What are the differences between The Ordinary's vitamin C products?

There are many benefits of including vitamin C into your skincare routine, and with The Ordinary you have several products to choose from. With their oh-so-confusing names, it can be difficult to know which is best for you. Read on to discover the differences and find out how best you can include vitamin C into your routine.

Why Is Vitamin C So Good For The Skin?

Vitamin C, also known as L-Ascorbic Acid boosts collagen production and has antioxidant properties to protect the collagen it produces. Collagen is vital for keeping skin looking youthful and feeling firm, so if you're after wrinkle-free skin, you'll want to include this important vitamin into your routine.

It also brightens skin and is effective at minimising pigmentation and brown spots which are often the first signs of aging.

If you're after vitamin C in its purest form, then look no further than the The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. This water-free, silicone-free product contains pure 23% L-Ascorbic Acid so is ideal if you want dramatic and fast results. It also contains additional spheres of Hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and smooth.

This suspension to be used at night time, after applying any water-based solutions, and you will wake up with a brighter and more youthful complexion!

Any product in its pure form is going to be stronger to the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to avoid this one. Also avoid using it alongside Niacinamide as this will decrease its efficacy.

If you have sensitive skin, you're much better off using a water-based solution to hydrate and calm your skin such as the The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%. This is based around the water-soluble vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, so you can still enjoy the brightening and anti-aging effects of vitamin C without the risk of irritation.

This lightweight emulsion should be applied after water-based products in both the morning and the evening.

Aging skin will become drier over time, so if you want to use a vitamin C product which rehydrates dry skin, you may want to choose theThe Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F. This is an oil-based solution with a high concentration of the oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.

This vitamin C derivative can be used in high concentrations without the drawbacks of it becoming unstable or harsh to skin. This solution also contains high amounts of Vitamin F which are essential fatty acids, known to firm and rehydrate skin, so if you have mature or dry skin, or suffer from premature aging this solution will be perfect for you.

The The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin Fshould be applied after water solutions, in the morning and/or in the evening.

If you're trying out vitamin C for the first time, we recommend theThe Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% which is the golden standard of vitamin C derivatives. Pure vitamin C is unstable in water-based solutions, however Ascobyl Glucoside is a water soluble derivative.

There are many advantages to water based solutions including their speedy absorption and being suitable for all skin types including oily and sensitive. So if you're looking for a comfortable formula of vitamin C this solution is the perfect option.

The The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% should be applied before heavier oils and creams, and can be using both in the morning and the evening.

A Quick Guide To Vitamin C

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Best for Dry Skin. Most Potent, best for people who use Vitamin C regularly.

The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% Best for Sensitive, Oily, Dry and Combination Skin. Best for people New to Vitamin C.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F  Best for Dry. Best for Mature Skin.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Best for Oily and Combination Skin. Best for people New to Vitamin C.

No matter your skin type or how far along you are in the aging process, vitamin C is a highly favourable ingredient to include into your routine.