Your quick guide to The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence
Your 15-Second Guide to The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence
💙 80% of the Deciem Chat Room community say they love Multi-Active Delivery Essence.
- What is it? A lightweight hydrating essence that helps prepare your skin and improve the absorption of the skincare products that follow.
- Who is it for? Suitable for all skin types, especially dehydrated, dull or dry skin.
- When do I use it? Morning and/or evening.
- Where does it go in my routine? Apply after cleansing (and after Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner if using) and before water-based serums.
- Can I use it with other products? Yes, but avoid using it in the same routine as direct acids and retinoids.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Caproyl Prolinate and Glycogen to help hydrate and support the skin.
- Size: 100ml bottle.
- Price: €13.50 | £10.60 | CAD $15.90 | US $12.00
The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence
Say hello to the very first essence by The Ordinary – The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence is here and 80% of the Deciem Chat Room Community say they love it.
The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence Review
The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence is a lightweight hydrating essence designed to prepare the skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Applied immediately after cleansing, it helps boost hydration and improves the penetration of the skincare products that follow, leaving skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.
Since its launch, Multi-Active Delivery Essence has quickly become one of my favourite products from The Ordinary. It’s lightweight, absorbs beautifully and layers effortlessly with the rest of my routine. My skin feels noticeably more hydrated, and it has become a product I reach for every morning and evening.
Reviews
I asked the Deciem Chat Room community what they thought of The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
📊 80% of our community said they love it.
After using it myself, I completely understand why. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated without any stickiness, making it an excellent first step before applying serums and moisturiser.
Take a look at the Multi-Active Delivery Essence
See The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence before you buy it! This comes in a 100ml bottle.
What Does The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence Do?
This a lightweight hydrating essence designed to prepare your skin for the rest of your skincare routine.
It provides an instant boost of hydration while helping active ingredients absorb more effectively. In clinical testing, The Ordinary found that Multi-Active Delivery Essence doubled the penetration of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% after one hour, allowing subsequent skincare products to work more efficiently.
The water-based formula also helps:
- 💧 Hydrate and soften the skin
- ✨ Improve skin smoothness
- 🛡️ Support the skin barrier
- 🌟 Leave skin looking healthier and more radiant
- 🧴 Prepare the skin before applying serums
Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without feeling sticky, making it suitable for both morning and evening skincare routines.
What size is the new Multi-Active Delivery Essence?
This is a 100ml bottle.
Are There Any Product Conflicts?
Yes. According to The Ordinary, you should not be use direct acids or retinoids in the same routine.
Before building your routine, it’s always worth checking The Ordinary Products You Can & Cannot Mix to avoid ingredient conflicts.
How to Use It
Using The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence is simple.
- Cleanse your skin.
- If you’re using Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, apply that first.
- Apply Multi-Active Delivery Essence to the face.
- Follow with your favourite water-based serums, moisturiser and SPF (morning).
It can be used morning and evening as part of your daily skincare routine.
My Review
I’ve now incorporated The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence into my skincare routine, and it’s quickly become one of my favourite products.
From the first few uses, my skin felt noticeably softer, smoother and more hydrated after cleansing. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is how well my serums layer afterwards. I sometimes experience those annoying little “bits” (product pilling), but since using the essence this has happened much less frequently.
As someone who regularly tests new skincare products, I do change my routine quite often, so it’s impossible to say with complete certainty that the essence is solely responsible. However, it’s made such a good first impression that it’s now become a permanent step in my routine.
How to Layer The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence
If you’re wondering where Multi-Active Delivery Essence fits into your skincare routine, apply it immediately after cleansing.
If you’re also using The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, apply the toner first, followed by Multi-Active Delivery Essence, then continue with your serums, moisturiser and SPF.
For a complete guide, see How to Layer The Ordinary Products.
The Ordinary Glass Skin Routine
The Ordinary now includes Multi-Active Delivery Essence as part of its Glass Skin Regimen.
This routine focuses on layering hydrating and skin-supporting products to help achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin with a naturally radiant finish.

How to Layer Multi-Active Delivery Essence
If you’re wondering where The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence fits into your skincare routine, follow this order:
- Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
- Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner (optional)
- Multi-Active Delivery Essence
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Natural Moisturising Factors + PhytoCeramides
Finish by applying a pea-sized amount of moisturiser to lock in hydration and support your skin barrier.
Tip: If you’re not using Milky Toner, apply Multi-Active Delivery Essence immediately after cleansing.
Key Ingredients
The formula combines four hydration and delivery technologies designed to improve skin hydration while helping subsequent skincare products absorb more effectively.
10% Glycerin
A powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration, softness and elasticity.
5% Propanediol
Helps increase the penetration of key skincare ingredients while adding lightweight hydration.
Sodium Caproyl Prolinate
An amino acid derivative that supports skin hydration and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
Glycogen
A naturally derived polysaccharide that helps energise the skin while supporting long-lasting hydration.
FAQs
Are There Any Product Conflicts?
Yes. The Ordinary recommends avoiding direct acids and retinoids in the same skincare routine.
Can this be used on the scalp?
No. The product has only been tested and developed for use on the face.
Can I Use Multi-Active Delivery Essence with Growth Factors 15%?
Yes. According to The Ordinary, these products can be used in the same skincare routine.
Should I Apply Copper Peptides Before or After the Essence?
Apply Multi-Active Delivery Essence first, followed by your Copper Peptide serum.
Should I Apply Multi-Active Delivery Essence Before or After Hyaluronic Acid?
Apply before Hyaluronic Acid and any other water-based serums.
Can I Use Multi-Active Delivery Essence with Vitamin C?
Yes. The Ordinary confirms that this can be used before Vitamin C serums.
How Does Multi-Active Delivery Essence Improve Absorption?
The formula combines Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Caproyl Prolinate and Glycogen to increase skin hydration. Well-hydrated skin allows subsequent skincare products to penetrate more effectively, helping maximise the benefits of your routine.
What’s the Difference Between Multi-Active Delivery Essence and Milky Toner?
Although both products are used after cleansing, they serve different purposes.
- Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner gently exfoliates while helping to smooth and brighten the skin.
- Multi-Active Delivery Essence focuses on hydrating the skin and preparing it for the serums that follow.
Many people choose to use both products together as part of the same skincare routine.
The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence is ideal if you:
- Enjoy Korean-style skincare routines that include an essence.
- Have dehydrated or dry skin.
- Want your serums to layer more smoothly.
- Experience product pilling.
- Want to boost hydration without adding a heavy cream.
- Shop Multi-Active Delivery Essence Direct At The Ordinary.






















