The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

PENTYLENE GLYCOL is a cosmetic ingredient recognized for its functions as a skin-conditioning agent and solvent. As a skin-conditioning agent, it helps to improve the feel and appearance of the skin, making it smoother and more hydrated. This function is particularly valuable in cosmetic formulations aimed at enhancing skin texture and moisture retention. Additionally, as a solvent, PENTYLENE GLYCOL aids in dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their incorporation into formulations and ensuring a uniform distribution throughout the product. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance the overall efficacy and sensory experience of their products.

A versatile skincare ingredient, niacinamide is celebrated for its ability to improve skin elasticity, enhance barrier function, and brighten the complexion. This makes it a powerful addition to formulations aimed at addressing uneven skin tone and texture.

CETEARYL ALCOHOL is a fatty alcohol commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its multifunctional properties. It serves as a skin-conditioning emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, it acts as a surfactant and emulsifier, stabilizing mixtures of water and oils, which is crucial for creating consistent and effective products. Its ability to boost foam and control viscosity makes it valuable in various formulations, contributing to the texture and application of creams, lotions, and cleansers. Overall, formulators may add CETEARYL ALCOHOL to enhance product performance and improve the sensory experience for users.

XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE is a humectant and skin-conditioning agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, thereby enhancing hydration levels and improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Formulators may add XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE to products to provide a moisturizing effect, making the skin feel softer and smoother. Additionally, its skin-conditioning properties can contribute to a more pleasant sensory experience when using cosmetic products.

ANHYDROXYLITOL is a naturally derived sugar alcohol that functions primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Its ability to attract and retain moisture makes it beneficial for maintaining skin hydration, which can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance. Formulators may add ANHYDROXYLITOL to products to enhance moisture content and improve the overall feel of the formulation on the skin, making it a valuable ingredient in various skincare products.

ASIATICOSIDE is a naturally derived compound known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors. It also serves as a skin-conditioning agent, contributing to the overall hydration and smoothness of the skin. Additionally, ASIATICOSIDE can be used for its perfuming qualities, adding a pleasant scent to cosmetic formulations. Formulators may include ASIATICOSIDE in their products to enhance skin health and improve the sensory experience of the product.

ASIATIC ACID is a naturally occurring compound often derived from the Centella Asiatica plant. It is primarily known for its skin-conditioning properties, which help to improve the overall appearance and feel of the skin. Additionally, ASIATIC ACID functions as a light-stabilizer, helping to protect formulations from degradation caused by exposure to light. Formulators may choose to include ASIATIC ACID in cosmetic products to enhance skin hydration and support skin health while also ensuring the stability of the product over time.

MADECASSIC ACID is a naturally occurring compound derived from the Centella Asiatica plant, commonly known as Gotu Kola. It is primarily recognized for its skin-conditioning properties, making it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations aimed at enhancing skin hydration and overall texture. Formulators often incorporate MADECASSIC ACID due to its potential to promote a healthier skin appearance and support the skin's natural barrier function, contributing to improved skin softness and smoothness.

CYANOCOBALAMIN, commonly known as Vitamin B12, serves primarily as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Its inclusion in products is aimed at enhancing the overall appearance and feel of the skin. By improving skin condition, formulators may seek to create products that promote a healthier look and texture, making it a valuable ingredient in various skincare applications.

Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, bisabolol helps to calm skin irritation and redness, making it a favorable ingredient for sensitive skin formulations. It also has moisturizing attributes that can enhance the skin's overall hydration.

SPHINGOLIPIDS are a class of lipids that play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes and are naturally found in the skin. In cosmetic formulations, they function primarily as skin-conditioning agents, providing emollient properties that help to soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, SPHINGOLIPIDS contribute to skin protection by forming a barrier that can help prevent moisture loss and shield the skin from environmental stressors. Formulators may add SPHINGOLIPIDS to enhance the overall texture and hydration of products, making them beneficial for various skincare applications.

PHOSPHOLIPIDS are a class of lipids that are a major component of cell membranes, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular structure and function. In cosmetics, they are primarily used for their skin-conditioning properties, helping to improve the skin's hydration and barrier function. Formulators may add phospholipids to enhance the texture and spreadability of products, as well as to provide a more natural feel on the skin, making them a valuable ingredient in various skincare formulations.

EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATYL GLUCOSIDE is a naturally derived compound known for its antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, it functions as a skin-conditioning agent, contributing to improved skin texture and hydration. Formulators may include this ingredient in cosmetic products to enhance skin health and provide a protective barrier against environmental aggressors.

GALLYL GLUCOSIDE is a cosmetic ingredient known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors, which can lead to premature aging. Additionally, it contributes to the overall hydration and smoothness of the skin, making it feel softer and more supple. Formulators may include GALLYL GLUCOSIDE in their products to enhance the skin's appearance and provide a protective barrier against harmful free radicals.

PROPYL GALLATE is a chemical compound commonly used in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties. It helps to stabilize formulations by preventing the oxidation of ingredients, which can lead to degradation and loss of efficacy. Additionally, PROPYL GALLATE can serve a perfuming function, contributing to the overall scent profile of a product. Formulators may choose to add this ingredient to enhance the shelf life of products and maintain their intended performance over time.

XYLITOL is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is primarily recognized for its properties as a humectant, which helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, contributing to hydration. Additionally, XYLITOL has anti-seborrheic properties, making it beneficial for controlling excess oil production, and it can also act as a deodorant by neutralizing odors. Formulators may include XYLITOL in products to enhance skin conditioning, improve texture, and provide a pleasant flavor in formulations where taste is relevant.

