Shake well before use. Apply morning and evening to face and neck using cotton pad or fingers. Do not rinse off. Avoid eye contour.
Key Information
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Sensitive-safe
Non-comedogenic
Hypoallergenic
Microbiome-safe
Preservative-free
Eco-friendly
Pregnancy-safe
Oil-free
What The Ordinary Says
Product Description:
A gentle exfoliating toner that promotes smoother, brighter skin while boosting hydration. Suitable for sensitive skin.
About the Brand:
Revolutionizing skincare transparency, The Ordinary offers clinical formulations with established technologies at radical price points. Founded by Brandon Truaxe under DECIEM in 2016, this disruptive brand focuses on single-ingredient integrity and scientific communication. Experience advanced actives without marketing hype or inflated costs through straightforward formulations that democratize effective skincare.
Citric acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in citrus fruits and widely used in skincare formulations. This versatile ingredient serves multiple purposes in dermatological products, primarily as a pH adjuster and mild exfoliant. Its ability to lower the pH of formulations helps stabilize other active ingredients and enhance product efficacy.
As an exfoliant, citric acid gently removes dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture. This action can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild hyperpigmentation. Additionally, citric acid possesses antioxidant properties, offering some protection against free radical damage.
In skincare, citric acid is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the product's intended purpose. It's often found in cleansers, toners, serums, and chemical peels. While generally well-tolerated, individuals with sensitive skin should introduce citric acid-containing products gradually to assess tolerance.
Beyond its exfoliating and antioxidant benefits, citric acid can enhance the skin's moisture retention capabilities and aid in the absorption of other active ingredients. Its multifunctional nature makes it a valuable component in various skincare formulations targeting diverse skin concerns.
Isoceteth-20
Isoceteth-20 is a versatile synthetic emulsifier and surfactant widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations. This non-ionic compound is derived from isocetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, resulting in a molecule with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. Its primary function is to facilitate the mixing of oil and water-based ingredients, creating stable emulsions in various skincare and haircare products.
The "20" in Isoceteth-20 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units in the molecule, which contributes to its water solubility and mildness on the skin. This ingredient is particularly valued for its ability to enhance the spreadability of formulations and improve the overall texture of products. It also acts as a mild cleansing agent and can help to solubilize fragrances and essential oils in water-based systems.
Isoceteth-20 is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is often used in products designed for sensitive skin. Its low irritation potential makes it a preferred choice in many gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Additionally, this ingredient can help to reduce the tackiness of certain formulations, contributing to a more pleasant sensory experience for the user.
Lauryl
Glucoside
Lauryl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant widely used in personal care products and cosmetic formulations. Derived from renewable, plant-based sources such as coconut oil and glucose from corn, it offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional surfactants. This ingredient functions primarily as a gentle cleansing agent and foam booster, making it ideal for sensitive skin formulations.
With its low irritation potential and biodegradable nature, Lauryl Glucoside is compatible with a wide range of skin types. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin's natural barrier function. The molecule consists of a hydrophilic glucose head and a hydrophobic lauryl alcohol tail, allowing it to interact with both water and oil-based substances.
In skincare products, Lauryl Glucoside helps to stabilize emulsions and enhance the texture of formulations. It's commonly found in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and even baby care products due to its mildness. The ingredient also demonstrates good compatibility with other surfactants, allowing formulators to create balanced, effective cleansing systems. Its pH-neutral nature further contributes to its skin-friendly profile, making it a valuable component in modern skincare formulations.
Myristyl
Glucoside
Myristyl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from natural sources, specifically coconut oil and glucose. This mild, biodegradable ingredient serves multiple functions in skincare and personal care formulations. Its primary role is to reduce surface tension between oil and water, allowing these typically incompatible substances to mix and form stable emulsions.
In skincare products, myristyl glucoside acts as a gentle cleansing agent, effectively removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Its low potential for skin sensitization makes it suitable for use in products designed for sensitive skin types. Additionally, myristyl glucoside exhibits conditioning properties, helping to improve skin feel and texture.
This ingredient also functions as a foam booster, enhancing the lather and sensory experience of cleansing products. Its ability to form liquid crystals in formulations can contribute to improved product stability and enhanced moisturization effects. Myristyl glucoside is often used in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and various leave-on skincare products. Its natural origin and mild nature align well with the growing consumer demand for gentle, plant-based cosmetic ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. This synthetic compound, derived from phenol and ethylene oxide, plays a crucial role in preventing microbial growth and extending product shelf life. With its chemical formula C8H10O2, phenoxyethanol appears as a colorless, oily liquid with a faint rose-like odor.
Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, phenoxyethanol is particularly valuable in water-based formulations. It functions optimally at pH levels between 3 and 8.5, making it compatible with a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products. Typically used at concentrations of 0.5% to 1%, phenoxyethanol is considered safe for most individuals when used as directed.
