The Ordinary - Vitamin C Guide (2024)

(Water-free suspension, tube format) This format is a suspension of very fine L-Ascorbic Acid powder and, as such, provides the most direct exposure of extremely high concentrations of Vitamin C topically. With such format, there are 2 important things to consider: 1) A very strong tingling but non-irritating sensation is expected during the first 1-2 weeks of use until the skin's tolerance to such high exposure is elevated; 2) The powder exposure to the skin disallows the formula to feel like a serum, lotion or cream and each application requires a few seconds to feel absorbed by the skin. If desired, this formula can be diluted in a cream base per application to allow the skin to build tolerance over time. This formula feels gritty on the skin for a few seconds. If this feeling is not desirable, we would suggest

Much like our Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% formula, this product also offers a suspension but in light silicones for a smooth, non-gritty skin finish. Despite the very light forms of silicones used, silicones do impair dermal exposure to Vitamin C slightly but the additional (30%) concentration of Vitamin C helps compensate for this slight inefficiency. A very strong tingling but non-irritating sensation is expected during the first 1-2 weeks of use until the skin's tolerance to such high exposure is elevated. If desired, this formula can be diluted in a cream base per application to allow the skin to build tolerance over time.

(Fine 325 Mesh Topical Powder) The 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder visibly targets the appearance of uneven skin tone, dullness, and signs of aging and is formulated to be mixed with other treatments (except those containing Niacinamide or EUK 134). The format of this formula is a very fine, anhydrous, L-Ascorbic Acid powder and, as such, provides the most direct exposure of extremely high concentrations of Vitamin C topically. With such format, a very strong tingling but non-irritating sensation is expected during the first 1-2 weeks of use until the skin's tolerance to such high exposure is elevated. To ensure freshness and to prevent any oxidation, it is preferable to immediately use after mixing especially when mixed with water-based products. For maximum benefit from peptides and LAA individually, please alternate use between the two and avoid mixing the LAA powder with peptide-based products. The quantity of powder can be adjusted based on tolerance. We recommend using between a quarter to half a scoop mixed in with 5-10 drops of serum or a pea-dime size of emulsion based products.

(Water-based serum, dropper format) Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it's impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits.

(Water-free, silicone-free serum, dropper format) Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that can be used in higher concentrations without drawbacks. It is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C but, being a derivative, its potency will not be directly comparable to pure L-Ascorbic Acid. It is provided in this oil-format formula in combination with Vitamin F, also known as essential fatty acids. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmiate has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits.

(Anhydrous serum, dropper format) The Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution is an exceptionally-stable solution Ethylated Ascorbic Acid. This water-free formula offers a direct-acting approach to achieving a radiant, healthy-looking skin tone. Unlike other Vitamin C derivatives, this ethylated form acts directly like Vitamin C, is closer in molecular weight to actual Vitamin C which allows for faster visible results, and offers a much better stability profile than any known direct-acting form of Vitamin C. Since this formulation is a water-free solution, it may feel slightly "oily" for a few seconds after application, despite the absence of all oils.