Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
301 Reviews
For reference: My skin type is oily combination, prone to dehydration, dealing with hormonal cystic and nodular acne for ~10 years. I don't really leave reviews but I'm putting one here for this product because I am so taken aback by the fact it has ACTUALLY HAD A VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT. I bought this a while ago on a whim out of curiosity, but didn't give it more than a couple of uses of and on as -although it did seem to 'wake my skin up' - I found the initial oily finish off-putting and having had some unpleasant breakouts from other oil-based The Ordinary products I was kind of wary of having similar breakouts from this. HOWEVER - 2 weeks ago I put it on on the weekend because my skin was looking and feeling dehydrated and generally 'bleh' after some heavy cystic break-outs, and kept applying it each day (AM and PM) as the final step in my routine and its really made a noticeable difference - although not in the way I was expecting. Since applying it regularly, my skin has been less oily throughout the day (we're talking maybe blotting once at midday instead of having to blot 3-4 times), and my makeup has stayed in place the whole day (pre-resveratrol my skin has usually shed most of my makeup by mid-morning). The oiliness of the product sinks in after a couple of minutes and my skin just feels hydrated and balanced - like its shifted from 'Oily-Combination' towards 'Normal'. As well as the reduced oil, my skin has generally had more of a lit-from-within glow and translucency that I have never really had before. (Don't get me wrong, my PIH, acne scarring are still present, but I now feel like my skin looks like it does on the models you see used for spot treatment adverts, where they have acne scarring but their skin looks Glowy and Good - anyone who has had cystic acne will know this feels like a Big Deal). I've also noticed a reduction on the amount of redness/ uneven skin tone, and it feels good to come home from work and have my skin looking as fresh as it did when I first did my skincare that morning. I'm still trying to figure out how/ why it is introducing this product in particular that has reduced my oiliness - whether it prevents the other products I apply from oxidising, meaning they're effective for longer (?), or whether the antioxidants just help my skin function better in general, meaning less sebum is needed to try and compensate for moisture loss throughout the day (?). This is quite a long review for a small bottle, but having had a proper dedicated skincare routine for 5 years now, it feels like a pretty big deal to be seeing effects this early on into trying a product I had put in the 'Waste of Money' pile. The only reason I haven't given this product 5 stars is because I haven't used it for a particularly long time) (AM skincare - TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, TO 'Buffet' , Cerave Dry skin Moisturiser, Resveratrol + Ferulic Acid mixed with a generic SPF 50 from Boots. ) (PM skincare - Nip+Fab AHA toner every other day, TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, TO 'Buffet' , Cerave Dry skin Moisturiser, Resveratrol + Ferulic Acid)
I liked what this did for my skin, no irritation or redness at home and I only used at night. However on the first day of real sunshine here I went out and was bright pink after only half an hour outside even under a thick thick layer of SPF50+. I get the same thing when I'm using the ordinary vitamin C - bright pink skin after sun exposure that makes me look like I've been boiled. Looked it up and I just get "anti oxidants are UV protective" and "make sure you use sunscreen", which I knew anyway, so I'm confused, but this product seems to cause a great deal of photosensitivity for me. I checked other reviews and didn't see anything about sun sensitivity so hopefully this helps some people.
1
MJ from undisclosed
Have used Resveratrol Ferulic Acid for a few months. Have seen no improvement in facial blood vessels. Its a very oily substance. Won't be buying again
5
card2hy from Springfield, MO
feels wonderful, gives my skin a great shine, helps Vit C
Ned from undisclosed
This product was a total disaster for me. Within just three days of using it, my cheeks and forehead were covered in acne spots and the skin around my nose was dry and flaky. Also the fine lines under my eyes seemed bigger than usual because of skin dryness. I took a break from using it for two weeks to get my face back to normal, but when I gave it another try, the same thing happened all over again. I sure won't be using it again.
