Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum: A Daytime Routine Guide
By The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum in your morning routine. Step-by-step order, layering tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Apply the Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen. This daytime antioxidant serum steps into your routine as a lightweight layer that helps protect skin and boost radiance. Use 2–3 drops on dry skin, then follow with SPF.
Why a daytime antioxidant serum earns its place
Environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure can leave skin looking dull over time. A daily antioxidant serum is designed to help defend against those stressors while supporting a more radiant appearance. The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum brings together 8 technologies in one step, so you get broad antioxidant support without stacking multiple products. It fits best in the morning, when your skin faces the day ahead.
Where it fits in your existing routine
If you already use a vitamin C serum, acids, or retinoids, you might wonder how to slot in another active. The Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum is formulated as a daily antioxidant step, not a replacement for your prescription treatments. On busy mornings, you can simplify by using it after cleansing and skipping other serums. For evenings, keep your exfoliating or retinol products separate to avoid overloading skin.
Morning application steps
- Start with a clean, dry face: Cleanse gently and pat skin dry. Applying to damp skin can make the serum feel tacky and dilute its intended texture. Checkpoint: skin should be dry to the touch, not tight or stripped.
- Dispense 2–3 drops of Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum: Warm the drops between your fingertips and press evenly over face and neck. Avoid the eye area unless the product is labeled for it. Mistake to avoid: using too much—more drops won't speed results and may pill under makeup.
- Let it absorb for 30–60 seconds: Wait until the serum feels set before applying the next layer. This prevents pilling and helps each product perform as intended. Checkpoint: skin should feel smooth, not slippery or wet.
- Follow with moisturizer if needed: If your skin feels dry, apply a lightweight moisturizer. The antioxidant serum is not a moisturizer, so dry skin types may need this extra step. Mistake to avoid: skipping moisturizer and blaming the serum for tightness.
- Finish with sunscreen every morning: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as your last step. Antioxidants support skin but do not replace sun protection. Checkpoint: sunscreen should be the final layer before makeup.
Product facts
- Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum: The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum is a daily antioxidant serum formulated with 8 technologies to help protect skin and boost radiance. One step delivers broad antioxidant support, so you can streamline your morning routine without missing protection.
- Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum: The Ordinary Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum is an energizing face serum designed to immediately refresh tired-looking skin. If you want to target puffiness or tired-looking skin in the morning, this can be layered before or after your antioxidant serum depending on texture preference.
