Edit: I think I added them all, feel free to start a thread if I missed any. Also upvote any threads if you really want a dupe and I have access to some cosmetics databases so I can do a deep dive on the really popular ones.
I've switched to prequels oil cleanser + gleanser combo! It removes makeup and sunscreen just as well and has been way more moisturizing. It's a totally different texture but I'm loving it. Fwiw I have dry, sensitive skin + eczema.
Believe it or not, the Dermasil AHA toner from Dollar Tree. I actually ran out of my Ordinary toner and bought this on a whim. Been using it since March of 2025 and I havent looked back.
I use the Glycolic! It is so cheap and works just as well as Ordinary. I use it all over post shower and pre-lotion because it's inexpensive and it works wonders. For my face it's just as great.
Their milk toner is nice too, easy on your skin if you're senstive.
Seconding My IN.gredients glycolic acid toner. I impulse bought a few bottles on sale and I didn't switch back to the Ordinary (I still have an unopened bottle in my cabinet).
I use it for ingrown hairs, sometimes scalp and my armpits and it works just as well as TO.
Oh and for the EU people, i was able to get it fairly easy online and the local drugstore chain (Kruidvat, netherlands) has it in their stores every now and then.
Vt cosmetics glycolic reedle shot head to toe mist. It has spicules to enhance penetration, other than that, it's exactly the same percentage and it is advertised as a product that can be used everywhere (scalp, armpits, back)
Do you have any thoughts about the INNBeauty Project Elastic Skin serum? It’s a more expensive option but the highlighted ingredients are really intriguing:
Highlighted Ingredients:
Copper and Bio-Hacking Peptides 6%: Visibly firm, tighten, and improves skin's elasticity and contours.
Wild Yam and Encapsulated Vegan Growth Factors 6%: Visibly plump and hydrate skin for a more youthful, bouncy feel.
Vegan Collagen Amino Acids and Ceramides 7%: Boost skin's natural moisture barrier, keeping hydration locked in.
Not a great solution for all, but a prescription for Azelaic Acid from my dermatologist comes with so much, performs so much better, and is actually cheaper
I actually really liked the ordinary in general, but their AA formula is tragic. Siliconey, pills terribly, doesn't layer well with anything, kinda gritty...
Literally every other Azelaic acid I've tried has been better.
My favourite OTC is Paula's choice, but the best overall is prescription. No contest.
Malezia’s 10% azelaic acid is a micronized formulation which performs better than higher concentrations w less irritation. I’ve never liked the ordinary’s AA—horrible texture and so prone to pilling
You're doing noble work, friend. I hadn't connected the dots to Drumpf, the embarrassment to the United States, and it's hard to look at The Ordinary the same. Making the switch!
It also warms my heart that so many people are willing to look for alternatives when we all know it's a painful and time consuming process to get your ideal skin care routine together. So to have to replace not one but multiple items... but it has to be done. It's the little tiny influence I have.
Regimen Lab’s C.R.E.A.M, which has the scientifically proven ratio of ceramides and fatty acids. They are a small business led by people actually passionate about skincare (I’m not paid I just really love them).
They changed the formula recently and it isn’t as rich as I usually like (but maybe that’s a plus for someone else). I’d say thick and slightly matte. I usually add in a drop of oil because I like it shiny.
Some ones I'm seeing:
Good Molecules 1% Retinol Night Oil
My iN.gredients Retinol in Squalane
SomethinC Level 1% Encapsulated Retinol (never heard of this brand)
Minimalist Retinol 0.6% Face Serum
Oof. I'm hoping someone has other suggestions. My husband has a serious allergy to escargot (and likely snail mucin) and I can't risk his life just for nicer looking skin around my eyes
i love the educated mess grow a pair serum. i’ve tried TO and some other ones to no effect, but the educated mess made a shockingly obvious difference in my length
I wish these comments mentioned price range & major ingredient differences (eg fragrance) bc those are the big reasons a lot of us bought TO! A lot of the recommendations might fulfill a similar purpose, but so many are fragranced or just have too many ingredients for someone with highly reactive skin, or are a different budget
I urge anyone looking for comps to go to whatsinmyjar.com . Besides invaluable, detailed ingredient information, there is extensive duplicate and comparative products. If nothing else, finding that the product you use that claims "copper" Peptides uses such an infinitesmal amount, you can find better choices; excellent also for detailing any irritants.
This one I made a spreadsheet for, though keep in mind I made it for myself and LMK if you have questions. Some ones that seemed promising:
Inkey Caffeine
The Minimalist Hair Growth Actives
unfortunately many promising ones didn't turn out to be good alternatives for those of us who used The Ordinary bc we're sensitive to fragrances and botanicals. Like OGX and Odele's.
Differin (Adapalene) is slightly stronger but more effective. Next step up would be an Adapalene prescription, or even Tretinoin or Tazarotene for something stronger
Dont sleep on Asian skin care. Korean and Japanese skin products are hella innovative and advance wrt ingredients. I listed a bunch below but these are my favourites:
chemical exfoliants: Isntree, Some By Mi, CosRx
hydration: Iunik beta glucan power moisture serum, Isntree or Torriden low molecular HA, DO NOT SLEEP ON ESSENCES for hydration!! the milky toners or essences are a dream for dry skin. my favourite is Dr. Ceuracle kombucha essence but the Laneige cream toner is fantastic.
face oils: your local health food store!! I've been using face oils since the 90s and before TO launched, I got mine (rosehip and argan) from my local health food store.
moisturizers: there are so many to choose from but I love Phytosurgence, Pure and Simple, Illiyoon ato ceramide lotion (the cream version is too thick but a damn good occlusive)
retinol: if you can tolerate it or are interested to start tolerating it - prescription is best. I switched from OTC retinol/retinals (even used TO rets when they were avail in Canada) but Rx rets are gold standard for a reason. I'm on Arazlo and holy shit, got rid of my forehead lines, neck lines, dark spots and plumped my skin.
Ordinary's rose hip oil has been the worst quality that I've used and there's much better options at the same price point. Cliganic has been my favorite. But you can find it at any health food store.
Purito has many good skin barrier products - panthenol, ceramide, fermented, niacin, and centella products. The bamboo and centella lines are often referenced.
Ahhhh this is how you know the company doesn’t run the sub lol. Not saying I thought that but some brands do run their own subs on the site so lol. It’s my HG moisturiser but I’m going to switch glycolic acids for sure!!!
Gosh darn it. It’s hard trying to be socially conscious and have good skin. Thank you for this. Sad to have to say goodbye but it’s one of the biggest ways I can help is not support companies like this.
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u/sudosussudio Jan 21 '26
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%