Is the Ordinary Serum Foundation Really Just $8? Pricing, Formula, and Stock Truths
By Alexander Ross
The Ordinary Serum Foundation uses a coded alphanumeric system: numbers 1 through 3 designate depth (Fair to Deep), while letter codes designate undertone:
- P: Pink
- R: Red
- N: Neutral
- Y: Yellow
- S: Silver highlights (subtle reflective mica)
- G: Gold highlights
While this 21-shade system was revolutionary for a budget launch back in 2017, it presents clear limitations today. Modern complexion ranges frequently launch with 40 or 50 inclusive shades.
The range performs exceptionally well for fair, light, and medium complexions with distinct pink or yellow undertones. However, the deep shade spectrum remains too compressed. Shoppers with rich, deep-olive complexions frequently report that the deeper tones skew either too orange or oxidise slightly darker throughout the afternoon. Because the coverage is sheer-to-medium, each shade offers a degree of flexibility that full-coverage formulas cannot match, but Deciem has room to expand the lower half of the shade spectrum.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
