We have developed this guide to offer suggestions on how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen.
In general terms, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations and we recommend using a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen.
The table below offers a summary on how our formulations can be combined into a regimen:
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Use in the AM |  |
Use in the PM |  |
For Eyes |  |
Avoid Contact with Eyes |  |
UV Protection Recommended |
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EUK 134 0.1% |
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% |
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| Targets | Antioxidant Support, Redness | Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities | ||
| Format | Anhydrous Solution | Format | Anhydrous Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, or Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% | Conflicts | Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Pycnogenol 5% |
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| Targets | Antioxidant Support, Enhance Skin Hydration, Rebuild Skin Elasticity | |
| Format | Anhydrous Solution | |
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Cream, After Water-Based Serums | |
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% | |
| Time of Use | AM and PM | |
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Squalane Cleanser |
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| Targets | Makeup Removal | |
| Format | Balm-Like | |
| Regimen Step | Before Creams/Oils/Serums | |
| Conflicts | – | |
| Time of Use | AM and PM | |
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AHA 30% + BH 2% Peeling Solutions |
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% |
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| Targets | Dullness, Textural Irregularities | Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural Irregularities, Antioxidant Support | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Suspension | ||
| Regimen Step | Use as a masque and rinse off | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | 1-2 times a week, Ideally PM | Time of Use | Ideally PM | ||
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Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution |
Latic Acid 5% + HA |
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| Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural Irregularities | Targets | Uneven tone, Textural Irregularities, Fine Lines | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | After cleansing, before serums | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Cream | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%. | Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%. | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | Ideally PM | ||
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Latic Acid 10% +HA |
Mandelic Acid 10% +HA |
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| Targets | Uneven tone, Textural Irregularities, Fine Lines | Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural irregularities | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | Ideally PM | ||
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Salicylic Acid 2% Masque |
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution |
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| Targets | Lackluster Tone, Textural Irregularities | Targets | Lackluster Tone, Appearance of Blemishes | ||
| Format | Paste-like | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Use as a masque and rinse off | Regimen Step | After cleansing, before creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with Direct Acids, Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | 1-2 times a week, Ideally PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density |
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| Targets | Visible hair thickness, density & fullness | ||||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | ||||
| Regimen Step | Apply a few drops, or as needed, and massage into clean, dry scalp thoroughly. This formula is a leave on/in treatment. | ||||
| Conflicts | – | ||||
| Time of Use | PM | ||||
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“B” Oil |
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil |
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| Targets | Dehydration, Signs of Irritation, Uneven Tone, Antioxidant Support, Supports Healthy Skin | Targets | Redness, Sensitivity, Inflammation, Dehydration, Supports Healthy Skin | ||
| Format | Oil | Format | Oil | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil |
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil |
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| Targets | Dehydration | Targets | Dehydration, Dullness, Signs of Aging | ||
| Format | Oil | Format | Oil | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | Ideally PM | ||
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100% Organic Chia Seed Oil |
100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil |
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| Targets | Supports Healthy Skin | Targets | Supports Healthy Hair, Tames Hair Frizz, Uneven Tone, Dehydration, Supports Healthy Skin, Antioxidant support | ||
| Format | Oil | Format | Oil | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil |
100% Plant Derived Squalane |
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| Targets | Dehydration, Signs of Aging, Inflammation, Antioxidant Support, Supports Healthy Skin | Targets | Dehydration | ||
| Format | Oil | Format | Pure Molecule | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums – Mix with other treatments | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Amino Acid B5 |
Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5 |
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| Targets | Hydration, Skin Repair, Supports Healthy Skin | Targets | Hydration, Skin Repair | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Marine Hyaluronics |
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
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| Targets | Hydration, Skin repair | Targets | Hydration, Skin repair | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serums | Format | Emulsion | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Last step of skincare as a moisturizer (before makeup primer) | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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100% Plant Derived Hemi-Squalance |
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| Targets | Supports Healthy Skin, Supports Healthy Hair, Tames Hair Frizz | ||||
| Format | Pure Molecule | ||||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||||
| Conflicts | – | ||||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | ||||
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100% Niacinamide Powder |
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA |
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| Targets | Visible shine, Textural Irregularities, Enlarged Pores | Targets | Hyper-pigmentation, Dark Spots | ||
| Format | Powder | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Mix with other products | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA/Derivatives) or Direct Acids | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG |
Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% |
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| Targets | Puffiness, Dark Circles | Targets | Regulates Sebum, Minimizes Pores | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | – | Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA/Derivatives) | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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“Buffet” |
“Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% |
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| Targets | Signs of Aging, Firming | Targets | Signs of Aging, Firming, Skin Health | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids | Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids, or Strong Antioxidants | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Argireline Solution 10% |
Matrixyl 10% +HA |
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| Targets | Signs of Aging | Targets | Fine Lines, Wrinkles | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Water-Based Serum | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids | Conflicts | Do not combine with Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), Direct Acids | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane |
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane |
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| Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities | Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities | ||
| Format | Anhydrous Solution | Format | Anhydrous Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Cream | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Cream | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | ||
| Time of Use | PM Only | Time of Use | PM Only | ||
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Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion |
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane |
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| Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities | Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities | ||
| Format | Emulsion | Format | Anhydrous Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | ||
| Time of Use | PM Only | Time of Use | PM Only | ||
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Retinol 0.5% in Squalane |
Retinol 1% in Squalane |
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| Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities | Targets | Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities | ||
| Format | Anhydrous Solution | Format | Anhydrous Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with other Retinoids, Direct Acids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), or “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% | ||
| Time of Use | PM Only | Time of Use | PM Only | ||
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Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants |
Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants |
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| Targets | SPF 15 Protection, Antioxidant Support, Dehydration, Signs of Irritation | Targets | SPF 30 Protection, Antioxidant Support, Dehydration, Signs of Irritation | ||
| Format | Emulsion | Format | Emulsion | ||
| Regimen Step | Last step in skincare regimen, before makeup | Regimen Step | Last step in skincare regimen, before makeup | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | – | ||
| Time of Use | AM | Time of Use | AM | ||
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100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder |
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% |
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| Targets | Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support | Targets | Hyper-pigmentation, Dark Spots, Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support | ||
| Format | Powder | Format | Anhydrous Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Mix with other treatments | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion |
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane |
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| Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support | Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support | ||
| Format | Water-Based Serum | Format | Oil Solution | ||
| Regimen Step | Before Oils/Creams | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide | Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution |
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% |
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| Targets | Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support | Targets | Dullness, Uneven Tone, Signs of Aging, Antioxidant Support | ||
| Format | Anhydrous Solution | Format | Emulsion | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide | ||
| Time of Use | AM and PM | Time of Use | AM and PM | ||
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Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% |
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone |
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| Targets | Uneven Tone, Signs of Age. Antioxidant Support | TTargets | Uneven Tone, Signs of Age. Antioxidant Support | ||
| Format | Suspension | Format | Suspension | ||
| Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | Regimen Step | After Water-Based Serums | ||
| Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1% | Conflicts | Do not combine with products containing Niacinamide, Peptides, Direct Acids, Retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1% | ||
| Time of Use | Ideally PM | Time of Use | Ideally PM | ||
