1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
The Ordinary
Pycnogenol 5%
face serum
The Ordinary
Pycnogenol 5%
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
45%
Combination (dry)
45%
Balanced
75%
Combination (oily)
95%
Oily
95%
See how this fits your skin
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2
Ingredients
1
Benefits
0
Actives
A serum that works to nurture the skin with the aim of enhancing hydration and improving the appearance of skin’s elasticity
Key Insights
Benefits
1
Hydration
Full Ingredients
2 total
About Pycnogenol 5%
Overview
Pycnogenol 5% is a watery-light serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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.
What the formula does
Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol.
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 barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. 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
- 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
- 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 1 ingredient
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing
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.
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
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
None
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
None
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
None
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
None
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
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 "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 2 ingredients on the label.
1
Antioxidant
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
1
Plant extract
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
1
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
1
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
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
- 10–40%
- Confidence
- Low — inferred from list position alone
- 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
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Low — inferred from list position alone
- Roles
- Antioxidant, Plant extract
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract is the extract of the bark of the Maritime Pine, Pinus pinaster, Pinaceae
Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Pycnogenol 5%?
PROPANEDIOL, PINUS PINASTER BARK EXTRACT.
How do I use Pycnogenol 5%?
-Apply alone or after water-based serums and before oils or heavier creams. -Alternatively, mix with other treatments to significantly enhance their antioxidant capacity. Precautions: -If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician -Use only as directed on unbroken skin. -Patch testing prior to use is advised. -Refer to The Ordinary’s in-depth guide to patch testing. -Keep out of reach of children.
What skin types is Pycnogenol 5% 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 Pycnogenol 5% 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 Pycnogenol 5% fungal acne safe?
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Can I use Pycnogenol 5% 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 Pycnogenol 5% fragrance free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Does Pycnogenol 5% contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is Pycnogenol 5% silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does Pycnogenol 5% contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is Pycnogenol 5% paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with Pycnogenol 5%?
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 Pycnogenol 5%?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does Pycnogenol 5% have?
It lists 2 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Pycnogenol 5%?
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.