5 best products from The Ordinary to get better skin

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling knows skin. When she points to affordable formulations that actually deliver visible results, we pay attention. Building a routine can feel overwhelming given the clinical naming conventions of modern skincare. You stare at a wall of dropper bottles wondering what does what. Let’s cut the confusion. If you are searching for the best The Ordinary products, Dr. Sperling recently shared her top five picks from the cult-favorite brand.

Finding the Best The Ordinary Products for Your Routine

Navigating active ingredients requires precision. Dr. Sperling breaks down exactly which formulas deserve a permanent spot on your vanity.

The Gentle Refiner: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Azelaic acid flies under the radar. It shouldn’t. It acts as a remarkably gentle exfoliant. Dr. Sperling highlights its unique ability to visibly brighten the complexion and smooth uneven texture. She points to The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% as an ideal concentration. It is particularly well-suited for sensitive skin profiles or those prone to visible redness. The gel-cream formula glides on effortlessly. Layer it before your moisturizer to help clarify congested areas and promote a more uniform-looking tone over time.

The Deep Clean: Salicylic Acid Masque

Beta-hydroxy acids are non-negotiable for targeting oily zones. Salicylic acid cuts right through excess sebum. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque pairs this powerhouse BHA with activated charcoal and clay. It acts like a magnet for impurities. Dr. Sperling considers it a stellar weekly treatment for visibly reducing shine and smoothing rough patches without stripping the skin barrier.

The Hydration Hero: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Adequate hydration forms the foundation of a healthy, glowing face. Dr. Sperling consistently reaches for The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Why? It utilizes multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. This means you get surface-level plumping alongside deeper moisture retention. The added Vitamin B5 supports skin barrier recovery. It ranks easily among her favorite hydrating serums for daily use.

The Ultimate Shield: Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidants protect your face from environmental stressors. You absolutely need them. Dr. Sperling loves the synergy of ascorbic acid and hydration found in The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. Vitamin C defends against free radicals. Hyaluronic acid simultaneously locks in moisture. Together, they create a defensive shield that helps maintain a radiant, youthful appearance. Apply this in the morning. To maximize your defense, always follow up with a high-quality, dermatologist-approved SPF like EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

The Glow Maker: Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

At-home chemical exfoliants offer premium performance without the med-spa price tag. You just have to know which ones to choose. “This mimics the ingredients we use in-office to visibly brighten complexions,” Dr. Sperling notes. She likens it to a ‘red carpet peel’. It helps soothe the look of redness and enhances natural radiance quickly. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA uses a larger AHA molecule. This makes it inherently gentler on the skin. While the added hyaluronic acid minimizes potential irritation, you should still patch-test first if you lean highly sensitive.

Upgrading Your Vanity on a Budget

You don’t need to empty your wallet to achieve a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Science-backed ingredients speak for themselves. By incorporating these dermatologist-vetted staples, you build a targeted regimen tailored to your specific aesthetic goals. Whether you are hunting for a gentle exfoliant to smooth texture or a serious daily hydration boost, the best The Ordinary products deliver premium-level formulations at radically accessible price points.

Start slow. Introduce one new active at a time. Watch exactly how your skin responds. Ready to refine your daily ritual? Grab Dr. Sperling’s top picks through the links above and start building your most effective routine yet.