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The Ordinary’s affordable body care range worked wonders on my dry skin

The three new products contain skincare-style ingredients, for brighter, smoother skin

Helen Wilson-Beevers
Tuesday 10 September 2024 07:16 EDT
I spent a fortnight testing all three body care products, considering formula, feel and consistency
I spent a fortnight testing all three body care products, considering formula, feel and consistency (The Independent)

Straightforward skincare brand The Ordinary offers affordable products with an ingredients-led approach. With products tailored towards different skin concerns as well as ingredients, including peptides, retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid, squalane and vitamin C, it’s a firm favourite for good reason.

Complete with no-fuss black and white packaging, the line-up includes everything from moisturisers, cleansers, face oils and haircare to a lash and brow serum. While there is technically a body and hair wash available in the haircare range, targeted products for the body haven’t been part of the comprehensive collection... until now.

The brand’s new trio of fragrance-free products comprises a body emulsion (£11.70, Theordinary.com), a body lotion (£13.80, Theordinary.com) and a body serum (£14.30, Theordinary.com).

The range has been created from the viewpoint that we should give the skin on our body the same attention as our face. In a bid to test if the products stand up against the claims, I tried each one ahead of the launch.

How I tested

I put the line-up to the test to bring you my honest thoughts
I put the line-up to the test to bring you my honest thoughts (Helen Wilson-Beevers)

I spent a fortnight testing all three of the new products, I assessed formula, feel and consistency. During this time, I also considered how well each product absorbed into the skin, and any results seen. Keep reading for my full review and verdict.

The Ordinary niacinamide 5% face and body emulsion

Niacinamide The Ordinary bodycare range review indybest
  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
  • Benefits: Brightening, balancing
  • Size: 100ml
  • Why we love it
    • Multi-tasking
    • Rapid absorption

The multi-tasking formula is presented in a compact bottle, complete with a pump-release applicator lid, which enables mess-free use on all areas of the skin. It’s suitable for both the body and face and has been designed for use after cleansing.

The emulsion consistency can be likened to a serum; the formula is almost weightless, and absorbs rapidly, leaving a slightly softened finish. Imparting a glow and a brightening effect, which was still apparent on my skin hours later, this product is balancing, smoothing and hydrating. This is thanks to the cocktail of skin-loving ingredients that have gone into the formula, including niacinamide (a potent 5 per cent concentration) and glycerin.

While it’s been designed for use on dark spots, I’d need longer testing to determine results.

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The Ordinary natural moisturising factors + inulin body lotion

Inulin body lotion The Ordinary bodycare range review indybest
  • Key ingredients: Amino acids, inulin
  • Benefits: Hydrating, smoothing
  • Size: 240ml
  • Why we love it
    • Gentle
    • Feels softening

This body lotion contains the same formula as the supremely hydrating natural moisturising factors + phytoceramides (£20, Theordinary.com) and the lighter natural moisturising factors + HA (£12.80, Theordinary.com). A new ingredient within The Ordinary’s range, inulin has been included in this product, as it is known for its hydration-promoting properties.

I’d liken the product to a nourishing hand cream but for the whole body. It leaves a light layer of moisture on the surface but doesn’t feel greasy or slippery.

The lingering hydration helps protect the skin barrier, and I found it hydrated and soothed patches of dryness on my hands, knees, and elbows. I’ve been reaching for it to offer all-over hydration, as well as conditioning support for hands parched by antibacterial soap, legs in need of moisture after shaving, and cracked heels.

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The Ordinary salicylic acid 0.5% body serum

Salicylic acid The Ordinary bodycare range review indybest
  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, sarcosine
  • Benefits: Exfoliating
  • Size: 240ml
  • Why we love it
    • Specifically for blemish-prone skin

Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, this body serum contains salicylic acid, which reduces redness and inflammation. The powerhouse ingredient also helps to shed dead skin cells and remove any debris or build-up in pores that can lead to blemishes. As such, this serum has been designed to chemically exfoliate the skin, so I’d recommend testing on a small area first and build-up usage gradually.

On first application, the solution gave way to a tingling sensation on my skin, but it absorbed quickly. After extended use, I found it to be efficient at clarifying without being harsh. But it’s important to gradually increase usage so as to not cause irritation to your skin.

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The verdict: The Ordinary body care range

The Ordinary’s body care range offers lightweight, refreshing, exfoliating, and hydrating picks to suit a variety of skin concerns, and each one costs less than £15. For a multi-tasking product to use on the body and face, niacinamide 5% face and body emulsion is gentle and creates a light radiance. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for comforting moisture, natural moisturising factors + inulin body lotion is noticeably soothing. Finally, salicylic acid 0.5% body serum is a clarifying, fresh solution for blemish-prone skin. The different formulas really do work wonders on dry skin.

For more skincare goodness perfect for summer, check out our review of Sol de Janeiro SPFs

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