The Ordinary “B” Oil is a blend of dissolved and purified micro-algae and several different oils, including argan, marula, baobab, and rosehip oils. The “B” stands for blend, as it is the most complex of all the face oils The Ordinary offers.
So today, we’ll take a look at the formula and how it performs in this The Ordinary “B” Oil review.
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The Ordinary “B” Oil Ingredients
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that “B” Oil from The Ordinary contains 19 ingredients, one of the longer The Ordinary ingredient lists.
Before we look at product performance, let’s do a deep dive into the ingredients in order of highest concentration to lowest concentration.
Here is a list of the ingredients in The Ordinary “B” Oil:
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, this ingredient works to emulsify and improve product texture and spreadability. It contains fatty acids to improve moisture, and it has emollient (softening) properties. Even though it is derived from coconut oil, it has not been proven to be comedogenic (to clog pores).
- Squalane: Squalane is derived from squalene (with an e), a naturally occurring substance in the sebum of our skin. Squalane moisturizes and prevents transepidermal water loss. It has a very lightweight feel and can be used by all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil: An oil from Ethiopia that is often used as a silicone alternative in skincare products, as it has a silky smooth feel. It is rich in erucic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that moisturizes the skin.
- Bisabolol: A component of chamomile that has anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Simmondsia Chinensis Seed (Jojoba) Oil: A wax ester similar to human sebum. Ideal for all skin types, this jojoba oil can potentially balance the skin, is non-greasy and moisturizing.
- Ethylhexyl Stearate: An emollient that improves product texture.
- Isochrysis Galbana Extract: This is the micro-algae in “B” Oil. It can offer antioxidant benefits for the skin.
- Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, baobab oil protects and moisturizes the skin.
- Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil: Often called the liquid gold of Morocco, argan oil contains antioxidants and fatty acids. It offers moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil: Rich in soothing gamma-linolenic acid, this oil is ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
- Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil: This moisturizing oil offers many anti-aging benefits. It helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin elasticity, and can even help fade acne scars.
- Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, marula oil is non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores), anti-inflammatory, and very moisturizing. This makes it excellent for parched, dry, and dehydrated skin.
- Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil: Also known as pataua oil, this oil contains antioxidants and fatty acids to protect and nourish the skin. It also has an inhibitory effect on melanin, which helps to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil: This oil comes from the Amazon in South America. It is rich in fatty acids and the antioxidant Vitamin E.
- Bertholletia Excelsa Seed (Brazil Nut) Oil: A rich oil containing moisturizing fatty acids, vitamin E, and selenium. It can help improve skin elasticity, firmness, and irritated skin.
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract: Tomatoes contain brightening vitamin C and lycopene, antioxidants that protect skin against free radical damage from UV exposure.
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone: A molecule that, per the manufacturer, is supposed to offer antioxidant benefits, boost hyaluronic acid in the skin and soothe irritation.
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract: This plant extract contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antibacterial benefits.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): A potent antioxidant that provides photoprotection against damaging UV rays from the sun.
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The Ordinary “B” Oil Review
The Ordinary “B” Oil has a deep golden shade, and looks and feels a bit like olive oil. It has a light herbal scent that dissipates after application and comes in a UV-protective bottle.
The Ordinary “B” Oil feels deeply moisturizing on the skin but somehow does not feel greasy or oily on my combination skin.
It is particularly nourishing after overdoing it with actives like retinoids (retinol) or glycolic acid.
While not the lightest of oils offered by The Ordinary, it contains a higher concentration of squalane, which lightens it up a bit. You get antioxidant protection from several oils in the formula, plus soothing, nourishing, and moisturizing benefits.
The oil leaves a pretty glow on the skin without being too dewy or shiny.
I didn’t know what to expect since oils can be a bit much for my combination skin, but I really like this face oil since it is deeply moisturizing but not greasy.
It has found a spot in my skincare routine when my skin feels dry from the overuse of actives or when it feels dehydrated and in need of an immediate moisture boost.
How to Use The Ordinary “B” Oil
The Ordinary recommends applying the oil after your water-based treatments. If using in the morning, apply it after your moisturizer but before sunscreen.
If using in your evening skincare routine, “B” Oil would be the last step to lock in all the actives underneath.
This oil is formulated for all skin types, and it has a light enough texture so that those with oily skin can use it, but it might be a little heavy for oily skin types during the day under makeup.
Dry and dehydrated skin types will drink up the replenishing natural oils, including baobab, jojoba, sacha inchi, pataua, argan, borage, brazil nut, and marula oils.
The oil blend will also soothe irritated skin that is prone to skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
The Ordinary “B” Oil is water-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. As with any new product, The Ordinary recommends patch testing this oil before applying it to your entire face.
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Where to Buy The Ordinary “B” Oil
In the US, you can purchase The Ordinary “B” Oil at Ulta and Sephora.
Final Thoughts on The Ordinary “B” Oil
The Ordinary “B” Oil is an excellent The Ordinary skincare product that treats various skincare concerns. This is one of my favorite oils from The Ordinary.
This facial oil has benefits for all skin types, although very oily skin may find it a bit heavy.
The incredibly affordable price for the elegant and complex formula of The Ordinary B Oil makes it a buy in my book.
Until next time, here’s to your good skin health!