The Ordinary

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

face serum

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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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3
Ingredients
4
Benefits
0
Actives
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A water-free, high-potency antioxidant formula with three percent resveratrol and three percent ferulic acid

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Hydration
Soothing

Full Ingredients

3 total
PROPANEDIOL RESVERATROL FERULIC ACID

About Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

Overview

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% is a lightweight serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

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

Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid.

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

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Resveratrol.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Resveratrol.

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, cell renewal 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 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

  • 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 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Hydration 1 ingredient

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Evens Skin Tone 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
Resveratrol

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

1,3-Benzenediol, 5-[(1E)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Soothing
Ferulic Acid

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

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid

Anti-Aging

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 Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

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
  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 3 ingredients on the label.

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

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.

1 Propanediol Texture agent
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
2 Resveratrol Occlusive
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Low — inferred from list position alone
Roles
Occlusive, Antioxidant

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

1,3-Benzenediol, 5-[(1E)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, November 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, October 2021, pages 1–26
  • Phytotherapy Research, March 2020, pages 435–447
  • Biomolecules and Therapeutics, October 2018, pages 1–14
  • Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, May 2018 ePublication
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, December 2013, pages 1389-1394
  • Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, April 2011, pages 164-170
  • Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, December 2001, pages 1041-1064
3 Ferulic Acid Antioxidant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Low — inferred from list position alone
Roles
Antioxidant, Preservative

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

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid

Anti-Aging
8 scientific references
  • Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, October 2020, pages 281-288
  • Acta Biologica Marisiensis, December 2018, pages 53-60
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, March 2014, pages 185-195
  • The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, May 2012, pages 443-451
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, October 2010, pages 44-51
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, August 2008, pages 290-297
  • Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, March 2007, pages 92-100
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2005, pages 826-832

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%?

PROPANEDIOL, RESVERATROL, FERULIC ACID.

How do I use Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%?

-Apply two to three drops to the entire face every other day. -Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils, or heavier creams. -Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly. -This product can be mixed with The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% or Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone at each application to form an outstanding antioxidant network of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol.

What skin types is Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% 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 Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% 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 Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% fungal acne safe?

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

Can I use Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% 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 Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% fragrance free?

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

Does Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% contain alcohol?

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

Is Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% silicone free?

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

Does Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% contain essential oils?

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

Is Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%?

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 Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%?

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

How many ingredients does Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% have?

It lists 3 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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