The three step system smoothed the stubborn KP on my arms within a couple of weeks
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Over the past few years The Ordinary has cemented itself as one of the buzziest budget-friendly skincare brands on the market. It seems like every few months they have a new product going bananas online. Whether it be a blackhead busting toner or a moisturiser fans swear worked miracles on their dry skin, this is a brand that knows how to whip social media into a frenzy.
The latest product innovation we’re predicting is about to explode? The brand’s first ever foray into body care: a salicylic acid body serum, a niacinamide emulsion and a Inulin body lotion.
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To help us learn a little bit more about the products, we chatted to The Ordinary’s Chief Scientific Officer, Prudvi Kaka.
As someone who tends to overdo it with my facial skincare routine and ends up causing barrier damage, I was wary of doing a similar thing on my body. Prudvi assured me that I can use the products twice a day if I want to, as they’re all quite gentle. At first, however, he said that with the ‘Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum, we recommend starting with one application, then gradually increasing to two or three times daily, as needed’.
As for the order I should be using the products in, Prudvi recommends ‘following a prep, treat and seal regimen which begins with preparing the skin by cleansing, followed by applying products that target specific skin concerns, and then finishing with a moisturiser’.
Adding more detail, Prudvi outlined that ‘within this regimen, Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion and Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum fall within the treat step (to be applied after cleansing) and can be used together. These serums would then be followed by the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion which comprises the Seal step’.
I worked from thinnest consistency to thickest, so (after using body wash in the shower) I applied the Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum, waited a couple of minutes before applying the Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion, and finishing off with the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion.
How we tested
Although the products are launching today, the 6th of August, we were sent the range to try out in advance a few weeks ago. Scrapping my (embarrassingly limited) body care routine in favour of this three step routine from The Ordinary about a month ago, I’ve been using the range consistently for long enough that I can give my comprehensive thoughts on each of the new products.
Pros
Works wonders on body breakouts- Cleared up most of the KP (AKA chicken skin) on my arms
- Lightly exfoliates
Cons
- As it exfoliates the skin, it can make fake tan fade faster
The first step of my new body care routine, and the product I was most excited to try. My first thoughts were that I was surprised by the products consistency, it's so light it feels like water. It feels similar to a toner or essence rather than a serum, but that's not to say it doesn't pack a punch.
This product has been formulated to target blemish-prone skin, which I struggle with on and off. Before I used this product I'd been neglecting exfoliating my body, so the KP on my arms (also known as chicken skin) felt more aggressive than usual.
I have semi-sensitive skin, so I have to be careful not to use too powerful of an exfoliant, and this 0.5% salicylic acid formula is strong enough to make my skin feel so smooth but not so strong that I damage my skin barrier and end up with a rash.
The nozzle applicator also enabled me to get the product onto my back, where I get the odd breakout.
Pros
- Can be used on the face and body
- Sinks in quickly
- Great for textured skin
Cons
- Small bottle, especially if you're planning on using it on your face and body
I've used niacinimide on my face before, but had never thought to introduce it into my body care. I used this product as the second step in my routine, as the consistency is thicker than the serum but not as thick as the body lotion.
This emulsion has been formulated to reduce the appearance of dark spots, but as I've only been using it for a month I can't say whether or not it has the ability to do that.
What I can say, however, is that it helped give my skin a luminosity and brightness it didn't have before I incorporated it into my routine, and worked well with the salicylic body serum to reduce the skin texture on my body.
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Pros
- Lightweight and sinks in fast (even when it's hot outside)
- Supports skin barrier
Cons
- Possibly too light for very dry skin
The last step in my new and improved skincare routine, this body lotion was the 'seal' step recommended by Prudvi. This step helps to moisturise the skin while also helping to seal in the treatment products you've used already.
For most of the time I was reviewing this lotion, it was almost unbearably hot in the UK. This meant the products claim of being 'lightweight' was immediately put to the test, and I'm happy to say it passed with flying colours.
The non-greasy formula sunk in quickly and didn't leave a sticky residue on my skin, which is a blessing during summer. When winter comes, I may switch to something a little thicker as my skin gets very dry at that time of year, but for now this one is perfect.
The ingredients list includes urea, PCA, amino acids, and Inulin, a combination that works to attract and hold onto water in order to keep the skin hydrated, while supporting the skin's microbiome by keeping the moisture barrier healthy.
Jessica O'Donnell
eCommerce Editor
Jessica O’Donnell is Women’s Health UK’s Ecommerce Editor, specialising in testing the latest and greatest launches in beauty, gym wear, fitness, health and nutrition, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Jessica is passionate about helping women choose products that will help them look and feel their best and looks after some of Women’s Health’s most important guides, including the best mattresses for back pain, the best fitness trackers, and the best bikinis for big busts (she’s got range!). Jessica has been a journalist since 2018, and her work can be found in publications such as ELLE Australia, Harper’s Bazaar Australia and Cosmopolitan UK. When she’s off the clock, Jessica can usually be found either nagging her friends to join her for a long run, bragging about her Oura Ring sleep stats, trying out a new Pilates studio or adding to the ever-growing stack of books on her bedside table. You can keep up with Jessica on Instagram @jessicajeanodonnell
