Anyone switch lines from Isomers to the Ordinary

Beautybuster · ‎03-09-2010

I've been using Isomers for about 11 years. I've heard great things about the ordinary and like the idea of saving some money. Anyone have success and what products are you using and in place of what?

momoftwo2007 · ‎04-19-2015

I am using the Ordinary products right now. I have "The Buffet" "Hyaluronic Acid" "Niacinamide and Zinc" and "Rosehip Oil." I find that each product is very hard to spread around. I end up having to use a lot of the product to spread around my face. And then my face feels a little sicky. So, I find it easier to spread it around mixing it with a moisturizer. I find the Ordinary product good but very fussy. And on the ordinary website they have example regimens, and each regimen you use 5 or more products (that is not including cleansing products). I am trying to go to a more minimal steps skincare, so when I am finished with my exisiting ordinary products, I probably will not repurchase.

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I have tried MANY products from The Ordinary and was unimpressed to say the least. I used several of their suggested regimens that the poster before me mentioned, and I saw no improvement in my skin.

SahmIam · ‎04-16-2010

Let me just say first, I am NOT loyal to any one brand;if the product works, I use it. Second, the cost is something I don't look at because I have cheap cheap products I love and others that are really up there in price that I love- they deliver and THAT'S what I base whether I use the product or not. Last, I've noticed as I've aged, products that once were great are now not "enough" so I'm always on the lookout for that which can replace a product that no longer delivers. Samples are something I have in abundance and friends and I have no issue with swapping products in the hopes someone can use what we can't.

So.... none of The Ordinary worked for me. I didn't care for the texture, lack of slip, they didn't play friendly with other products...just not a good fit. None of my friends or family who used them like them either for the same reasons. Between all of us, all the products in the line were used and we rated it a thumbs down.

However...

those of us with teen and/or children in their 20's and passed them on to them found heard how much THEY LOVED the products. They saw results. Quite a few have gone on to order more and love them. I've gone back and watched YouTube reviews and what I noticed was the younger adults rave about them while the much older adults....not so much. There are exceptions, of course. Perhaps the older crowd needs more of something ingredient wise and The Ordinary doesn't provide it, I don't know. I liken it to a teenager use a very heavy firming cream and then claiming it made her skin feel really greasy, she broke out and it didn't firm anything....her skin didn't need that product. Now, give it to me and watch me LOVE it because my skin DOES need those properties. Perhaps are skins were simply too dry for the line. All I know is we didn't care for it but our kids (teens to late 20's) did.

In the end, the cost is quite low so order a few and see what you think. Good luck! : )

AspenGrove · ‎08-27-2013

@Beautybuster, I guess I'm in the minority here. I've been so happy with The Ordinary products I'm using! I tried Isomers years ago and those products did nothing for me so I stopped using them and therefore can't compare. I've been using 2 products from The Ordinary: Caffeine Solution 5% +EGCG for eyes and Buffet. And, Hylamide SubQ Anti-Age Serum from the parent company Deciem—The Abnormal Beauty Company. My (59 year-old) dry skin loves the products, I've seen visible results, and you can't beat the prices.

beautydiva · ‎03-13-2010

i do like the ordinary products but i like timeless serums better , i like isomers

but unless a special value they are over priced

MissMaggieMoo · ‎03-11-2010

@AspenGrove I am with you on really liking The Ordinary skin care products. I've been using the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (on my second bottle), Alpha Artutin 2% + HA (still on my first bottle, you only treat the area you are concerned about), Lactic Acid 5% + HA, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (just purchased) and Retinol 1% in Squalane (just purchased).

My main issue is hyperpigmentation and these are all suppose to address this issue among other issues. I use Niacinamide, Alpha Artutin and Azelaic Acid in the am along with my Cerave moisturizer to top it off. In the pm I rotate nights using the Lactic Acid and Retinol 1% along with my Cerave moisturizer. I feel like the Alpha Artutin is working on some of my lighter hyperpigmentation (definitely lightened some spots), not so much on the darker spots, that is why I added in some other pigment fighters. The Alpha Artutin goes a long way. You only treat the area affected by hyperpigmentaion which is my cheeks towards the outer side of my face.

It too early to tell what the other products are doing. But, I do like how all products go on. My am routine doesn't interfere at all with my makeup.

I've never tried Isomers but have tried/used Philosophy products in the past along with a few other drugstore brands as well as department store brands.

Tricolor · ‎04-19-2010

I read a few months ago that The Ordinary was coming down hard on Drunk Elephant's products. Thought that was tasteless of a brand to criticize another brand. It left a poor impression on me. Then I read a blogger who described The Ordinary as a very ordinary generic line of skincare. She also felt that it was in poor taste. Since reading that I have had no interest in trying anything from them.

SahmIam · ‎04-16-2010

@Tricolor I remember hearing about that from a friend who used to love Drunk Elephant. She stopped because of something she found out after that incident. Understand I did not read or hear what The Ordinary said; I'm going out what my friend told me. She was a devout user of Drunk Elephant UNTIL she found this out:

The owner of Drunk Elephant, said during an on air interview that she was delighted as to how gullible Americans were that they would buy products that contained an ingredient that is sold for pennies in Australia. They were making her quite wealthy. They both had a good laugh about it and went on with the interview, which was being done by an Australian in Austrialia for a local station.

Apparently an American visiting Australian saw it live and posted on the Sephora chat forum about it. It was also mentioned in a few reviews of Drunk Elephant products; I DID see one of those months ago but thought maybe it was just a bad apple and moved on.

Friend sent me a link (youtube) where you could watch the interview; don't have it now and I can't find it no matter what I search under. It's interesting,though, about The Ordinary criticizing Drunk Elephant; I wonder if that interview is why.

Phantom41 · ‎03-19-2010

I'm not loyal to any one brand because I like to pick and choose. After seeing the prices this weekend for Isomers, I won't be buying. I don't think $119 + $6.99 in shipping is something I need. Granted, I've not used that particular product, but don't need that much invested in an unknown. I've been using a lot of The Ordinary and if I don't see results, I don't have a lot invested. Skinn and Isomers are outpricing me.