We may not have personally tested every product. This review is based on official product information, product specifications and comparative research. It is not medical advice.
Featured products to compare
Prices and availability can change. Visit the official website for the latest information.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A water-based 10% niacinamide serum with zinc PCA for visible shine, congestion, uneven texture and barrier support.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
A 7% glycolic-acid leave-on toner for rough texture, dullness and uneven-looking tone, intended for tolerant skin.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
A lightweight serum with five forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and panthenol for hydration and barrier support.
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
A creamy evening serum combining hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol for fine lines, texture and uneven-looking tone.
The Ordinary is a DECIEM skincare brand known for transparent ingredient names, clearly stated active concentrations and accessible pricing. Instead of organizing most products around luxury claims or fragrance, the brand makes it possible to shop directly by ingredients such as niacinamide, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptides and retinoids.
This review focuses on four products that represent the current Vietnam storefront in 2026: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. We compare prices, formulation strengths, routine placement, compatibility limits, storage requirements and return conditions.
Regional pricing note: The Vietnam storefront currently displays prices in US dollars. Currency conversion, duties and final checkout totals can vary. The current international shipping table lists a $38 fee, with complimentary shipping at $100, subject to availability and policy changes.
Four standout The Ordinary products
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — $7.20
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the brand’s most recognizable serums. It is a water-based formula designed to support brighter-looking skin, smoother texture, a stronger moisture barrier and better control of visible shine.
- Best for Niacinamide: blemish-prone skin, excess oil, visible pores, dullness and uneven texture.
- Niacinamide price checked: $7.20 for the 30 ml size.
- Primary ingredients: 10% niacinamide and zinc PCA.
- Formula pH: approximately 5.00–6.50.
- Texture: lightweight water-based serum.
- Skin-type positioning: suitable for all skin types according to the current product page.
- Routine position: use a few drops after cleansing and before heavier moisturizers.
- Compatibility note: The Ordinary currently advises using this serum in a separate routine from direct and indirect vitamin C products.
- Main Niacinamide trade-off: the high concentration can pill under some products or feel irritating when too many active serums are layered together.
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner — $10.80
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a water-based alpha-hydroxy-acid treatment for visible texture, dullness and uneven-looking tone. The formula also includes aloe water, ginseng and a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative.
- Best for Glycolic Toner: experienced acid users targeting rough texture, dullness and uneven tone.
- Glycolic price checked: $10.80, with 100 ml and 240 ml options shown on the current page.
- Primary active: 7% glycolic acid.
- Formula pH: approximately 3.5–3.9.
- Use frequency: no more than once daily, preferably during the evening.
- Application: use after cleansing, avoid the eye area and do not rinse.
- Important limitation: the brand says not to use it on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.
- Sun protection: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially important when using exfoliating acids.
- Main Glycolic trade-off: 7% glycolic acid can sting or over-exfoliate skin that is dry, reactive or already using retinoids and other acids.
3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides — $11.90
This second-generation Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is designed for instant and longer-lasting hydration. It combines five forms of hyaluronic acid with ceramides and pro-vitamin B5 in a lighter, less tacky texture than the original formula.
- Best for Hyaluronic Serum: dehydration, tight-feeling skin and routines needing a simple water-based hydration step.
- Hyaluronic price checked: $11.90 for the 30 ml size.
- Hydration system: five forms of hyaluronic acid working at different surface levels.
- Barrier support: ceramides and panthenol help support moisture retention.
- Formula pH: approximately 6.0–7.5.
- Texture: lightweight and designed to dry without the tackiness associated with the original formula.
- Routine position: apply a few drops morning and evening before creams or oils.
- Skin-type positioning: suitable for all skin types on the current product page.
- Main Hyaluronic trade-off: the serum adds water-binding hydration but may not replace a moisturizer for dry or barrier-compromised skin.
4. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion — $14.50
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a creamy evening serum combining hydroxypinacolone retinoate with retinol. It targets fine lines, uneven-looking texture and early visible signs of aging while being positioned as less likely to irritate than conventional high-strength retinol products.
- Best for Granactive Retinoid: users beginning an age-support routine who want an emulsion rather than an oil-based retinoid.
- Granactive price checked: $14.50 for 30 ml.
- Key retinoids: hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol.
- Formula pH: approximately 5.00–6.00.
- Routine position: apply a few drops in the evening after water-based serums and before heavier creams.
- Compatibility limit: do not combine in the same routine with other retinoid products.
- Storage: refrigerate after opening and use within three months.
- Pregnancy guidance: The Ordinary recommends avoiding retinoid-containing skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Main Retinoid trade-off: irritation remains possible, sunscreen is essential and refrigeration makes the product less convenient than shelf-stable serums.
What makes The Ordinary different?
The Ordinary’s clearest advantage is transparency. Product names often state the primary ingredient and concentration, while pages disclose pH, format, compatibility limits and usage instructions.
The pricing also makes targeted actives accessible. A complete routine can still become complicated when several inexpensive products are purchased together, so low individual prices should not encourage unnecessary layering.
Niacinamide and visible oil control
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used for barrier support, uneven-looking tone and visible oiliness. Zinc PCA supports the formula’s positioning for shine and congestion.
The 10% concentration is higher than the level found in many moisturizers. People with sensitive skin may prefer fewer drops, less frequent use or a lower-concentration product.
Why can niacinamide serum pill?
Pilling often results from applying too much serum, adding the next layer before the previous layer settles or combining several gel-form products. Using fewer drops and gently pressing rather than rubbing can reduce the problem.
The brand currently advises separating Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from direct and indirect vitamin C products. A simple approach is niacinamide in one routine and vitamin C in another.
