What is the best ordinary serum for aging skin? Finding Your Perfect Match

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, proper sun protection and a solid skincare routine are key to managing the visible signs of aging. When it comes to finding the best ordinary serum for aging skin, understanding your primary concerns is the first step towards a more radiant complexion.

Quick Summary

The ideal anti-aging serum from The Ordinary depends on your specific skin needs, with top contenders including the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum for overall firmness and hydration, Retinoid formulas for deep wrinkle reduction, and antioxidants for protection against environmental damage.

Key Points

• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is versatile: Formerly "Buffet," this serum offers broad-spectrum anti-aging benefits for overall firmness and hydration, making it a great starting point for most people.

• Retinoids are gold standard for wrinkles: For focused treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid and Retinol in Squalane series are highly effective options, with different strengths to match your skin's tolerance.

• Hydration is non-negotiable: The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is a foundational product that helps plump the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.

• Antioxidants protect against damage: The Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% serum offers powerful protection against free radicals and environmental stressors that contribute to premature aging.

• Start low, go slow with actives: When introducing potent actives like retinoids, begin with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance to avoid irritation.

• Build a smart routine: For best results, layer products correctly—typically from thinnest to thickest consistency—and alternate strong actives like retinoids with hydrating and soothing serums.

Understanding The Ordinary’s Approach to Aging Skin

The Ordinary has gained widespread popularity for its transparent, ingredient-focused approach to skincare. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all products, they provide a range of targeted formulas, allowing you to build a personalized routine. For aging skin, this means selecting serums with active ingredients proven to combat fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and loss of firmness. The “best” serum isn’t a single product, but rather the one most suited to your individual skin concerns.

The Peptide Powerhouses

Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin's youthful structure. The Ordinary offers several peptide-based serums that are excellent for addressing the signs of aging without the irritation sometimes associated with retinoids.

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

Formerly known as "Buffet," this serum is a comprehensive formula designed to target multiple signs of aging at once. It combines several peptide technologies with hyaluronic acid (HA) to improve skin smoothness, firmness, and elasticity. The combination provides multi-depth hydration and targets fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great all-around choice for those who want a gentle, hydrating, and firming serum.

Matrixyl 10% + HA

Matrixyl is a powerful peptide complex that helps reduce the appearance of both static and dynamic wrinkles. This serum contains two generations of Matrixyl for a potent effect. The addition of hyaluronic acid ensures deep hydration and a plumping effect. This serum is ideal if your main concern is targeting the look of existing lines.

Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%

This is a more advanced option, combining multiple peptide technologies with copper peptides. Copper peptides are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support collagen production and improve skin health. This serum provides enhanced anti-aging benefits and additional antioxidant support, making it a powerful tool for overall skin rejuvenation.

The Retinoid Revolution

Retinoids are arguably the most well-researched and proven ingredients for treating the signs of photoaging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. The Ordinary offers a range of retinoid serums in varying strengths to suit different skin types and tolerance levels.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

This is a great starting point for those new to retinoids or with sensitive skin. It uses a different form of retinoid that is generally gentler and less irritating than traditional retinol, while still offering excellent anti-aging benefits. It works to smooth texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines with minimal dryness or redness.

Retinol in Squalane Series (0.2%, 0.5%, 1%)

For more experienced retinoid users, The Ordinary offers pure retinol in different strengths. Suspended in hydrating squalane, these serums help minimize irritation. You should start with the lowest concentration (0.2%) and slowly work your way up to 1% as your skin builds tolerance. Retinol is highly effective at speeding up cell turnover, helping to diminish the look of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidant and Hydration Support

To complement peptide and retinoid use, integrating antioxidants and hydration is crucial for a healthy, youthful complexion. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, a major contributor to premature aging.

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

This serum is a potent antioxidant formula that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. Resveratrol and ferulic acid work synergistically to provide powerful antioxidant defense, which is key for preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Dehydration can make fine lines appear more pronounced. This serum is a classic, combining multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with Vitamin B5 to deliver multi-depth hydration and plump the skin. It’s a perfect partner for more active anti-aging serums and helps support the skin's barrier function.

