The Ordinary Serums Explained: Which One Is Best for Your Skin Type?

🧴 Introduction: Why The Ordinary is So Popular in Pakistan

The Ordinary has become one of the most trusted skincare brands in Pakistan — and for good reason. Known for its minimalist formulas, science-backed ingredients, and wallet-friendly prices, The Ordinary makes it easier for everyone to treat specific skin concerns without overpaying for hype.

From acne to aging, pigmentation to dehydration, there’s a serum for nearly every issue — but with so many options (and fake products in the local market), it can be confusing to choose the right one.

That is why we have created this full breakdown of the 10 most popular The Ordinary serums in Pakistan — what each one does, who should use it, and how much it costs locally.

💡 How to Choose the Right Ordinary Serum

Before we jump into the serums, here’s a quick guide to match your skin concern to the right active:

Now let’s begin the list 👇

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Best for: Acne, large pores, oily skin

One of the most iconic serums from The Ordinary, this powerful duo helps control excess oil, reduce breakouts, and visibly shrink the appearance of pores. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is known for its calming, brightening, and sebum-regulating properties, while zinc helps with healing and inflammation.

If you have acne-prone or oily skin, this serum is a must-try.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum in Pakistan

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Best for: Dry, dehydrated, or dull skin

This is The Ordinary’s go-to hydration serum. It contains three types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights to deliver moisture deep into the skin. Vitamin B5 adds a soothing, barrier-strengthening boost.

Lightweight, non-sticky, and easy to layer — this serum works for all skin types and is especially loved during winter or when your skin feels tight and thirsty.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Pakistan

3. The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane (0.2%, 0.5%, 1%)

Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture

This pure retinol formula in a hydrating squalane base helps reduce signs of aging, improve skin texture, and boost collagen production. It comes in three strengths — 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% — so you can build up your tolerance slowly.

While the squalane makes it more hydrating, the formula can still be strong for very sensitive or reactive skin types. Beginners should always start with the 0.2% version and use it only a few times a week at night.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Retinol Serum in Pakistan

4. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Best for: Puffy eyes, dark circles

This lightweight eye serum targets puffiness and under-eye bags with a high concentration of caffeine and a powerful green tea extract (EGCG). It’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and ideal for people dealing with tired, swollen eyes.

While it will not erase dark circles caused by genetics, it can visibly improve the look of fatigue around the eyes — especially when used consistently.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Caffeine Solution in Pakistan

5. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (NMF)

Best for: Dryness, flaky skin, barrier support

Unlike traditional serums, this product works more like a lightweight moisturizer but with deep skin-repairing benefits. It contains multiple naturally occurring moisturizing factors (like amino acids, urea, ceramides) along with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and balanced.

It’s perfect for people whose skin feels stripped, dry, or over-exfoliated. Works well as the final step in your routine.

👉 Buy The Ordinary NMF Moisturizer in Pakistan

6. The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Peptide Serum

Best for: Early signs of aging, fine lines, loss of firmness

Buffet is a powerful all-in-one serum that combines multiple peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid to target multiple signs of aging at once — including fine lines, dullness, and skin elasticity.

It is a great choice if you are looking for a simple anti-aging step without jumping into retinol. Can be used both day and night and layers well with most other products.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Buffet Serum in Pakistan

7. The Ordinary Vitamin C Serums

Best for: Dull skin, pigmentation, uneven tone

The Ordinary offers several Vitamin C formulas — the most popular being:

• Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
• Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Both help brighten skin, fade dark spots, and offer antioxidant protection. The 23% formula is stronger but may feel gritty; the 8% version is gentler and combines well with Alpha Arbutin for boosted brightening.

Choose based on your skin’s sensitivity level and whether you are targeting overall glow or specific spots.

👉 Shop The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum in Pakistan

8. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Best for: Dark spots, uneven tone, post-acne marks

This targeted serum helps fade pigmentation, sun spots, and stubborn acne marks over time. Alpha Arbutin is a gentle skin-lightening ingredient that works well even for sensitive skin, and it is paired with hyaluronic acid to keep the formula hydrating.

It is safe for daily use and can be layered with niacinamide or vitamin C.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin Serum in Pakistan

9. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Best for: Redness, acne, pigmentation, rosacea-prone skin

Azelaic Acid is a multitasking ingredient that helps with everything from acne and redness to pigmentation and uneven tone. This formula is a smooth cream-gel that feels like a lightweight moisturizer and is great for calming inflammation without drying the skin.

It is also pregnancy-safe and generally well-tolerated, even for sensitive skin.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Azelaic Acid in Pakistan

10. The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

Best for: Damaged barrier, irritation, sensitivity

This is one of the newest serums from The Ordinary, designed to calm, repair, and strengthen compromised skin. It contains multiple soothing actives, including niacinamide derivatives, vitamin B12, and barrier-friendly lipids.

If your skin feels irritated, over-exfoliated, or chronically sensitive — this serum helps restore balance and reduce redness.

👉 Buy The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum in Pakistan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are The Ordinary serums original in Pakistan?
Only if purchased from trusted sources. Avoid unofficial .pk websites or sellers with unusually low prices. PrimeSkin.pk sources all products from trusted global distributors.
Remember: The Ordinary does not have an official .pk website or any authorized local distributor in Pakistan.

2. Which The Ordinary serum is best for beginners?
Start with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oily/acne-prone skin. If trying retinol, go with 0.2% Retinol in Squalane.

3. What is the price range of The Ordinary products in Pakistan?
Most serums range between ₨3,000 – ₨6,000, depending on product type and seller.