2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Fatty Acid, Macadamia Nut Oil, Et Esters
Hydration
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
face emulsion
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
face emulsion
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
43%
Combination (dry)
43%
Balanced
73%
Combination (oily)
97%
Oily
97%
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16
Ingredients
6
Benefits
2
Actives
A lightweight serum to visibly reduce dark spots and even the look of skin tone across the face and body
Key Insights
Benefits
6
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing
Active Ingredients
2
AHA
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Risks
1
Synthetic polymer
Full Ingredients
16 total
AQUA
ETHYL MACADAMIATE
NIACINAMIDE
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
PROPANEDIOL
GLYCERIN
SPHINGOMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT
PENTYLENE GLYCOL
ETHYLHEXYL OLIVATE
POLYGLYCERYL-4 OLEATE
SODIUM ACRYLATES COPOLYMER
ISOCETETH-20
SODIUM CITRATE
CITRIC ACID
AHA
MALIC ACID
AHA
TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE
TOCOPHEROL
About Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
Overview
Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion is a watery-light emulsion from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 16 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Ethyl Macadamiate, 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, Ethyl Macadamiate and Pentylene Glycol.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Malic Acid and Tocopherol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Niacinamide and Tocopherol.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits 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 antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. 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 serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.
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
- No common irritants flagged in the list
Things to know
- 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced 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 6 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 2 ingredients
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
-
Soothing 2 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
-
Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Oil Control
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.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Hydration
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2-Ethylhexyl olivate
Hydration
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, (Z)-, 9-octadecenoate
Hydration
Citric Acid
AHA
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
Malic Acid
AHA
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Butenedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-
Evens Skin Tone
Smooths Bumpy Skin
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
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
Moderate
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
Moderate
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
Moderate
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
Low
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
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 (3)
- Niacinamide · 5–20%
- Citric Acid · 1–3%
- Malic Acid · 1–3%
Supporting ingredients (13)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Aqua
Ethyl Macadamiate
Propanediol
Glycerin
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Pentylene Glycol
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Isoceteth-20
Sodium Citrate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tocopherol
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
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
- Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.
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)
- 2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
- 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.
- Recorded ingredient risks
- Synthetic polymer
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 16 ingredients on the label.
4
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
3
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
3
Chelator
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
3
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
3
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
2
Occlusive
Forms a film that slows water loss
2
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
1
Antioxidant
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
1
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
1
Plant extract
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- 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
- 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.
Fatty Acid, Macadamia Nut Oil, Et Esters
Hydration
2 scientific references
- Floratech, Accessed September 2021, ePublication
- Data in Brief, December 2017, pages 720-723
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
- International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
- Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
- Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
- Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
- Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
- International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
- Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
- Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Plant extract
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract is an extract of the product obtained by the fermentation of Sphingomonas
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
- 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.
2-Ethylhexyl olivate
Hydration
5 scientific references
- Making Cosmetics, December 2019, ePublication
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, February 2018, pages 103-117
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2017, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, 2015, pages 5S-69S
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2012, pages 3, 291-3, 340
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, (Z)-, 9-octadecenoate
Hydration
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Occlusive, Texture agent
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is the sodium salt of a polymer consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters
Synthetic polymer
- 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)
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Chelator, pH adjuster
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Trisodium citrate
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Chelator, pH adjuster
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, pH adjuster
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Butenedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-
Evens Skin Tone
Smooths Bumpy Skin
6 scientific references
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2018, pages 21-28
- Molecules, April 2018, page 863
- https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/malic%20acidpdf
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, December 2016, ePublication
- Biological Research, January 2015, ePublication
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
- Estimated level
- 1–3%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Chelator
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Antioxidant
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
4 scientific references
- Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
- Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
- Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
AQUA, 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.
What are the active ingredients in Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
NIACINAMIDE, CITRIC ACID, MALIC ACID.
How do I use Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
-After cleansing, apply one to two pumps to the face and a thin layer across the desired body areas. -This emulsion can be used in the morning and evening.
What skin types is Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion 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 Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion fungal acne safe?
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Can I use Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion 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 Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion fragrance free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Does Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
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 Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
How many ingredients does Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion have?
It lists 16 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion?
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.