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Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone
The Ordinary
$14.00
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Glycerin is a naturally derived humectant—a ingredient that draws moisture from the air into your skin. It's one of the most widely used and well-studied moisturizing agents in skincare, helping skin feel softer and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Improves skin hydration and softness
- Helps strengthen skin barrier function
- Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded glycerin is safe as used in cosmetics across all concentrations. Research shows glycerin effectively improves skin hydration and is well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk. It is also referenced in clinical guidelines for managing inflammatory skin conditions and maintaining skin integrity.
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Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in skincare products as an exfoliant and pH balancer. It belongs to a group of ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation to improve skin texture and appearance
- Helps reduce the appearance of keratosis and acne
- Balances product pH to maintain skin compatibility
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users, especially with prolonged or frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen use is recommended when using AHA products
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin without caution
Science: Citric acid is an established AHA used in cosmetics for superficial peeling and skin appearance improvement, though research emphasizes that caution should be exercised due to potential adverse reactions. It is widely produced industrially and well-established in skincare formulations.
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Sodium citrate is a salt derived from citric acid that acts as a pH buffer and preservative in skincare products. It helps stabilize formulations and maintain skin compatibility by regulating acidity levels.
Benefits
- Helps maintain optimal pH balance in skincare formulas
- Preservative that extends product shelf life
- Gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Sodium citrate is recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics and has a long history of food and pharmaceutical applications. The research provided relates to its use as an anticoagulant in medical settings and as a buffering agent in sports nutrition, demonstrating its established safety profile across multiple industries.
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Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that prevents bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in skincare products, helping them stay fresh and safe to use. It has been used safely in cosmetics for decades and is effective at very low concentrations.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast
- Minimal impact on beneficial skin bacteria when used at approved levels
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation if used in products at concentrations above 1%
Science: The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers phenoxyethanol safe for all consumers, including children, at concentrations up to 1%. Adverse effects observed in animal studies required exposure levels approximately 200 times higher than those in cosmetic products, and it is classified as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives in cosmetics.
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Propanediol is a lightweight humectant—a molecule that draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated. It's also used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent and preservative booster, helping products stay stable and feel smooth on the skin.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps preserve formulations naturally
Science: Propanediol can be produced through bio-based fermentation (from glycerol using microorganisms), making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. It is widely recognized as safe in cosmetic and food applications, with established use as both a humectant and preservative enhancer.
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Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent, which means it binds to trace metals in cosmetic formulas to keep products stable and prevent discoloration or degradation. It's used in small amounts primarily to maintain product quality rather than directly benefit your skin.
Benefits
- Extends product shelf life
- Prevents oxidation and discoloration
- Improves formula stability
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is approved for cosmetic use under EU and US regulations as a chelating agent and is considered safe at the low concentrations used in skincare formulations.
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Pentylene glycol is a lightweight humectant—a ingredient that draws water into the skin to improve hydration and texture. It's commonly used in serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers as a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by attracting moisture
- Lightweight feel, absorbs quickly without heaviness
- Helps preserve product stability and extends shelf life
Potential concerns
- Rare contact allergy reported in sensitive individuals
- Emerging evidence suggests it may be an uncommon cosmetic allergen—if you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch test first
Science: Safety studies show a high margin of safety at standard use levels (87–671 in adults), with minimal skin penetration due to the ingredient's volatility. However, recent dermatological reports flag pentylene glycol as an emerging contact allergen in some individuals, warranting attention for those with sensitive skin.
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Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It helps maintain skin's natural barrier function and is commonly used in skincare products to prevent premature aging and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
- May help reduce signs of aging caused by UV exposure and environmental damage
- Works as a lipid antioxidant to prevent degradation of skin oils
Science: Tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is recognized in peer-reviewed research as a key endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative stress in aging skin, particularly from UV-induced damage. Studies confirm it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant capable of preventing lipid peroxidation, with established efficacy in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
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Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and antimicrobial ingredient used to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life in skincare products. It's a multifunctional ingredient that helps keep formulations stable and free from contamination.
Benefits
- Prevents bacterial contamination in products
- Helps extend product shelf life
- Works synergistically with other preservatives for enhanced protection
Potential concerns
- May not be effective against all bacterial species (notably some Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains)
- Preservative-related sensitization possible in sensitive individuals, though uncommon
Science: Research shows ethylhexylglycerin has broad antimicrobial activity against many common cosmetic contaminants, though effectiveness varies by bacterial species. Studies demonstrate it can work synergistically with other preservative components to enhance biofilm inhibition.
