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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

The Ordinary skin quiz: how well do you know the products?

Quick The Ordinary skincare test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Leah RichardsonUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of The Ordinary skincare bottles leaves and quiz cards on dark blue background.

This The Ordinary skincare quiz helps you connect ingredients with uses, pick the right products, and shape a simple routine as you go. If you want more beauty practice, try our skincare knowledge quiz, explore a dermatologist skin care quiz, or test trends with a korean skincare quiz.

What is the primary function of The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum?
Deeply hydrate the skin
Gently exfoliate dead skin cells
Regulate sebum production and reduce blemishes
Provide broad-spectrum sun protection
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% helps regulate oil production and reduces the appearance of blemishes due to niacinamide's sebum-balancing properties and zinc's anti-inflammatory effects. This high concentration targets excess sebum and helps calm stressed skin, making it effective for oily and acne-prone skin types. Niacinamide also strengthens the skin barrier and improves texture. For more details, see .
What is the approximate pH of The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
4.5
2.5
5.5
3.6
The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is formulated at a pH of approximately 3.6 to ensure effective acid exfoliation while maintaining skin safety. The pH is low enough to facilitate AHA and BHA activity on the skin surface but balanced to minimize irritation. This pH level allows the glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to perform chemical exfoliation effectively. For more information, see .
The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 formula uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. What is the benefit of this approach?
It provides multi-depth hydration by targeting different skin layers
It increases the product's pH to reduce irritation
It chemically exfoliates dead skin cells
It creates an occlusive barrier on the skin surface only
The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 formula uses low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid molecules to hydrate the skin at multiple depths. Smaller molecules can penetrate deeper layers, whereas larger molecules form a hydrating barrier on the surface. This multi-weight approach ensures both immediate and long-lasting hydration. To learn more, visit .
Which key ingredient category is central to The Ordinary's 'Buffet' serum?
Alpha hydroxy acids
Vitamin C derivatives
Peptide complexes
Retinoids
'Buffet' is powered by a comprehensive peptide complex that targets multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to produce collagen and other structural proteins. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and probiotics to support hydration and barrier health. For more details, see .
When applying multiple serums from The Ordinary in one routine, which guideline ensures proper layering?
Always apply low-pH products after high-pH products
Apply oil-based products before water-based ones
Apply the thickest textures before the thinnest
Layer from thinnest viscosity to thickest
Layering serums from the thinnest (lowest viscosity) to the thickest ensures each product can be absorbed properly without being blocked by heavier textures. This rule aids penetration of lightweight aqueous formulas before emollient-heavy oils and creams. The Ordinary recommends this approach to maximize product efficacy. For further guidance, see .
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane uses squalane in its formula. What is the primary role of squalane here?
Act as a UV sunscreen agent
Provide hydration and enhance absorption of retinoid
Serve as an exfoliant
Increase the overall pH of the formula
Squalane is a highly stable emollient that hydrates the skin and supports the delivery of active retinoid molecules. It helps to reduce irritation by offering moisture buffering around the retinoid, improving tolerability. Unlike exfoliants or sunscreens, squalane focuses on skin barrier support and texture enhancement. Learn more at .
What distinguishes The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% from its other Vitamin C products?
It uses a stabilized acidic solution in water
It's an oil-free emulsion
It's a water-based solution
It's an anhydrous suspension of pure L-ascorbic acid
The Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a water-free, anhydrous formula that suspends pure L-ascorbic acid powder in silicone and glycerin, enhancing stability and immediate antioxidant delivery. Without water, oxidation of the Vitamin C is minimized, although the gritty texture may feel different. This design differentiates it from water-based or oil-soluble derivatives in the line. More info at .
What is the recommended maximum application time for The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
15 minutes
20 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
It's advised to leave the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution on skin for no more than 10 minutes to avoid over-exfoliation and potential irritation. The formula is potent, combining glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, and extended exposure increases risk of sensitivity. Always follow with rinsing and sun protection. See instructions at .
How does Granactive Retinoid technology differ from traditional retinol in The Ordinary's formulations?
It's combined with alpha hydroxy acids for dual action
It's encapsulated in liposomes for slow release
It's pure retinol at higher concentration
It's a retinoic acid ester that binds directly to receptors and is more stable
Granactive Retinoid is hydroxypinacolone retinoate, a retinoic acid ester that binds directly to retinoid receptors without requiring conversion by skin enzymes, resulting in faster activity and less irritation than traditional retinol. This technology also enhances stability and tolerability. It differs fundamentally from pure retinol, which requires enzymatic conversion to retinoic acid. For more, see .
For optimal effectiveness in a chemical exfoliant, what pH range is generally ideal for glycolic acid formulations like The Ordinary's?
2.0 - 3.0
4.0 - 5.0
5.0 - 6.0
3.0 - 4.0
Glycolic acid is most effective at a pH between 3.0 and 4.0, which ensures the acid remains active without excessive irritation. Below pH 3.0, products risk causing irritation, while above pH 4.0 efficacy drops significantly. The Ordinary's AHA formulations are typically formulated in this range for balanced performance and tolerability. More details at .
What is a primary risk when combining multiple AHA products in one routine using The Ordinary's formulations?
Increased skin irritation and sensitivity
Neutralization of acids rendering them inactive
Skin discoloration
Loss of product potency
Using multiple AHA products simultaneously can amplify exfoliation, potentially leading to over-exfoliation, redness, and increased skin sensitivity. The skin barrier may become compromised, so it's recommended to space out acid-based treatments. Understanding each product's concentration and pH helps mitigate irritation risk. Read more at .
Which form of Vitamin C used by The Ordinary is oil-soluble rather than water-soluble?
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a lipophilic (oil-soluble) derivative of Vitamin C, allowing it to dissolve in oil-based formulations and providing better stability compared to pure ascorbic acid. This form penetrates the skin's lipid layers more effectively, offering antioxidant benefits without the need for low pH. The Ordinary uses it in their Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate 20% in Vitamin F formula. For more, visit .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify star ingredients -

