How to Patch Test The Ordinary Products

Everyone’s skin is unique and may respond differently to the same formulation, even if it’s tagged as suitable for all skin types or sensitive skin. Factors like your individual skin type, sensitivity, environment, and existing skincare regimen can all influence the way your skin responds to new products.

Testing new formulations on a small area of skin helps identify potential reactions early.

Patch testing is especially useful for ingredients that may be known to cause potential irritation or sensitivity for certain people, like retinoids or direct acids. Conducting a patch test can help guide you to know how much and how often to use stronger formulations, or if you should avoid them all together.

Let’s explore how to conduct a skin patch test at home for both leave-on and rinse-off products. This process can be conducted over a period of 1 to 3 days, re-applying in the same test area for consistency.

Leave-On Products

These products can include toners, essences, eye serums, serums, face oils, and moisturizers.

1. Apply a small amount of the product to a clean area of skin that’s not on your face, like the upper forearm.

2. Keep the area dry while the product is on your skin.

3. After 24 hours, rinse the area.

4. If irritation, or a reaction occurs before 24 hours, rinse immediately with cool to lukewarm water.

These products can include cleansers, peeling solutions, and masks.

1. Apply a small amount of the product to a clean area of skin that’s not on your face, like the upper forearm.

2. For cleansers, massage the product well onto wet or dry skin (as specified in the directions).

3. For peeling solutions and masks, let the product sit on your skin for the length of time specified in the directions.

4. Rinse the product off once your skin is cleansed or the specified time has passed.

After you rinse off the product, monitor your skin for signs of a negative reaction. These may include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Itching

• Burning

• Rash

• Other discomfort

Delayed Reactions

Reactions may not always be immediate. We recommend observing your skin for a few days after the initial test before using the product on your face.

Vitamin C and Direct Acids

A mild tingling sensation is common after applying vitamin C or direct acids. However, redness, stinging, or burning is not. If you experience any of these reactions, these ingredients may not be suitable for your skin.

If no reaction occurs after a few days, the product may be suitable for use on your face.

It’s important to note that a successful patch test does not mean that irritation will never occur. Patch testing only gauges your initial irritation reaction to a product and does not guarantee similar results on other areas of the body, after continuous use, or in combination with other products.

Additionally, patch testing does not account for underlying conditions and should not be used to diagnose hypersensitivity or allergic contact dermatitis. If you have any concerns about starting a new product, it’s best to consult a dermatologist prior to use.

If you experience redness, burning, itching, irritation, or discomfort, within 24 hours of applying the product, rinse immediately with lukewarm water. Do not use the product on other areas of your body. If irritation persists, consult a healthcare professional.

In the event of a severe reaction like hives, swelling of eyes and mouth, blistering, or difficulty breathing, rinse immediately, stop using the product, contact a healthcare professional right away, and report the incident to the brand. We also invite you to explore our return policy for additional support.

All The Ordinary products are formulated with safety and efficacy in mind. Patch testing is simply an extra step we can all take to experiment safely and feel confident in our skincare purchases. We encourage you to explore The Ordinary’s full range of skincare formulations with our Patch Testing Guide in mind.

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