The Ordinary Guide: Which Serum Should You Use?

Confused by The Ordinary? Match each serum to your concern – oil, dryness, dark spots, texture or ageing – and learn which ones not to mix.

The Ordinary labels its products by their main ingredient and strength, which is clear once you know what each ingredient does. This guide matches the most popular serums to common skin concerns, then shows you how to combine them safely. For prices and the full range, see The Ordinary products in Pakistan.

For oiliness, blemishes and visible pores

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – helps reduce the look of blemishes and congestion and balances visible oil. Use morning and evening.

For dryness and dehydration

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) – hyaluronic acid in several molecular weights, plus vitamin B5 and ceramides. It suits every skin type and works well alongside other serums. Apply to slightly damp skin.

For dark spots and uneven tone

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA – targets the look of dark spots and post-acne marks. Use morning and evening, and wear sunscreen during the day.
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – a cream-gel that helps brighten and even the look of skin tone, and suits blemish-prone skin. Mild tingling is common at first.

For dullness and rough texture (exfoliating acids)

Lactic Acid 10% + HA – an AHA serum for smoother, brighter-looking skin, for normal, dry and combination skin. Use in the evening. If you are new to acids, start with the 5% version.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner – an exfoliating toner for normal, oily and combination skin. Use once a day in the evening and do not rinse. Not for sensitive skin.

For signs of ageing

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane – a beginner-friendly retinol. Use only in the evening, starting 2–3 nights a week. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor approves it.

What not to mix in the same routine

Acids (AHA/BHA) + retinoids – use them on different nights.
Acids or retinoids + pure vitamin C – keep them in separate routines.
Niacinamide + pure vitamin C – use one in the morning and the other at night.

Hyaluronic acid layers well with almost everything.

How to layer them

Apply water-based serums first, then thicker creams and oils. A simple order is: cleanser → water-based serum(s) → cream or emulsion serum → moisturiser → sunscreen (morning). Try not to use more than two or three serums in one routine.

Sample routines

Oily skin with marks – Morning: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% → moisturiser → SPF. Evening: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA → moisturiser. For a full routine with cleanser and SPF, see our skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin.

Dry, dull skin – Morning: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 → moisturiser → SPF. Evening (2–3 nights a week): Lactic Acid 10% + HA → moisturiser. Other nights: Hyaluronic Acid → moisturiser. In cold months, follow our winter routine for dry skin.

One rule for every routine

Acids and retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen every morning while you use them, and for a week after you stop.

Shop the full The Ordinary range.

Shopping with Skincare Pakistan

Shop the full The Ordinary range on Skincare Pakistan, with cash on delivery and delivery in 3–5 working days. Questions about which product suits you? Call or WhatsApp us on 0333-6568507 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm).

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always patch test new products, and see a dermatologist if you have a persistent or painful skin condition.

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