The Best Ordinary Products for Acne Scars
[6 Best of the Best Picks to Fade Acne Marks Fast — Gently & Effectively]
Acne is bad enough—but the scars it leaves behind? That’s a whole other story.
If you’re like most of us, you’re probably on a mission to fade those stubborn dark spots, uneven patches, and leftover texture issues that linger long after your breakouts are gone. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune on high-end treatments to get real results.
Enter: The Ordinary. This no-nonsense skincare brand is known for delivering high-performance ingredients at shockingly affordable prices. And when it comes to treating acne scars—especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—they’ve got some seriously powerful options.
In this guide, we’re diving into the 6 best The Ordinary products for acne scars, how to use them, when to layer them, and how to build a scar-fading routine that actually works.
🔍 First, What Type of Acne Scars Do You Have?
Before grabbing every serum in sight, let’s break down the types of acne scars:
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Flat dark marks left behind after pimples heal. These are the most common and easiest to treat.
- Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): Pink or red discoloration (especially in fair skin).
- Textural Scars: Indented (atrophic) or raised (hypertrophic) scars from deeper skin damage—harder to treat topically.
The Ordinary’s products work best for fading hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture—so if you’re dealing with dark marks, uneven tone, or mild texture issues, you’re in the right place.
🏆 6 Best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars (2025 Edition)
Here’s your go-to lineup of top-performing, acne-scar-fighting heroes from The Ordinary.
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
⭐ Best For: Fading dark spots, reducing redness, and balancing oil
This is hands-down one of The Ordinary’s most famous products—and for good reason. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a powerhouse ingredient that helps:
- Fade pigmentation
- Reduce redness and inflammation
- Control sebum (oil) production
- Strengthen the skin barrier
Why We Love It:
- Lightweight, water-based serum
- Layers easily with other actives
- Visible brightening after consistent use
How to Use: Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier serums or creams.
2. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
⭐ Best For: Targeted brightening of stubborn dark spots
Alpha arbutin is a gentle but effective brightener that works by inhibiting melanin production, making it perfect for fading acne pigmentation over time. The added hyaluronic acid (HA) helps with hydration and deeper delivery.
Why We Love It:
- Targets only the pigmented areas—won’t lighten normal skin tone
- Hydrating and gentle for sensitive skin
- Works well when layered with niacinamide
How to Use: Use AM and/or PM after niacinamide or alone. Always follow with SPF in the morning.
3. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
⭐ Best For: Red marks, dullness, and uneven tone
This multitasking formula helps brighten, smooth, and reduce inflammation—ideal if you’re prone to redness or leftover post-acne pinkness (PIE).
Why We Love It:
- Brightens without irritation
- Helps prevent future breakouts
- Smooths out uneven tone and bumps
How to Use: Apply a small amount after serums, before moisturizer. Start with 2–3x/week if you’re sensitive.
4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
⭐ Best For: Exfoliating dead skin, boosting cell turnover
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that exfoliates the top layer of the skin—great for unclogging pores and speeding up scar fading by promoting cell turnover.
Why We Love It:
- Smooths texture and brightens tone
- Reduces dullness and buildup
- Works over time to lighten dark patches
How to Use: Use at night 2–3x per week. Follow with hydration and always wear sunscreen the next day.
5. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
⭐ Best For: Gentle resurfacing and brightening
If glycolic feels too harsh, this is your next best pick. Lactic acid is a milder AHA that gently resurfaces skin, fades pigmentation, and enhances glow.
Why We Love It:
- Ideal for sensitive or dry skin types
- Includes HA for added hydration
- Helps smooth rough or bumpy texture
How to Use: Use 2–3x/week at night. Do not mix with other exfoliants in the same routine.
6. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
⭐ Best For: Smoothing texture, fading stubborn pigmentation, boosting cell turnover
Retinol is the gold standard for skin renewal—and this budget-friendly formula makes it accessible to all. It works by increasing cell turnover, which helps with fading scars and preventing future breakouts.
Why We Love It:
- Beginner-friendly strength (0.5%)
- Suspended in squalane for a nourishing finish
- Boosts collagen and smooths skin over time
How to Use: Start with 2x/week at night. Use only after patch testing, and never combine with exfoliating acids in the same routine.
🧴 How to Layer The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars
Here’s a simple routine using some of the top products above:
🌞 Morning Routine
- Cleanser
- Niacinamide + Zinc
- Alpha Arbutin + HA
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) ← Absolutely essential when treating dark spots!
🌙 Night Routine (Alternate Nights)
- Night 1: Exfoliation Focus
- Cleanser
- Glycolic or Lactic Acid
- Niacinamide or Azelaic Acid
- Moisturizer
- Night 2: Retinol Focus
- Cleanser
- Retinol in Squalane
- Moisturizer
Pro Tip: Don’t use glycolic/lactic acid and retinol on the same night—alternate them to avoid irritation.
Table of Contents
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use all six products together?
No—you’ll want to rotate and layer carefully to avoid over-exfoliation. Build a customized routine based on your skin’s sensitivity. Don’t use glycolic acid and retinol together.
❓ How long does it take to fade acne scars with The Ordinary?
With consistent use, you’ll likely start seeing visible improvement in 4–8 weeks. Deeper pigmentation or texture may take 3+ months.
❓ What’s the best product for deep pitted scars?
While The Ordinary can smooth skin and boost overall texture, deep scars often require in-office treatments (like microneedling or laser). However, retinol + chemical exfoliants can still help improve the appearance over time.
❓ Do I really need sunscreen?
Yes—every single day. Without SPF, your acne scars will take longer to fade and may darken further due to UV exposure.
❓ Which products should beginners start with?
If you’re new to actives, try starting with:
- Niacinamide (AM/PM)
- Alpha Arbutin (AM/PM)
- Lactic Acid or Azelaic Acid (PM 2x/week)
Then, after a few weeks, introduce retinol slowly.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Clearer Skin Is Within Reach—Affordably
You don’t need to spend hundreds to get real results. The Ordinary offers some of the best, dermatologist-loved ingredients—at prices anyone can afford.
Whether you’re looking to fade dark marks, calm post-acne redness, or smooth out texture, there’s a formula in this list for every skin type and experience level.
Just remember: consistency is key. The best skincare routine is the one you’ll stick with. Be gentle, protect your skin with SPF, and give it time—your skin will bounce back.