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Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps keep products safe from contamination during storage and use.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in skincare formulations
- Extends product shelf life
- Allows formulas to remain stable without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation to sensitive eyes and eye area when present in eye products
- Degrades under UV exposure, potentially creating more harmful breakdown products
- Limited long-term safety data in peer-reviewed literature
Science: Research shows chlorphenesin can be toxic to eye tissue cells at approved concentrations, particularly affecting meibomian glands. When exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into compounds like 4-chlorophenol that may be more ecotoxic than the original ingredient, though systemic absorption in skincare is typically minimal.
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Niacinamide is an active form of vitamin B3 that works within your skin's cells to strengthen the barrier, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. It's a water-soluble ingredient that's been shown to have multiple benefits across different skin concerns, from sensitivity to aging.
Benefits
- Reduces redness and calms irritation
- Minimizes pore appearance and controls excess oil
- Supports skin barrier function and hydration
- Brightens skin tone and evens complexion
- Has anti-aging properties and protects against environmental damage
Science: Niacinamide is well-tolerated and safe across diverse skin types with strong clinical evidence supporting its use for acne, dermatitis, and general skin health. Research shows it works by regulating inflammation at the cellular level and protecting skin barrier integrity, with proven efficacy in concentrations commonly found in cosmetic products.
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Isoceteth-20 is a gentle, plant-derived emulsifier and surfactant that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in skincare formulas. It's commonly used in creams and lotions to create a stable, smooth texture that absorbs easily into skin.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize skincare formulas
- Improves texture and spreadability
- Supports delivery of active ingredients into skin layers
Science: Research shows isoceteth-20 effectively helps deliver antioxidant compounds (like idebenone) into the upper layers of skin without causing permeation beyond the epidermis, making it a safe choice for targeting skincare actives where they're needed. It is classified as a non-ionic emulsifier with a well-established safety profile in cosmetics.
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Water is the primary ingredient in most skincare products, serving as a base that dissolves and carries other active ingredients. It hydrates the skin surface and helps other beneficial compounds penetrate effectively.
Benefits
- Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Helps deliver other skincare ingredients
- Essential solvent for product formulation
Science: Water is a fundamental component of skin physiology and cosmetic formulations. No safety concerns exist for topical application; it is non-irritating and universally safe for all skin types.
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Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is a gentle emulsifier and surfactant derived from plant-based glycerin and oleic acid (from oils). It helps mix water and oil-based ingredients together in skincare formulas and can improve how active ingredients penetrate the skin.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize skincare formulations
- Improves delivery of beneficial ingredients into skin
- Plant-derived emulsifier
- Supports barrier-strengthening ingredient absorption
Science: Research demonstrates that polyglyceryl-4 oleate acts as an effective co-surfactant in microemulsion systems, enhancing the stability of formulations and improving penetration of barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides into the stratum corneum (outer skin layer). Studies show it can increase formula shelf stability to 10+ months while maintaining superior ingredient delivery compared to conventional cream bases.
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Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer that acts as a thickener and film-former in skincare products. It helps create a smooth texture, improve product consistency, and can form a light protective layer on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Creates a light, breathable film on skin
- Helps stabilize formulations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is listed as safe by regulatory bodies (FDA, EU) and has a long history of use in cosmetics with low sensitization potential.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from apples that works as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface and can improve skin texture and appearance.
Benefits
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- May improve appearance of uneven skin tone and texture
- Can help reduce visibility of acne and keratoses
- Less irritating than stronger AHAs like glycolic acid
Potential concerns
- Can cause burning, swelling, or itching in sensitive individuals
- May increase sun sensitivity—sunscreen use recommended
- Higher concentrations carry greater risk of irritation
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Science: Malic acid is a well-established AHA used in cosmetic formulations as a peeling agent. Research indicates that AHAs' safety profile and skin benefits are concentration-dependent; lower concentrations are gentler while higher concentrations carry increased risk of adverse reactions including irritation and potential photosensitivity concerns.
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Sphingomonas Ferment Extract is a fermented bacterial ingredient that acts as a skin-conditioning agent and potential immune booster. It's created by fermenting Sphingomonas bacteria and is used in skincare to support the skin barrier and promote a healthy complexion.
Benefits
- May support skin barrier function
- Potential anti-inflammatory properties
- Could help improve skin resilience
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Fermented bacterial extracts are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics, though specific efficacy and mechanism studies for Sphingomonas Ferment Extract are not well-documented in published literature.
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Ethylhexyl Olivate is a lightweight oil derived from olive oil that acts as an emollient and skin conditioner in skincare products. It helps soften and smooth the skin while providing a non-greasy feel, making it a popular choice in serums and moisturizers.
Benefits
- Softens and smooths skin
- Provides lightweight hydration
- Non-greasy texture
- Helps products feel comfortable on skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. As a fatty acid ester derived from olive oil, it is expected to be well-tolerated based on the safety profile of olive oil derivatives, with low irritation potential for most skin types.
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