Name: The Ordinary - Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Brand: The Ordinary

What can the product work for?

Works for

Evens skin tone
Moisturizing
Anti-blemish
Anti-aging
Anti-oxidation

Evens skin tone

What does the product description say?

While strengthening the skin barrier, the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum also improves the look of uneven texture for a smoother appearance.

Source: The Ordinary

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ethyl linoleate.

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.

niacinamide 2.3% - 2.9%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

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

ethyl linoleate 0.7% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: LOW

Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

It helps recover the skin barrier in 2 hours*, and provides an immediate 86%** boost in skin hydration.

Source: The Ordinary

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: anhydroxylitol, xylitylglucoside.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide, ethyl linoleate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

asiatic acid 0.55% - 0.8%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

asiaticoside 0.55% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide 0.4% - 0.6%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

Anti-blemish

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.

In addition, this product contains ethyl linoleate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

niacinamide 2.3% - 2.9%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

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

ethyl linoleate 0.7% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking

Anti-aging

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: asiaticoside, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside.

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.

niacinamide 2.3% - 2.9%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

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

epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside 0.3% - 0.55%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

A synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin

asiaticoside 0.55% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

Anti-oxidation

This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - naringenin also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

asiaticoside 0.55% - 0.85%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside 0.3% - 0.55%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

A synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin

naringenin 0.5% - 0.7%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

A flavanoid that can be found in high concentrations in grapefruits, oranges, other citrus fruits, and tomato skin. Early studies suggest that it might be able to help reduce inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals

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User reviews (1)

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

niacinamide 2.3% - 2.9%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Evens skin tone, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Reduces irritation, Reduces redness, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial

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

ethyl linoleate 0.7% - 1.1%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Anti-inflammatory, Evens skin tone

Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking

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Potential irritants

zingiber officinale root extract 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

p-anisic acid 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating

Comodogenic ingredients

cetearyl alcohol 1.7% - 2%

Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium

Works for: Cleansing, Moisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

All ingredients

water 45% - 55%

Irritation risk:

Plain old water

propanediol 4.5% - 5.5%

Irritation risk:

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

isodecyl neopentanoate 4.1% - 5.1%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Pentylene glycol, Niacinamide, Hexyldecanol, Cetearyl alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Ceteth-20 phosphate, Anhydroxylitol, Ethyl linoleate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Naringenin, Cyanocobalamin, Panthenyl triacetate, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, Cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide, Bisabolol, Brassica campestris sterols, Sphingolipids, Phospholipids, Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, Gallyl glucoside, Propyl gallate, Xylitol, Zingiber officinale root extract, Stearic acid, Dicetyl phosphate, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan gum, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic acid, P-anisic acid, Phytic acid, Sodium phytate, Sodium citrate, Sodium hydroxide, Benzyl alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

	The Ordinary - Soothing & Barrier Support Serum	Bonjour - Derma MDK Repair Ampoule Sponsored	Institut Esthederm - Excellage Firming Face Serum	Bonjour - Derma MDK Repair Ampoule	ADVANCED CLINICALS - 5% Niacinamide Serum	ISANA - Overnight Moisture Serum	Farm Stay - Cica Farm Blemish Clear Ampoule	Carenology 95 - RE:BLUE Deep Concentrate Ampoule	Real Barrier - Cicarelief Serum	SKIN 1004. - Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule	Centellian24 - Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule	PYUNKANG YUL - Black Tea Boosting Serum
Price
WIMJ similarity score		78%	82%	78%	77%	77%	75%	75%	74%	74%	74%	74%
Key ingredients	niacinamide madecassic acid +13 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +2 more Other: centella asiatica extract hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans +1 more	Common: niacinamide anhydroxylitol +5 more Other: adenosine palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 +16 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +2 more Other: centella asiatica extract hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans +1 more	Common: niacinamide anhydroxylitol +1 more Other: ascorbic acid ferulic acid +5 more	Common: niacinamide anhydroxylitol +1 more Other: glycerin	Common: niacinamide anhydroxylitol +4 more Other: adenosine panthenol +14 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +3 more Other: copper tripeptide-1 adenosine +14 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +2 more Other: madecassoside adenosine +13 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +2 more Other: adenosine phytosphingosine +11 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +3 more Other: madecassoside adenosine +15 more	Common: niacinamide madecassic acid +2 more Other: madecassoside adenosine +19 more
Irritancy	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM
Potential Irritants	benzyl alcohol Has skin benefit? p-anisic acid Has skin benefit? +15 more	caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? pentylene glycol Has skin benefit? +5 more	ascorbic acid Has skin benefit? propylene glycol Has skin benefit? +14 more	caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? pentylene glycol Has skin benefit? +5 more	ascorbic acid Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? +5 more	vitis vinifera fruit extract Has skin benefit? lactic acid Has skin benefit? +1 more	ci 19140 Has skin benefit? parfum Has skin benefit? +7 more	limonene Has skin benefit? tanacetum annuum flower oil Has skin benefit? +6 more	lavandula angustifolia oil Has skin benefit? citrus aurantium dulcis oil Has skin benefit? +12 more	phytosterols Has skin benefit? lauric acid Has skin benefit? +12 more	thymus serpyllum extract Has skin benefit? 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid Has skin benefit? +22 more	gardenia florida fruit extract Has skin benefit? scutellaria baicalensis root extract Has skin benefit? +25 more
All ingredients	water Has skin benefit? propanediol Has skin benefit? +43 more	centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +13 more	water Has skin benefit? dimethicone Has skin benefit? +59 more	centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +13 more	water Has skin benefit? niacinamide Has skin benefit? +19 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +11 more	water Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +40 more	water Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +37 more	centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? dipentaerythrityl hexa c5-9 acid esters Has skin benefit? +48 more	centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +41 more	water Has skin benefit? dipropylene glycol Has skin benefit? +59 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +65 more

PRODUCT REVIEW

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

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Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

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Product summary

Ingredient callouts

About the brand

Price

What can the product work for?

Works for

Evens skin tone

What does the product description say?

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Anti-blemish

Anti-aging

Anti-oxidation

Honesty check

How honest is this product?

Buy now

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CA Retailers

Can it cause trouble?

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

User reviews (1)

Similar products & dupes

Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

All ingredients

Ingredient list view

Sources