Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum
Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A daily antioxidant serum combining 8 powerful technologies including stabilized vitamin C and ginseng to protect skin from environmental stressors, boost radiance, and visibly brighten dull skin while reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.
Radiance Boosting
Visibly brightens dull, tired skin for a luminous, healthy-looking complexion with regular use.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRadiance Boosting
Visibly brightens dull, tired skin for a luminous, healthy-looking complexion with regular use.
Environmental Protection
8 antioxidant technologies create a shield against pollution, UV damage, and free radicals.
Dark Spot Fading
Stabilized vitamin C helps fade visible dark spots and even out skin tone over time.
Barrier Support
Tremella mushroom extract and ergothioneine strengthen skin's natural moisture barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEThe Ordinary states ingredients are tested safe for topical use but doesn't test on pregnant/nursing individuals. Consult your doctor before use. Contains no retinoids or salicylic acid.
NOT fungal acne safe. Contains Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, which may feed malassezia yeast and trigger breakouts in those with fungal acne.
Rating 1/5. Oil-free, lightweight formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for most acne-prone skin types.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and uses gentle stabilized vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) instead of irritating L-ascorbic acid.
Avoid using in the same routine as other peptide serums or Copper Peptides. Can be used with retinol in alternate routines.
Free from common allergens, parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Always patch test before first use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAscorbyl GlucosideProven
A stabilized, water-soluble form of vitamin C that converts to active ascorbic acid in the skin. Provides brightening, antioxidant protection, and collagen support without the irritation of pure vitamin C.
- Function: Brightening, antioxidant, collagen synthesis
- Benefit: Stable formulation that won't oxidize quickly
- Research: In-vitro studies show conversion to active vitamin C in skin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractProven
A powerful botanical antioxidant with centuries of use in Asian skincare. Helps protect against environmental stress, improves blood circulation to skin, and provides soothing benefits.
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, circulation booster
- Benefit: Helps skin resist environmental stressors
- Research: Contains ginsenosides with proven antioxidant properties
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside)Proven
A stabilized, bioengineered form of the famous green tea polyphenol. Provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits while being more stable in formulations than regular EGCG.
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging
- Benefit: Protects against UV and pollution damage
- Research: Green tea polyphenols extensively studied for skin benefits
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2Promising
A biomimetic peptide that helps target the appearance of uneven skin tone and promotes a more radiant, healthier-looking appearance through skin cell communication.
- Function: Cell-communicating ingredient, tone evening
- Benefit: Helps reduce appearance of uneven skin tone
Heptapeptide-6 (Turmeric Peptide)Promising
A turmeric-derived peptide that provides anti-inflammatory protection against environmental aggressors while targeting visible signs of aging like fine lines.
- Function: Anti-aging, environmental protection
- Benefit: Targets fine lines and environmental damage
ErgothioneineProven
A naturally occurring amino acid antioxidant found in mushrooms and within human skin. Provides exceptional protection against oxidative stress and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- Function: Antioxidant, barrier support
- Benefit: Protects against environmental oxidative damage
- Research: Found naturally in skin, suggesting biological compatibility
Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)Proven
Derived from annatto seeds, this potent form of vitamin E provides superior antioxidant protection compared to regular tocopherols, helping protect against pollution and soothe irritation.
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
- Benefit: Protects from pollution damage, soothes skin
- Research: 40-60x more potent antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp ExtractPromising
Snow mushroom extract that acts as a natural humectant, creating a protective film on skin to attract and retain moisture. Known as "nature's hyaluronic acid" with superior water-holding capacity.
- Function: Hydration, moisture retention
- Benefit: Holds more moisture than hyaluronic acid by weight
- Heritage: Used for centuries in Chinese beauty rituals
21 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ergothioneine, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Heptapeptide-6, Tocotrienols, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Glycerin, Isoceteth-20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based toners and before heavier treatments. Can be used AM and PM. Avoid using with other peptide serums or copper peptides in the same routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Use your favorite cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Apply Toner (Optional)
If using a toner, apply and let absorb before the serum. This helps prep skin for better absorption.
Dispense 2-3 Drops
Use the dropper to apply a few drops to your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Gently Pat Into Skin
Press the serum into your face and neck using gentle patting motions. Allow 30-60 seconds to absorb fully.
Follow With Moisturizer
Seal in benefits with your favorite moisturizer. In the morning, always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want antioxidant protection without irritation
- Pure vitamin C serums irritate your skin
- You're concerned about pollution and environmental damage
- You want to brighten dull, tired-looking skin
- You're looking for an affordable antioxidant serum
- You want to fade dark spots and even skin tone
- You prefer lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're very sensitive to any fishy scent
- You want high-concentration L-ascorbic acid
- You need immediate, dramatic brightening results
- You're already using multiple peptide serums
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products (natural scent present)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. Won't clog pores.
Snow mushroom provides hydration, but may need a richer moisturizer on top for very dry skin types.
Balances perfectly across different face zones. Lightweight enough for T-zone, hydrating enough for dry areas.
