Theordinary.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating The Ordinary’s website, there are distinct advantages that draw consumers, particularly those seeking affordable and science-backed skincare.

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Theordinary.com Review & First Look

However, for a user base with specific ethical and religious requirements, certain aspects present significant drawbacks.

Understanding these pros and cons is crucial for a comprehensive review that addresses a diverse audience.

Advantages of Theordinary.com

The website’s design, product presentation, and commitment to certain ethical standards are definite strengths.

They have successfully cultivated a brand image that appeals to a broad demographic looking for effective, no-frills skincare.

• Affordable Pricing: The Ordinary is renowned for its highly competitive pricing, making active skincare ingredients accessible to a wider audience. For example, their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is listed at just $7.20 USD for 30ml, which is significantly lower than comparable products from other brands.
• Transparent Ingredient Focus: The brand’s philosophy revolves around highlighting specific active ingredients (e.g., Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide), allowing consumers to understand what they are applying and why. This clarity empowers users to build targeted regimens.
• User-Friendly Regimen Builder: The “Regimen Builder” tool is an excellent feature that helps users create a personalized skincare routine in under two minutes. This simplifies the complex process of choosing products for specific concerns, making skincare accessible to beginners.
• Commitment to Vegan and Cruelty-Free: The prominently displayed “Vegan, cruelty-free, not tested on animals” statement appeals to a growing segment of ethically conscious consumers. This transparency builds trust regarding animal welfare.
• Environmental Initiative: The partnership with Veritree to plant trees and kelp with “verified, traceable impact” demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability, which is a positive attribute for environmentally aware shoppers.

Disadvantages of Theordinary.com

Despite its strengths, the website falls short in providing critical information necessary for a complete ethical evaluation, especially concerning Islamic dietary and lifestyle laws.

This lack of transparency on specific fronts can deter a significant segment of potential customers.

• Lack of Explicit Halal Certification: The most significant drawback for Muslim consumers is the absence of clear and verifiable halal certification. While “vegan” is a step, it does not guarantee that all ingredients, including preservatives, emollients, or processing aids, are free from alcohol, animal-derived components not slaughtered Islamically, or other forbidden substances.
• Limited Ingredient Sourcing Transparency: While ingredients are listed, the website does not provide in-depth information about the origin or processing of raw materials. For instance, an ingredient like glycerin can be animal or plant-derived. without clear sourcing, it’s difficult for a consumer to verify its permissibility.
• Absence of Detailed Manufacturing Process Information: The website doesn’t offer insights into the manufacturing environment, particularly concerning cross-contamination risks. For products to be halal, the production lines must be free from impermissible substances, which requires strict controls not explicitly detailed.
• General Customer Support Information: While general links might be present, the immediate visibility of comprehensive customer service contact options (e.g., phone numbers, dedicated email addresses for specific inquiries beyond a generic contact form) on the homepage is limited. This could hinder consumers with specific ethical questions from easily finding answers.
• No Comprehensive FAQ on Ethical Sourcing: A dedicated, prominent FAQ section addressing specific ethical concerns, such as ingredient sourcing for religiously observant consumers or cross-contamination policies, is not immediately evident, forcing users to dig deeper or contact support.

Theordinary.com Review & First Look