How to Spot Fake The Ordinary Products in Pakistan

What to check before you buy The Ordinary in Pakistan, and when your order arrives: seller details, batch codes, packaging, ingredients and the product itself.

The Ordinary is one of the most popular skincare brands in Pakistan, which also makes it one of the most copied. Fake or refilled bottles can be ineffective at best and irritating at worst. This guide explains what to check before you buy and when your order arrives, so you can be confident you’re putting the real product on your skin.

Before you buy: check the seller

Price that’s far too low. Imported skincare has real costs: shipping, customs duties and storage. If a price is far below what established sellers charge, ask why.
A real business behind the store. Look for a company name, a physical address, a working phone or WhatsApp number and clear policies. Anonymous social media pages with no address are a risk.
Where the stock comes from. A good seller will tell you how they source products. Ask directly.
Clear return policy. Sellers confident in their stock will let you report a problem and return unopened products.
Cash on Delivery. COD lets you see the parcel before you pay.

When your order arrives: what to check

1. The outer box

The carton should be closed and intact, not opened, re-glued or crushed. Printing should be sharp, with no blurry text or spelling mistakes.

2. Batch code and expiry

The batch code printed on the carton should match the code on the bottle or tube. Check that the product is within its expiry date, or its period-after-opening symbol, once opened.

3. Ingredients list

Genuine The Ordinary cartons list the full ingredients (INCI). You can compare them with the ingredient list on the brand’s official website.

4. The bottle and dropper

Labels should be straight and well printed. Droppers and pumps should fit properly and work normally. Look for signs that a bottle has been opened and refilled, such as residue around the neck or a loose cap.

5. The product itself

Know roughly what the product should look and feel like. For example, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a slightly thick, clear-to-pale serum, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a clear, slightly gel-like liquid, and the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a deep red liquid. A strange smell, separation that shouldn’t be there, or a colour that’s clearly wrong is a warning sign. Some products, like pure Vitamin C, can naturally darken with age and air exposure, so check the expiry date too.

If something looks wrong

Don’t open or use the product. Take clear photos of the carton, bottle and batch code, and contact the seller straight away.

How we handle authenticity at OrdinaryOfficial.pk

OrdinaryOfficial.pk is run by Ordinary Pakistan (SMC-Private) Limited in Lahore, and we’ve been selling imported The Ordinary skincare since 2018. We’re an independent retailer. We import our stock through international stockists and suppliers rather than buying from local resellers, and we never refill, repackage or decant any product. Everything is dispatched sealed, exactly as we receive it.

Report any damaged, defective or incorrect item within 48 hours of delivery with photos, and we’ll resolve it.
Unopened, sealed products can be returned within 7 days.
Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, with flat Rs 200 delivery across Pakistan in 2–4 working days.

You can read the full details on our How We Check Authenticity page, or message us on WhatsApp at 0311-4034219 with any question before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ordinary sold officially in Pakistan?

Most The Ordinary products in Pakistan are sold by independent retailers who import them. That’s why it matters to choose a seller who is transparent about where their stock comes from.

Can a batch code prove a product is real?

A matching batch code on the carton and bottle is a good sign, but it isn’t proof on its own. Check it together with the packaging, the product itself and the seller’s reputation.

What should I do if I think I bought a fake?

Stop using it, keep the packaging, and contact the seller with photos. If you have any skin reaction, rinse it off and see a doctor if it doesn’t settle.

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