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT, commonly known as ginger root extract, is derived from the rhizome of the ginger plant. This ingredient is often included in cosmetic formulations for its various functions, including skin-conditioning and perfuming. It is known to impart a warm, spicy fragrance, making it a popular choice for enhancing the sensory experience of products. Additionally, its tonic properties may contribute to the overall appeal of formulations aimed at revitalizing the skin.

STEARIC ACID is a fatty acid commonly used in cosmetics for its multifunctional properties. It serves as a cleansing agent and a surfactant, helping to emulsify and stabilize formulations, which is essential for creating smooth and consistent textures in creams and lotions. Additionally, it can act as a refatting agent, replenishing skin lipids that may be stripped away during cleansing. Formulators may add STEARIC ACID to enhance the overall stability and performance of a product, as well as to contribute to its sensory attributes, such as texture and feel on the skin.

ISOCETETH-20 is a synthetic compound commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a surfactant and emulsifier. Its primary functions include helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients, allowing for a stable and uniform product texture. Additionally, it acts as a cleansing agent, assisting in the removal of dirt and impurities from the skin or hair. Formulators may add ISOCETETH-20 to enhance the performance and feel of a product, ensuring effective cleansing while maintaining a desirable consistency and stability in the formulation.

Xanthan Gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is primarily used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations, helping to improve the texture and viscosity of products. Formulators may add Xanthan Gum to enhance the stability of emulsions, prevent separation of ingredients, and create a desirable consistency in creams, gels, and lotions. Its ability to form a gel-like structure also contributes to a smooth application and feel on the skin.

TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE is a chelating agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to bind metal ions, which can help to stabilize products and enhance their efficacy by preventing the degradation of active ingredients that may occur in the presence of these metals. Formulators may add this ingredient to improve the overall stability and performance of a product, ensuring that it maintains its intended qualities over time.

Commonly known as Vitamin E, tocopherol acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and delivering anti-aging benefits. It also contributes to skin hydration and repair, helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

DEHYDROACETIC ACID is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. Its main function is to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety for consumer use. Formulators may add DEHYDROACETIC ACID to prevent spoilage and maintain the integrity of the product over time. However, it is important to note that this ingredient is subject to specific restrictions, as indicated by its classification as 'cosing-restricted' under reference V/13.

P-ANISIC ACID is a naturally occurring compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily for its fragrance properties. It imparts a sweet, floral scent that can enhance the overall sensory experience of a product. Formulators may add P-ANISIC ACID to create a more appealing fragrance profile, masking undesirable odors or adding complexity to the scent formulation. Additionally, as a fragrance ingredient, it can contribute to the overall aesthetic and user satisfaction of cosmetic products.

PHYTIC ACID is a natural compound derived from plants, particularly found in seeds and grains. It primarily functions as a chelating agent, which means it can bind to metal ions in formulations. This property helps to stabilize products by preventing the degradation of active ingredients and enhancing the overall efficacy of the formulation. Formulators may add PHYTIC ACID to improve the stability and shelf life of cosmetic products, as well as to enhance the skin's ability to absorb beneficial minerals by reducing the presence of unwanted metal ions.

Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent derived from phytic acid, which is commonly found in plant seeds. Its primary function in cosmetics is to bind metal ions, helping to stabilize formulations and enhance the efficacy of other ingredients. By sequestering metal ions, Sodium Phytate can prevent undesirable reactions that may affect the product's performance or shelf life. Additionally, it is utilized in oral care products for its ability to reduce mineral buildup and enhance the overall effectiveness of the formulation. Formulators may add Sodium Phytate to improve product stability and ensure a more consistent experience for the user.

SODIUM CITRATE is a sodium salt of citric acid, commonly used in cosmetics for its multifunctional properties. It primarily serves as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of formulations, which is crucial for product stability and skin compatibility. Additionally, it acts as a chelating agent, binding to metal ions that can affect the efficacy and stability of other ingredients, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the product. Furthermore, SODIUM CITRATE may contribute to the fragrance profile of formulations, although it is important to note that it can also be associated with fragrance-related risk flags.

Sodium Hydroxide is a highly alkaline compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster. It helps to modify the acidity or alkalinity of formulations, ensuring that products maintain a stable and effective pH level for skin compatibility. Formulators may add Sodium Hydroxide to enhance the performance of other ingredients, improve product stability, and ensure that the overall formulation meets the desired specifications for safety and efficacy.

BENZYL ALCOHOL is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetics. Its primary functions include acting as a preservative, which helps to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products. Additionally, it serves as a solvent, aiding in the dissolution of other ingredients, and as a viscosity-controlling agent, which can help to achieve the desired thickness or flow of a formulation. Furthermore, BENZYL ALCOHOL is utilized for its perfuming properties, contributing to the fragrance profile of cosmetic products. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance product stability, improve texture, and provide a pleasant scent, making it a versatile component in various formulations.

ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its deodorant and skin-conditioning properties. As a deodorant, it helps to reduce body odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, making it a valuable addition to personal care products. Additionally, its skin-conditioning function allows it to enhance the skin's feel and appearance, contributing to a smoother and more hydrated surface. Formulators may include ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN to improve the overall sensory experience of a product while also providing functional benefits that support skin health.

PHENOXYETHANOL is recorded as an antimicrobial and preservative. These recorded roles explain why a formulator may include it in a cosmetic formula.

CHLORPHENESIN is an antimicrobial and preservative agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby helping to extend the shelf life of products and maintain their safety for consumer use. Formulators may add CHLORPHENESIN to prevent contamination and degradation of formulations, ensuring that they remain effective and safe throughout their intended lifespan. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is particularly valuable in products that are prone to microbial growth, such as creams and lotions.