Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Hyaluronic Acid Spheres 2%, Serum with Pure L-Ascorbic Acid

At 52, post-menopausal, with mature dry skin, I’ve tried skincare across every price point, from affordable basics to luxury formulas. One thing I’ve learned is that expensive does not automatically mean more effective. This product is a great reminder of that. The formula is simple, focused, and effective. It centers around 23% pure L-ascorbic acid, which is one of the best-known forms of vitamin C for helping with dullness, uneven tone, and overall brightness. It also has hyaluronic acid spheres, which help offset some of the dryness that can come with a strong vitamin C product. This is not a miracle product that changes your skin overnight. Vitamin C works best with consistency. Used regularly, it can help skin look brighter, smoother, and more even over time. For mature skin, that matters because dullness, sun damage, and uneven tone become more noticeable with age. In terms of effectiveness, I think this is excellent for the price. There are vitamin C products that cost many times more and do not necessarily give better results. This is proof that a straightforward formula can still be very worthwhile. The texture is where people need to set expectations. This is not a lightweight, silky serum. It has more of a suspension feel and can feel slightly gritty or unusual when applied. I don’t mind that because I understand what the product is, but if you are used to very smooth luxury serums, this may surprise you. Absorption is also different from a watery serum. I use a small amount and give it time to settle. Sometimes I layer moisturizer over it, and sometimes I mix a tiny bit with moisturizer to make it more comfortable. That works especially well for dry or mature skin. I do not find this especially moisturizing on its own. The hyaluronic acid is helpful, but this is still mainly a treatment product, not a hydrating serum or cream. I always follow with moisturizer, and during the day sunscreen is non-negotiable with any brightening routine. The fragrance is another plus for me because it does not feel like a perfume-heavy product. I prefer actives like this to stay simple and focused rather than loaded with unnecessary scent. Who is this best for? People wanting an affordable but serious vitamin C, anyone dealing with dullness or uneven tone, experienced skincare users, and people who care more about ingredients and consistency than fancy packaging. Who may not love it? Very sensitive skin types, beginners, or anyone who wants a super lightweight silky texture may prefer a gentler vitamin C first. If your skin is dry like mine, you’ll probably want to use this with a good moisturizer. What stands out most is the value. Strong active ingredient, simple formula, no unnecessary hype, and results that reward regular use. A standout affordable vitamin C that proves good skincare does not have to be expensive.

Works well on dark spots, making them less noticeable. It has a strange almost gritty feel at first, but works into skin well. Will most certainly buy again! Not irritating or offensive smell.

I’ve been using Vitamin C Suspension 23% and it’s definitely a powerful product. It noticeably brightened my skin and helped fade dark spots over time, giving me a more even and glowing complexion. The texture is gritty and can feel a little tingly when first applied, especially on sensitive skin, but that sensation fades after a few minutes. I usually apply it at night and mix a small amount with moisturizer to reduce irritation. A little goes a long way, and with consistent use, the results are worth it. This is a great option if you want a strong vitamin C treatment and don’t mind the texture.

Overall, a good serum at a great price point. It’s effective, but there are a few things to be aware of. 1. it smells like feet 2. you need to mix it with another cream, otherwise, it’s really gritty 3. It oxidizes so your pillow will be orange in the morning 4. I can only wear it at night because it pills under make up. I think it’s hard to find a good, potent vitamin C serum using L-ascorbic acid that doesn’t stink or oxidize. So that’s not a knock to the serum. It’s just something to know about anything with L-ascorbic acid. But I gave it 4 stars because it pills so badly under make up.

This is my favorite product from The Ordinary! I had all these white bumps on my forehead for years, and nothing would get rid of them. They weren't poppable. I tried scrubs, acids, all kinds of things and nothing worked. I bought this and within 24 hrs there was a noticeable difference. Within a few days, all but one of the bigger ones was gone. Pair this with The Ordinary AHA -BHA peeling solution and it works WONDERS on your skin. For the price, you can't beat it too. It isn't sticky at all but it is oily.. but it's thin and easy to apply. It can cause a bit of burning if you have recently exfoliates, or if you use the baby hair razors, so use this at a time when your face is fresh.

I ordered this product because I’ve tried this brand and liked it. However after several (3-4) trials this product is both a big disappointment and a mystery. I’ve tried using moisturizer right after application and also, as it suggests, mixing it with moisturizer. In both cases the result is the same: after 5 mins the whole face starts to have profuse white flaking, that cannot be left on the skin. I start to gently rub it off yet it starts to come off more ( the flakes are visible and a lot on cloths etc if I don’t kind of shake it off in the sink ) until the whole comes off after at least 3-5 mins cleaning it off like this. I would not mind the “grainy texture” as some mentioned in reviews at all. But this is entirely different phenomenon. I wanted to give it a good chance and used it several times but requested refund because I don’t want such a “serum” and also am not sure at all why it behaves like this or if this is normal. My skin did not get any irritation or rash. I want to bring to attention that it is not at all straightforward to make a return. One is taken to an option to either check out website information or call a customer service number. Which of course is closed on weekends.

I love this product. Great value and it works well. This product doesn’t bother my complexion and is a great base for anything else you want to add. I have purchased this multiple times!

I really wanted to love this serum because I like The Ordinary and I know pure L-ascorbic acid can do wonders for skin brightness. But this one just doesn’t feel pleasant to use. It goes on grainy, almost like fine sand, and unless I immediately mix it with another moisturizer, it leaves little white crumbs that turn brown-orange after a while. Even hours later, if I touch my face, I’ll find those gritty specks rubbing off. It’s messy, and honestly makes me worry about oxidation or product freshness. I appreciate that it’s a high-strength vitamin C at a fair price, but the texture makes it hard to stick with. I wish the formula absorbed cleanly instead of crumbling all over my skin.

Gosto mto do produto . Uso diário. Ótima qualidade

El producto me llegó dañado

It has beads in it but it blends nicely. It works overnight all my pigmentation started lightening love it.

Já usei alguns produtos da THE ORDINARY, mas até então somente a linha de cuidado dos frascos de vidro (com conta gotas) e gostei mto... mas essa linha nesse tipo de embalagem com uma proposta serum cremoso foi a minha primeira experiência. Não gostei e jamais usaria de novo. Textura estranha e muito oleosa, Além disso não vem na embalagem nem na caixa o lote e a validade... não sabemos nem se é original.

Super merci beaucoup