The Ordinary, an industry leader in transparency and ingredient-driven formulas, has unveiled its first-ever book, aptly titled Ingredients, marking a major milestone in its nearly decade-long journey to empower and educate beauty enthusiasts.
- Going Beyond the Bottle: Science-Driven Storytelling
- Nicola Kilner: On The Book’s Mission
- What’s Inside: A Guide for Every Skincare Explorer
- Bridging the Gap: From Digital Leader to Physical Education
- What Early Readers and Insiders Say
- What This Means for Skincare Brands and Industry Education
- About The Ordinary and Deciem
The coffee table book, now available following a high-profile UK launch, delivers what the brand calls credible education on the commodity ingredients that have gained fame in the skincare industry, helping consumers truly understand what goes into their skincare routines.
Going Beyond the Bottle: Science-Driven Storytelling
Ingredients is not just another beauty brand vanity project. Written from the perspective of The Ordinary’s scientific team, the book promises to debunk formulations to help simplify skin care education for consumers. It’s a detailed, visually stunning guide that:
- Deciphers product labels and claims with accessible, science-backed explanations
- Provides clear guidance on the best ingredients for common concerns, including acne, sensitivity, and ageing
- Tackles ingredient controversies and myth busting with the voice of research and experience, not just marketing.
Every chapter is packed with full-color photography and practical storytelling, inviting readers to both learn and explore.
Nicola Kilner: On The Book’s Mission
At the UK press launch, Nicola Kilner, co-founder of Deciem, The Ordinary’s parent company, described the significance:
“We have officially launched our book, which I am so proud of,” said Kilner.
“This is the first time we have created a physical product that is not a beauty formulation as such, and this is so important to our brand identity.
“The Ordinary since 2016 – so almost a decade now – our focus has been on ingredients, but really the transparency, education, and empowering our community to have access to the tools and knowledge so they can make the right decision for themselves.”
What’s Inside: A Guide for Every Skincare Explorer
Ingredients takes readers through a deep dive into formulations, ingredients, and labels using science-driven storytelling. Some of its signature content includes:
- Best in class ingredient recommendations for treating breakouts, reducing sensitivity, or slowing the signs of ageing
- Side-by-side explanations of ingredients to embrace versus overhyped fads
- Straight talk on controversial ingredients and the science behind popular skin claims
The book aims to encourage further exploration, discovery, and learning, a philosophy that aligns closely with The Ordinary’s cult following of ingredient-obsessed, research-oriented users.
Bridging the Gap: From Digital Leader to Physical Education
For a brand that made its name (and fortunes) online—famously introducing the world to single-ingredient niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums releasing a print book is notable. It represents an evolution:
- A tangible resource for both beginners and experts, far beyond fleeting TikTok hacks or Instagram how-tos
- A signal of authority: Bringing the Deciem science team’s wisdom directly into readers’ hands, demystifying both marketing and formulations
What Early Readers and Insiders Say
Reactions at the launch and on social media point to a sense of relief and appreciation. It’s so nice to have a brand actually explain what’s inside, not just why it’s clean or natural. Finally, science wins over hype, said one beauty editor who attended the unveiling.
What This Means for Skincare Brands and Industry Education
The Ordinary’s initiative arrives as consumers increasingly demand clarity on what goes in their bottles. A wave of recent regulations, crackdowns on greenwashing, and a rising tide of ingredient-savvy buyers means brands with authentic education will likely win loyalty—and avoid scrutiny. As Deciem’s team says, Ingredients is a book that is about exploration and discovery, not just sales.
About The Ordinary and Deciem
Launched in 2016, The Ordinary revolutionized skincare by making single-ingredient formulas affordable and readable for the mass market, a movement that quickly built a global customer base. Parent company Deciem, headquartered in Toronto, is now part of The Estée Lauder Companies, but has retained its ethos of radical transparency and science-first marketing.