Southern Belle from Georgia
i have been using this daily with no problems. I am 60. Going to start mixing this with vitamin C powder that I just got. Will update.
just from undisclosed
I am from Asia meaning we have sunshine all year roung plus i swim in alternate days. I usually add this to my morning routine after hyaluronic acid serum, finished with ceraVe moisturiser. It keep my sun spots at bay. i use it on the back of my hand too. Please have it in bigger bottle.
AmericanInFr from undisclosed
I have been using it for about 2 years, and my skin looks amazing. Admittedly, although it's oilfree, the feel is greasy, especially if you apply too much; you can't just put it on and immediately apply makeup. Therefore, I apply it at night when I have ample time to let it sink into the skin. The next day, my skin is radiant, plump and clearer. This and the very similar pycnogenol (exact same comment, btw) are my favorite products. MUST BUY!
Nancy from Nj
Immediate results.
Rae from Wichita
Im 40 and have been using anti aging products for 10 years to prevent the signs of aging. This works great. My skin looks glowy and zero wrinkles. For those who say it burns, you need to stengthen your skin barrier. If you aren't using products that help with the skin barrier or have dry skin its going to burn. I've been using this for a year and never has it burned.
kellymarie from Milwaukee Wisconsin
I see a lot of people complaining about irritation because they are using this in the same evening routine. STOP. retinol/acids in the evening. resveratol in the morning. You think with the internet at your fingertips people could figure this out. 🤔 . use this in the morning with a vit c and your moisturizer/sunscreen and retinol/acids at night to get best brightening effects.
4
Nadia from Atlanta
I use this after my Vit C serum and I got a little reddish on the face, I think it is powerful. I will continue using.
Channy from undisclosed
This product is absolutely amazing. I started using this during covid and wear almost every single morning during fall to spring. I use The Ordinary niacinamide 1st to help minimize my oil production and apply this on top using 3 droplets in my palms. I let this sit for a few minutes and proceed to apply an oil reduction moisturizer. This combination makes my skin have a beautiful glow ALL DAY long. I get compliments ALL the time. My skin is so smooth and firm. Can't believe the price point. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen. I also use a matte tinted sunscreen
B from Phoenix
I've been using this product every night for the past 5 days and I already see a difference! I woke up to smooth, even-looking skin! Even my boyfriend noticed (without me asking hehe). My skin is on the oily side so it's strictly PM use for me.
cladiel from undisclosed
A good addition to the regimen, but I only use it in the evening, since it doesn't dry down to a matte finish. I have dry to combination skin, but even the dry patches can't fully absorb the product. I have a question to TO. Can I use Resveratrol and Pycnogenol together, possibly even mix it during application? Thanks for your help.
2
Michelle from undisclosed
Is it normal that when I use this product it feels like my face is burning after application? Otherwise I'm OK with it. That's why the 2 stars. I use it when I do my gua sha routine and like how my face/skin looks after it absorbs. I have dry skin so I like that it's a heavy oil formula. But I not gonna buy it again once I used it all.
beepboop from Portland, Oregon
I have so many contact allergies that I need to special order my toothpaste. no joke, it's so frustrating. TO resveratrol/ferulic is one of the few products I'm able to use and i definitely see improvement in my skin health from using it. i use this and the Argireline along with the natural Moisturizing factors and a cerave skin renewing night cream in the evening. these four products have transformed my skin in less than a month. everyone's skin is different though, and I see some others have had bad reactions to this product, but my sensitive skin loves it. it's brighter, the skin barrier has vastly improved, and my dry and rashy face is now clear and moisturized. if you find that you're having bad reactions, you may want to get a patch test done to see if you have any allergies so you can avoid them. there's a site called skinsafe you can put your allergies into and find products without them pretty easily.
Guanine from undisclosed
I have been using this for 4 months. A little goes a long way- 3 drops for face and neck Light weight oil texture- comfortable and sinks in quickly. I do not notice any smell The best thing about this formula is that it stops my sunscreen pilling completely and makes sunscreen melt into skin quickly and more seamlessly. I have acne and hyperpigmentation, I have seen no noticeable improvement with this so far. I will be repurchasing for antioxidant support and for better sunscreen application and wear.