While phenoxyethanol offers excellent preservation properties, it is often combined with other preservatives for enhanced efficacy. Its stability in the presence of sunlight and compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients contribute to its popularity among formulators. However, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly at higher concentrations. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation, have approved phenoxyethanol for use in cosmetics within specified limits, reflecting its established safety profile when used appropriately.
Polyglyceryl-6
Laurate
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a versatile and mild emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic and skincare formulations. This non-ionic surfactant is derived from natural sources, combining lauric acid with polyglycerin. It serves multiple functions in product formulations, including emulsification, solubilization, and moisturization.
The compound's structure consists of a hydrophilic polyglycerin head and a lipophilic laurate tail, allowing it to effectively bridge oil and water phases in emulsions. This property makes it particularly useful in creating stable, water-in-oil or oil-in-water formulations. Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is known for its gentle nature, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and baby care products.
In skincare applications, it helps to improve product texture and spreadability while enhancing the skin's moisture retention capabilities. Its low irritation potential and biodegradability contribute to its growing popularity in natural and eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Additionally, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate can act as a co-emulsifier, boosting the stability of emulsions when used in combination with other emulsifiers. Its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients makes it a valuable component in various skincare products, from cleansers to moisturizers.
Sodium
Citrate
Sodium citrate is a versatile compound widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This salt of citric acid serves multiple functions, including pH adjustment, chelation, and buffering. Its ability to regulate acidity makes it valuable for maintaining product stability and optimizing the effectiveness of other active ingredients.
In skincare, sodium citrate acts as a gentle exfoliant by promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture. It also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, which can help in managing acne-prone skin. As a chelating agent, it binds to metal ions, preventing them from interfering with product performance and potentially irritating the skin.
The ingredient's buffering capacity helps create a more favorable environment for sensitive skin by reducing potential irritation from acidic or alkaline substances. Sodium citrate also enhances the penetration of certain active ingredients, improving their efficacy.
Its humectant properties contribute to skin hydration, helping to maintain moisture balance. Additionally, sodium citrate possesses antioxidant characteristics, offering some protection against free radical damage. Its safety profile is well-established, making it suitable for a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers.
Squalane
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and moisturizer derived from squalene, a compound naturally present in human sebum. This hydrogenated form offers superior stability and shelf life compared to its precursor. Squalane is colorless, odorless, and possesses a light, non-greasy texture that absorbs rapidly into the skin.
As a biomimetic ingredient, squalane closely resembles the skin's natural oils, allowing for excellent compatibility and integration with the skin barrier. It helps to reduce transepidermal water loss, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. Squalane also exhibits antioxidant properties, potentially protecting the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
This versatile ingredient is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It can help balance oil production in oily skin types while providing essential moisture to dry skin. Squalane's molecular structure allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering hydration to multiple layers of the epidermis.
In skincare formulations, squalane is often used in serums, moisturizers, and facial oils. It can enhance the spreadability of products and act as a carrier for other active ingredients, potentially improving their efficacy.
Trisodium
Ethylenediamine
Disuccinate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a versatile chelating agent widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This biodegradable compound is derived from ethylenediamine and succinic acid, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA. Its primary function is to bind metal ions, particularly calcium, magnesium, and iron, which can compromise product stability and efficacy.
In skincare, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate plays a crucial role in preserving product integrity by preventing metal-induced oxidation and discoloration. It enhances the stability of active ingredients, such as vitamins and antioxidants, prolonging their effectiveness. This ingredient also improves the foaming and cleansing properties of personal care products by softening water and reducing the negative effects of hard water on surfactants.
Furthermore, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, contributing to product preservation. Its ability to sequester metal ions also helps mitigate the potential irritation caused by trace metals on sensitive skin. This multifunctional ingredient is compatible with a wide range of formulations, including cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, making it a valuable addition to various skincare products.
Yeast
Extract
Yeast extract, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a potent skincare ingredient gaining prominence in advanced formulations. This nutrient-rich substance contains a complex blend of proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that offer multiple benefits for skin health and appearance.
The extract is particularly noted for its high content of beta-glucans, which demonstrate significant skin-soothing and barrier-strengthening properties. These polysaccharides help to reduce inflammation and support the skin's natural defense mechanisms against environmental stressors.
Yeast extract is also a source of valuable B vitamins, including niacinamide and panthenol, which contribute to improved skin texture and hydration. Its amino acid profile supports collagen synthesis, potentially enhancing skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of yeast extract help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are key factors in premature aging. Some studies suggest that yeast extract may also have mild brightening effects, helping to even out skin tone.
In skincare formulations, yeast extract is typically well-tolerated and can be incorporated into various product types, from serums to moisturizers, suitable for most skin types.