Balancing & Clarifying Serum

The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum is a multi-active serum for blemish-prone skin that tackles four things at once: congestion, rough texture, visible shine and the look of enlarged pores. It's the one to reach for when your skin isn't exactly breaking out, but never looks clear either.

Skin types	Normal · dry · combination · oily
Targets	Pores · uneven texture · acne and blemishes
Texture	Drop-dispensed serum — shake before use
Key actives	Sarcosine · L-carnitine · adenosine · N-acetylglucosamine
Also	Vegan · gluten-free · cruelty-free · no added fragrance of consequence

What it actually does

• Turns down oil and shine. Sarcosine and L-carnitine are the pair credited with making oiliness and visible shine less obvious.
• Makes pores look smaller. Adenosine handles the appearance of pores and surface texture in this formula.
• Clears congestion. N-acetylglucosamine targets both congestion and uneven tone, which is why the serum works on clarity rather than just oil control.
• Smooths what's left behind. The brand describes it as reducing the look of post-acne marks while smoothing skin and promoting radiance.
• Brand clinical results. In The Ordinary's test on 30 people applying it twice weekly for six weeks, skin looked visibly clearer within a week, with reduced signs of congestion — pores, excess oil and uneven texture included.
• Suits dry skin too. All four skin types are listed, so this isn't only for people with oily skin.

Results above come from The Ordinary's own clinical testing. Individual results vary.

How to use

1. Shake the bottle well before every use — the formula needs it.
2. Apply a few drops to the face, morning and evening.
3. Press it in rather than rubbing, then follow with moisturiser.
4. Use SPF in the daytime, as with any clarifying routine.

Worth knowing: the brand's clinical protocol used it only twice a week over six weeks. If your skin is easily irritated, that's a sensible starting cadence before moving to daily use.

Is it right for you?

Questions

Why do I have to shake it?

The brand instructs it directly — the multi-active formula settles, so shaking makes sure each application delivers the full blend rather than whatever has risen to the top.

Is it only for oily skin?

No. The Ordinary lists it as suitable for normal, dry, combination and oily skin. Congestion and rough texture happen on dry skin too, and the formula addresses those alongside the shine control.

How often should I apply it?

The usage direction is a few drops in the morning and evening. Note that the brand's clinical study used it twice a week — so if you're sensitive, starting slowly still fits the evidence they published.

How long does delivery take, and how do I pay?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. We take credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets — no cash on delivery.

What if the bottle arrives broken or expired?

Report it within 1 day of delivery with a photo. Returns cover defective, damaged or expired items only, and approved refunds reach your original payment method within 15–30 days.