The Ordinary

Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
53%
Combination (dry)
53%
Balanced
83%
Combination (oily)
87%
Oily
87%

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24
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

A daily antioxidant serum with eight technologies, including vitamin C and ginseng, that protects and visibly brightens dull skin

Key Insights

Benefits

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

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Vitamin C

Full Ingredients

24 total
aqua/water/eau PROPANEDIOL ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE Vitamin C ERGOTHIONEINE epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside acetyl TETRAPEPTIDE-2 HEPTAPEPTIDE-6 TOCOTRIENOLS tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract SPHINGOMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT GLYCERIN ISOCETETH-20 CITRIC ACID AHA SODIUM CITRATE SODIUM HYDROXIDE CAPRYLYL GLYCOL ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN PHENOXYETHANOL chlorphenesi

About Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum

Overview

Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum is a lightweight serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around brightening and tone. The ingredient list runs to 17 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.

What the formula does

Brightening: High. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ergothioneine and Tocotrienols.

Firmness signalling: Moderate. Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support, and here that comes from Tetrapeptide-2 and Heptapeptide-6.

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

Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Ascorbyl Glucoside.

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. 7 ingredients on the label have not been matched to our database yet, so the analysis above reads a slightly incomplete list.

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 common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Part of the label has not been matched to our ingredient database yet

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

  • Anti-Aging 5 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 3 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Dark Spot Fading 2 ingredients

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

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.

Propanediol

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
Ascorbyl Glucoside Vitamin C

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

2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone
Ergothioneine

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

Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading
Tocotrienols

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

Tocotrienol

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
Panax Ginseng Root Extract

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

Panax Ginseng Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginseng, Panax ginseng, Araliaceae

Anti-Aging
Glycerin

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

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

Hydration Anti-Aging
Citric Acid AHA

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

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

Ethylhexylglycerin

16th 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 Moderate

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 Moderate

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening High

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling Moderate

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 (2)

Supporting ingredients (15)

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

Propanediol Ergothioneine Tetrapeptide-2 Heptapeptide-6 Tocotrienols Sphingomonas Ferment Extract Panax Ginseng Root Extract Bixa Orellana Seed Extract Glycerin Isoceteth-20 Sodium Citrate Sodium Hydroxide Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol

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 17 ingredients on the label.

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Peptide

Amino-acid chains that signal for repair or firmness

2
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

2
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
UV filter

Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light

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 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% 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
2 Ascorbyl Glucoside Active
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Antioxidant

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

2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone
11 scientific references
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, December 2020 Supplement, page AB192
  • Nanomaterials, August 2020, pages 1-13
  • Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, May-August 2020, pages 374-382
  • Genes, February 2020, ePublication
  • Cosmetics, October 2019, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 378-386
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, May 2019, pages 21-29
  • Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology, December 2018, pages 599-607
  • Nutrients, August 2017, pages 1-27
  • Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, January-March 2013, pages 4-11
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2006, pages 105-113
3 Ergothioneine Antioxidant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading
7 scientific references
  • Experimental Gerontology, December 2022, pages 1–11
  • Processes, July 2021, pages 1–13
  • Redox Biology, June 2021, pages 1–10
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2021, pages 1–11
  • Experimental Cell Research, March 2021, ePublication
  • Polymers, January 2021, pages 1–9
  • Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pages 1–13
4 Tetrapeptide-2 Peptide
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Peptide

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

Tetrapeptide-2 is a synthetic peptide containing aspartic acid, lysine, tyrosine and valine residues

5 Heptapeptide-6 Peptide
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Peptide

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

Heptapeptide-6 is a synthetic peptide consisting of asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, leucine and tyrosine

6 Tocotrienols UV filter
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
UV filter

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

Tocotrienol

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
11 scientific references
  • Plants, May 2021, pages 1-10
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/pubmed-central/red-raspberry-rubus-idaeus-l-seed-oil-a-review-OuvirNhxkE?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • Herba Polonica, December 2018, pages 63-70
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/de-gruyter/oils-from-fruit-seeds-and-their-dietetic-and-cosmetic-significance-WFZr5c5AfV?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2018, pages 61S-94S
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/sage/safety-assessment-of-tocopherols-and-tocotrienols-as-used-in-cosmetics-NE9VU0e0X0?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, November 2012, pages 1, 449-1, 453
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/wiley/clinical-evaluation-of-photoprotective-effect-by-a-topical-zqajFtTpEY?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics%26page%3D2
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7, 013–7, 020
  • Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, April 2008, pages 117–123
  • Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003, pages 355-362
7 Sphingomonas Ferment Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Sphingomonas Ferment Extract is an extract of the product obtained by the fermentation of Sphingomonas

8 Panax Ginseng Root Extract Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive, Plant extract

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

Panax Ginseng Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginseng, Panax ginseng, Araliaceae

Anti-Aging
9 Bixa Orellana Seed Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Annatto, Bixa orellana L., Bixaceae

10 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
11 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

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

12 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

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

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

13 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

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

Trisodium citrate

14 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

15 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Octane-1,2-diol

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

16th 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
17 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

2-Phenoxyethanol

Not yet matched to our database

These are printed on the label but have not been linked to an ingredient record yet, so they are excluded from the analysis above.

aqua/water/eau epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside acetyl tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract chlorphenesi

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum?

PROPANEDIOL, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, ERGOTHIONEINE, TETRAPEPTIDE-2, HEPTAPEPTIDE-6, TOCOTRIENOLS, SPHINGOMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, ISOCETETH-20, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL.

What are the active ingredients in Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum?

ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum?

-Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening.

What skin types is Multi-Antioxidant Radiance 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 Multi-Antioxidant Radiance 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.

Can I use Multi-Antioxidant Radiance 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.

What can I layer with Multi-Antioxidant Radiance 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 Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum?

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

How many ingredients does Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum have?

It lists 17 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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