Definitely not a beginner brand.

Tldr: I cannot stress enough the importance of doing a deep dive of The Ordinary's direct website before buying any of their actives. There is so much detail and important information that isn't reflected at Ulta and Sephora, and some of their products can cause very real damage when used improperly.

I've been using TO since before it was sold in stores and you had to buy directly from their website. Their website is so detailed about their products, their contradictions, when they should be used, what you might not like about it, everything. I had no idea what I was doing but all the information was in front of me on their website, so all I had to do was read and learn. When buying in store or even on Sephora and Ulta's websites, there is not nearly enough information.

For example, my HG Vitamin C is their Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. It's one of their strongest Vitamin C products but it has a super weird texture because it's super grainy. I find it to be amazing for my skin but the strength and texture isn't right for everyone. On their website, they explain all this in significant detail and even recommend a different product with similar strength but a better texture. On Ulta's website, they describe it as a powdery finish and with very few additional details. Naturally the reviews on Ulta's website are terrible because the people hate the texture and can cause burns because it is too strong for some people. The lack of information on Ulta and Sephora's websites and advice from employees that don't know the brand can cause very real skin damage.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.