The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum — 1 fl oz Oil-Control, Pore-Refining Lightweight Treatment

The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum is a lightweight, multi-active treatment designed to reduce visible oiliness, refine the look of pores, and smooth skin texture for a clearer complexion.

This water-based serum brings together seven targeted actives to address excess shine, surface congestion and uneven tone while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. The formula blends oil-control molecules, gentle exfoliating components and barrier-supporting ingredients to work simultaneously without harsh drying. It’s presented as a daily-use step for routines focused on clarifying and balancing combination to oily skin types.

How does this serum reduce shine and control oil?

The formula includes naturally occurring and patented amino-based ingredients that help reduce the visual effects of excess sebum. These components temporarily modulate surface oil and create a smoother, less reflective finish without stripping the skin.

• Sarcosine and L‑Carnitine: amino-derived molecules that help minimize oily sheen.
• Polylysine: a branched, naturally-derived polymer that decreases surface oil appearance.
• Lightweight, water-based delivery that doesn’t leave a heavy residue.

Will this product help with pores and texture?

Yes — the serum combines pore-smoothing and mild exfoliating technologies to reduce the look of enlarged pores and uneven surface texture. It focuses on improving overall skin clarity rather than aggressive resurfacing.

• Adenosine: works to refine visible pore size and soften textured areas.
• N‑Acetylglucosamine (NAG): an amino sugar that gently promotes surface renewal for a more even tone.
• Regular use can support a visibly smoother complexion with fewer congested areas.

Does it protect and hydrate the skin barrier?

The serum includes barrier-supporting humectants and microbial-derived fragments formulated to help retain moisture and support repair processes. These ingredients aim to keep skin comfortable even while targeting oil and congestion.

• Ectoin: a bio-derived molecule that helps preserve hydration and limit water loss.
• Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: broken-down bacterial fragments that support barrier resilience.
• Balances oil-control effects with ingredients that maintain long-lasting moisture.

How should I incorporate it into my routine and what results can I expect?

Apply after cleansing and before heavier creams or sunscreens, typically once or twice daily depending on tolerance. Because the serum uses gentle actives, it’s suitable for consistent use and aims for gradual improvements in clarity, texture and reduced shine.

• Use on clean skin; follow with hydrator and SPF in the morning.
• Visible reduction in oiliness and smoother texture often appears with regular weeks-long use.
• Non-irritating, so it can be layered with many other routine products when needed.

Who is this for: This serum is designed for people with oily, combination or congested skin who want to reduce shine, refine pores and improve surface texture without harsh exfoliation. It’s a good option for those seeking a lightweight, daily clarifying step that also supports hydration and barrier health. If you have very dry or sensitized skin, consider patch testing or using less frequently while monitoring tolerance.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Propanediol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Carnitine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sarcosine, Ectoin, Adenosine, Polylysine, Silanetriol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.