The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density - 2 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Thickening, All Hair Types, Daily Use, Unscented
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This hair serum contains several beneficial ingredients such as peptides, caffeine, and plant extracts that support hair health and density. However, it also includes sodium metabisulfite and phenoxyethanol, which are potential irritants and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of these preservatives, along with the processed nature of the product, impacts its overall rating.
Key ingredients 36
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps maintain hydration and improves the skin's barrier function. It is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetic formulations.
Risks
Generally safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and supports barrier function.
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1Good
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that supports hair health and growth. It is believed to strengthen hair and improve its density. It is considered beneficial for hair care products.
Benefits
Supports hair strength and density.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3Good
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a peptide that promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss. It is used in hair care products to improve hair density and health. It is considered safe and effective.
Benefits
Promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss.
Larix Europaea Wood ExtractGood
Larix Europaea Wood Extract is derived from the larch tree and is known for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage. It is considered beneficial in hair care formulations.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and supports scalp health.
Pisum Sativum ExtractGood
Pisum Sativum Extract, or pea extract, is rich in proteins and nutrients that support hair health. It helps strengthen hair and improve its resilience. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
Strengthens hair and improves resilience.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractGood
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps soothe the scalp and protect hair from damage. It is considered beneficial in hair care formulations.
Benefits
Soothes the scalp and provides antioxidant protection.
Triticum Vulgare Germ ExtractGood
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, or wheat germ extract, is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair. It helps improve hair strength and elasticity. It is considered beneficial in hair care products.
Benefits
Nourishes hair and improves strength and elasticity.
Glycine Soja Germ ExtractGood
Glycine Soja Germ Extract, or soybean germ extract, is rich in proteins and nutrients that support hair health. It helps strengthen hair and improve its resilience. It is considered beneficial in hair care products.
Benefits
Strengthens hair and improves resilience.
Trifolium Pratense Flower ExtractGood
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, or red clover extract, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the scalp and protect hair from damage. It is considered beneficial in hair care formulations.
Benefits
Soothes the scalp and provides antioxidant protection.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractGood
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, or green tea extract, is rich in antioxidants that protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage. It helps improve hair health and shine. It is considered beneficial in hair care products.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and improves hair shine.
ApigeninGood
Apigenin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the hair and scalp from damage and soothes irritation. It is considered beneficial in hair care formulations.
Benefits
Protects hair and scalp from damage and soothes irritation.
Oleanolic AcidGood
Oleanolic Acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps protect the hair and scalp from damage and supports hair health. It is considered beneficial in hair care products.
Benefits
Protects hair and scalp from damage and supports hair health.
ArginineGood
Arginine is an amino acid that supports hair growth and strength. It helps improve blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles. It is considered beneficial in hair care formulations.
Benefits
Supports hair growth and improves blood circulation to the scalp.
GlycineGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Improves hair texture and feel.
GluconolactoneGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Exfoliates and improves skin hydration.
Aqua (Water)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered effectively.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and improves product texture.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin. It also acts as a solvent for other ingredients. It is widely used in cosmetics and considered safe.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and improves product spreadability.
CaffeineNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves circulation and provides antioxidant protection.
Calcium GluconateNeutral
Calcium Gluconate is used as a conditioning agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Zinc ChlorideNeutral
Zinc Chloride is used as a stabilizer and preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the product's shelf life and stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Maintains product stability and shelf life.
Lactic AcidNeutral
Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for its exfoliating and pH-adjusting properties. It helps improve skin texture and maintain the product's pH balance. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Exfoliates and maintains product pH balance.
DextranNeutral
Dextran is used as a film-forming agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
MaltodextrinNeutral
Maltodextrin is used as a film-forming agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and viscosity of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and viscosity.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and viscosity of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and viscosity.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and feel.
Dimethyl IsosorbideNeutral
Dimethyl Isosorbide is used as a solvent and penetration enhancer in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the delivery of active ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Enhances delivery of active ingredients.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PPG-26-Buteth-26Neutral
PPG-26-Buteth-26 is used as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilNeutral
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used as a chelating agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the stability and efficacy of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product stability and efficacy.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps prevent microbial growth and extend the product's shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
Sodium MetabisulfiteBad
Sodium Metabisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetic formulations. It can cause allergic reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals. It is considered a potential irritant in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Acts as a preservative and antioxidant.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is considered a potential irritant in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Acts as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Processing
Processed Foods
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