Offering a host of brightening and revitalising properties, it’s no surprise that vitamin C has become a skincare staple in itself. This powerhouse ingredient works to brighten the complexion, helping to diminish the look of discolouration and dullness. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C can help to mitigate the visible effects of environmental aggressors, supporting a healthy-looking complexion.
The Ordinary’s vitamin C offering comprises of a range of textures from lightweight oils to multi-purpose powders, enabling you to incorporate the revitalising properties of this skincare hero into any stage of your regime. Discover The Ordinary’s vitamin C collection below:
Which Vitamin C product should I choose?
If you are looking for maximum vitamin C potency, opt for one of the brand’s heavier serums or the 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder. The brand’s Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% combines 23% vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, providing direct exposure to high concentrations of topical vitamin C. The Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone offers a smooth texture, with vitamin C suspended in a light silicone base. The 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder is designed to be mixed with other skincare products, excluding those containing niacinamide. Mix with your moisturiser, cleanser or serum for an added boost.
For high potency, choose between the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, a water-based serum with high stability and a comfortable texture, the oil-based serum Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F or Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution with its lightweight oil texture.
For those looking for an introduction to vitamin C products, the Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% offers moderate potency with a light oil texture, blended with Alpha Arbutin. This highly-purified biosynthetic active ingredient helps to reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Alternatively, the brand’s Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% is a light cream emulsion with moderate potency.
How to apply The Ordinary Vitamin C?
The brand’s heavier serums should be applied in the AM or PM, ideally in the evening. The formulas can be diluted with other serums or moisturisers if the tingling sensation is too strong, providing that they are free from niacinamide.
To apply the lightweight oil and lighter serum formulas, apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM, after cleansing and prior to applying your moisturiser.
When using the 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder, Mix a small amount with other treatments in the palm of your hand and apply to face in the AM or the PM.
How often should I use The Ordinary vitamin C?
Vitamin C can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine in the morning or evening to promote a brighter and more even-looking complexion over time. However, stronger concentrations of vitamin C may produce a tingling sensation on the skin, to lessen this effect, gradually build up your tolerance by using every other day or diluting the product with serums and moisturisers, increasing the concentration over time.