Your Simplest, Most Effective Skincare Routine

In an era of lengthy, confusing regimens, The Ordinary The Daily Set offers a pared-down, clinically backed lineup that covers core concerns: hydration, brightening, and barrier health.

In this article, we’ll explore each product in the set, its key benefits, optimal usage, routine placement, expert insights, and advanced tips—so you can adopt a foolproof AM and PM protocol without cluttering your shelf.

Shop The Ordinary The Daily Set

Understanding the Three Core Serums

The Daily Set includes:

1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Deep hydration by drawing moisture into the skin. 
2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Controls sebum, minimizes pores, and strengthens barrier. 
3. Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% – Brightens, fades discoloration, and delivers antioxidant protection. 

These actives work synergistically: hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths; niacinamide refines texture and balances oil; vitamin C tackles dullness and photo-aging.

Texture & Formulation Insights

Each serum offers a distinct feel and delivery system:

• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Lightweight gel that absorbs in seconds—ideal for all skin types. 
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Transparent water-like solution; no residue, making it perfect under makeup. 
• Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%: A slightly sandy cream-gel that melts into skin, leaving a subtle glow. 

Knowing these textures helps you layer correctly and avoid pilling.

AM Routine: Energize and Protect

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. 
2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Apply 2–3 drops on damp skin; pat gently. 
3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Dispense 2–3 drops; smooth over T-zone and cheeks. 
4. Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Follow with broad-spectrum protection—non-negotiable after vitamin C. 

This trio primes skin by hydrating, clarifying, and ensuring that SPF can perform effectively.

PM Routine: Repair and Brighten

1. Cleanse: Double-cleanse if wearing makeup or sunscreen. 
2. Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%: Apply a pea-sized amount; allow it to sink in 2–3 minutes. 
3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Layer to replenish moisture lost during cleansing. 
4. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Finish to support barrier repair and sebum balance overnight. 

This order maximizes vitamin C efficacy while ensuring hydration and barrier reinforcement.

Shop The Ordinary The Daily Set

Ingredient Deep Dive: What Makes Them Work

• Hyaluronic Acid (Low- & High-Molecular): Draws up to 1,000× its weight in water into multiple skin layers. 
• Niacinamide: Increases ceramide and lipid production, fortifies barrier, reduces inflammatory redness. 
• Vitamin C Suspension: Oil-free formulation delivers pure L-ascorbic acid concentration for pigment correction and collagen support; HA spheres cushion potential irritation. 

Clinical studies validate each active’s ability to improve hydration, even tone, and resilience with consistent use.

Advanced Layering Techniques

• Dabbing vs. Rubbing: Pat hyaluronic acid in rather than rubbing to optimize absorption. 
• Spot-Treat with Niacinamide: Concentrate on enlarged pores or oily zones; avoid under-eye area. 
• Buffer Vitamin C: If irritation occurs, mix 1:1 with a light moisturizer before application. 
• Mix & Match: On non-sun-exposed days, you can alternate Vitamin C on PM only to minimize sensitivity. 

These tweaks refine the basic protocol to your skin’s unique needs.

Community & Expert Reviews

Dermatologists applaud The Daily Set for its transparency—full strength percentages, no shady blends. Beauty editors call it “the quickest $36 you’ll spend for real results.” User surveys report:

• 89% noticed smoother skin texture in two weeks. 
• 76% saw reduced oiliness and smaller pores in one month. 
• 82% experienced brighter, more even tone after six weeks. 

These metrics underscore the set’s ability to deliver foundational skin health.

Travel-Ready & Eco-Conscious Packaging

Each 30 ml serum comes in a recyclable PET bottle with an easy-dispense dropper. The compact size fits cabin-approved toiletry kits. The Ordinary’s refill-centric ethos and minimalist packaging reduce waste—aligning your routine with sustainable values.

Shop The Ordinary The Daily Set

Potential Considerations & Patch Testing

• Irritation Risk: Vitamin C Suspension may cause slight tingling—start with every-other-night use. 
• pH Differentials: Niacinamide and vitamin C can antagonize at extreme pH; separating their application by 5–10 minutes minimizes conflict. 
• Allergy Alert: Always patch test new serums on inner forearm. 

These precautions ensure you enjoy benefits without setbacks.

