Is Theordinary.com a Scam?

Based on a thorough review of theordinary.com and its widespread reputation, there is no indication whatsoever that The Ordinary is a scam. It operates as a legitimate and highly successful skincare brand that has garnered immense popularity globally. The website functions as a standard e-commerce platform, offering real products, clear pricing, and processing orders as expected. The brand’s established market presence, verifiable product offerings, and positive customer feedback strongly affirm its authenticity and reliability.

Read more about theordinary.com:
Theordinary.com Review & First Look
Theordinary.com Pros & Cons
Is Theordinary.com Legit?
Theordinary.com Alternatives
Does Theordinary.com Work?
How to Cancel Theordinary.com Subscription
Theordinary.com Pricing
Theordinary.com Reviews
Theordinary.com Ethical Considerations

Evidences Against Being a Scam

Several compelling factors demonstrate that The Ordinary is a legitimate business and not a scam.

• Global Brand Recognition: The Ordinary is a well-known and respected brand in the beauty industry, with products sold in major retailers worldwide (like Sephora, Ulta, Boots). Scammers typically do not achieve such widespread legitimate distribution.
• Tangible Products: The website lists and sells real, tangible skincare products with detailed ingredient lists and explanations. Customers receive the products they order, as evidenced by millions of consumer purchases and reviews.
• Clear Pricing and Transactions: Prices are clearly displayed, and the purchase process follows standard e-commerce protocols. There are no hidden fees or deceptive payment practices reported.
• Active Customer Base and Reviews: Millions of consumers regularly purchase and use The Ordinary products. The sheer volume of positive reviews across various independent platforms (beauty blogs, social media, major retailers) is a testament to its legitimate operations and product effectiveness.
• Company Information and Policies: The website includes standard legal documents such as “Terms and Conditions,” and information about their ethical commitments (“Vegan, cruelty-free”). While more transparency on some fronts would be beneficial, the presence of these policies is indicative of a legitimate business.
• Physical Presence (Deciem/Estée Lauder): The Ordinary is owned by Deciem, a company that was acquired by Estée Lauder Companies, a massive, publicly traded, and highly reputable beauty conglomerate. This ownership structure provides an extremely strong layer of legitimacy and financial backing.

Common Misconceptions or Concerns for New Users

While not a scam, certain aspects might lead new users to initially question its operations, though these are typically resolved upon further investigation.

• Unbelievably Low Prices: For those new to the brand, the significantly lower prices compared to other active ingredient serums can seem “too good to be true,” leading to initial skepticism. However, this is a core part of their business model, achieved through minimalist packaging and direct marketing.
• Simple Packaging: The functional, laboratory-style packaging might appear less “luxurious” than high-end brands, which some consumers might misinterpret as a sign of low quality or a less legitimate operation. In reality, it’s a cost-saving measure that allows them to focus on ingredients.
• Complexity of Regimens: The brand’s focus on single-ingredient formulations means users often need to educate themselves on how to combine products. This perceived complexity might lead to frustration for some, but it doesn’t indicate a scam.
• Stock Issues: Occasionally, popular products might be “Out of Stock” (as observed on the homepage). While frustrating for consumers, this is a common occurrence for successful brands with high demand and production challenges, not a scam tactic.
• Customer Service Accessibility (Initial Impression): While legitimate, the immediate visibility of comprehensive customer service contact details on the homepage might be less prominent than some users prefer, potentially causing an initial moment of doubt for those seeking quick answers. However, dedicated contact pages and support systems exist.