Fragrance-free with gentle vitamin C derivative. Patch test first, but generally well-tolerated.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula. Good for regular acne, but NOT safe for fungal acne.
Antioxidants and peptides help target fine lines and environmental aging. Gentle enough for daily use.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8-12Immediate Glow
Skin feels more hydrated and looks instantly more radiant. The dewy finish provides an immediate luminosity boost.
85% noticed improved hydrationTexture Improvement
Skin texture becomes smoother and more even. Early signs of dark spot fading may begin to appear with consistent use.
70% noticed smoother textureVisible Brightening
More noticeable improvement in overall skin radiance and tone. Dark spots appear lighter and skin looks healthier.
65% noticed brighter complexionFull Benefits
Maximum brightening and antioxidant benefits achieved. Continued use maintains protection against environmental damage.
79% would repurchaseRatings by platform
277+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional value at $14 for 8 active technologies
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs instantly
- Visibly improves skin radiance and glow
- Gentle stabilized vitamin C won't irritate
- Layers well under makeup and sunscreen
- Vegan, cruelty-free, clean formula
- Suitable for AM and PM use
- Oil-free, won't clog pores
Criticized
- Noticeable fishy smell (fades after application)
- Not fungal acne safe (contains ferment)
- Lower vitamin C concentration than premium serums
- Results take 4-6 weeks to become visible
- Can't use with other peptide serums
- Some users reported breakouts
- Small 30ml bottle size
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame brand, focused on resveratrol and ferulic acid antioxidants. Slightly oily texture but excellent for anti-aging and brightening. Fungal acne safe.
Powerful antioxidant mimics superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. Anhydrous formula, best for environmental protection. Fungal acne safe.
Focuses on tranexamic acid and niacinamide for dark spots. Different approach to brightening but excellent results at similar price point.
Uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate (stable vitamin C) with ferulic acid and vitamin E. More expensive but pleasant scent and proven formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDESkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Mark your open date on the bottle for tracking.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration not required but can extend freshness.
Glass dropper bottle with pipette for precise application and minimal air exposure.
Yes, 30ml is under 100ml TSA limit. Pack in clear liquids bag for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThe Ordinary states that while each ingredient has been tested and is considered safe for topical application, they don't specifically test products on pregnant or nursing individuals. The serum contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone (common pregnancy concerns). However, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before incorporating any new skincare products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this serum is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, which is a fermented ingredient that may feed malassezia yeast and potentially trigger or worsen fungal acne. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like The Ordinary EUK 134 or Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%, which are both fungal acne safe.
This serum can be used with most actives but with some considerations: With retinol - use in alternate routines (this serum AM, retinol PM). With pure vitamin C - generally compatible, but may be redundant as this already contains vitamin C. With AHA/BHA - can be used in the same routine, apply acids first. AVOID using with other peptide serums or copper peptides in the same routine as this can affect ingredient integrity.
This serum works well for most skin types. It's excellent for oily and combination skin due to its lightweight, oil-free formula. Good for dry skin when layered with a moisturizer. Suitable for sensitive skin as it uses gentle ascorbyl glucoside instead of pure vitamin C. Great for mature skin targeting environmental aging. Not recommended for those with fungal acne due to the ferment ingredient.
Results timeline varies by individual: Week 1 - immediate hydration and subtle glow. Weeks 2-4 - improved skin texture and smoothness. Weeks 4-6 - visible brightening and dark spot fading begins. Weeks 8-12 - full benefits achieved with consistent use. For best results, use twice daily (AM and PM) and always follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Apply this water-based serum after cleansing and toning, but before heavier treatments, moisturizers, and sunscreen. The general order is: Cleanser → Toner → This Serum → Other serums (if any) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). It can be used both morning and evening. In the PM, you can follow with a sleeping mask or night cream.
This serum has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The lightweight, water-based formula is well-suited for acne-prone skin. However, as with any new product, we recommend patch testing first, especially if you have very reactive or acne-prone skin.
The serum has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency. The stabilized vitamin C formula is more resistant to oxidation than pure L-ascorbic acid serums. If you notice significant color change (turning dark orange/brown) or smell change, the product may have degraded.
Many users notice a slight fishy odor, which comes from natural ingredients like ergothioneine (mushroom-derived antioxidant) and possibly the Tremella mushroom extract. This is normal and indicates the presence of active ingredients. The smell typically dissipates within 30-60 seconds after application and does not linger on the skin.
Verdict: The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum delivers exceptional value with 8 active antioxidant technologies at just $14. It's an excellent choice for those seeking environmental protection and radiance boosting without the irritation of pure vitamin C. The lightweight formula works well for most skin types, especially oily and combination skin. The main drawbacks are the fishy scent (which fades quickly) and the presence of a ferment that makes it unsuitable for fungal acne. If you can tolerate the temporary smell and don't have malassezia concerns, this is one of the best affordable antioxidant serums on the market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
|
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
|
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 0 |
Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside
Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|







