Description
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Owing to the lack of water, this water-free, silicone-free solution offers 23 percent pure L-Ascorbic Acid that is fully stable. The mechanism is bolstered by the addition of dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid, which provide noticeable surface smoothing in addition to the Vitamin C benefits. This treatment is best done before going to bed.
Note: This formula is now available in a tube format for easier dispensing, thanks to customer feedback.
This product is a water-free suspension of 23% L-Ascorbic Acid powder. The Ordinary’s portfolio of Vitamin C includes the following formulations:
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
The skin benefits from topical Vitamin C in a variety of ways. However, there are numerous sources of Vitamin C and numerous formulations of Vitamin C available commercially, which can cause confusion among the audience. We’ve created a guide to help you understand the Vitamin C formulations available in The Ordinary range. It also provides information on Vitamin C and the variations between various Vitamin C formulations. Note: Since this solution is a suspension of very fine L-Ascorbic Acid powder, it offers the most direct topically exposure of extremely high Vitamin C concentrations. There are two important items to remember when using this format:
1) Within the first 1-2 weeks of use, a moderate tingling yet non-irritating sensation is required before the skin’s tolerance to such high exposure is increased;
2) Since the powder is exposed to the skin, the formula does not act like a serum, lotion, or cream, and each application takes a few seconds to absorb. This solution can be diluted in a cream base per application if needed, allowing the skin to develop tolerance over time.
Alternative options on the market include Vitamin C suspensions in water-free formulations with a silicone base to prevent the suspension feeling “powdery.” These formulations do keep the Vitamin C intact, but they almost always come with thicker silicone bases that prevent the entire Vitamin C content from being exposed to the skin (the silicone entraps the Vitamin C). Our formula does not contain silicones and allows for total and direct application of the entire powder content to the skin, resulting in maximum topical distribution.
Direction
In the morning or evening, apply a small amount to your face (PM preferred). Avoid making eye contact. After application, you should expect a tingling feeling. If the feeling is too much for you, you should dilute the formula with your favorite creams or serums before applying it. If annoyance occurs, discontinue usage and seek medical advice. On unbroken skin, use only as guided. It is recommended that you test the product on a patch before using it. Keep out of children’s reach.
Patch checks are a simple way to see whether you’re likely to have a negative reaction to a new product. Before adding every new product to your routine, it’s a good idea to do a patch test. Based on the type of product, we’ve outlined a general method for performing your own patch test below.
- A small amount of the substance should be applied to a clean region of the upper forearm.
- Keep the place as dry as possible.
- If the product specifies a time limit for use, rinse after that time has passed. Otherwise, wait 24 hours before rinsing.
- Do not use the product if you notice any redness, burning, scratching, blistering, or discomfort at any point during the test.
