the-ordinary The Ordinary Serum Foundation
the-ordinary The Ordinary Serum Foundation lists 33 ingredients on its label, 32 decoded. See what each one does, its irritancy and comedogenic tendency, and its status in national inventories.
Ingredients overview
Label order. Colour is our internal rating: green routine, yellow restricted or worth a look, red prohibited or high-risk, grey not yet decoded.
Ingredients are listed in label order; the order reflects the label only, not exact concentrations.
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Aqua
- Caprylyl Methicone
- Coconut Alkanes
- Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
- PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
- Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris[Trimethylsiloxy]Silylethyl Dimethicone
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Tocopherol
- Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
- Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
- Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
- Disteardimonium Hectorite
- Hectorite
- Sodium Chloride
- Hexyl Laurate
- Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
- PEG-10 Dimethicone
- Stearic Acid
- Alumina
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Phenoxyethanol
- Chlorphenesin
- Titanium Dioxide
- Iron Oxides
- Tin Oxide
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Bismuth Oxychloride
- Mica
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Highlights
Free of alcoholFree of fragranceFree of parabensFree of sulfatesFree of mineral oilFree of essential oilsFree of formaldehyde releasersContains siliconesContains PEG
Formulation view Volatile silicones and mid-chain esters form a lightweight base, using PMMA film-formers and micas/TiO2 for coverage, with Vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and phenoxyethanol for preservation. Ideal for oily skin seeking a matte finish. Factory view notes the high silicone content ensures rapid film formation and matte texture, though silica residue may impact subsequent skincare absorption.
Key ingredients
- SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
- CyclopentasiloxaneCoconut AlkanesCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
- SOLVENT
- Aqua
- SKIN CONDITIONING
- Caprylyl Methicone
- FILM FORMING
- Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
- ANTIFOAMING
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
- SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
- PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Other ingredients
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerCetyl Diglyceryl Tris[Trimethylsiloxy]Silylethyl DimethiconeDipropylene GlycolTocopherolPolyglyceryl-3 DiisostearatePolyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyglyceryl-4 IsostearateDisteardimonium HectoriteHectoriteSodium ChlorideHexyl LaurateDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerPEG-10 DimethiconeStearic AcidAluminaTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinatePhenoxyethanolChlorphenesinTitanium DioxideIron OxidesTin OxideAluminum HydroxideBismuth OxychlorideMicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Skim through
| Ingredient | What it does | Irritancy | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclopentasiloxane | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT | 0 | Green |
| Aqua | SOLVENT | 0 | Green |
| Caprylyl Methicone | SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| Coconut Alkanes | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT | — | Green |
| Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer | FILM FORMING | 0 | Green |
| Trimethylsiloxysilicate | ANTIFOAMING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer | FILM FORMING, OPACIFYING | 0 | Green |
| Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris[Trimethylsiloxy]Silylethyl Dimethicone | Not decoded yet | — | — |
| Dipropylene Glycol | FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING, PERFUMING | 0 | Green |
| Tocopherol | ANTIOXIDANT, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS, SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE | 0 | Green |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 | Green |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 | Green |
| Disteardimonium Hectorite | LIGHT STABILIZER, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Hectorite | ABSORBENT, BULKING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Sodium Chloride | BULKING, FRAGRANCE, ORAL CARE, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Hexyl Laurate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer | SKIN CONDITIONING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| PEG-10 Dimethicone | HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 | Green |
| Stearic Acid | CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, FRAGRANCE, REFATTING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING | 0 | Green |
| Alumina | ABRASIVE, ABSORBENT, ANTICAKING, BULKING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | — | Green |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate | CHELATING | 0 | Green |
| Phenoxyethanol | ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE · 限制 V/29 | 1 | Yellow |
| Chlorphenesin | ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE · 限制 V/50 | 1 | Yellow |
| Titanium Dioxide | UV FILTER · 附录 VI · 最高浓度 25%* *: In case of combined use of Titanium Dioxide and Titanium Dioxide (nano), the sum shall not exceed the limit given in column g (Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation) · 限制 <empty>; as a constituent of other substances, or in mixtures, in concentrations equal to, or greater than 0.1% by weight; Shall not be placed on the market, or used, as substance or in mixtures in concentrations equal to ot greater than 0.1% by weight; Shall not be used as propellant in aerosols for any use. Aerosols dispenser containing the substance as propellant shall not | 0 | Yellow |
| Iron Oxides | 着色剂 | 0 | Green |
| Tin Oxide | ABRASIVE, BULKING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Aluminum Hydroxide | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, HUMECTANT, OPACIFYING, SKIN PROTECTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 | Green |
| Bismuth Oxychloride | 着色剂 | 2 | Green |
| Mica | ANTICAKING, BULKING, COLORANT, OPACIFYING | 0 | Green |
| Triethoxycaprylylsilane | BINDING | 0 | Green |
Comedogenic ratings need a published source. This batch is not yet sourced, so it is not shown.
