I Tried The Ordinary’s New Serum That Promises to Firm, Smooth and Revitalise Ageing Skin
Alisha Bhojwani is a Sydney-based digital strategist and content specialist. When she's not reminding her friends to wear SPF, you can find her drenching her face in Vitamin C and consuming copious amounts of peanut butter. You can find her on Instagram here @alishabhojwani_.
As someone in my thirties, I’m at that point where “preventative” skincare is becoming less about future-proofing and more about maintaining what I’ve got.
Fine lines? You bet I’ve got them… Is my skin feeling a little less plump? Yup.
So when The Ordinary dropped their new GF 15% Solution serum promising to smooth, firm, and revitalise the skin barrier…I was intrigued.
After all, The Ordinary is known for delivering high-performance formulas without the premium price tag.
With the way cost of living is right now... this $30 serum seemed like a no-brainer to try.
But will The Ordinary GF 15% solution actually replace my botox appointment? That’s something we’re about to find out together.
Because after putting it to the test for a few weeks, here’s my honest review...including what makes this formula unique and whether it’s worth adding to your routine.
What Is The Ordinary GF 15% Solution?
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is a multi-tasking serum designed to target visible signs of ageing while improving overall skin health. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Growth Factors (GF): The serum contains a 15% concentration of growth factors, which are proteins that signal the skin to repair itself. They help stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, smoother skin over time.
- Barrier Support: Unlike some anti-ageing serums that can be harsh on the skin, this one is designed to support the skin’s barrier function — making it suitable even for sensitive skin.
- Peptides and Amino Acids: These work alongside the growth factors to improve skin texture and boost hydration levels.
- Lightweight, Non-Sticky Texture: The formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it easy to layer with other products.
- Affordable Price Point: At under $30, it’s one of the most budget-friendly serums targeting both barrier health and age management.
My The Ordinary GF 15% Solution Review.
First things first... the texture is a dream.
It’s lightweight and silky and absorbs quickly into the skin without any pilling or tackiness.
After cleansing, I used a few drops both morning and night, followed by the rest of my skincare routine.
What stood out immediately was how instantly hydrated my skin felt, especially since it can be prone to dryness, especially after using active ingredients, but not with this serum.
My skin felt soft and bouncy. After about a week, I noticed my cheeks looking smoother and my under eyes looking more plump.
By week two, I started to notice that the crow’s feet around my eyes had lessened slightly; it wasn’t overly obvious or dramatic, but my skin definitely felt more awake, and I looked fresher.
Overall, my skin, especially my chin and forehead area (typically my problem areas), felt more refined and looked softer.
The real win, though, was how it supported my skin’s barrier.
There’s been no redness, no irritation, even after going in with stronger actives like retinol…And for someone who has sensitive combination skin, that’s a great result.
Final Verdict.
If you’re in your thirties and wanting to take your skin care routine seriously, The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is an easy yes.
It’s effective, gentle, and easy on the wallet, which is pretty hard find for an anti-ageing serum.
It’s ideal for anyone looking to improve skin texture, boost hydration, and support overall skin health without splurging on high-end formulas.
The one thing I will say is that, this won’t replace the effects you get from your injectables, but at $30, this serum packs a punch (in a good way), and proves that the quality of skincare doesn’t come down to the price tag but rather, the formulation.
Would I keep using it?
Absolutely. It’s not an overnight miracle, but with consistent use, I’ve seen firmer, softer and more hydrated skin all while keeping my barrier happy.
Honestly, it’s a win-win.
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