My Experience with The Ordinary Nightly Set. Honest Review for Men
The Ordinary Nightly Set Review: My Personal Experience and Why It’s a Game-Changer
I’ve always been a huge fan of The Ordinary. From the very first time I tried their products, I appreciated their straightforward, science-backed approach. It’s exactly what I look for in a budget-friendly skincare brand—high-quality formulations without the bloated price tag. If you’re like me and constantly on the lookout for an effective men’s nighttime skincare routine, The Ordinary has some real gems you can easily incorporate. Recently, I decided to step up my evening regimen with The Ordinary Nightly Set, a curated trio designed to target dryness, dullness, and fine lines while you sleep. Here, I’ll share my personal experience using these products, explore The Ordinary as a brand, and explain why these formulations have become my favorite way to wind down at night. Although The Ordinary isn’t specifically formulated for men, they blend seamlessly into my routine, proving that great skincare truly is gender-neutral.
A Brief Look at The Ordinary: A Budget-Friendly Skincare Brand
Before we get into the specifics of The Ordinary Nightly Set, I’d like to highlight why The Ordinary resonates with me. As part of the DECIEM family, they prioritize efficacy, transparency, and affordability above all else. Their mission is to democratize skincare—offering potent actives that tackle real skin concerns without padding the product cost or loading up on unnecessary fillers. When The Ordinary first launched, it turned heads in the skincare community by labeling its products with the exact active ingredients—like Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide—so customers could quickly identify what they were buying. This no-nonsense approach also extends to their marketing. Instead of flashy ads, they rely on the strength of their formulas and word-of-mouth endorsements, which made them a darling of skincare enthusiasts all over the world, myself included.
Over the years, I’ve recommended The Ordinary to countless friends looking for budget-friendly skincare brandoptions that still deliver on performance. While they have products for nearly every concern—from blemishes to hyperpigmentation—the emphasis has always been on clinically proven actives and honest communication. For me, that’s a winning combination.
What’s in The Ordinary Nightly Set?
The Ordinary Nightly Set is specifically curated to help replenish dry skin, refine texture, and address signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles—all while you catch some sleep. It contains three star products:
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) – 30ml
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion – 15ml
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – 30ml
Let’s break down each product in the set and see how they fit into a men’s nighttime skincare routine (or anyone’s nighttime routine, really).
1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
If you’ve spent any time researching skincare, Hyaluronic Acid likely needs no introduction. It’s known for its remarkable ability to attract and hold water within the skin, promoting a plump, hydrated complexion. The Ordinary’s formula goes a step further by combining multiple molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Ceramides for deep hydration and enhanced skin-barrier support.
Texture and Application: The serum is quite lightweight and sinks in rapidly without leaving any sticky residue.
Key Benefits:
Instantly hydrates and plumps the skin.
Minimizes the look of fine, dry lines.
Strengthens the skin barrier, a crucial step for those dealing with dryness or irritation.
This is a great starting point in any routine—particularly in a men’s nighttime skincare routine—because it lays the foundation for everything else you apply.
2. Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Retinoids are considered the gold standard for promoting smoother, younger-looking skin. The Ordinary’s Retinal Emulsion (0.2%) is a gentle introduction to this family of Vitamin A derivatives. Retinal (short for Retinaldehyde) is known to be more potent than Retinol yet more tolerable than some stronger forms of retinoids, making it an excellent option for anyone who wants results without jumping in at the deep end.
Texture and Application: The lotion-like emulsion is surprisingly lightweight and spreads smoothly over the skin.
Key Benefits:
Targets signs of aging, from fine lines to wrinkles.
Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Encourages a brighter, more even complexion.
If you’ve been shy about incorporating retinoids, this Retinal Emulsion at 0.2% might be the perfect place to start. Especially for men—or really anyone—dealing with early signs of aging, this can be a game-changer in your night routine.
3. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
One of the biggest Rose Hip Seed Oil benefits is its rich content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. In The Ordinary’s formula, the oil is cold-pressed and unrefined, preserving a high potency of beneficial compounds. Whether your skin is parched or just needs a soothing final layer, Rose Hip Seed Oil can help maintain a soft, dewy look.
Texture and Application: It’s an oil, so it’s definitely more nourishing and heavier than a serum, but it doesn’t feel overly greasy once it settles in.
Key Benefits:
Moisturizes deeply and supports supple skin.
Helps balance uneven skin tone, particularly if your skin is prone to redness or dull patches.
Seals in the active ingredients underneath so they can work effectively overnight.
For those with extremely dry skin, adding a drop or two of Rose Hip Seed Oil to your daytime moisturizer can also be beneficial. But it especially shines in a nighttime routine, making sure your skin stays hydrated until morning.
My Men’s Nighttime Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Nightly Set
Given that I’ve tested countless products over the years for my blog, I was pretty excited to see how The Ordinary Nightly Set would stack up. I used the products exactly as recommended on the box:
Cleanse: I start by washing my face with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin. After patting my face dry, I’m ready to apply the good stuff.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Next, I smooth on a few drops of this serum. My skin literally drinks it in; there’s no leftover tackiness, just a comfortable, hydrated canvas.
