicylic 2% PM (T-zone or spots)
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Sun: Hydration + barrier care
FAQ
Is The Ordinary good for sensitive skin?
Yes start with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Squalane Cleanser, Azelaic Acid 10% (patch test first).
Can I use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?
Most people can; if you notice irritation, separate AM/PM.
Pregnant or breastfeeding?
Avoid retinoids; pick hydrating/soothing options and consult your professional.
Do I need sunscreen?
Absolutely especially when using acids or retinoids. Use SPF every morning.
Why Buy from Angels Beauty?
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100% authentic The Ordinary
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Islandwide delivery in Sri Lanka
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KOKO & secure payments
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Trusted customer support & careful packing