The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Glycerin + 3 moreWorks well
“In addition, the serum-textured formulation also helps improve the feel of skin texture across the face, chest and legs, while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier, and promoting smoother skin.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNiacinamide, TocopherolWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion is a multi-functional formula that helps fade the look of dark spots on the face and body, for a more even-looking skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 2 community members would buy it again.
Very basic. Not much of a moisturizer, almost like a serum. Plain. But maybe that's a good thing? But you can get your niacinamide included in other formulas, no need for an extra step.
Hasn't broken me out. Dries down a little slower than other more liquid-y serums but still quick and feels okay. Doesn't have a great smell but nothing concerning. I use it under my sunscreen and it doesn't make it pill. Good so far!
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Ethyl macadamiate~5.8–8.8%
Niacinamide~4–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePropanediol~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlycerin~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSphingomonas ferment extract~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pentylene glycol~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolEthylhexyl olivate~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl olivatePolyglyceryl-4 oleate~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-4 oleateSodium acrylates copolymer~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerIsoceteth-20~0.5–1.15%
Sodium citrate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateCitric acid~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidMalic acid~0.2–0.7%
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateTocopherol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolEthylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Ethyl macadamiate, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sphingomonas ferment extract, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexyl olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Isoceteth-20, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Malic acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| The OrdinaryNiacinamide 5% Face and Body EmulsionYOUR PRODUCT | FacileBrighten 5% Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots & Uneven Texture | CeraVeHydrating Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Face Moisturizer | UNPAHalo Celtening Ampoule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 89% | 88% | 88% |
| Price | $14.00 | $38.00+$24.00 | $21.99+$7.99 | $16.59+$2.59 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Azelaic Acid | Ceramide Np | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: IVY AïA Hydra Boost Water GelSkincall Daily Triple Serum
Product summary
"The Ordinary - Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion" is effective for: Moisturizing, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.00% - 5.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Humectants (glycerin 2.20% - 3.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
What our users say
Based on 2 reviews 50% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of two reviewers say that the product does not clog pores.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 14.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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