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The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Serum with Pure L-Ascorbic Acid
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Highlights
Summary
The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Serum is a water-free, silicone-free, suspension of 23% pure L-ascorbic acid. This water-free suspension with a powdery finish is great for those looking for solutions for uneven tone, signs of aging, and antioxidant support.
Benefits
- Targets visible signs of aging
- Brightens appearance of skin
- Provides antioxidant support
Key Ingredients
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
Formulated Without
- Fragrance Free
- Water
- Alcohol
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Oil
- Silicone
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Mineral Oil
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Animal Oils
- Coal Tar Dyes
- Formaldehyde
- Mercury
- Oxybenzone
Item 2551175
The Ordinary recommends performing a patch test prior to incorporating a new product into your skin care routine.
Apply a small amount to face in the AM or the PM. A slight tingling sensation can be expected after application.
Contraindications: Do not use in the same routine as Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, peptides, EUK 134 0.1%, direct acids, or retinoids.
Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coconut Alkanes, Ethylene/propylene/styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Butylene/ethylene/styrene Copolymer, Acrylates/ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trihydroxystearin, BHT.
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FAQs
What is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% designed for?
This formulation uses direct vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help visibly reduce signs of aging by brightening and balancing the appearance of uneven skin tone.
How does The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% support skin hydration?
This water-free formula provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. For added hydration, it also features spheres of hyaluronic acid.
Why does The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% have a granular texture?
The slightly granular texture of Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is due to the vitamin C powder being suspended in an oil-like base, which takes a few seconds to absorb into the skin.
Can The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% be mixed with other formulations?
Yes, this formulation can be diluted in a cream base per application to help the skin build tolerance over time.
Is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% suitable for all skin types?
Yes, this formulation is suitable for all skin types. If you want to build tolerance over time, you can dilute this face oil in a cream base per application.
Reviews
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Ratings Distribution
Best For
Describe Yourself
Skin Type
Most Helpful Positive Review
Changed my skin!
I started using 2 weeks ago. I am 50 yrs old. I have combo skin with acne, dry patches, age spots, acne scars, crepey under my eyes, wrinkles on my forehead and crows feet. UGH! I saw this in a beauty blog and at this point would try anything! But $6?!?! It must be witchcraft! And it is! My face ha...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Awful texture
I am not sure of the effect of this product as it doesn't seem to absorb due to its poor formulation. Let me start with the beginning: Very runny, drips everywhere if you aren't careful. I can get passed that. Grainy when comes in contact with skin, feels like sandpaper. I understand this is due ...
828 results
works Great 👍
I say this works, been using for a month and see a difference in skintone.
Amazing for dark spots
This product definitely isn't my favorite texture, and the first time I tried it I used way too much and it stung. But I found that using a small amount pretty much eliminates the sting and the grittiness goes away pretty quickly. For the price, it's been phenomenal lightening acne scars and dark spots. I'll definitely buy it again.
Had a bad reaction
It made my skin extremely red in seconds. I would not use this. My skin is normally not super sensitive, but I had to put ice on my face afterwards.
Do not recommend!
Super grainy and absolutely hate the texture of this product. Plus it stings, almost burns when applied to skin, that alone makes me nervous so I have discontinued the use. I love the Ordinary line but this one missed the mark.
Quick trip to the trash
Applied a couple of times with same burning skin result. Not sure if the burning is due to the formulation or the serum's texture - think gritty side of an emery board. Either way, didn't work for me. Tossed in the trash.
Questions
Q&A
Showing 20 out of 26 Questions
- Q
Can I use this with The Ordinary copper peptides?
- Asked by NEE2
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there , thank you for reaching out! We do not recommend using direct vitamin c like Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% in the same regimen. You could use Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% in the morning, and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% in the evening.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
can i use this with hydaluronic acid 2% B5 hydrating serum, natural moisturizing factors phytoceramides and squalance cleanser
- Asked by daisygirl
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, yes, all of these products can be used together in a single regimen. Please note we recommend using Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% in the PM.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi, I see that you recommend nighttime use, but I already use tazar.. at night. is it safe to use both?
