26 Sep
Niacinamide and Retinol get all the attention, but The Ordinary's catalog runs much deeper 50 products covering everything from antioxidants to body care. Some of the quieter entries in the range are genuinely worth knowing about, even if they never trend on social media.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane and Hemi-Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, making it one of the most broadly tolerated moisturizing ingredients available suitable for nearly every skin type, including oily skin, despite "oil" sounding counterintuitive for that concern. The Ordinary's Squalane works well as a final sealing step in a routine, or mixed into a moisturizer for extra hydration on particularly dry days. Their Hemi-Squalane variant is an even lighter, faster-absorbing version, useful if standard Squalane still feels too rich for your skin.
Marula Oil and Moroccan Argan Oil
Both are facial and body oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, offering deep nourishment for dry skin or as an addition to a body care routine. The Ordinary's 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is a genuinely underrated pick for very dry skin or as an overnight treatment, while the Argan Oil doubles well as a body care product, not just facial.
Matrixyl 10% + HA
This is a peptide-focused serum aimed at supporting skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines, working through a different mechanism than Retinol useful either alongside Retinol for a more comprehensive anti-aging approach, or as a gentler alternative for skin that doesn't tolerate Retinol well.
Pycnogenol 5%
A plant-derived antioxidant serum, less commonly discussed than Vitamin C but offering meaningful antioxidant support against environmental damage a reasonable addition for anyone wanting extra protection beyond sunscreen and a standard Vitamin C serum.
EUK 134 0.1%
Another antioxidant option, EUK 134 is often layered with other actives for added environmental protection, particularly relevant in Sri Lanka's high-sun climate where daily antioxidant support has genuine practical value beyond marketing appeal.
Marine Hyaluronics
A lighter, marine-derived alternative to standard Hyaluronic Acid, offering a different texture and hydration profile worth trying if standard Hyaluronic Acid formulations haven't felt like quite the right fit for your skin.
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
A gentler AHA than Glycolic Acid, due to its larger molecule size, making it a good option for sensitive skin wanting exfoliation benefits without the higher irritation risk that Glycolic Acid can carry. See our broader AHA vs BHA guide for more on how exfoliating acids compare.
Amino Acids + B5
A hydration-focused serum supporting the skin's natural moisture-retaining factors, useful for dehydrated skin as a lighter alternative to heavier moisturizing ingredients, particularly in humid weather when a lighter texture is preferable.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
Specifically targeted at under-eye puffiness and the appearance of dark circles caused by visible blood vessels see our dark circles and under-eye guide for more context on which type of dark circle this actually helps with.
UV Filters SPF 45 Serum
The Ordinary's own sunscreen entry, formulated as a lightweight serum-texture rather than a traditional cream worth considering if you've found typical sunscreens too heavy for Sri Lanka's climate.
Why These Are Worth Exploring
The Ordinary's less-marketed products tend to follow the same philosophy as their famous ones: single, well-studied ingredients at effective concentrations, without unnecessary extras. They're simply less discussed because they don't trend the way Niacinamide or Retinol do not because they're less effective for what they're formulated to do.
Where to Start
Browse the full The Ordinary collection, sourced through authorized channels and shipped island-wide across Sri Lanka.