Glycolic acid versus salicylic acid
Glycolic acid is an AHA that mainly exfoliates the skin surface, making it useful for roughness and visible dullness. Salicylic acid is oil soluble and is often preferred for pore congestion and blackheads.
Using both at the same time is not automatically better. Alternating products or selecting the acid that matches the main concern can reduce irritation.
How beginners should introduce glycolic toner
Although the product page permits frequent use, beginners may be more comfortable starting once or twice per week. Apply to dry, intact skin and follow with a simple moisturizer.
Persistent burning, cracking, swelling or increased sensitivity are reasons to stop. The product should not be applied to broken or compromised skin.
Hyaluronic acid and moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water, while moisturizer helps reduce water loss with emollient and occlusive ingredients. These functions overlap but are not identical.
For oily skin, the serum may provide enough hydration under sunscreen. Dry skin will usually benefit from applying a moisturizer afterward.
Five forms of hyaluronic acid
The updated formula combines low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, a crosspolymer and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. The goal is hydration across several surface levels rather than relying on a single form.
Ceramides and panthenol make this version more focused on barrier support than the original formula, while the texture is designed to feel lighter.
Granactive Retinoid versus retinol in squalane
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is water-based and creamy, while the brand’s retinol-in-squalane products have an oil texture and several strength options. The emulsion may layer more easily for users who dislike facial oils.
Neither option should be combined with another retinoid in the same routine. Retinoids should be introduced gradually and paired with consistent daytime sun protection.
How to begin a retinoid routine
Start with one or two evenings per week on dry skin. Keep the rest of the routine simple and increase frequency only when the skin remains comfortable.
Delayed dryness or peeling can appear after several uses. Adding multiple acids or strong treatments during the same period makes it difficult to identify the cause of irritation.
A simple four-product routine
A beginner does not need to use all four featured products every day. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 can be used morning and evening, while Niacinamide can be placed in the routine where it layers comfortably.
Glycolic Toner and Granactive Retinoid are better used on separate evenings. Sunscreen should finish every morning routine, particularly when using glycolic acid or retinoids.
Patch testing and active skincare
The Ordinary recommends patch testing before use. Apply a small amount to intact skin, keep the area dry and observe for redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation.
Patch testing cannot guarantee that a full-face application will never cause a reaction, but it can reveal obvious incompatibility before broader use.
Vegan and cruelty-free positioning
The current featured product pages identify these formulas as vegan and cruelty-free. The Ordinary also states that its formulations are not tested on animals.
Ingredient lists can change by region and reformulation. Buyers with allergies or strict ingredient requirements should check the box received rather than relying only on an older online list.
Shipping to Vietnam
The Vietnam storefront currently displays international pricing in US dollars. The shipping FAQ lists a $38 international fee and free delivery for qualifying orders of $100 or more.
Duties, brokerage or taxes may be added according to local rules. Shipping thresholds and supported destinations can change without notice.
365-day return policy
Products purchased through DECIEM websites or retail stores can currently be returned within 365 days when at least 50% of the product remains. Boxed sets must be returned complete.
Shipping fees and final-sale products are non-refundable. DECIEM does not provide or pay for return labels, and mailed returns remain the customer’s responsibility until received.
The company does not currently offer exchanges or store credit. Refunds are generally returned to the original payment method after processing.
What we like
- Active ingredients and concentrations are clearly named.
- Prices remain accessible compared with many treatment-focused brands.
- Niacinamide offers a simple option for visible shine and texture.
- Glycolic Toner provides a large exfoliating format at a low price.
- The updated hyaluronic serum includes ceramides and panthenol.
- Granactive Retinoid offers an emulsion alternative to facial oils.
- The direct return window is unusually long.
What could be better
- The large catalog can make routine building confusing.
- High-concentration actives can irritate sensitive skin.
- Some product combinations are restricted.
- Granactive Retinoid requires refrigeration after opening.
- International shipping is expensive below the free-shipping threshold.
- Customers pay return postage.
- Low prices can encourage purchasing more products than the routine needs.
Which The Ordinary product should you choose?
- Choose Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for visible oiliness, pores and uneven texture.
- Choose Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner for rough surface texture and dullness when the skin already tolerates acids.
- Choose Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides for straightforward hydration and barrier support.
- Choose Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for an evening age-support treatment introduced gradually.
Who should consider The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is best suited to ingredient-conscious shoppers who want affordable active skincare and are willing to learn compatibility rules. The brand works particularly well for simple routines built around one or two clear concerns.
It is less suitable for people who want one luxury product to replace an entire routine or who prefer strongly fragranced textures. Buyers who feel overwhelmed by ingredient names may benefit from a professional routine recommendation.
Final verdict
The Ordinary remains one of the strongest affordable active-skincare brands. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% offers excellent entry-level value, while the updated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the easiest product for most skin types.
Glycolic Toner and Granactive Retinoid provide more targeted benefits but require greater attention to skin tolerance, product compatibility and sun protection.
Overall, The Ordinary is worth considering when products are selected deliberately rather than collected indiscriminately. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the safest broad recommendation, while Glycolic Toner and Granactive Retinoid require the most careful introduction.
Editorial note: This review is based on official The Ordinary Vietnam storefront, product and DECIEM policy information checked on August 1, 2026. Prices, formulations, availability and shipping terms can change. The article does not claim firsthand testing, medical diagnosis or guaranteed skincare outcomes.
Pros and cons
What stands out
- Transparent concentrations
- Low prices
- Large active selection
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
- Long direct return window
Trade-offs
- Routine complexity
- Potential irritation
- Compatibility restrictions
- Customer-paid return shipping
- International delivery cost
Rating details
Product details
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