Cosmo Rae from Wichita, KS
I have had a strict skincare regimen for years so I don't have wrinkles. So I can't say that it's working. However I bought it to keep wrinkles at bay. I started a new serum at the same time as this one but my skin really does look brighter, smoother, moisturized. I've had no reaction to it. It doesn't burn. I will continue to use it to prevent signs of aging since I'm now 40.
Nathalie from undisclosed
My favorite! I am using it every morning after Viitamin C 23% serum. It feels a little bit oily but after few minutes skin becomes so soft and shiny. I used to mix it with Vitamin C serum and water based gel cream but I stoped because I learn that water have negative effect on stability of this product. I think I will use it forever!
Marz from Alabama
So I use the ordinary for most of my skincare other than cleanser. I just got a gua sha and needed a good serum that I could use with it. I thought this one would be good since it's an antioxidant serum and a bit on the oily side. I did not expect it to be as oily as it was. Then not 5 minutes after having it on my face, my acne started to burn. I'm not sure what ingredient messed with my skin but I will not be buying this again. That said, its worth a try and if it doesn't work you can return it. (I have combination skin)
Jennifer from Davenport, Florida
This is the third bottle I've bought, I really like the way it makes my skin feel.
Ang from undisclosed
I never use Ordinary product before. This is the first time I use and try the Resveratrol 3% Serum. I am 50 and I begin having few long wrinkles on my forehead which I notice. After using the serum, I notice it is significantly lighter. I didn't take the before and after photo, sorry. I am so please of the serum and will order again for sure. Just want to mention that you may feel a bit tinkling or warm after you apply on your face and I feel that at the beginning but it will ease off after using more often. Also, I feel very oily after applying it. The best time to use will be before sleeping. Since I can work from home now, I apply in the morning too. It works out perfectly for me. I don't need to see anyone. =)
Tatiana from undisclosed
Don't Buy this one, It feels like it burns your skin!
Sky88 from undisclosed
I use this Resveratrol serum after the vitamin C powder (that I mix with a little purified water and hyaluronic acid). I put about five drops of the resveratrol into some oil-free moisturizer and spread on my face and neck. I've noticed a big difference in my skin. Plump and healthy! Please don't ever stop making this stuff!
RaeRae from Wichita
First of all I love this. I'm an esthetician but not working due to health issues so I have to buy cheaper skin care. I'm 39 and have been using products for aging skin for over 10 years to prevent wrinkles and lines. This product works as well as some professional ones. I want to address the comments that say it burns. Most of the time when a product burns and it's not a AHA or BHA it's because of dry skin, poor skin barrier or allergic reaction. In my opinion it's not the product's fault if your skin barrier is not as strong as it should be or you have an allergy to it. Almost everyone has an allergy of some kind. I'm allergic to bananas but don't give them a bad review on the grocery store website because I broke out in hives. There's nothing wrong with the product if you have an allergic reaction. It's because you're allergic to it. Many people are not. Plus side is now you know you're allergic to it and to avoid it in the future. Same if it burns. Moisturize with a quality moisturizer and buy a serum to repair your skin barrier. I use 30% glycolic acid on my face twice a month and it barely tingles. It's because my skin is moisturized and my skin barrier in good health. When my skin was very dry, it burned badly. Just a few tips to help with using skincare.
Becky from Louisiana
I use so many of The Ordinary products and I love them. This particular one though did not love me. I'm 51 and always trying new things in skincare. For months, I could not figure out which product was causing this as I had a bottle of oils mixed with my favorite carrier oils and the resveritrol in there as well. To a lesser degree than the picture I will post, it happened when I'd use the mixture. I gave up on the whole bottle. The other night I was going to bed and decided I'd use the resveritrol alone. It had a warming effect on my skin and I went to bed. I woke up to what you see in the picture. My eyes were swollen so badly. The redness, the burning feeling is awful. At least now I know what it was in the mixture I made that caused it because I used the resveritrol alone and woke to this. A steroid cream, hydrocortisone, Benedryl and slathering in Aquaphor, 3 days later it's still red but getting better.