Tracking Your Progress

• Photo Journal: Snap weekly selfies under consistent lighting to monitor texture and tone improvements. 
• Oil Control Diary: Note shine levels through the day to gauge niacinamide’s impact. 
• Hydration Score: Rate skin tightness on a scale of 1–5 before and after adding the set. 

Data-driven tracking helps you stay motivated and on-target.

Ingredient Spotlight: The Role of Niacinamide and Zinc

While niacinamide and zinc are power players individually, their synergistic effect in The Ordinary The Daily Set is what truly elevates your skin’s health. Niacinamide (10%) works to regulate sebum production, strengthen the lipid barrier, and reduce inflammation—meaning fewer breakouts and a more even tone. Zinc (1%), on the other hand, is a humble mineral hero: it accelerates wound healing, calms redness, and balances oiliness by acting as a cofactor for dozens of enzymatic reactions in the skin. When applied together, they not only minimize pore appearance and quell oil surges, but also support a robust barrier that better locks in hydration from your hyaluronic acid serum. Over time, you’ll notice that skin texture becomes smoother, blemishes fade faster, and your complexion maintains a balanced, resilient glow—even through those all-night study sessions or early-morning Zoom calls.

Shop The Ordinary The Daily Set

Sustainability & Brand Philosophy

Beyond clinical efficacy, The Ordinary champions a minimalist, eco-conscious approach. Each serum in The Daily Set is formulated with only the active ingredients you need—no fancy fillers, dyes, or fragrances—drastically reducing waste in packaging and manufacturing. Bottles are made from recyclable PET plastic, and dropper caps are designed for maximum dosing accuracy to minimize product waste. The brand’s parent company, DECIEM, publishes open-access ingredient safety data and sourcing transparency reports, ensuring you know exactly what goes into your routine. By choosing this set, you’re embracing a philosophy that values potent simplicity, environmental responsibility, and consumer education—so you can feel good about both your skin’s health and your carbon footprint.

Dermatologist Recommendations & Best Practices

Top dermatologists often recommend The Daily Set as the foundational “trifecta” for any skincare regimen. They advise starting slowly—especially with Vitamin C Suspension—and observing how your skin responds before moving to full strength. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s best to patch-test each serum on the forearm and introduce one product at a time, about one week apart. Experts also emphasize the critical importance of pairing these actives with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 in the morning, since both niacinamide and vitamin C can make skin more photosensitive. Finally, they suggest keeping a consistent routine—twice daily application for 6–8 weeks—before expecting to see measurable improvements in hydration, pore size, and brightness. Patience paired with precision yields the most dramatic and lasting results.

Conclusion

The Ordinary The Daily Set distills effective skincare to three powerhouse serums that hydrate, clarify, and brighten—backed by clinical percentages and zero filler. Its dual AM/PM protocols fit seamlessly into any lifestyle, and its clean, transparent formulation earns trust from experts and users alike. Simplify your regimen without sacrificing results: apply, protect, repair, and glow.

Shop The Ordinary The Daily Set

FAQ

1. What’s included in The Ordinary The Daily Set? 
   • Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 
   • Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 
   • Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 
2. Can I use all three serums together?
   Yes—follow the AM and PM routines outlined above, allowing 2–3 minutes between each for absorption. 
3. Will Vitamin C Suspension irritate my skin?
   Some tingling is normal. For sensitive skin, buffer it with moisturizer or reduce frequency to every other night. 
4. Does niacinamide remove hyperpigmentation?
   It evens tone over time by regulating melanin transfer and strengthening the barrier against inflammation. 
5. How long before I see results?
   Hydration improvements appear in days; oil control and texture refinements within 2–4 weeks; brightness gains in 6–8 weeks. 
6. Can I layer these under makeup?
   Absolutely—wait 1–2 minutes after serums to ensure full absorption, then apply sunscreen and makeup as usual. 
7. Is The Daily Set suitable for all skin types?
   Yes—its core focus is foundational skin health, benefiting oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. 
8. How should I store the serums?
   Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve active stability. 
9. Are these products vegan and cruelty-free?
   Yes—The Ordinary formulas are vegan-friendly and never tested on animals. 
10. Can I travel with these serums?
    Each 30 ml bottle is TSA-compliant; pack in a clear quart-sized bag for hassle-free airport security.