Ingredients explained
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Cyclopentasiloxane for emollient/solvent; volatile silicone, smooth feel, check VOC regulations.
- Aqua
- Solvent, main base; microbial control is critical
- Caprylyl Methicone
- Volatile silicone, fresh feel, does not absorb oil, used in foundations and cushions.
- Coconut Alkanes
- Coconut alkanes as solvents/emollients with medium volatility; check oxidation stability.
- Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
- MMA crosspolymer for durable water-soluble film; high doses may create occlusion
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
- Silicate powder, oil-absorbing emollient; insoluble, high levels feel powdery.
- PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
- PEG-modified silicone with emulsifying and conditioning properties; ensure low dioxane levels in finished goods.
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Lightweight mid-chain ester, quick spreading, suitable for oily skin, non-comedogenic.
- Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
- Silicone/PEG crosspolymer for film forming and viscosity; low irritation; PEG debate at high conc
- Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris[Trimethylsiloxy]Silylethyl Dimethicone
- Not decoded yet
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Solvent for essential oils; better humectancy than PEG
- Tocopherol
- Natural antioxidant (vitamin E) at 0.1–1%; prone to oxidation, store protected from light
- Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
- Mild emulsifier for low-foam systems; suitable for sensitive skin.
- Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
- Mild emulsifier for O/W systems; 1-3%, avoid cationic surfactants
- Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
- Emulsifier at 1–5%; mild type, suitable for sensitive skin formulas
- Disteardimonium Hectorite
- Inorganic ionic clay thickener at 0.25-1%; water/oil/solvent systems, rheology control, avoid strong acids, may affect active release.
- Hectorite
- Clay absorbent and viscosity controller; used in silicone-free hair products.
- Sodium Chloride
- Salt for gel viscosity control; used as precipitant in soaps
- Hexyl Laurate
- Light ester emollient for silky feel; 1-5%, monitor oxidative stability
- Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
- Crosslinked silicone thickener at 0.5-2%; silky/matte feel, non-comedogenic, partial oil phase incompatibility, use co-solvent/pre-emulsification.
- PEG-10 Dimethicone
- Modified silicone for silky feel and shine; PEG structure aids O/W emulsification, used in hair and skin care.
- Stearic Acid
- Fatty acid emulsifier, white waxy solid; adds slip feel
- Alumina
- Alumina, inorganic abrasive/thickener; nano-grade requires inhalation risk assessment.
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Mild chelator replacing EDTA; water-soluble, very low irritation, stabilizes metal ions
- Phenoxyethanol
- Broad-spectrum preservative at ≤1%; may irritate sensitive eye areas, often paired with ethylhexylglycerin
- Chlorphenesin
- Phenolic antimicrobial; strict EU limits apply, potential allergen, careful dosing required for leave-on products.
- Titanium Dioxide
- Physical UV filter and colorant up to 25%; nano form requires attention
- Iron Oxides
- Inorganic pigment for color; particulate form, inhalation risk low in cosmetics.
- Tin Oxide
- Inorganic mineral pigment providing opacity and suspension; requires skin safety assessment, typically used in sunscreens or powder colorants.
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Aluminum hydroxide for emollient/thickening; opacifier, used in antiperspirants, particulate risk.
- Bismuth Oxychloride
- White pigment at 5–20%; for makeup coverage, may cause sensitivity in some
- Mica
- Mineral colorant for pearlescence; heavy metal screening required
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane
- Silane coupling agent at 0.1-0.5%; enhances inorganic filler adhesion, trace use, low toxicity, avoid direct contact with aqueous systems.
Source: full ingredient list published on the product label, collected 2026-09-18. Ratings are our internal reading, not a regulatory conclusion. · Product page
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