The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade healthy?

The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum foundation contains a mix of safe and beneficial ingredients like Coconut Alkanes and Tocopherol, which provide skin-conditioning benefits.

How processed is The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade?

The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Coconut Alkanes, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491/Ci 77492/Ci 77499) count in its favor; Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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The Ordinary Serum Foundation Full Size 30 ml Pick Shade

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Serum
Summary

This serum foundation contains a mix of safe and beneficial ingredients like Coconut Alkanes and Tocopherol, which provide skin-conditioning benefits. However, the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause skin irritation, and several synthetic polymers and silicones contribute to a moderate processing level. These factors, combined with the use of PEG compounds, result in a balanced score reflecting both the positive and negative aspects of the formulation.

Key ingredients 32

Coconut Alkanes
Good

Coconut Alkanes are derived from coconut oil and are used as an emollient and solvent. They provide a silky, smooth feel without a greasy residue. They are considered safe and beneficial for skin hydration.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, primarily related to potential allergies.

Benefits

They provide hydration and a smooth application.

See more about Coconut Alkanes →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is beneficial for skin health and hydration. It is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential allergies.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and improves skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Iron Oxides (Ci 77491/Ci 77492/Ci 77499)
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with their use.

Benefits

They provide stable, non-reactive color to the product.

See more about Iron Oxides (Ci 77491/Ci 77492/Ci 77499) →
Mica
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

There are concerns about inhalation risks in powder form.

Benefits

It provides a shimmering effect and smooth finish.

See more about Mica →
Cyclopentasiloxane
Neutral

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone-based compound used for its smooth application and spreadability. It evaporates quickly, leaving a silky finish on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about its environmental impact, particularly its persistence in the environment.

Benefits

It provides a smooth texture and helps in even application of the product.

See more about Cyclopentasiloxane →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent in cosmetics, used to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the formulation of the product by providing a base. It is generally safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

It acts as a solvent and helps in the hydration of the skin.

See more about Water →
Caprylyl Methicone
Neutral

Caprylyl Methicone is a silicone that provides a lightweight feel and enhances spreadability. It is used to improve the texture of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, primarily related to potential environmental concerns.

Benefits

It improves the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Caprylyl Methicone →
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Neutral

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone resin used to form a flexible, breathable film on the skin. It helps in long-lasting wear of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, mainly related to potential environmental persistence.

Benefits

It provides long-lasting wear and a smooth finish.

See more about Trimethylsiloxysilicate →
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Neutral

This ingredient is a silicone-based polymer used for its conditioning properties and smooth application. It helps in spreading the product evenly. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about potential impurities from the ethoxylation process.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Neutral

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil, used to provide a light, non-greasy feel. It helps in moisturizing the skin. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential allergies.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, moisturizing effect on the skin.

See more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate →
Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Neutral

This is a silicone-based compound used for its emollient and conditioning properties. It helps in providing a smooth, silky feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, silky texture to the product.

Dipropylene Glycol
Neutral

Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent and humectant used to improve texture and moisture retention. It helps in spreading the product evenly. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in moisture retention and improves texture.

See more about Dipropylene Glycol →
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps in blending oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate →
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Neutral

This is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps in blending oil and water components. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate →
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps in blending oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate →
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Neutral

Disteardimonium Hectorite is a thickening agent used to improve the consistency of products. It helps in stabilizing emulsions. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It improves consistency and stabilizes formulations.

See more about Disteardimonium Hectorite →
Hectorite
Neutral

Hectorite is a clay mineral used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It improves texture and stabilizes formulations.

Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in high concentrations.

Benefits

It improves texture and stabilizes formulations.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Hexyl Laurate
Neutral

Hexyl Laurate is an ester used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in providing a smooth, silky feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, silky texture to the product.

See more about Hexyl Laurate →
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Neutral

PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used for its conditioning properties and smooth application. It helps in spreading the product evenly. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about potential impurities from the ethoxylation process.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product.

Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing formulations and improving texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Neutral

This ingredient is a polymer used for its film-forming and texturizing properties. It helps in providing a smooth, matte finish. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, matte finish to the product.

Alumina
Neutral

Alumina is used as an abrasive and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It improves texture and consistency.

See more about Alumina →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of formulations. It helps in preventing the degradation of active ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It improves stability and efficacy of formulations.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps in maintaining the product's integrity. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the product and preventing microbial growth.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
Neutral

Titanium Dioxide is a mineral used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It provides opacity and sun protection. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about inhalation risks in powder form.

Benefits

It provides sun protection and opacity to the product.

See more about Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) →
Tin Oxide
Neutral

Tin Oxide is used as an opacifying agent and pigment in cosmetics. It helps in providing a pearlescent effect. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a pearlescent effect and opacity to the product.

See more about Tin Oxide →
Aluminum Hydroxide
Neutral

Aluminum Hydroxide is used as an opacifying agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It improves texture and consistency.

See more about Aluminum Hydroxide →
Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163)
Neutral

Bismuth Oxychloride is used as a pigment and opacifying agent in cosmetics. It provides a pearlescent effect and smooth finish. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation.

Benefits

It provides a pearlescent effect and smooth finish.

Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are concerns about potential impurities from the ethoxylation process.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and longevity of the product.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and longevity of the product.

See more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential risks.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It effectively preserves the product by preventing microbial growth.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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