The Ordinary is more than just beauty products; it’s a self-care ritual.
Of course, I had to write a little bit about Deciem and The Ordinary.
Looking back, I think maybe the concept of “clean beauty” was founded by them.
Also, today, all women on this planet have had at least 1 product from The Ordinary tried or already have integrated at least 1 product into their skincare routines.
I moved to the UAE with these iconic The Ordinary products:
š¤The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
š¤The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
š¤The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
š¤The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Face Mask
Taking a moment for self-care is a powerful and transformative experience. The Ordinary, a brand that has become a household name for beauty enthusiasts, has gone beyond merely offering skincare products; it has become a ritual of self-discovery and appreciation for women worldwide. From the moment of application to the final results, The Ordinary products have the power to transform our daily routines into moments of meditation and self-awareness.
It all started four years ago in Bucharest when I first tried The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser. Before that, I was a devoted user of the Bioderma Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water Sebium H2O and cotton pads, a classic choice for many with oily, sensitive skin.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser introduced cotton cloth to my routine, but, most importantly, together with the simple use of this cleanser with a cloth came also an awareness of the present moment while massaging my face to clean it. I’ve noticed how, before, I was in a state of “hurry up and remove your makeup” or anything else I had on my face and was really only into putting the micellar water on the pad and quickly washing it off.
Previously, my skincare routine was merely a task to remove makeup and cleanse my face quickly. However, The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser turned this process into a meditative experience, reminding me to slow down and appreciate the beauty of my features. From the moment you put the cleanser on your palms and start rubbing it so that it turns into an oil, it also starts preparing you for your beauty routine, letting you know this day is coming to an end and also making you aware of the beautiful features of your face and skin.
The transformation from the cleanser’s initial balm-like texture to a soothing oil is a preparation for self-care, reinforcing the idea that we deserve this moment of tranquility and self-indulgence.
The application of the warm oil to the skin during the massaging process further enhances this contemplative state. It is not just about removing dirt and impurities; it is about reconnecting with oneself and appreciating the unique qualities of our skin. The act of gently wiping away the cleanser with a warm cloth is akin to wrapping ourselves in a comforting embrace, acknowledging that we deserve this little pampering session.
For my oily and sensitive skin, The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser was a game-changer. It opened up a world of exploration for oil-based cleansers and balms that suit my skin type perfectly. Gradually, I began to explore more of The Ordinary’s offerings, and now, even after relocating to the UAE, I made sure to bring along my favorite products, the Squalane Cleanser and the Niacinamide 10%.
The UAE’s unique environmental conditions demand extra care, so I must always have at least one face mask containing high levels of Salicylic Acid, and The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Face Mask does such a perfect job; I make sure it’s always close to me. With only four ingredients, this mask effectively dries my breakouts and maintains my complexion healthy with every week’s usage, making it an essential addition to my skincare arsenal.
I use their Retinol 1% in Squalane once a week and only during the winter season.
Shame on me!? – I have not even tried their most reviewed and sellers products yet: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, or Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum; I have no explanation for this.
Furthermore, The Ordinary’s commitment to self-care and environmental care is worth noting. As part of Deciem, a company that prioritizes sustainability and transparency, The Ordinary’s products nourish our skin and align with our values as conscious consumers. Find them here.
Check out the provenance.org Directory for the brand’s impact.
In the Middle East, you can find The Ordinary products especially online; Sephora, Amazon have it. Sephora now also has their products in stores, and if you visit Dubai Mall, indeed, they are there.
The Ordinary is more than just a beauty brand; it has become a ritual of self-care and appreciation for women worldwide.
The transformative power of their products extends beyond skincare, touching our minds and souls. Definitely, it has encouraged me to slow down, be present in the moment, and be aware of the unique beauty of my skin. With a commitment to self-care and environmental responsibility, The Ordinary and its parent company, Deciem, deserve our full attention and respect.
The Founder
If you are an expat in the Middle East facing skin concerns and want to share your story, send us a message at [email protected]
*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. This is solely based on my personal experience and assessment
