Ever since using The Ordinary’s new Radiance Serum, I’ve stopped wearing much makeup.

Having worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, I’m well aware of the benefits of antioxidants in skincare (think pollution-fighting vitamin C and brightening niacinamide).

However, the variety of ingredients can be dizzying, and they’ve often been pushed to the background in my daily routine in favour of other, hotter options like skin-plumping retinoids and exfoliating acids.

However, I’m happy to admit I was missing out on something – and who better to inspire me than The Ordinary?

Today, the skincare brand launches a shiny new product – the Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum (£14.20) – and I’m convinced this unassuming yellow liquid is the reason my skin has never looked better.

The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum (£14.20)

What are antioxidants in skincare? And what are they good for?

First, a quick science-y look at why this serum has quickly become a skincare staple for beauty editors and experts alike: it contains a multi-antioxidant, which are tiny molecules that fight ‘free radicals’ in the environment, such as UV rays (which cause skin damage like fine lines and pigmentation) and pollution (which dulls the skin and clogs pores).

One antioxidant ingredient you may be familiar with is ascorbyl glucoside, which is derived from ascorbic acid, also known as pure vitamin C.

For some people, vitamin C can irritate the skin, but ascorbyl glucoside has all the brightening and pollution-fighting properties without the awful burning sensation.

If you’re a fan of The Ordinary, you’ve probably used and loved the brand’s 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution (£14.10). It’s one of my favourite serums.

The structure of the multi-antioxidant, however, is slightly different. As well as ascorbyl glucoside, the serum also contains tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, another antioxidant touted by skincare brands for its ability to protect against UV rays and pollutants.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, minimises redness and has been shown to improve skin tone and radiance.

Plant antioxidants ginseng and ergothioneine strengthen the skin barrier – the outermost layer of skin that stores moisture and protects against harmful influences such as bacteria.

In addition to these antioxidant ingredients, the serum also contains Heptapeptide-6, a skin-strengthening peptide (or protein) that stimulates collagen production to keep skin smooth and soft.

Is The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum good?

Like many antioxidant serums, this one has a yellowish tint due to its blend of antioxidants. But you don’t have to worry about it leaving a tint on your skin. After using it daily for a few weeks,

I can confirm that it’s completely residue-free. Even better: it absorbs almost instantly without sticking. This meant I could apply moisturiser (Tatcha The Water Cream, £67) and sunscreen (Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+, £38) seamlessly – without a heavy, greasy feel.

Combining an antioxidant serum like this with sunscreen actually boosts its UV protection, increasing its effectiveness and providing extra protection against sun damage that can cause hyperpigmentation and sagging skin.

While most dermatologists recommend using an antioxidant serum in the morning, I followed The Ordinary’s advice and incorporated it into my evening routine. It gave my skin the glow it needed after winter.

My skin tone and texture are more even (thanks to the antioxidants), and there aren’t any signs of dryness (I guess that’s the clever ergothioneine). Instead, it leaves a subtle, healthy glow.

It almost feels like a shame to cover my skin with my usual foundation. Since using it, I often go makeup-free, with just a little concealer under my eyes and some blush when I leave the house.

I’ve also noticed a significant reduction in my acne since using the multi-antioxidant. While it’s not an acne serum and doesn’t contain typical anti-acne ingredients like exfoliating acids or niacinamide,

I believe its anti-pollution properties prevent clogged pores and the stubborn skin discoloration they often leave behind.

At £14.20, it’s the cheapest product in my skincare routine, but it’s also arguably the most effective. If, like me, your skin can’t tolerate vitamin C, but you can’t ignore the power of antioxidants, then this might be your new favourite. This is definitely mine.