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The Ordinary "B" Oil Ingredients Explained

5.0   from 2 ratings
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Published on July 13, 2020

Overview

What it is

Oil with 19 ingredients that contains Vitamin E

Cool Features

It is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

Fun facts

The Ordinary is from Canada. This product is used in 107 routines created by our community.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concerns we determined from the ingredients in this product. Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Brightening

Concerns

Acne Trigger

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!
Ingredient
Features
1
Masking, Skin Conditioning
2
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
3
Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
4
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
5
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
6
Emollient
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
7
Skin Conditioning
8
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
9
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
10
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
11
Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
12
Humectant
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
13
Emollient, Moisturising
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
14
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
15
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
16
Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
17
Skin Conditioning
18
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
19
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3
Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 19 ingredients. Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
1
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane
3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

4
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol
5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed or extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba, or Simmondsia chinensis. Jojoba is native to the southwestern US. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.

Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient. Jojoba contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radical damage. This may help in anti-aging.

Jojoba seed oil is a humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some bacteria. It has also been shown to help in wound healing. Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns.

It is found to be similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. Jojoba oil may even help with regulating sebum production.

Although jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, we recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have any concerns.

Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
6
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and texture enhancer.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating.

Its emollient property helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients form a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Stearate
7
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isochrysis Galbana Extract.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil is derived from the kernels of the argania spinosa tree. You may know it as argan oil.

Argan Oil is an antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing ingredient.

Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.

Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.

Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.

Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.

Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.

Argan Trees are native to Morocco.

Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
10
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil is from the seeds of the starflower plant. This plant grows primarily in Europe.

This oil does not have a scent. It contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid. These fatty acids help keep skin hydrated.

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Learn more about Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
11
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Liked

Rosa Canina Seed Oil comes from the seeds of the dog-rose plant. It is an emollient.

Emollients help hydrate your skin by trapping moisture in. They create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

Rosa Canina Seed Oil contains phenolic compounds, carotenoids, Vitamin C, linoleic acid, and other fatty acids.

Learn more about Rosa Canina Seed Oil
12
What it does: Humectant
Community Rating: Mixed

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. In South Africa, Marula is called "an elephant's favorite treat".

Marula seed oil is a non-fragrant oil. It is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and more. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.

Other components of marula seed oil include vitamin E and antioxidants such as flavonoids.

Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging. This is because they help fight free-radical molecules. If left unchecked, free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA.

Learn more about Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
13
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising

Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

14
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Mixed

Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

15
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil from the nuts of the Bertholletia excelsa plant. It is also commonly called the Brazil Nut. This plant is native to the Amazon Rainforest.

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil contains antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

16
What it does: Antioxidant

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract is an antioxidant.

17
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe skin.

According to one study, it is an HA booster, antioxidant, and anti-irritant.

In this study, this ingredient was able to stimulate higher hyaluronic acid levels of the dermal and epidermal layers on a skin-like model. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means it helps attract moisture to your skin. Humectants help keep skin hydrated.

As an antioxidant, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is able to fight off damage from free-radical molecules.

Learn more about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
18
What it does: Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.

Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
19
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol
Embed Ingredients

Here's what our community thinks of the 19 ingredients in this product ✨

26% are loved or liked
42% have mixed ratings
11% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet

When to use

We've created a guide with info on when you should use The Ordinary "B" Oil. We've also included some recommended products to use it with, as well as some routine inspiration!

Read our guide on when to use "B" Oil ->
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The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.

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Latest Reviews

elinstrandh's Avatar'
Feb 1, 2024

If you are okay with oils, are on the dry side and don’t like the feeling of squalane - this will change your life. I use it on the occasions when I want an occlusive, a product that you use last in your routine to help retain moisture...

If you are okay with oils, are on the dry side and don’t like the feeling of squalane - this will change your life. I use it on the occasions when I want an occlusive, a product that you use last in your routine to help retain moisture in your skin. Has definitely strengthened my skin barrier, doesn’t irritate.

Great Value
Works Well
Jacob's Avatar'
Nov 28, 2023

Love it! Use it every evening and find it to be super hydrating.

Love it! Use it every evening and find it to be super hydrating.

Great Value
Hydrating
Absorbs Well
Works Well