    Understand the role of renowned ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and retinol in The Ordinary formulas.

  2. Match products to skin concerns -

    Apply your knowledge to select the right Ordinary serums for issues like hydration, brightening, and anti-aging.

  3. Recall proper application order -

    Learn the ideal sequence for layering actives and serums to maximize product efficacy.

  4. Differentiate serum strengths -

    Analyze concentration levels of key actives to choose formulas suited to your skin type and tolerance.

  5. Enhance your skincare routine -

    Incorporate quiz insights to refine and optimize your daily regimen with The Ordinary products.

  6. Gauge your expertise level -

    Assess your mastery of The Ordinary skincare lineup and uncover areas for further study and improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution -

    Glycolic acid (an AHA) at 7% and pH ~3.6 gently exfoliates by breaking cell adhesion - study by Duke University shows AHAs improve texture with consistent use. Remember "Gly <3.6" as a mnemonic for optimal pH. Always patch-test first and follow with SPF (Harvard Health).

  2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 -

    Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000× its weight in water (NIH data) and vitamin B5 enhances surface hydration. Think "H.A. + B5 = H²O boost" to recall its super-hydrating duo. Apply to damp skin for maximum plumping effect.

  3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% -

    Niacinamide at 10% reduces sebum and inflammation, while zinc balances oil (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). Use the "10 to 1" rule to remember proportions and layer after water-based serums. It's a go-to for minimizing pores and redness.

  4. "Buffet" Multi-Peptide Serum -

    This peptide cocktail combines Matrixyl 3000, SYN-AKE, and Argirelox for collagen support (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology). Mnemonic: "Multi-Peptides = Multi-Lift" to recall its comprehensive action. Incorporate it into morning or evening routine before oils.

  5. Retinoid Layering & "Start Low, Go Slow" -

    The Ordinary's retinol (0.2%, 0.5%, 1%) in squalane allows gradual tolerance development (British Journal of Dermatology). Follow "2-4-6-8" nights rule - twice a week, then every other night - to minimize irritation. Always finish with moisturizer and SPF.

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