Product Info

• Where to Purchase : Sephora 

• Price : $19.90

• Volume : 1 oz

• Made in : Canada

What Is It + What Does It Do?

• A multi-active serum designed to :

- Reduce skin congestion like appearance of pores and bumps

- Control excess oil and shine to help prevent breakouts

- Brighten the skin to fade pigmentation and post-acne marks

- Hydrate the skin

• Targets : Congestion, dryness, textural irregularities

• Best For : Blemish-prone and congested skin, oily and combination skin 

• My Take : Definitely suitable for oily and combination skin types. I also believe sensitive skin could benefit from this as it’s not overloaded with AHAs or strong actives.

• Vegan? Yes

• Cruelty-Free? Yes

• Fungal Acne Safe? Yes

• EU Allergen-Free? Yes

• Shelf Life : 12 months after opening

• pH : 5.5–6.5

Packaging & Directions

• Packaging : Glass bottle with dropper

• Directions from the website : Shake well before use. Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening.

• How I Use It : I use this serum in the PM after toner and before moisturizer. I don’t use it daily, just alternate days. It layers well with retinol in the same routine, but I avoid pairing it with vitamin C and alternate instead.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate : A derivative of Azelaic Acid. It hydrates, brightens by inhibiting melanin production, regulates sebum, and helps prevent acne.

• Ectoin : Antioxidant, soothing, and moisturizing. Also approved in Europe for conditions like eczema and atopic skin.

• Adenosine : Involved in cellular signaling; promotes wound healing, improves skin firmness and texture.

• Acetyl Glucosamine : Hydrating, brightening, helps fade dark spots and post-acne marks; can also improve wrinkles at 2% concentration.

• Sarcosine, L-Carnitine, Polylysine : Help control excess oil and shine.

• Lactococcus Ferment Lysate : Supports the skin barrier.

• Chlorphenesin : Antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Full Ingredients List

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.

Comparisons & Notes

• Compared to The Ordinary’s Aloe + NAG Solution :

- Aloe + NAG contains N-acetyl Glucosamine, Lactic Acid (AHA), and Peptides.

- Balancing Clarifying Serum contains Acetyl Glucosamine, PAD, Ectoin, and no AHA.

- The Aloe + NAG serum is not fungal acne safe; the Clarifying Serum is.

• Compared to The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + Zinc Serum :

- Niacinamide and Zinc reduce oil and pore size.

- The Clarifying Serum doesn’t contain either, but they pair well in a routine.

Texture & Application

• Texture : Water-based, lightweight serum

• Sticky? No

• Greasy? No

• Pills? No

• Stings if Skin is Irritated? Yes

• Seasonal Suitability : Works in both summer and winter for oily/combination skin

• Fragrance? Fragrance- and essential oil-free

• Good Under Makeup? Yes, just don’t over-apply

• Layerable? Yes

Usage Timeline

• How long have I used it? 3–4 months

• Will I finish it? Yes

• Expected to last : Another 3–4 months

Results

• Initial Effects: Hydrated skin

• At 3-Month Mark :

- Slightly smaller pores, especially on the nose

- Smoother overall texture

- Slightly clearer skin

* Note : I also use retinol regularly, so I wouldn’t rely on this serum alone. It works best as part of a complete anti-blemish, brightening, or well-aging routine.

What I Like

• Fragrance- and EO-free

• Cruelty-free

• Hydrating

• Lightweight

• Didn’t dry or irritate my skin

• Helped refine texture

• Helped reduce visible pores

What I Don’t Like

• No niacinamide 

• Not moisturizing enough on its own

• No BHA included for decongestion

However, I understand that The Ordinary likely formulated this with sensitive skin in mind hence no harsh acids or potentially irritating actives.

Final Thoughts

Rating : ★★★★☆ (3.9/5)

This is a solid, gentle serum that works well for oily and combination skin types. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and non-irritating. While I wouldn’t call it a standalone miracle product, it definitely has a place in a broader routine focused on balancing, brightening, or anti-acne care. It’s especially good for sensitive users who can't tolerate stronger actives.

• Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Dupe? Not an exact match, but the Be Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Matmarine + Zinc + Acetyl Glucosamine serum offers similar effects for oily/congested skin, particularly when paired with niacinamide.