The Ordinary is known for its affordable and effective skincare, offering straightforward products that target specific skin concerns. If you’re dealing with blemish-prone or oily skin, building the right The Ordinary acne routine can be a game-changer.
But with so many products to choose from, it’s important to know which are the best The Ordinary products for acne and blemishes. Whether you’re looking for The Ordinary acne treatments to target active breakouts, reduce congestion, or fade acne scars, this guide covers everything you need to know. Learn how to build an effective The Ordinary skincare routine for acne, discover the key ingredients that work, and here from The Ordinary experts, right here.
Is The Ordinary Good for Acne?
Yes, The Ordinary can be effective for acne and blemishes when used correctly, and there are loads of targeted products from them to choose from. Their targeted formulas address common acne and blemish-prone concerns like blocked pores, excess oil, post-blemish pigmentation, and uneven skin texture – all without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
But does The Ordinary skincare get rid of acne? While no product can guarantee instant results, The Ordinary’s range is formulated to help reduce and prevent breakouts over time, especially when paired with a consistent well-structured The Ordinary skincare routine.
Key The Ordinary Ingredients That Target Acne
When building a The Ordinary acne routine, knowing which ingredients to look for is key. These are the powerhouse ingredients that help combat breakouts, reduce redness, and refine skin texture.
Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that deeply cleanses pores, dissolves excess oil, and reduces redness. It’s one of the most effective ingredients for treating and preventing breakouts by targeting the build-up of acne-causing bacteria. If you’ve been wondering if The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution can be effective for acne – the answer is yes, and it comes in a few different forms for you to choose from. It’s one of the most effective treatments for decongesting pores and reducing inflammation.
Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 helps to regulate oil production, minimise shine, and refine congested pores. It also works to brighten the skin and reduce redness, making it a must-have in any The Ordinary acne routine. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the brand’s best products for acne. It’s great for reducing blemishes and calming inflammation.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG): NAG is a gentle exfoliant that helps improve uneven skin tone and texture while preventing future congestion. It’s ideal for helping skin recover from acne breakouts, speeding up healing, and fading post-blemish marks and scars.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids exfoliate the skin’s surface to improve texture, tone, and fade post-acne marks. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is great for acne. Glycolic acid works by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and improving skin texture over time.
The Best The Ordinary Products for Acne
We spoke with The Ordinary’s Scientific Communications Manager and skin expert, Joe Basham, for some insider tips for those with blemish-prone skin. In terms of which ingredients to look out for, he said: “Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a universal ingredient that targets multiple concerns including excess oil, pore appearance, uneven tone and texture, all while supporting the skin barrier. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which helps to exfoliate within the pores to help remove congestion that can build up and lead to pimples.” He also emphasised that “Squeezing or picking pimples can cause stress in the surrounding area that may lead to stubborn discolouration that can stick around.” Joe recommends avoiding stripping cleansers, high pH products like soap, and over-exfoliating, explaining that “They can all cause disruption to the skin barrier and leave skin feeling irritated and tight, exacerbating existing concerns. Opt for gentle cleansers and avoid over-using direct acids within your routine to minimise disruption to the skin barrier.”
Here’s our round-up of the best products from The Ordinary to tackle acne and blemishes at every stage of your skincare routine.
The Best The Ordinary Cleansers & Toners for Acne
Cleansing and toning are essential steps in any effective acne routine. The right products will help remove dirt, oil, and impurities while prepping your skin for the next steps.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
This gentle balm-to-oil cleanser is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The Squalane Cleanser effectively melts away makeup, SPF, and daily impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
Why it works: Deep-cleansing without irritation, this cleanser helps prevent pore congestion that can trigger breakouts.
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Designed for oily and combination skin, this gentle foaming cleanser balances the skin’s pH while effectively removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities. The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is perfect for keeping skin clear without causing dryness or irritation.
