Fact vs. Fiction: 6 Skincare Myths Explained By Our Experts

At The Ordinary, there’s nothing spookier than misinformation, like unsupported beauty trends and skincare myths. These widespread misconceptions can be frightful for your skin, your wallet, and leave you feeling unsure about what really works.

We believe knowledge is power and transparency makes effective skincare accessible for everyone. In the spirit of our myth-busting Truth Should Be Ordinary campaign, our team will reveal the scientific facts behind common skincare fiction and share their expert advice for choosing products that truly deliver results. 

There’s a widespread fear that any ingredient with a chemical-sounding name is harmful or toxic. This leads people to seek out “natural” or "chemical-free" products, which they believe are better for their skin. 

What The Science Says

There’s no such thing as a chemical-free product, because everything is a chemical—even water. In the language of chemistry, a chemical is any substance with a definite composition. For example, a simple combination of one atom of oxygen (O) and two atoms of hydrogen (H) gives us H₂O, the chemical formula of water. In this context, water is a chemical. 

The term "chemical" is frequently used to misrepresent beneficial and safe skincare ingredients. In reality, these ingredients have gone through extensive research and testing, and are subject to strict regulations before they’re added to any skincare formulation. At The Ordinary, we recommend choosing skincare based on the function of its ingredients and on whether product claims are supported by scientific and safety data. 

“Purchasing decisions shouldn’t be made through fear, especially fear of ‘chemicals,’ says Rita Silva, Scientific Communications. The scary-sounding ingredients on labels are often just the technical terms for everyday substances, not a warning sign. Skincare is confusing enough and keeping track of so-called “nasties” shouldn’t be your job.

A higher price tag can often be perceived to signal better ingredients, more effective formulations, or enhanced results. . This perception may influence consumers to spend more, under the impression that higher cost reflects higher quality.

What The Science Says

Price doesn't always reflect efficacy. While some costlier products are formulated with unique ingredients or advanced delivery systems, many affordable options contain highly effective ingredients at optimal concentrations. Marketing and branding expenses may also have a significant impact on cost—but have nothing to do with how well a formulation performs on your skin.

When choosing skincare, we recommend evaluating your skin concerns and selecting ingredients proven to address them rather than focusing only on price.

“How we arrive at a specific price point depends on many different factors, including ingredients, formulation, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and others,” says Silva. “We also do much of our research, formulation, testing and production in house. This means we have more visibility and control over the process, which allows us to make our products as accessible as possible.”

Another common skincare myth suggests natural ingredients are inherently safe compared to their lab-made counterparts. It is sometimes assumed that if an ingredient is derived from nature, it must be safe for the skin, and unlikely to cause irritation or adverse effects.

What The Science Says

“Natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe or effective. Ingredients from nature can also carry risks, such as contamination with microbes or heavy metals, or compounds that may cause irritation or allergies in some people. This is why all skincare ingredients—natural or synthetic—are carefully tested before use.

What really determines safety and results are factors like concentration, formulation, and compliance with strict quality standards. We recommend looking at evidence and testing when building confidence in a product, rather than focusing on whether its ingredients are natural or synthetic.

“Just because an ingredient is natural, its safety or efficacy isn’t guaranteed,” clarifies Silva. In The Ordinary’s Lab, we will always consider all vegan ingredient sources, including those derived from nature, but ultimately we will pick the best ingredient for the job, regardless of its origin.”

When it comes to skincare, more doesn’t always mean better. Adding extra products, repeating applications, or layering heavily doesn’t necessarily improve results. Outcomes depend on factors such as formulation, consistency, proper application, and how products are combined within a regimen.

What The Science Says

A consistent, simple skincare routine can be more effective than a lengthy one. Using too many skincare products can lead to visible irritation and product pilling, and increase the chance of ingredient conflicts. This practice also makes it challenging to identify which products actually benefit your skin and which products don’t—especially if you experience a negative reaction. A core regimen consisting of a cleanser, treatments for your specific skin concerns, a moisturizer like Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan, and SPF may be all you need. 

“We are always working on new formulations and looking for the next innovation in skincare, but that doesn’t mean you need to use multiple products, or layer the next big thing on top of an already lengthy skincare routine!” admits Silva. Most scientists in our HQ have very simple, no-nonsense routines, and will mostly use products that specifically target their own skincare concerns.”

Build a regimen that meets your skin's unique needs

Even with strong evidence supporting daily sunscreen use, a common misconception still exists: that it’s only required on sunny days or when outdoors for extended periods.

What The Science Says

Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate clouds and windows year round. No matter the weather or the season, indoors or out, both UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin. Daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF like UV Filters SPF 45 Serum along with sun protection measures is beneficial for helping prevent premature aging and decrease the risk of skin cancer.

When you’re indoors or in the car, the amount of UV radiation that makes it through windows or skylights depends on the type of glass and the specific UV wavelength. Most standard glass types block nearly all UVB rays, but up to 14% of UVA rays can still pass through.

Any time you’re outdoors you’re exposed to UV radiation. Even when it’s overcast, UV rays still reach your skin, making sunscreen on cloudy days a must. Don’t think you need sunscreen in the winter? Snow can reflect the sun, exposing your skin to both indirect and direct UV radiation. 

Make a mineral or chemical broad-spectrum SPF part of your regimen, 365 days a year.

“While the numbers can make you think that you don’t really need SPF indoors, sun damage is cumulative—especially the damage incurred through UVA exposure,” says Silva. Small doses over time are what leads to oxidative damage, and subsequent signs of aging later on.”

Just as you would scrub a stubborn stain from a rug or shirt until it vanished, many people apply the same aggressive approach to dark spots, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. It’s easy to understand why overexfoliation is so prevalent.

What The Science Says

Exfoliating too much can severely damage your skin barrier, leading to symptoms like irritation, redness, increased sensitivity, and an increase in breakouts. Gentle exfoliation a few times a week is generally more beneficial for your skin than daily scrubbing. 

Ultimately, how often to exfoliate depends on your skin type, the strength of the product, and whether you use chemical vs physical exfoliation. Some of our products are tested and formulated for daily use, like Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, but everyone’s skin is different. 

If you’re new to a formulation or have sensitive skin, start with a patch test and then slowly introduce exfoliants into your regimen. Depending on how your skin reacts, you can determine a frequency that best suits your individual needs. 

“Dead skin naturally sheds itself daily, and even non-exfoliating products can accelerate this shedding through their skin-renewing properties,” explains Silva. "Because it can be easy to over exfoliate the skin, retinoids and exfoliating products should not be used in the same routine. If you want to reap the benefits of both, skip daily application and alternate between the two.”

Looking at skincare through a scientific lens makes it easier to spot myths and misconceptions, and build a regimen that truly works with your skin. . We recommend observing your skin closely, patch testing new products, and choosing formulations designed to meet your skin’s specific needs.