The Ordinary by DECIEM revolutionised skincare globally by offering clinical-grade active ingredients at accessible prices — and no market embraced it more enthusiastically than Pakistan's growing skincare community. From The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (Pakistan's bestselling serum) to The Ordinary Peeling Solution, these products have built cult followings among Pakistani skincare enthusiasts. But The Ordinary's popularity has also made it Pakistan's most counterfeited skincare brand. This guide helps Pakistani buyers navigate the authentic range and spot fakes.
The Counterfeit Problem in Pakistan
Counterfeit The Ordinary products are a significant problem across Pakistan's bazaars, local beauty stores, and unverified online sellers. Pakistan's counterfeit The Ordinary serums often: contain incorrect concentrations of actives; use substandard or unstable formulations that degrade rapidly; have incorrect packaging (wrong font, spelling errors, incorrect product colour); and in worst cases, contain harmful substitutes. Applying a counterfeit The Ordinary Retinol or Peeling Solution formulated incorrectly can cause severe skin damage. Always buy from verified retailers.
The Ordinary Products Every Pakistani Skincare Beginner Should Start With
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Essential for Pakistani Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
The starting point for 90% of Pakistani skincare journeys. Addresses the three biggest Pakistani skin concerns simultaneously: excess oil, enlarged pores, and post-acne dark marks. Safe for all skin types including sensitive. Apply morning and/or evening before moisturiser.
2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — Essential for All Skin Types
Provides deep hydration without adding oil or weight — works on oily, dry, and combination Pakistani skin alike. Apply to damp skin before moisturiser for maximum effect. Particularly important for Pakistani skin in dry, heated, or air-conditioned environments.
3. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA — For Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
The most gentle and effective brightening ingredient for Pakistani complexions. Inhibits melanin transfer without the irritation of vitamin C or the risk concerns of kojic acid at higher concentrations. Use morning or evening before moisturiser.
The Ordinary Products for Intermediate Pakistani Users
Retinol 0.1-0.5% in Squalane — Anti-Ageing and Acne Scarring
Start at 0.1%, build gradually. The most evidence-backed anti-ageing active available OTC. Transforms acne scarring, fine lines, and overall skin texture over 3-6 months of consistent use. Use evening only; always follow with SPF 50 the next morning.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — Weekly Exfoliation
The cult-favourite red peel. Use weekly, not daily. Provides immediate visible brightening and texture improvement. NOT for beginners — always patch test first. Do not use if skin is broken, sunburned, or if you are using retinol the same night.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution — Pore Clearing
Targeted spot treatment for blackheads and comedonal acne. Apply to congested areas only, not all over the face.
The Ordinary Products to Skip for Pakistani Skin
100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder: Pure vitamin C powder at this concentration is extremely irritating and unstable — not appropriate for home use without advanced formulation knowledge. Better alternatives exist. Strong acids at very high concentrations without building up tolerance first: always start with gentler formulas and build to stronger ones. Multiple active products simultaneously without a buffer period: add one new The Ordinary product at a time, 2 weeks apart, to identify any sensitivities.
Shop 100% authentic The Ordinary products in Pakistan at BigBasket.pk. Full batch-code verification. Cash on Delivery nationwide.
The Ordinary Regimen Builder for Pakistani Skin Concerns
One of the most valuable tools DECIEM provides is their online regimen builder — but Pakistani buyers often don't know how to use it or access it. Here is a simplified regimen guide based on the most common Pakistani skin concerns:
For oily + acne-prone Pakistani skin: AM: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% → Natural Moisturising Factors + HA → Mineral UV Filters SPF 30. PM: Squalane Cleanser → Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (3-4x/week) → Niacinamide 10% + Zinc → Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. For dark spots + hyperpigmentation: AM: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA → Vitamin C Suspension 23% (if tolerated) → Moisturiser → SPF 50. PM: Niacinamide → Retinol 0.2-0.5% (3x/week, alternating with Lactic Acid 10%) → Moisturiser. For anti-ageing Pakistani skin over 35: AM: Vitamin C Suspension 23% → Argireline Solution 10% → Moisturiser → SPF 50. PM: Granactive Retinoid 2% → Buffet (peptide combination) → Natural Moisturising Factors.
FAQ: The Ordinary in Pakistan
Q: The Ordinary prices in Pakistan seem very different between sellers. Why? The Ordinary products have an official MSRP from DECIEM. Prices significantly below this (e.g., niacinamide 30ml selling for PKR 500 when authentic costs PKR 1,500-2,000) are almost certainly counterfeit. Prices significantly above this represent import duty, customs, and retailer margin for Pakistan — 20-50% above DECIEM retail is normal for Pakistan. Very cheap pricing is the #1 indicator of counterfeit products. Q: How do I store The Ordinary products in Pakistan's climate? Vitamin C products (ascorbic acid) and retinols should be refrigerated in Pakistan's summer heat to prevent oxidation and degradation. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and most other serums are stable at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Never store The Ordinary products in a car or bathroom where temperature fluctuates significantly. Q: Can I use The Ordinary products on my body? Yes — several The Ordinary products are appropriate for body application: Niacinamide for arms and back with hyperpigmentation, AHA/BHA Peeling Solution for rough body skin areas, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution for body exfoliation, Retinol for stretch marks and body skin ageing. Body use requires larger quantities than facial use, making the value proposition even stronger at The Ordinary's low price points.
The Ordinary Storage Guide for Pakistan's Climate
Pakistan's extreme summer temperatures (40-45°C in many cities) and humidity create challenging storage conditions for The Ordinary products, some of which are temperature-sensitive. Product-specific storage: Vitamin C products (Ascorbic Acid powder, Vitamin C Suspension 23%): Refrigerate in Pakistan's summer — heat and light oxidise vitamin C rapidly, turning it from white/yellow to brown-orange, indicating degradation. A degraded vitamin C product not only doesn't brighten skin but may cause irritation. Retinol products (all concentrations): Store in a cool, dark location. Refrigeration is recommended during Pakistani summers above 35°C. Refrigerator storage extends shelf life from 6 months to 12+ months for retinol products. Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin: More heat-stable. Store away from direct sunlight (Pakistan's intense sun through windows can degrade even these stable products over time). Room temperature storage is fine in Pakistan's winters; refrigeration in peak summer months extends shelf life. AHA/BHA Peeling Solution: Temperature-stable. Keep sealed when not in use — the red colour will gradually darken with oxidation but this doesn't indicate degradation in this product. Avoid storing in bathrooms where humidity fluctuations affect sealed products.
The Ordinary Batch Code Verification for Pakistani Buyers
Every authentic The Ordinary product has a batch code printed on the bottom (typically 4-6 characters). This batch code can be verified at checkfresh.com or cosmeticscop.com to confirm manufacturing date and expiry. Authentic The Ordinary niacinamide 30ml has a shelf life of 36 months from manufacture date. If a seller cannot provide batch code verification or if the code doesn't verify correctly, the product is likely counterfeit. BigBasket.pk provides batch codes for all The Ordinary purchases on request — and all stock is verified against DECIEM's authorised distributor database before being listed. When purchasing The Ordinary in Pakistan, this batch code verification step takes 30 seconds and confirms authenticity before investing in a product that will be applied to your skin daily.
