Long time no The Ordinary review! That’s a shame, because The Ordinary’s EUK-134™ is a staple in my skincare routine. Let me tell you why.

The Ordinary EUK 134 review: The product

“EUK-134™ is a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, forming an exceptionally rare self-regenerating molecule that scavenges superoxide free radicals, eliminates hydrogen peroxide and converts reactive oxygen species into water and oxygen. While it has been around for many years, very few products on the market do use this truly superb antioxidant which can regenerate itself to offer round-the-clock antioxidant support. The only issue with EUK-134™ is that it must not be used immediately with strong acids such as suspensions of Ascorbic Acid. Strong acids will completely destroy EUK-134™ which is based on manganese.”

The Ordinary

Understood anything? No? No problem. (I mean, yes, it’s a problem and I wish TO would self-regulate and explain their products for laypersons and don’t expect a doctorate in chemistry, but well. That’s how they roll.)

Thankfully, Wikipedia is there to help and tells us: Superoxide Dismutase is an important antioxidant defense in nearly all living cells exposed to oxygen.

That means the enzyme in EUK-134 mimics Superoxide Dismutase and what it does – mainly, helping cells to defend themselves against free radicals.

Ingredients

The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1% Review
The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1% Review

Propanediol, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride

Hover the mouse / tap over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

In my routine

I use it in the evening, because the texture is a bit problematic. While it sinks in slowly, you definitely would need a moisturizer on top. Then, don’t use any acids or Vitamin C together with it. (You could also mix it into your moisturizer.)

Results

The Ordinary EUK 134 Consistency Close Up
The Ordinary EUK 134 Consistency Close Up

Antioxidants in skincare are a long-term investment.

But: My skin always feels softer and smoother in the morning after I used EUK-134 the night before.

The Ordinary EUK 134 review: Pros & Cons

skincare rating

It’s a staple in my stash!

Positive:

  • Price
  • Effectiveness. Can actually feel the difference on my skin when I use this product
  • Relatively long lasting (vs the fiddly vitamin C serums that oxidize way too fast)

Negative:

  • Texture is not the most pleasant. It’s neither water nor oil, and so it doesn’t sink easily nor feels moisturizing on its own.
  • Rather picky with which other skincare products you can put on before/after. Doesn’t react well to acids.

Availability & Price

You get 30ml for around 10€ at The Ordinary’s site or retailers pretty much everywhere.

Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.