How to Check an Original The Ordinary Serum in Pakistan

Guide · Authenticity · Updated November 2026

Fake skincare is common in Pakistan, and The Ordinary’s plain, minimal packaging is easy to imitate. No single test is perfect, but several checks together give a reliable picture. Use this guide before you apply any ordinary serum to your face, whoever sold it to you.

1. Check the batch code

Original products carry a batch code on the bottle that is repeated on the outer box, and the two should match. Look for crisp, evenly spaced, permanent print, and make sure you are reading the batch code rather than the barcode or a product reference number. The code mainly tells you how old the stock is: DECIEM, the company behind the brand, gives an unopened shelf life of three years, so a code pointing to old manufacture is a reason to walk away. Independent batch-code lookup tools exist, but they are a freshness aid only. A valid-looking code is not proof of authenticity, because fakes can copy real codes.

2. Inspect the print and label quality

Hold the bottle in good light. Genuine labels have sharp, evenly aligned text, consistent font weight and clean edges. Fakes often show blurry lettering, odd spacing, spelling errors, uneven ink, or labels that sit crooked or peel at the corners. Check for the open-jar period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, and compare the cap, dropper and glass finish with photos on the brand’s official site. Retailer listings of genuine products show barcodes beginning 769915, but barcodes are easy to copy, so treat this as a minor clue only.

3. Notice texture, colour and smell

Know what the product should feel like. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 are water-based serums, the second a little more tacky on the skin. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a water-free, oily-feeling solution. Be wary of unexpected thickness, cloudiness, strong perfume or an off, chemical smell. If a product looks separated, discoloured or irritates on first touch, wash it off, stop using it and keep the packaging.

4. Treat prices that look too good with suspicion

Genuine imported stock has real costs: purchase, shipping, duties and storage. If a seller charges far below reputable stockists, ask why. Very cheap listings, unlimited stock of sold-out items, and sellers who will not share batch codes or purchase proof are all red flags. A normal price does not guarantee authenticity either, so combine the price check with every step above.

5. Buy from sellers who can show where stock comes from

DECIEM recommends buying only from itself or its authorized retailers, listed on the brand’s Find Us page, and says it cannot verify the authenticity of products bought anywhere else. Ask a seller where stock is sourced and what happens if a product proves fake. Storage matters too: the brand advises a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and its retinol products should be refrigerated after opening.

What to do if you suspect a fake

Stop using it, photograph the bottle, box and batch code, and contact the seller. If you had a reaction, speak to a doctor or dermatologist. You can also report counterfeit goods to the platform where you bought them.

Our commitment

OrdinarySerum.pk is not open yet. When we launch, we will sell original, imported stock only and show the batch code on every product page so you can compare it with your delivery. Meanwhile, see the ordinary serums arriving in Pakistan or return to the home page.