We're Not Fans of Black Friday

Black Friday has become synonymous with impulsive buying, and many businesses capitalize on that rush. What used to be one day of frenzied shopping has evolved into an entire season of sales.

So for the 7th year, to protest high-pressure consumerism that drives unnecessary sales, our online and physical stores will be closed today.

Instead, this November, we’re focusing on how to shop with intention for the quality you love, not the frenzy you don’t.

Transparency and education are at the heart of what we do. Sharing science with everyone also means helping you navigate the noise of Black Friday with clarity and confidence. In support of that mission, The Ordinary has developed a new Guide to Spotting a Fake Deal, helping people see through the noise of deep discounts and make more informed, intentional choices. We hope these tips help you find products of real value, not just a bargain.

1. Start with an intentional cart. Clear and edit promotional and marketing materials down to your essentials, and build wishlists for a curated cart. You can revisit it and check for price adjustments or added benefits any time.
2. Recognize when you’re getting less for less. If you knew you were getting less product, would you still want it? Shrinkflation, which happens when products shrink in size or quantity while the prices remain the same, is something you can avoid. Though quantity by weight or volume is usually indicated on the front of the packaging, you may actually be getting less product at a lower price, thereby shrinking the value.
3. Consideration over urgency. Take time to consider if your purchase is something you actually need or want, or just a decision made under pressure. While savings are appealing, the best purchase is one that will be loved and used.
4. Build benefits, not bundles. Are you buying more than you need? Bundles are tempting and often include items that aren’t suitable for you, whether discounted or full price.
5. Know that “limited editions” sometimes aren’t. We all love an exclusive offer. Time-sensitive releases of small quantities, batch-release, or scarcity tactics only tap into our have-to-have-it mindset. ‘Last chance’ or ‘low stock' products should mean just that–not that they’ll miraculously restock only to go on sale again week after week. Real deals don’t need pressure tactics.
6. Don’t get squeezed. If you frequently shop on a website, watch out for old or fluctuating prices that are newly labelled as Black Friday discounts. Check, compare and price-test each purchase.

While our shop is closed today, we encourage you to explore ways to deepen your skincare knowledge and refine your routine.

Because science belongs to us all — and understanding it is the first step toward making choices that truly benefit your skin.

Invest in Your Knowledge

• Try our Regimen Builder to find products for your specific concerns
• Learn How to Build a Skincare Regimen from the ground up
• Deepen your understanding of How to Layer Skincare Products
• Get to know our other brands — NIOD and LOoPHA

We'll see you tomorrow, refreshed and ready to help you choose what’s truly right for you. Slowvember continues on November 29th until December 7th.