Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement

Name: The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement
Brand: The Ordinary

serummid-range

Overall score5.4

The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement scores 5.4/9.8 overall. It ranks highest in low irritation risk (9.5) and formulation safety (9.0).

✶ Hero ingredients

#3Propanediol

Draws in moisture

#4Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

Works on your skin

#5Carnitine

Works on your skin

Score breakdown

Overall

5.4

Hydration Efficacy3.6

Irritation Risk9.5

Active Ingredient Strength2.7

Ingredient Transparency8.5

Formulation Safety9.0

Scores last verified: June 2026

What makes The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement stand out

The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement is a decent serum with an overall score of 5.4/9.8. Positioned in the mid-range bracket, it takes a straightforward approach to skincare. The formula leads with Propanediol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Carnitine — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.

It performs well on low irritation risk (9.5). On the flip side, hydration could be stronger and active ingredient concentration is on the lighter side.

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags
✓Ingredient-aware buyers — transparent, well-documented formula

May not suit

⚠Very dry skin types looking for heavy-duty moisture
⚠Those seeking potent actives — this leans more maintenance than treatment

Key ingredients

✶
Propanediol
Draws in moisture — #3 in the INCI list

Full ingredient list

22 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Aqua (Water)#3Propanediol #4Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate #5Carnitine #6Acetyl Glucosamine #7Sarcosine #8Ectoin #9Adenosine #11

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✶

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

Works on your skin — #4 in the INCI list

✶

Carnitine

Works on your skin — #5 in the INCI list

✶

Acetyl Glucosamine

Works on your skin — #6 in the INCI list

✶

Sarcosine

Draws in moisture — #7 in the INCI list