Can products from The Ordinary, such as Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 10% + Zinc 1%, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, and Caffeine Solution 5% + Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), be incorporated into a skincare routine for optimal results?

Incorporating The Ordinary Products into Your Skincare Routine

Several products from The Ordinary can be strategically incorporated into your routine, but many should be avoided or used with extreme caution due to potential for irritation and worsening of skin conditions.

Products That Have Evidence-Based Support

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• This product is strongly recommended as niacinamide has demonstrated efficacy in acne treatment and is FDA-approved as an active ingredient at 5% concentration 1
• The American Academy of Dermatology acknowledges limited evidence for zinc in acne treatment, but niacinamide itself has established benefits 2
• Apply once or twice daily to clean skin, ideally in the morning routine 1
• Niacinamide also provides anti-inflammatory effects and can help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

• This combination has research support for photoprotection and anti-inflammatory effects 3
• Topical caffeine and EGCG have been shown to increase apoptosis in UV-damaged cells and provide selective protection against UV-induced skin damage 3
• Apply to under-eye area or face in the morning before sunscreen 3
• This product complements but does not replace proper UV protection 3

UV Filters SPF 45 Serum

• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential and strongly recommended 2
• The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends hypoallergenic sunscreens with high SPF, preferably containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection 2
• Apply daily to all exposed skin areas regardless of season 2
• This should be the final step in your morning routine 2

Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

• Moisturization is critical and should begin immediately 2
• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends hypoallergenic moisturizing creams and emollients used once daily to prevent and alleviate skin dryness 2
• Apply after active treatments but before sunscreen in the morning, or as the final step at night 2

Products to Use With Extreme Caution or Avoid

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

• Use this product with significant caution as the American Academy of Dermatology warns that topical acne medications may irritate and worsen skin conditions through their drying effects 4, 5
• Glycolic acid is FDA-approved for acne treatment 6, but the Academy notes that chemical peels with glycolic acid may result in only mild improvement in comedonal acne, require multiple treatments, and results are not long-lasting 2
• If you choose to use this product: start with once weekly application at night only, never use on the same day as other exfoliants, and always follow with moisturizer 2
• Discontinue immediately if you experience prolonged irritation, redness, or worsening of skin condition 4
• This product increases sun sensitivity significantly, making daily SPF 30+ absolutely mandatory 6

Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate

• Limited evidence exists to support sulfur in skincare 2
• The American Academy of Dermatology states there is insufficient evidence to make strong recommendations for sulfur in treatment 2
• If used, apply as a spot treatment only, not to entire face 2

Products With Insufficient Evidence

• Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, Balancing & Clarifying Serum, and Glucoside Foaming Cleanser lack clinical evidence for efficacy 2
• The American Academy of Dermatology notes that herbal and alternative therapies have limited data regarding safety and efficacy 2

Critical Implementation Strategy

Morning Routine

1. Gentle pH-neutral cleanser (Glucoside Foaming Cleanser if desired) 2
2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 1
3. Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (to specific areas) 3
4. Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan 2
5. UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (mandatory final step) 2

Evening Routine

1. Gentle pH-neutral cleanser 2
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Toner (maximum 1-2x weekly, if tolerated) 2, 6
3. Wait 20-30 minutes if using glycolic acid
4. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (if not using glycolic acid that night) 1
5. Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan 2

Essential Warnings and Pitfalls

• Never combine multiple exfoliating products on the same day as this dramatically increases irritation risk 4, 5
• Avoid using topical acne medications without dermatologist supervision if you have active folliculitis or inflammatory skin conditions, as they may worsen the condition 4, 5
• Prolonged topical steroid use causes perioral dermatitis and skin atrophy - if you're using any steroid products, this is a critical concern 2, 4
• Pat skin dry after cleansing, never rub to minimize trauma and infection risk 2, 4
• Avoid manipulation or picking at skin as this significantly increases infection risk 4, 5
• If you experience grade 2 or higher skin reactions (painful erythema, intense pruritus, or desquamation), discontinue all active products immediately and consult a dermatologist 2