Is Theordinary.com Legit?

Based on the information available on theordinary.com, the website presents itself as a legitimate online retailer of skincare products.

Read more about theordinary.com:
Theordinary.com Review & First Look
Theordinary.com Pros & Cons

The presence of clear product listings, pricing, promotional offers, and an “About Us” section detailing the brand’s philosophy all contribute to an appearance of legitimacy.

They operate within a well-established e-commerce framework, offering standard shopping cart functionality and links to terms and conditions.

Furthermore, their widely recognized brand name and extensive user base in the skincare industry affirm their operational existence and market presence.

Indicators of Legitimacy

Several elements on the website point towards its legitimate operation, suggesting it is a real business engaged in selling products.

• Clear Product Catalog: The website displays a comprehensive range of products with detailed descriptions, ingredients, and pricing, which is characteristic of a legitimate online store. For example, “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)” is clearly listed with its benefits and price.
• Secure Payment Options: Although not explicitly detailed on the homepage, legitimate e-commerce sites typically offer secure payment gateways (e.g., credit card processing, PayPal), which are standard for trustworthy transactions.
• Terms and Conditions: The presence of accessible “Terms and Conditions apply” links, particularly for promotions, indicates adherence to legal requirements for online retail. This professionalism is a mark of a legitimate operation.
• Environmental and Ethical Stance: Their stated commitment to being “Vegan, cruelty-free, not tested on animals,” and the partnership with Veritree, suggests a responsible corporate identity beyond just selling products. This level of transparency in ethical initiatives is common among reputable brands.
• Established Brand Recognition: The Ordinary is a globally recognized brand within the beauty industry, with a substantial following and presence on various social media platforms (though not explicitly linked on the homepage, their general online footprint is significant). This widespread recognition supports their legitimacy.

Addressing Concerns for Legitimacy

While the site appears legitimate, consumers, especially those with specific ethical and religious requirements, might seek further assurances beyond basic operational legitimacy.

• Absence of Prominent Customer Service Contact: The immediate lack of a clear “Contact Us” section with direct phone numbers or email addresses on the homepage can sometimes raise a minor flag for those looking for immediate support. While a contact page likely exists, its non-prominence can create a perception of less direct accessibility.
• Limited Information on Returns/Refunds: While “Terms and Conditions” links are present, explicit, easy-to-find information regarding return policies and refund processes directly on the homepage is not immediately visible. This detail is crucial for consumer confidence in online purchases.
• Supply Chain Transparency: For certain ethical consumers, the legitimacy extends beyond just receiving a product to knowing its entire journey. The website doesn’t offer a direct, prominent portal for in-depth supply chain transparency regarding ingredient origins or labor practices, which could be a concern for some.
• User Reviews and Testimonials: While the brand has an extensive online presence with reviews, the website itself doesn’t prominently feature customer testimonials or external review aggregates directly on the homepage, which some new users might look for as a sign of trust.
• Specific Ethical Certifications: For particular consumer groups, the absence of specific certifications (e.g., Fair Trade, Organic beyond a general commitment, or most critically, Halal for Muslim consumers) means that while the company is “legitimate” in sales, it may not align with their specific ethical legitimacy requirements without further investigation.