Comparison of Top Ordinary Anti-Aging Serums

Serum Name	Primary Target	Key Ingredient(s)	Best For
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum	Multiple signs of aging, hydration	Multiple Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid	Beginners, overall rejuvenation
Retinoid 2% Emulsion	Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture	Granactive Retinoid	Sensitive skin, retinoid beginners
Retinol 1% in Squalane	Deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation	Pure Retinol, Squalane	Advanced users, targeting specific concerns
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%	Advanced signs of aging, inflammation	Multiple Peptides, Copper Peptides	Experienced users, enhanced support
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%	Environmental damage, dullness	Resveratrol, Ferulic Acid	Antioxidant protection, brightening

Building Your Anti-Aging Routine

For optimal results, it's not just about choosing a single serum, but also about building a smart routine. Remember to patch test new products and introduce actives slowly to avoid irritation. And most importantly, always use sunscreen during the day when using retinoids.

• Morning Routine: Start with a gentle cleanser, apply an antioxidant serum like Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% to protect against free radicals, follow with a hydrating serum such as Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and finish with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Evening Routine: After cleansing, apply your chosen treatment serum. If you're using a retinoid (like Granactive Retinoid or Retinol in Squalane), use it on dry skin. If you prefer a peptide serum (Multi-Peptide + HA), it can be applied after cleansing. Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
• Layering Actives: Avoid mixing certain actives in the same routine. For example, don’t use a retinoid and a strong direct acid (like AHA/BHA) at the same time. Alternate their use on different nights. For advanced users, peptides and retinoids can be used in the same routine, but it's often recommended to use peptides in the morning and retinoids at night.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Determining what is the best ordinary serum for aging skin depends entirely on your skin's specific needs and tolerance. For a gentle, overall approach, the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is an excellent choice. If you're ready for more targeted wrinkle reduction, a retinoid from the Retinoid or Retinol series is your best bet, starting with a lower strength and building up. Finally, don't underestimate the power of hydration and antioxidant protection, with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% being crucial supporting players. By selecting the right formula and incorporating it into a thoughtful routine, you can effectively and affordably address the visible signs of aging.

For additional product information and usage guidance, you can consult The Ordinary's official website: The Ordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum with a retinoid?

Yes, you can use these together. Many users apply the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum in the morning for hydration and firming, and then use their retinoid serum at night to target deeper wrinkles and texture. Layering is key, and this combination allows you to get the benefits of both ingredients.

What is the difference between The Ordinary’s Retinoid and Retinol serums?

The main difference is potency and irritation. Granactive Retinoid is a gentler, more stable derivative of Vitamin A, making it ideal for sensitive skin and beginners. Retinol is the more traditional, powerful form of Vitamin A, and while more effective for advanced concerns, it carries a higher risk of irritation. The Ordinary's Retinol series offers different strengths (0.2%, 0.5%, 1%) for a customizable approach.

Which Ordinary serum is best for very sensitive aging skin?

For very sensitive skin, the best options are typically the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. These are non-irritating and focus on hydration and gentle firming. If you want to introduce a retinoid, start with the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, as it is a much gentler option than pure retinol.

Do I need to use sunscreen with The Ordinary anti-aging serums?

Yes, absolutely. Sunscreen is the most important part of any anti-aging routine. Many anti-aging ingredients, especially retinoids and some antioxidants, can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF is crucial to protect your skin and see the full benefits of your serums.

How long does it take to see results from The Ordinary anti-aging serums?

Results vary depending on the product and individual. Hydrating and peptide serums can show improvements in skin plumpness and texture within a few weeks. For more significant changes from retinoids, like a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, it can take 3 to 6 months of consistent use.

Can I use multiple Ordinary serums at once?

Yes, but with caution. It's recommended to limit the number of active serums in a single routine to avoid irritation. Focus on a few key concerns and layer accordingly. Generally, you should not combine direct acids (like AHA/BHA) and retinoids in the same application. Check The Ordinary's website for specific layering guides and avoid using too many products at once.

Are The Ordinary's anti-aging serums suitable for mature skin?

Yes, The Ordinary offers many serums that are excellent for mature skin. Ingredients like peptides, retinoids, and hyaluronic acid are all highly beneficial for addressing concerns like loss of firmness, wrinkles, and dryness. The key is to select the right combination of products that targets your specific needs without causing irritation.