Why it works: Its gentle foaming action thoroughly cleanses acne-prone skin, helping to reduce oil build-up and prevent congestion.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
A key product in any The Ordinary acne routine, this toner exfoliates the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells and improve overall clarity. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution also helps reduce redness and uneven texture—common concerns for acne-prone skin.
Why it works: Glycolic acid is one of the best AHAs for acne, helping to prevent pore blocking and reduce post-blemish marks.
The Best The Ordinary Serums for Acne
Serums are a powerful way to target acne directly, helping to reduce breakouts, control oil production, and fade post-blemish marks. If you’re wondering which The Ordinary serum is best for acne, these are our top picks to include in your routine.
H4: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum is a must-have for acne-prone skin. This water-based serum helps regulate sebum production, reduce redness, and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores. Niacinamide is also known for strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for balancing skin alongside stronger acids in your routine.
Why it works: Ideal for calming inflammation and preventing future breakouts, this is one of the best The Ordinary products for acne and oily skin.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution is the OG acne-fighting product from The Ordinary. It’s a water-based serum that penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion, remove excess oil, and reduce active blemishes. As it’s quite a strong formula, it should only be applied to active blemish areas.
Why it works: Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for treating acne, helping to decongest pores and reduce inflammation.
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
This water-free serum offers a gentler way to use salicylic acid. The Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution effectively reduces texture, decongests pores, and minimises blemishes while being less likely to cause irritation. Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Why it works: The anhydrous formula is less harsh, making it suitable for daily use across the whole face to maintain a clear complexion.
Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum
If you struggle with breakouts on your back, shoulders, bum or chest, this serum is ideal. The Salicylic Acid Body Serum exfoliates and clears congested pores, helping to get rid of body acne.
Why it works: The lower concentration of salicylic acid makes it effective for larger areas without drying out the skin.
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
This water-based serum is a must-have for calming redness and fading post-acne marks. Aloe soothes inflammation, while NAG gently exfoliates and fades pigmentation for a more even skin tone.
Why it works: The Aloe 2% + NAG 2& Solution is ideal for treating post-acne scars and dark spots while strengthening the skin barrier.
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
Target excess oil, congestion, and redness with this powerful serum. The Balancing & Clarifying Serum helps to smooth skin texture and reduce enlarged pores while hydrating and calming the complexion.
Why it works: Ideal for restoring clarity and balancing oily, acne-prone skin.
The Best The Ordinary Treatments for Acne
Incorporating targeted treatments into your The Ordinary acne routine is a game-changer. Whether you’re using gentle daily solutions or more intensive weekly treatments, these products work to clear congestion, balance your complexion, and reduce breakouts. Here’s a breakdown of the best options to help you build an effective routine.
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Formulated with salicylic acid, clay, and charcoal, this face mask works to deeply cleanse and detoxify pores. The Salicylic Acid Masque is ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin, it targets excess sebum, removes dead skin cells, and helps prevent future breakouts.
Why it works: Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for reducing active breakouts and preventing new ones from forming. The addition of clay and charcoal helps to absorb excess oil and impurities.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This intensive exfoliating treatment is one of The Ordinary’s strongest acne treatments. The Ordinary Peeling Solution works by targeting the skin’s top layers to reduce texture, fade scars, and clear blemishes. The AHA helps remove dead skin cells, while the BHA penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion and prevent new breakouts. Learn all about how to use the peeling solution in our detailed guide.
Why it works: This solution delivers a deep exfoliation, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars, minimise pore size, and reveal smoother, clearer skin.
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
If you find stronger acids too harsh, Madelic Acid 10% + HA is a gentler option. It works to exfoliate the skin, dissolve dead skin cells, and reduce texture and pigmentation – without irritation. The added hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, supporting skin barrier health.
Why it works: Mandelic acid actually has a larger molecule size than other exfoliating acids, meaning it penetrates the skin more slowly, reducing irritation while still effectively tackling congestion and dullness.
With The Ordinary’s affordable, targeted products, you can build a routine that tackles breakouts, excess oil, and post-blemish marks with just a few products.
