What are the Differences Between The Ordinary Vitamin C Products?

22 Feb 2019

I started working with Adore Beauty in the warehouse just over 2 years ago. I am now part of the marketing team here at Adore HQ. I usually spend my time trying to keep my house plants alive, taking walks along Merri creek and showering the cat with obsessive affection. The most important skincare tip I've learnt here is to wear SPF every day - If only I could tell that to my younger self!

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.

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If you're after vitamin C in it's purest form

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

$9.80

4.1 of 575 reviews

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and its pure form of L-Ascorbic Acid has been shown to reverse multiple signs of skin ageing while brightening the skin when applied topically. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. The system is supported with addition of dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid to offer visible surface smoothing alongside the benefits of Vitamin C.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a 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 your skin is sensitive then a water-based solution will work best

The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%

$18.30

4.4 of 92 reviews

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightening the skin tone and reducing signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% is more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. It is compatible with water but higher concentrations cannot be offered in a low-viscosity serum format and requires emulsification to form a cream. This formula is a light cream that offers 10% pure MAP (very high solubilized concentration).

Using a water-based solution works best with sensitive skin to hydrate and calm your skin. The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% 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.

If you want to use a vitamin C product which rehydrates dry skin

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

$24.90

4.5 of 132 reviews

An oil solution for use for night and day, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F contains a high concentration of Vitamin C that acts as an effective antioxidant, brightening the skin tone and reducing signs of ageing. This serum is rich in Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, 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.

Aging skin will become drier over time, so you may want to choose The 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 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

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

$21.90

4.5 of 200 reviews

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. 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. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 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.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 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 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 and 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.

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