# The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for redness and irritation, as Niacinamide and Bisabolol provide soothing and barrier support suitable for normal skin.
- The formula includes ingredients like Ethyl Linoleate and Brassica Campestris Sterols that nourish and reinforce the skin barrier, which is beneficial for sensitive skin.
- The product is safe for your sensitive skin, containing no harsh ingredients and featuring soothing components like Niacinamide and Bisabolol.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Sphingolipids

## What the research says

- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is widely praised for its ability to rapidly repair damaged skin barriers, hydrate dry patches, and reduce redness, leaving a glowy finish.

- Liked: Hydrating and plumping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces redness (often mentioned)
- Liked: Repairs skin barrier (often mentioned)
- Liked: Glowy finish (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Good absorption (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective for some (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging complaints (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum work for sensitive skin?

This serum works moderately well for sensitive skin, offering some relief from redness and irritation with no harsh ingredients. To fit this skin type even better, a treatment needs exceptionally compatible soothing components, potent antioxidants, and targeted ingredients that calm sensitive skin without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [JID Innovations, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992949/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for sensitive skin?

This serum works for sensitive skin because it contains Niacinamide and Bisabolol to calm redness, along with Ethyl Linoleate and Brassica Campestris Sterols to nourish and reinforce the skin barrier. A treatment for this skin needs powerful soothing components, antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients that protect against irritation.
Sources: [JID Innovations, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992949/)

### What does Niacinamide do for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps calm sensitive skin by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing redness and irritation. It is very well tolerated and may improve overall comfort and resilience with regular use.
Sources: [Cutis, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16209160/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/)

### What does Asiaticoside do for sensitive skin?

Asiaticoside helps calm sensitive skin and supports skin barrier repair. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may reduce redness and discomfort.
Sources: [European Journal of Pharmacology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41802486/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This treatment serum goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Sensitive skin needs gentle, fragrance-free products packed with calming ingredients like niacinamide and barrier-reinforcing lipids to soothe irritation and keep the skin calm.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to help calm the skin and support your skin barrier before your retinol step. This product is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin since it contains no harsh ingredients and features soothing components like niacinamide and bisabolol.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum works well in your evening routine, where you can safely apply it every day. To get the best results for sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients like niacinamide and bisabolol alongside barrier-nourishing components such as ethyl linoleate.
Sources: [JID Innovations, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992949/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

Yes, this serum may cause breakouts for some people with sensitive skin, as some reviewers have reported this issue. To better avoid clogged pores, sensitive skin needs a lightweight, non-greasy formula with gentle, calming ingredients that will not trigger acne.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €169.99 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €29.76 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €39.80 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €23.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.13 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €16.80 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CJ3CXTW6?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: €19.90 (https://www.lookfantastic.es/p/the-ordinary-soothing-and-barrier-support-serum-30ml/14883605/)
- Notino: €20.40 (https://www.notino.es/the-ordinary/soothing-barrier-support-serum-serum-reparador-de-la-barrera-cutanea/p-16204330/)
Prices checked 16 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Propanediol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Hexyldecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Anhydroxylitol, Ethyl Linoleate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Naringenin, Cyanocobalamin, Panthenyl Triacetate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Sphingolipids, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Propyl Gallate, Xylitol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Dicetyl Phosphate, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Phytic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/soothing-and-barrier-support-serum/for/sensitive-skin