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Because this is a Retinal Emulsion (and retinoids can be strong), I began by using it once a week for the first two weeks. After that, I built up to twice weekly, allowing my skin time to adjust. A pea-sized amount is enough for my entire face, and I avoid my direct eye area to reduce any chance of irritation.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: Finally, I warm a few drops of oil between my palms and press it gently into my skin. This oil step is incredibly soothing, and I genuinely appreciate the healthy glow I see when I wake up the next day.
By adopting this consistent routine, I noticed my skin appeared more plumped, and the dryness around my cheeks and forehead improved significantly. Fine lines—particularly on my forehead—look softened, and my complexion has more overall radiance. It’s worth noting that while I’m highlighting how well this regimen fits into a men’s nighttime skincare routine, it’s equally effective for any gender.
The Ordinary Nightly Set vs. Other Nighttime Routines
Over the last decade, I’ve tried everything from high-end luxury creams to more niche herbal concoctions. Many have been effective, but I often find that mixing different products from different brands can lead to layering challenges or ingredient clashes. One of the things I love about The Ordinary Nightly Set is the peace of mind in knowing these products are formulated to complement each other perfectly. It also helps that The Ordinary is a budget-friendly skincare brand, so I’m not shelling out a fortune to maintain the routine. It feels good to know that I can recommend it confidently to people who are cost-conscious, whether they’re seasoned skincare gurus or total beginners.
Why This Has Become My Go-To Nighttime Routine
1. Simplicity and Clarity
Sometimes, you just want a fuss-free regimen. By keeping it to three key steps—Hyaluronic Acid, Retinal Emulsion, and Rose Hip Seed Oil—you can cover crucial skincare needs (hydration, anti-aging, nourishment) without dealing with an overwhelming lineup of products. It’s straightforward, which is a big plus in my book.
2. Impressive Results
I can confidently say the combination of advanced Retinal Emulsion and deep hydration from both Hyaluronic Acid and Rose Hip Seed Oil has given me one of the best nighttime transformations I’ve experienced. My skin is noticeably smoother, and some uneven texture around my cheeks looks much more refined.
3. Great for Any Skin Type (and Any Gender)
While The Ordinary isn’t explicitly marketed as men’s skincare, the brand’s formulations work equally well regardless of gender. My skin tends to be on the drier side, so the extra hydration and barrier support from the Hyaluronic Acid serum and Rose Hip Seed Oil have done wonders. If you’re oily or combination, you might need to adjust the amount of oil you apply, but the formula itself is still beneficial.
4. The Rose Hip Seed Oil Benefits are Real
I want to call out the Rose Hip Seed Oil benefits a bit more here. Rose Hip Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin A and C, which help support skin brightness and an even tone. I love how it gives my skin that final layer of nourishment without feeling overly greasy. Plus, the subtle earthy scent makes me feel like I’m enjoying a mini spa treatment right before bed.
Final Thoughts: My Best Nighttime Skincare Routine So Far
I’ve tested many regimens in the past 10 years of running this blog. Still, there’s something about The Ordinary Nightly Set that clicks into place perfectly. It manages to address multiple concerns—dryness, fine lines, dullness—in a cohesive, simplified way. The synergy of these three products means they won’t cancel each other out or overload your skin. Instead, they work in tandem:
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 hydrates and sets the stage,
Retinal Emulsion tackles the signs of aging and uneven tone,
Rose Hip Seed Oil seals in all that goodness while delivering extra nourishment.
The result? Smoother, brighter skin that looks well-rested by morning.
Who Should Try This Nightly Set?
Beginners in the skincare world who want a curated routine without having to guess how to layer different products.
Men (like me) wanting a solid, no-frills men’s nighttime skincare routine that’s both effective and cost-conscious.
Veteran skincare enthusiasts who love The Ordinary’s approach to scientifically proven ingredients at fair prices.
Overall, these products remind me why The Ordinary has such a loyal following: they strip away all the unnecessary bells and whistles, focusing on core actives that truly make a difference in your skin. From my personal perspective, that’s a huge win. If you’re on the fence about trying The Ordinary Nightly Set, let me reassure you that it’s an investment in your skin that won’t break the bank. Between the reliable formulas, the brand’s transparency, and the visible improvements I’ve seen on my own face, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Would I purchase again?
Absolutely. Given how well my skin has responded, I plan to keep these three staples in my evening arsenal. I especially appreciate how these products can also be interchanged with other routines if I want to experiment (for instance, using Hyaluronic Acid and Rose Hip Seed Oil during the day). But for nighttime, the synergy is spot-on.
In Conclusion
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly skincare brand that doesn’t compromise on results, The Ordinary Nightly Set is a standout choice. It’s straightforward, effective, and caters to a wide range of skin types. Whether you’re brand-new to retinoids or simply looking to enhance your existing regimen, these three products slot seamlessly into a men’s nighttime skincare routine—or any nighttime routine—and provide lasting hydration, smoother texture, and a noticeable glow. Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you. After all, our skin is one of the most visible reflections of our overall well-being, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about waking up to a fresher, healthier-looking complexion. For me, The Ordinary Nightly Set has indeed become my best nighttime routine so far, and I’m confident it could become yours, too.
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Thanks for reading, and here’s to happier, healthier skin—no matter your age, gender, or skincare experience!
Jerome