What Are the Ingredients in The Ordinary Resveratrol?

The Ordinary, a brand known for its transparency and evidence-based formulations, has gained immense popularity in the skincare industry. Among its offerings, the Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% serum stands out as a powerful antioxidant treatment. This serum is designed to combat oxidative stress, promote skin health, and support anti-aging goals. But what exactly goes into this formulation, and how do these ingredients work together to deliver results?

Understanding the ingredients is crucial not only for evaluating effectiveness but also for ensuring compatibility with your skin type and routine. Let’s explore the components of The Ordinary Resveratrol serum and their roles in skin health.

What Are the Primary Active Ingredients in The Ordinary Resveratrol Serum?

The standout feature of this formulation is its dual antioxidant blend, which targets free radicals and protects the skin from environmental stressors.

What Role Does Resveratrol Play?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes, berries, and certain nuts. In The Ordinary serum, resveratrol is present at a concentration of 3%, which is potent enough to deliver visible antioxidant benefits.

• Antioxidant protection: Resveratrol neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative stress, which can accelerate skin aging and damage cellular structures.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: It helps calm inflammation, reducing redness and irritation.

• Collagen support: By protecting collagen fibers from oxidative damage, resveratrol promotes firmness and elasticity in the skin.

This ingredient is particularly effective for individuals exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and urban living, where oxidative damage can accelerate aging.

How Does Ferulic Acid Complement Resveratrol?

Ferulic acid is another powerful antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants, including rice, oats, and certain fruits. In this serum, it is present at 3%, matching the concentration of resveratrol.

Ferulic acid’s primary functions include:

• Enhancing stability: It stabilizes resveratrol and prevents it from oxidizing, ensuring the serum remains effective over time.

• Boosting antioxidant power: Ferulic acid works synergistically with resveratrol to amplify overall antioxidant protection, sometimes increasing potency by up to 8 times.

• UV protection: Though not a sunscreen, ferulic acid can mitigate damage caused by UV-induced free radicals.

Together, resveratrol and ferulic acid create a synergistic effect, making this serum more effective than using either ingredient alone.

What Are the Supporting Ingredients in The Ordinary Resveratrol Serum?

Beyond the primary actives, the formulation includes a range of supporting ingredients that enhance texture, absorption, and overall skin feel.

What Solvents and Carriers Are Used?

The Ordinary serum is designed to be lightweight and rapidly absorbed. To achieve this, it contains several solvents and carriers:

• Water (Aqua): The base for the serum, providing hydration and acting as a medium for other ingredients.

• Propylene Glycol: A humectant that draws water into the skin, ensuring the serum penetrates effectively while maintaining moisture balance.

• Butylene Glycol: Another humectant that enhances texture and skin absorption.

These components ensure that the antioxidants are delivered efficiently into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.

Are There Stabilizers and pH Adjusters in the Formula?

Yes. The serum includes compounds that stabilize the active ingredients and maintain optimal pH for skin compatibility:

• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in small amounts to adjust pH, ensuring the formulation remains stable and effective.

• Hydroxyethylcellulose: A thickening agent that gives the serum a smooth, gel-like consistency, making it easy to apply.

Maintaining a balanced pH is crucial for antioxidants like resveratrol and ferulic acid, as extreme acidity or alkalinity can reduce their effectiveness.

Does The Ordinary Resveratrol Serum Contain Preservatives?

Preservation is essential in water-based formulations to prevent microbial contamination.

Which Preservatives Are Included?

The Ordinary Resveratrol serum uses minimal preservatives to maintain efficacy while keeping the product gentle:

• Phenoxyethanol: A widely used cosmetic preservative with antibacterial properties, preventing the growth of harmful microbes.

• Ethylhexylglycerin: Works alongside phenoxyethanol to enhance antimicrobial action while also acting as a skin-conditioning agent.

This combination ensures the serum remains safe and stable throughout its shelf life without overloading the skin with harsh chemicals.

Are There Additional Skin-Soothing or Anti-Irritation Ingredients?

The formulation is designed for antioxidant support, rather than hydration or calming, so it is relatively minimalistic. However, some ingredients indirectly contribute to skin tolerance:

• Glycerin: A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin, preventing dryness that can sometimes occur with high-potency antioxidants.

• Sodium Hyaluronate: In trace amounts, it may enhance hydration and reduce irritation risk.

The minimalistic approach of The Ordinary ensures that active antioxidants are not diluted or destabilized by excessive additives.

How Do the Ingredients Work Together to Benefit the Skin?

Understanding the synergy between the ingredients is key to appreciating why this serum is effective.

How Do Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid Work Together?

Resveratrol and ferulic acid complement each other in several ways:

1. Enhanced antioxidant activity: Ferulic acid boosts the efficacy of resveratrol, allowing it to neutralize free radicals more efficiently.

2. Stability improvement: Ferulic acid reduces the likelihood of resveratrol oxidation, keeping the serum potent for longer.

3. Anti-aging synergy: Together, they protect collagen and elastin fibers, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How Do the Supporting Ingredients Facilitate Delivery?

Humectants like propylene glycol and butylene glycol ensure that antioxidants penetrate deeper into the skin. Meanwhile, hydroxyethylcellulose and glycerin provide a smooth application and prevent the skin from drying out, making the serum both effective and comfortable to use.

Are There Any Potential Concerns with the Ingredients?

While The Ordinary Resveratrol serum is generally well-tolerated, some considerations are important:

Can Resveratrol Cause Sensitivity?

High-potency antioxidants can occasionally cause mild irritation, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. Symptoms may include redness, tingling, or dryness. Patch testing before full application is recommended.

Are Ferulic Acid or Preservatives Irritating?

Ferulic acid is typically gentle but may contribute to irritation in sensitive individuals when combined with other active treatments. Phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin are safe at recommended concentrations but can cause reactions in highly sensitive skin.

Is There Sun Sensitivity?

Unlike some antioxidants that increase photosensitivity, resveratrol and ferulic acid do not typically cause sun sensitivity. However, using sunscreen is still essential to protect skin from UV damage, especially when using antioxidant serums that target environmental stress.

How Should The Ordinary Resveratrol Serum Be Used for Best Results?

To maximize benefits, understanding the proper usage is key:

When Should You Apply It?

• Apply in the morning or evening after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils.

• Layering it under a sunscreen in the morning enhances environmental protection.

How Much Should Be Used?

• Use 2–3 drops per application. A small amount spreads efficiently due to the serum’s lightweight texture.

• Consistency is key: daily use over several weeks is necessary to see visible improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall vitality.

Can It Be Combined with Other Actives?

• Safe to combine with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide.

• Caution with strong acids (like AHAs or BHAs) at the same time, as this may increase irritation.

Final Thoughts

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% serum is a carefully formulated antioxidant powerhouse. Its active ingredients—resveratrol and ferulic acid—work synergistically to combat oxidative stress, protect against environmental damage, and support skin elasticity and firmness. The supporting ingredients ensure stability, delivery, and skin tolerance, making it suitable for a broad range of users.

By understanding the components of this serum, consumers can make informed decisions, ensuring they integrate it effectively into a skincare routine for long-term skin health and anti-aging benefits.

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