The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone - 3.3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone - 3.3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty healthy?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone - 3.3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, glycerin, and tocopherol, which are known for their skin-soothing and moisturizing properties.

Which ingredients drive The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone - 3.3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Ethyl Macadamiate, Niacinamide, Glycerin count in its favor; Phenoxyethanol is flagged as an ingredient 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 Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone - 3.3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

Ordinary
80 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Estée Lauder
Category Skin Lightener
Summary

This product contains beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, glycerin, and tocopherol, which are known for their skin-soothing and moisturizing properties. The formulation is generally safe, with no major harmful chemicals, but it does include some synthetic emulsifiers and preservatives, which slightly affect its overall safety profile. The level of processing is moderate, which limits the score despite the presence of beneficial components.

Key ingredients 19

Ethyl Macadamiate
Good

Ethyl Macadamiate is an emollient derived from macadamia oil. It provides a silky feel and helps in moisturizing the skin. It is well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It helps in softening and smoothing the skin, enhancing the overall texture.

See more about Ethyl Macadamiate →
Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 known for its skin-soothing properties. It helps in reducing inflammation and improving skin tone. It is widely recognized for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or redness.

Benefits

Niacinamide is effective in reducing dark spots and improving skin elasticity.

See more about Niacinamide →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps in maintaining skin hydration and improving barrier function. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though excessive use may lead to a sticky feel.

Benefits

Glycerin effectively hydrates the skin and enhances its smoothness.

See more about Glycerin →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It aids in moisturizing and improving skin texture. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and enhances skin hydration.

See more about Tocopherol →
Aqua (Water)
Neutral

Aqua is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.

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Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare.

Risks

Some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It aids in skin hydration and enhances the absorption of other ingredients.

See more about Propanediol →
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Neutral

Sphingomonas Ferment Extract is derived from a type of bacteria and is used for its moisturizing properties. It helps in improving skin texture and hydration. Its safety profile is generally positive.

Risks

There is limited data on long-term effects, but it is considered safe.

Benefits

It contributes to skin hydration and may improve skin resilience.

Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent. It helps in retaining moisture and improving the texture of the product. It is generally well-tolerated in skincare formulations.

Risks

Some individuals may experience mild irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and improves the product's spreadability.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Neutral

Ethylhexyl Olivate is an ester derived from olive oil, used as an emollient. It provides a smooth feel and helps in moisturizing the skin. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in softening the skin and improving its texture.

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Neutral

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is an emulsifier derived from natural sources. It helps in stabilizing formulations and improving texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It aids in maintaining the consistency and stability of the product.

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Neutral

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the viscosity and spreadability of the formulation.

See more about Sodium Acrylates Copolymer →
Isoceteth-20
Neutral

Isoceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether used as an emulsifier. It helps in blending oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a potential risk of contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

It improves the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Isoceteth-20 →
Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium Citrate is a salt of citric acid used as a buffering agent. It helps in maintaining the pH balance of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in stabilizing the pH and enhancing the product's effectiveness.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is a weak organic acid used as a pH adjuster. It helps in maintaining the acidity of the product and enhancing its stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps in maintaining the product's pH and improving its shelf life.

See more about Citric Acid →
Malic Acid
Neutral

Malic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for its exfoliating properties. It helps in improving skin texture and promoting cell turnover. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

It aids in exfoliating the skin and enhancing its smoothness.

See more about Malic Acid →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps in preventing metal ion contamination and improving product stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It enhances the stability and effectiveness of the product.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is a conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps in improving the texture and shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the product's preservation and improves skin feel.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

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

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It aids in preserving the product and ensuring its safety.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It effectively preserves the product and prevents contamination.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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