The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum

The Ordinary

Balancing & Clarifying Serum

face serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
55%
Combination (dry)
55%
Balanced
85%
Combination (oily)
85%
Oily
85%

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24
Ingredients
5
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

A multi-active solution to reduce skin congestion, visibly improve uneven texture, minimize the look of excess shine, and improve pore appearance for clearer-looking skin

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Full Ingredients

24 total
AQUA LACTOCOCCUS FERMENT LYSATE PROPANEDIOL POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE CARNITINE ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE SARCOSINE ECTOIN ADENOSINE POLYLYSINE SILANETRIOL GLYCERIN PENTYLENE GLYCOL SCLEROTIUM GUM XANTHAN GUM ISOCETETH-20 CITRIC ACID AHA SODIUM CITRATE TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE SODIUM CHLORIDE ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN SODIUM BENZOATE PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORPHENESIN

About Balancing & Clarifying Serum

Overview

Balancing & Clarifying Serum is a lightweight serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Acetyl Glucosamine.

Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Ectoin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate and Acetyl Glucosamine.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Acetyl Glucosamine and Ectoin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • Several soothing ingredients
  • No common irritants flagged in the list
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 8 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 3 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the fermentation product of Lactococcus

Anti-Aging
Propanediol

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Potassium hydrogen heptylenedicarboxamidodiacetate

Evens Skin Tone Soothing Dark Spot Fading
Acetyl Glucosamine

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine

Hydration Soothing Evens Skin Tone
Sarcosine

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine, N-methyl-

Hydration
Ectoin

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

4-Pyrimidinecarboxylic Acid, 1,4,5,6,-Tetrahydro-2-Methyl-, (4S)-

Hydration Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
Adenosine

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing
Silanetriol

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Methylsilanetriol

Hydration
Glycerin

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Pentylene Glycol

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
Citric Acid AHA

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Ethylhexylglycerin

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support Low

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing High

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling Low

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (23)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Lactococcus Ferment Lysate Propanediol Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate Carnitine Acetyl Glucosamine Sarcosine Ectoin Adenosine Polylysine Silanetriol Glycerin Pentylene Glycol Sclerotium Gum Xanthan Gum Isoceteth-20 Sodium Citrate Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Sodium Chloride Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Benzoate Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
  • Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.

6
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the fermentation product of Lactococcus

Anti-Aging
3 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
4 Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Potassium hydrogen heptylenedicarboxamidodiacetate

Evens Skin Tone Soothing Dark Spot Fading
4 scientific references
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, May 2020, pages 360-365
  • Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, April 2020, pages 299-308
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, April 2015, pages 191-192
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2012, pages 37-41
5 Carnitine Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt (R)-

6 Acetyl Glucosamine
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine

Hydration Soothing Evens Skin Tone
6 scientific references
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, July 2022, pages 1-25
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2020, pages 1-10
  • Life Sciences, May 2016, pages 21-29
  • Drug Design, Development and Therapy, August 2014, pages 1, 923-1, 928
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2013, pages 96-102; and December 2006, pages 309-315
  • Dermato-endocrinology, July 2012, pages 253-258
7 Sarcosine
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine, N-methyl-

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs, 2016, page 310
  • Journal of Controlled Release, January 2013, pages 91-100
  • International Journal of Toxicology, July-August 2012, pages 358-363
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, January 2007, pages 155-161
8 Ectoin
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

4-Pyrimidinecarboxylic Acid, 1,4,5,6,-Tetrahydro-2-Methyl-, (4S)-

Hydration Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
9 Adenosine
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • PubChem, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2020, pages 1-38
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2014, pages 553-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, August 2011, pages 526-546
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2006, pages 447-451
  • British Journal of Pharmacology, October 2008, issue 4, pages 475-486
  • PloS One, May 2008 (ePublication)
  • >International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2006, pages 447-451
10 Polylysine
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Poly(imino-(6-amino-1-oxo-2,1-hexanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-

11 Silanetriol
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Methylsilanetriol

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, November 2011, pages 399-405
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2008, ePublication
12 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
13 Pentylene Glycol Solvent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
14 Sclerotium Gum Texture agent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Scleroglucan

15 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

16 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

17 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

18 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium citrate

19 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

20 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium chloride

21 Ethylhexylglycerin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
22 Sodium Benzoate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium benzoate

23 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

24 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

AQUA, LACTOCOCCUS FERMENT LYSATE, PROPANEDIOL, POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE, CARNITINE, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, SARCOSINE, ECTOIN, ADENOSINE, POLYLYSINE, SILANETRIOL, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SCLEROTIUM GUM, XANTHAN GUM, ISOCETETH-20, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM BENZOATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

What are the active ingredients in Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

-Shake well before use. -Apply a few drops to your face in the morning and evening

What skin types is Balancing & Clarifying Serum good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Balancing & Clarifying Serum good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Balancing & Clarifying Serum fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use Balancing & Clarifying Serum while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Balancing & Clarifying Serum fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Balancing & Clarifying Serum contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Balancing & Clarifying Serum silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Balancing & Clarifying Serum contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Balancing & Clarifying Serum paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Balancing & Clarifying Serum have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Balancing & Clarifying Serum?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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