Best new The Ordinary products, approved by a beauty editor who’s spent six months using them

A lightweight but soothing cream cleanser, this face wash has an almost sheer finish that feels suitably refreshing. It’s designed for use on dry skin, before being massaged in and rinsed off with warm water. I’ve found the cleanser offers a cooling and calming option in the morning and at night, which easily removes make-up.

It contains plant-derived glycolipids and this adds a hydrating element, so the cleanser isn’t harsh or drying. As the cleanser is designed for all skin types it’s suitable for those prone to sensitivity. For that reason, I’ve been sharing it with my teenage daughter and we’ve both noted the formula effectively removes our mascara without any irritation. My skin always feels soft after use, complete with freshness minus that stripping squeaky-clean effect. Given that similar cream cleansers cost a lot more cash, this £11 number is a seriously impressive launch.

This intensely hydrating moisturiser is suitable for dry skin and has a rich, creamy formula. In the six months I’ve spent slathering the product onto my often-parched skin, I’ve enjoyed the feeling of its comforting consistency enveloping my face, neck, and décolletage. Because of its smoothing nature, the cream glides easily across skin and instantly creates a dewy effect while leaving a surface level layer of moisture. This glossy skin effect is courtesy of ingredients such as emollients and plant-derived phytoceramides.

If you’re prone to dry skin or simply need support with a few dull patches, The Ordinary’s natural moisturizing factors and phytoceramides provides a fresh, primed finish on bare skin and under make-up. Because of its glycolipids – which protect the skin barrier from dehydration – upon application I also see an improvement to the appearance of any tightness too.

This refreshing serum is the ideal composition for dotting onto the delicate skin around the under-eye area. The glass bottle comes complete with a pipette for easy application and while its size is small, a tiny amount of product goes a long way. It’s a water-based formula that feels calming and cool and key ingredients include four peptides to help with firming and plumping the skin.

Caffeine and hydrating acetyl glucosamine are in there too, and I saw an awakened effect after application and my dark circles temporarily appeared to be less noticeable. This meant I turned to it on tired mornings or for brightening my under-eye area ahead of applying make-up. Above all else, I found this product pleasing to apply, as the fresh effect of the formula felt so soothing.

A solution which has a selection of uses, this water-based serum can be used on redness, uneven skin tone and post-acne marks. Its ingredients include hydrating and calming aloe leaf juice alongside n-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) to help with uneven skin tone and peptides for skin barrier support. As such, this treatment is suitable for dry skin, as well as blemish-prone complexions.

The formula is noticeably light, and it absorbs instantly. Because of that, the solution slots in well between cleansing and additional layers such as serums and oils. I’ve used the serum in the morning and at night to calm any blotchy redness and have seen it help reduce the appearance of stubborn blemish marks too. Usage depends on your personal preference and skin type, and I’ve tended to reach for it a few times a week rather than every day.

As foaming cleansers go, this one is particularly gentle. The lightweight gel consistency feels softening on skin as it creates a bubbly froth. It’s not designed to be a make-up remover, and instead is suitable for use as a morning cleanser, or as part of a two-step routine after appliyng an oil-based option first at night.

Its main ingredients are cleansing and foaming components coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside, and above all else, I rate how much of a simple face wash this is. This skincare buy can be shared between different skin types and I’ve had the entire family using it.

If you’d rather opt for a lightweight moisturiser, this newbie is a water-based pick that’s suitable for all skin types. The formula includes reparative amino acids, ceramides to protect the skin barrier and hydration-promoting beta glucan. I found that, because of the gel consistency, just one small squeeze of the tube delivered a dollop of product which easily covered my whole face. It has a fluidity that’s light and refreshing, without being completely runny. As such, the moisturiser sinks in fast too.

After absorption, I could see a healthy-looking subtle effect and my skin felt supple. There’s no excess moisture lingering on the skin like with the richer emollient-based glycolipid cream cleanser and instead it serves up a light finish.