Where to purchase: The Ordinary: LINK / Boots: LINK / Space NK: LINK / Sephora: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
Price: £20.20
Volume: 30ml
Made in: Canada
What is it + What does it do?: A Multi-active-containing solution (serum) that: aims to reduce skin congestion (the look of pores + bumps), reduce excess shine (reduce the chance of breakouts), brighten the skin (reduce pigmentation and post-acne marks) and hydrate it.
Targets: Congestion, Dryness, Textural Irregularities.
Aimed at: Blemish-prone and Congested skin / Oily + Combination Skin (+ all skin types)
What I think: I would agree that this suits oily + combination skins. I also think sensitive skins could use this (it’s not loaded with AHAs etc).
Vegan?: Yes.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
Fungal Acne Suitable?: Yes.
EU-Allergen Free?: Yes.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months after opening.
pH: 5.5-6.5.
Packaging: Glass Bottle with a dropper.
Directions: ”Shake well before use. Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening.” (From the Website).
How I use it: I apply this in the PM after toning and before a moisturiser. I do not use this every day as I alternate its use. I can use this in the same routine as retinol. But I would alternate it with Vitamin C.
Key Ingredients:
- Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD): This is a derivative of Azelaic Acid (Just like in the Geek and Gorgeous aPAD serum – Swatches + Review HERE). It is a hydrating ingredient that helps brighten the skin (inhibits an enzyme needed in the skin to create brown spots). This also helps regulate sebum product + reduce acne formation – Reference.
- Ectoin: Antioxidant / Soothing / Moisturising. This may also help reduce wrinkles. Side Note: It is approved for medical use in Europe and is beneficial for conditions like eczema and atopic skin – Reference.
- Adenosine: plays a crucial role in cell signalling within the body. It helps with wound-healing and may also help improve skin firmness and texture – Reference.
- Acetyl Glucosamine: Skin-brightening + Natural Moisturising. It also helps reduce pigmentation i.e. brown spots and post-acne marks (+wrinkles at a 2% concentration) – Reference.
- Sarcosine + L-Carnitine + Polylysine: Reduces Oiliness + Shine.
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: Helps support the skin’s barrier.
- Adenosine: Improve the skin’s texture + pores.
- Chlorphenesin: Antibacterial + Antimicrobial
Full 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.
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
How does this differ from The Ordinary’s Aloe 2% + NAG2% Solution?: Swatches + Review HERE. These are very similar in terms of texture. The Aloe + NAG serum focuses more on post-acne marks and lightening pigmentation (its goals are very similar), however the Balancing + Clarifying serum works on reducing blemishes and works on skin roughness and texture too.
Note: The Aloe + NAG Solution contains N-acetyl Glucosamine (it is shown to target the appearance of an uneven skin tone + texture/roughness), whereas the Balancing + Clarifying serum contains Acetyl Glucosamine (focuses more on hydration and fine lines).
Furthermore: The Aloe Serum is not Fungal-Acne Suitable (the clarifying serum is). The Clarifying serum does not contain Aloe (Soothing). The Aloe Serum contains AHA (Lactic Acid) + Peptides, whereas this Balancing serum contains Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Ectoin, Sarcosine, Adenosine and Azeloyl Diglycinate (skin brightening, anti-acne, soothing).
- This also differs from the Niacinamide + Zinc Serum (also from the ordinary) as that contains Niacinamide + Zinc (also to reduce excess sebum and large pores). However, (it is clever of the brand to do this), Niacinamide is a great partner to either the Aloe + NAG or Clarifying Serum as both work well with NAG / AG to help balance sebum production in the skin and reduce congestion.
Texture: A water-based serum that is lightweight and runs down the hand. I’m surprised how this doesn’t feel very thick, sticky or tacky like The Ordinary’s other serums (Like the Niacinamide + Zinc Serum, or their Hyaluronic Acid + B5 serum).
Sticky?: No.
Greasy?: No.
Balls up?: No.
- As you can see, this is lightweight and watery. It absorbs relatively quickly and feels hydrating.
Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)
Hopefully you can see both the thinness and how hydrating this serum looks.
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes.
Summer or Winter?: For Oily + Combination Skins – both.
Layerable?: Yes.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this has a watery, lightweight texture. This isn’t too viscous and isn’t sticky or tacky. It feels hydrating.
Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free (This doesn’t smell too strongly of anything).
Good Under Makeup?: Yes (Do not apply too much product).
How long have I been using this?: 3-4 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: Another 3-4 Months (I also use this in the neck).
The Effect?: Initially; hydrated skin. I started to see results at the 3 Month mark; smaller noticeable pores on the nose and a slight reduction in the skin’s roughness. [However, I also use Retinol. I would not recommend this serum alone, but in a anti-blemish or brightening or well-ageing routine for maximum results].
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Cruelty-Free
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Did not dry out my skin
- Helps improve the overall texture of the skin
- Helped reduce the look of my pores
- Did not irritate my skin (i.e. did not worsen my skin’s condition)
What I don’t like:
- I wish they included Niacinamide (to further help with the skin’s redness and congestion)
- Not moisturising (i.e. not emollient)
- Doesn’t contain BHA for decongestion + pores (However, like Niacinamide, I believe this serum has been made with sensitive skins in mind, so the brand created this and the Aloe + NAG serums specifically to help particularly sensitive skins as well as other skin types).
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9 (nearly 4) / 5 – Overall, this has been a pleasant serum to use and I haven’t had any irritation or issues with it. It has helped the skin in terms of reducing the look of pores and helping deal with any pimples that pop up and has helped clarify the skin.
That being said, I would not say this is a sole-solution product (unless you have very sensitive skin that cannot use acids or pure vitamin c, then please go ahead) I would still recommend AHA / BHA serums first OR together in a routine to help clarify the skin (or Azelaic Acid to help with redness, and Niacinamide for pores).
I think this serum has been great for my oily-combination skin. It is lightweight, hydrating and comfortable to wear. And because it’s gentle, I can use it often and not get irritation.
Would I repurchase?: Yes.
Dupe?: There isn’t a product that is exactly similar, nor contains all the key ingredients together (The closest thing is The Ordinary’s Aloe + NAG Serum (Swatches + Review HERE) However, in terms of products that contain some of the same ingredients OR have a similar effect, this is what is recommended:
- The Be Minimalist – Niacinamide 10% Matmarine + Zinc + Acetyl Glucosamine serum, like the Clarifying serum, contains Acetyl Glucosamine to help with congestion and blemishes, but ideally, it’s also paired with 10% Niacinamide to become more effective at targeting pimples.
- It is good for Oily + Combination Skins.
Available at: Beauty Bay: LINK / Superdrug: LINK
- The Clear Skin Days Clarifying Glycolic Serum is an acidic serum that contains both AHA + BHA to exfoliate and decongest + soften the skin (Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free). It is lightweight and hydrating.
Available at: Holland & Barrett: LINK / Superdrug: LINK
- The 23 years old AHA + BHA Cream (Swatches + Review HERE) is an AHA + BHA-exfoliating cream. So if you have dry skin or like to have actives in your moisturiser instead, then I recommend this to help with congestion and fine lines.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / dodoskin: LINK
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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My Skincare Regime 