The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum — 1 fl oz Pink Hydrating, Redness-Reducing Formula with Centella & Niacinamide

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum is a concentrated, multi-active serum designed to soothe sensitivity, strengthen the skin barrier, and visibly reduce redness while delivering lasting hydration.

This lightweight, pink-hued serum blends vitamins, lipids, sugar-based hydrators, and botanical triterpenes to support compromised or reactive skin. Backed by clinical testing that shows rapid barrier recovery and a substantial immediate hydration increase, the formula is engineered to calm sensations of tightness and improve the look of uneven texture without heavy oils or fragrances.

How quickly does this serum help restore the skin barrier?

Clinical testing indicates the formula can accelerate barrier recovery in a short timeframe after a single application in a controlled study. The combination of plant-derived ceramides, phospholipids, and niacinamide helps replenish key lipids and supports natural barrier components.

• Contains ceramide complex (sphingolipids and phospholipids) for topical lipid delivery.
• 2% niacinamide to support essential barrier-building functions.
• Clinical testing reported barrier recovery within two hours after application.*

What ingredients reduce redness and soothe discomfort?

The serum uses multiple active families to address visible redness and irritation: vitamin B12 contributes soothing support and the formula’s color, gallic acid derivatives target irritant-related redness, and bisabolol calms visible inflammation. Centella asiatica-derived triterpenes further help protect skin from environmental stressors.

• Vitamin B12 to help decrease dryness and the appearance of redness.
• Three activated gallic acid derivatives (including EGCG derivative) to soothe and target redness.
• Bisabolol and Centella triterpenes to calm and protect sensitive-looking skin.

How does this serum hydrate and improve skin texture?

Immediate and lasting moisture is provided by sugar-based hydrators plus the formula’s multi-active components, which lock in hydration through the day. The combined effect of humectants and barrier-repairing lipids helps smooth the look of uneven texture for a softer surface appearance.

• Clinical testing reported an immediate 86% increase in skin hydration after one use.**
• Sugar-based hydrators attract and retain moisture at the skin surface.
• Barrier repair ingredients improve texture appearance over continued use.

How should I use this serum in my routine?

Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and evening, then follow with moisturizer and sunscreen in the daytime. Because the formula is active and intended for sensitive skin, patch testing before regular use and avoiding broken skin are recommended.

• Use after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils.
• Apply a few drops to face and neck; gently pat to absorb.
• Patch test first and avoid applying to compromised or open wounds.

Who this is for: The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum suits people seeking a non-greasy, clinically informed formula to calm reactive-looking skin, reduce visible redness, and restore hydration. It is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is a practical step for those prioritizing barrier health and smoother texture without fragrance-heavy additions.

*Clinical testing on 23 people after one application. **Clinical testing in 34 people, twice daily for six weeks. Accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Hexyldecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Anhydroxylitol, Ethyl Linoleate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Naringenin, Cyanocobalamin, Panthenyl Triacetate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Sphingolipids, Phospholipids, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Propyl Gallate, Xylitol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Dicetyl Phosphate, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Phytic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.