The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

A lipid-rich formula designed to repair compromised skin barriers and provide immediate relief to irritated, sensitized skin. This serum combines essential lipids, vitamins, and phytotechnology to restore the skin's protective barrier while calming redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Perfect for sensitive skin, over-exfoliation recovery, or as a preventive barrier strengthener.

Key Benefits

1. Repairs and strengthens compromised skin barrier
2. Provides immediate soothing relief to irritated skin
3. Reduces redness, inflammation, and sensitivity
4. Restores essential lipids lost from barrier damage
5. Calms reactive and sensitized skin
6. Suitable for post-treatment recovery
7. Lightweight, non-greasy texture
8. Fragrance-free and gentle formulation

How to Use

Apply morning and evening to clean, dry skin after cleansing and toning. Dispense 3-4 drops, press into face and neck, and follow with moisturizer. For compromised skin, use 2-3 times daily until barrier is restored. During recovery from over-exfoliation, pause all actives and use this serum as primary treatment for 1-2 weeks. Can be applied before retinol to reduce irritation. Store in fridge for extra cooling effect.

Best For

1. All skin types especially sensitive and reactive
2. Compromised or damaged skin barrier
3. Post-procedure skin recovery
4. Over-exfoliated or stressed skin
5. Eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin
6. Those experiencing retinoid irritation
7. Skin cycling rest days

Key Ingredients

1. Ceramide Complex to restore and reinforce skin's protective barrier
2. Amino Acids to support barrier repair and maintain hydration
3. Beta-Glucan to calm inflammation and reduce redness
4. Phytosterols as plant-derived lipids for anti-inflammatory benefits
5. Vitamin F to nourish and strengthen the lipid barrier
6. Squalane to hydrate and protect without clogging pores
7. Allantoin to soothe irritation and promote healing

Skincare Routine Step

Step 4 - Treatment Serum (AM and PM). For healthy skin: After cleansing, toner, and water-based serums, before moisturizer. For compromised skin recovery: Use generously twice daily with only gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Pause all acids, retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliants during recovery.

Use This With

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (apply before)
2. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (layer on top)
3. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (gentle cleansing)
4. CeraVe Healing Ointment (as final step)
5. Can use as buffer before retinol products
6. During recovery, only use with gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and mineral sunscreen
7. Avoid combining with acids, retinoids, strong vitamin C, or exfoliants when skin is irritated