- Asked by Q
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin. Generally speaking , however, we'd recommend using Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% on separate evenings than your retinoid.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this product stain fair skin with an orange hue after oxidizing on the skin overnight?
- Asked by Pam D
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! To avoid orange staining, please ensure you apply no more than a pea sized amount of product. We recommend applying Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% as the last step in your PM regimen at least one hour before bedtime to ensure the product has fully absorbed into the skin. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How do I avoid the product pilling on my skin? It acts like an exfoliant right away, but come to find out, that's the product producing little balls all over my face, not dead skin. Do I use the product on dry skin vs wet skin or vice versa?
- Asked by Bamalynn
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageIt sounds like you may be applying too much product! Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% offers a 23% powder content so a very small amount should be used. We suggest applying VC 23% as the final step of your PM routine to begin, and we always recommend allowing all product to absorb before applying next steps. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with The Ordinary bright set? If so how?
- Asked by QB
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe do not recommend using Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. However, you may use Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA with Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this act as an exfoliant because of the grittiness or is it safe to add an exfoliant to my routine as well?
- Asked by Linds
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We do not recommend combining Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Direct Acids. You may use them in separate regimens,however. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use this with Azelaic Acid?
- Asked by G
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, we do not recommend using Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% together in the same regimen. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Why is the product gritty? Will the grittiness dissolve? I feel like washing it off after putting it on skin.
- Asked by Mary Ann
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% uses a finely-milled, powder-form of Vitamin C. These particles remain suspended which gives a slightly sandy or gritty feel on the skin. It's also made without water (to keep the Vitamin C stable) so the powder can't fully dissolve the way it might in a water-based serum like Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. This grittiness is normal for the product and should feel this way for a few minutes after application. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi, Can you use this in a morning routine after applying Hyaluronic Acid?
- Asked by missy
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHey there, we recommend applying a small amount to the face once daily, ideally in the evening. If using in the morning, we highly recommend using sun protection, such as UV Filters SPF 45 Serum .Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with The Ordinary bright set? If so how?
- Asked by QB
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe do not recommend using Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. However, you may use Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA with Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this act as an exfoliant because of the grittiness or is it safe to add an exfoliant to my routine as well?
- Asked by Linds
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We do not recommend combining Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Direct Acids. You may use them in separate regimens,however. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use this with Azelaic Acid?
- Asked by G
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, we do not recommend using Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% together in the same regimen. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Why is the product gritty? Will the grittiness dissolve? I feel like washing it off after putting it on skin.
- Asked by Mary Ann
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% uses a finely-milled, powder-form of Vitamin C. These particles remain suspended which gives a slightly sandy or gritty feel on the skin. It's also made without water (to keep the Vitamin C stable) so the powder can't fully dissolve the way it might in a water-based serum like Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. This grittiness is normal for the product and should feel this way for a few minutes after application. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi, Can you use this in a morning routine after applying Hyaluronic Acid?
- Asked by missy
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHey there, we recommend applying a small amount to the face once daily, ideally in the evening. If using in the morning, we highly recommend using sun protection, such as UV Filters SPF 45 Serum .Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use this on other body parts like armpits?
- Asked by Beauty buff
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% has been tested for use on the face only. We do not recommend applying this product to covered areas of the body such as the inner thighs or underarms, as these areas may have more sensitive skin, and the natural occlusion of these regions may make them more prone to irritation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used for oily skin
- Asked by Beauty guru
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is suitable for all skin types, including oily.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with a hydrating face oil? my mature skin can be very dry at times..
- Asked by Easy E
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageYes, you can use Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% alongside a hydrating face oil as long as it doesn't have any other active ingredients in.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use a retinol product at night if I only use this product in the morning?
- Asked by Beth
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageYou can use Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% and Retinol at alternate times of the day, however, it depends on your skins' tolerance of active ingredients. If you start to notice any adverse effects, we recommend discontinuing and spacing the usage.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Could I layer this product with the ordinary retinol squaline serum?
- Asked by Oli
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend using Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% and Retinol in alternate routines to avoid irritation.Was this answer helpful to you