The Ordinary

Pycnogenol 5%

SerumMid-rangeMorning or evening
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A 5% pine-bark antioxidant (pycnogenol) serum in a lightweight base, for environmental defence. A niche but potent antioxidant; pleasant layered under SPF in the morning, with a faint natural tint to the formula.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forPhotoaging PreventionDullnessRedness
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~30–70%Caprylic/Capric…
~5–25%Aqua
~3–10%Glycerin
~2–6%Pinus Pinaster …
~1.5–4%Propanediol
~1–2%2 ingredients
≤ 1% each2 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Pycnogenol
Pine Bark Antioxidant
Antioxidant
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Pycnogenol works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
Glycerin
Humectant
Solvent
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Glycerin works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Morning or evening
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum (66% active overlap). We found 2 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all serum dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.