The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum offers good follicle-supporting actives for an accessible price, but its heavy use of PEGs, synthetic polymers, and higher-irritation preservatives raises concerns for leave-on scalp application.
MULTI-PEPTIDE SERUM FOR HAIR DENSITY
$ 17.56
INGREDIENTS
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caffeine, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Arginine, Glycine, Calcium Gluconate, Zinc Chloride, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Dextran, Maltodextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
BEST FOR
BEST FOR HAIR TYPE
All Hair Types (texture-agnostic)
BEST FOR SCALP TYPE
Balanced • Oily
(Not suitable for sensitive, reactive, or barrier-impaired scalps)
PROS
- Peptide-rich formula targeting hair density
- Includes caffeine and botanical actives shown to support the follicle
- Antioxidant-dense extracts (green tea, larch, pea sprout)
- Lightweight, non-oily texture
CONS
- Contains PEG-40, Polysorbate 20, and PPG-26-Buteth-26 (synthetic, ethoxylated, buildup-prone)
- Preserved with phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin (higher irritation risk for leave-on use)
- Contains sensitizers like sodium metabisulfite
- Penetration enhancers may amplify irritation
- Not microbiome-supportive long-term
FINAL VERDICT
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum delivers potent follicle-supporting actives at a very accessible price point. However, the formula relies heavily on PEGs, synthetic polymers, penetration enhancers, and higher-irritation preservatives — all problematic for a leave-on scalp treatment, where barrier integrity and microbiome balance are critical. Those with hardy, non-reactive scalps may benefit, but this serum does not meet strict Functional Beauty Standards for long-term, daily use.
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