Earlier this week, controversial Deciem founder Brandon Truaxe announced in an Instagram post that the brand is shutting down operations “until further notice.” Though this isn’t exactly surprising for anyone that’s followed the very long saga of Truaxe and his claims of wrongdoing and public pleas for help, it’s still a major blow for fans of the company’s many brands.
One is The Ordinary, which we've long called "the best high-end skin care duper around" and is beloved for a couple of reasons. For starters, the products are ridiculously affordable. Second, the quality is similar to that of far pricier products. Plus, the ingredients are minimal yet effective, and the simplicity of its products provides customers a kind of transparency rarely seen in the beauty space. Its tagline “clinical formulations with integrity” actually holds a lot of truth to it.
Now that it looks like The Ordinary’s time may be coming to an end, we decided to find some alternatives to the brand’s most popular products. The ones we recommend won’t be dead ringers for the originals, and the prices for some may also be higher, but you can, and should, consider buying them just in case the company doesn't stage a comeback.
For fans of The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Formulated with 2 percent glycolic acid rather than 7, this Mario Badescu toner will still help do all of the things The Ordinary's solution does, like fade acne scars and exfoliate the skin.
Mario Badescu, Glycolic Acid Toner, $18, available at Ulta.
For fans of the AHA 40% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
We know, the peeling solution is our favorite product from The Ordinary, too, but thankfully, with acids on the rise, there are a lot of other options out there now. Dr. Dennis Gross' peeling treatment also happens to be in our regular lineup and bonus points go to the fact that wipes are a lot easier to apply and travel with.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, $17, available at Sephora.
For fans of the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This is probably the easiest to find elsewhere given that rosehip oil has been around in clean beauty spaces for a while. This one from Insta Natural, like The Ordinary's, is cold-pressed and 100 percent pure.
InstaNatural, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, $20.87, available at Amazon.
For fans of the 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
You're probably already aware of our obsession with Vitamin C, and one of our favorite products is this powdered version from Clinique that can be added to your moisturizer, serum, what have you, in the morning and at night.
Clinique, Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%, $19.50, available at Sephora.
For fans of the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Like The Ordinary's product, this Detox Eye Roller includes caffeine, as well as witch hazel, to help wake up dead eyes.
First Aid Beauty, Detox Eye Roller, $26, available at Sephora.
For fans of the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
We thought this would be the hardest product to find an alternative for, but, turns out, beauty brand Valjean Labs has a serum that includes both of the restorative, acne-fighting ingredients.
Valjean Labs, Restore Facial Serum, $15, available at Urban Outfitters.
For fans of the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Retinoids can be scary, but Pixi's new Retinol Tonic, which includes glycerin and jasmine flower, makes it a little less intimidating. Like with all things retinol-involved, make sure to ease your way into using it.
Pixi, Retinol Tonic, $15, available at Pixi.
For fans of the Hyaluronic 2% + B5
Before the hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary came along, we coveted Mizon's version which happens to include a full 50 percent of the hero hydrating ingredient versus just 2 percent.
Mizon, Hyaluronic Acid 100, $21, available at Peach & Lily.
