I had been eager to try some skincare products from The Ordinary since the raves about the brand last year. But because I have so many skincare products, I never placed an order.
When I was chatting on the phone with Jeff’s younger daughter before the holidays, she told me how much she loved the brand. To my delight, she sent me four products from The Ordinary as my holiday gift. Yes!
I immediately started in with The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone. I had been searching for a higher concentration vitamin C serum to see if it would help fade the remaining dark spots that have been resistant to lower concentrations of vitamin C. I started out applying the product after I apply hyaluronic acid essence, but I discovered that The Ordinary says to apply it as a last step over moisturizer. In fact, it makes a good primer too! BTW, The Ordinary also recommends avoiding the use of Niacinamide when using vitamin C.
Initially, I found the Vitamin C Suspension 30% to be a little uncomfortable to use because it would sting. The first time I used it, it was almost unbearable. I took a day or two off before I went back to it. The next time, it wasn’t as uncomfortable. Now, on most days, I don’t feel any stinging or tingling. The Ordinary is certainly aware of this side effect, and they recommend mixing it with serum or moisturizer.
The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 30% is a pure form of L-ascorbic acid, the most effective form of vitamin C. The L-ascorbic acid powder is formulated in a light silicone base because it cannot be mixed with water as water makes it unstable. Further, The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 30% is suspended in a light rather than heavier silicone base because heavy silicones lessen the effect of vitamin C on the skin. Another benefit of the light silicone base is that it prevents the fine L-ascorbic acid powder from feeling gritty on the skin. I have some vitamin C powder from another brand that I occasionally use mixed with moisturizer, but the grittiness bugs me so I don’t use it very often.
The Ordinary’s product information is amazing because of its detail and also its candor. They state that their Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA 2% Spheres is actually slightly more effective than the 30% in Silicone because the silicone prevents the L-ascorbic acid powder from being as effective, thus the higher concentration. They say “please note that this formulation would still offer slightly less efficient exposure to Vitamin C than our silicone-free Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% formula.” I never knew that vitamin C was affected by water and by silicone. So my plan for using a higher concentration of vitamin C because it might be “stronger” may not be correct.
I’ve been using The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone for a little bit more than two weeks, and I haven’t noticed any change yet in my resistant remaining dark spots that I know would benefit from pricey IPL. But I will use up this one ounce tube and see how they look at that point. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone is so reasonably priced on The Ordinary website at $6.80.
Which products do you like most from The Ordinary?
How does this compare to the Paula’s Choice vitamin C drops? I just began using
that product mixed with serum before a layer of moisturizer. Let us know how you compare them.
Donna, I don’t own the PC Vitamin C drops. They are sending me a package today to try out for review, but with their giant product line chances are it’s something new and not the C drops. At some point during one of their sales, I’ll buy it and then compare. There’s a 30% C from the UK company The Hero Project that is a stabilized form of vitamin C in natural oils: Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid, Hydrocurcumin, Grapefruit Oil, Lemon Oil, Egyptian Geranium Oil but it costs 39 pounds plus shipping so I am happy to try The Ordinary’s more affordable option. https://www.theheroproject.co.uk/vit-c-brightening-serum.html
I read that silicone clogs your pores so I’m left a bit confused and that it’s simply not good for you. I’ve been using Vitamin C Serum mixed with hylaraunic acid for a while now with good results but at a 20% concentration with no water. I would like to step it up a bit, I have received so many compliments on my skin and that was the only change to my routine. I’m interested in the Ordinary line but have read that there are more effective and less effective formulas within that line.
This is my first experience with The Ordinary, Karen, but so far so good with the Vitamin C Suspension 30%. Truthfully, I need IPL or other laser treatment to get rid of these dark spots because all the vitamin C serums I’ve been using the past 4 years did a good job getting rid of my cute freckles but left the serious sun damage behind. I have 3 other products from The Ordinary to try out, and I’ll report on them in the coming weeks once I start using them. I love the fact that they are so affordably priced so even if they don’t work out, I won’t be out much money. If you are having good results with the Vitamin C serum with HA that you’re using, stick with it! BTW, which one is it??? Or in the future if you want to try The Ordinary’s Suspension 23% plus HA and if you won’t mind a bit of a gritty feeling from the powder that I’ve heard quickly goes away, that may be a way to increase the concentration and you won’t spend a lot on it. Here are the ingredients in the 23% that does NOT contain water, oil or silicone: 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. About silicone, if it doesn’t evaporate, it can clog pores, but most silicones in modern skincare product does evaporate. Here’s a link to some info from the Paula’s Choice website that may be work reading: https://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/silicone-in-skincare/art-70.html I don’t and never did have acne and clogged pores isn’t a problem for me either so I have never stayed away from silicone. In fact, as I’ve gotten older makeup and primers with silicone have become my best friends. With silicone, you just have to make sure you remove it thoroughly at night with a good cleansing program. But still, if you’re getting good results with the C serum you’re using, keep at it! Thank you, Karen, for taking the time to comment and weigh in on vitamin C serums!
Lovely gift!!!
I have the 23% and it totally feels gritty (which I expected, since I read ALL the reviews, lol) but I’m not minding since I actually bought it to see if it might help lighten some old scarring on my leg. I’ve been using it for a couple weeks and I think I see some improvement in the lighter pigmented areas, so I’ll keep going and see what happens overall. At their price point it is certainly worth a shot!
I also picked up an eye serum and I think the one they called buffet. I’ll probably try some other things later as well. Keep us posted as to how you fare with the rest of this lot 🙂
Good to know about your experience with the 23% C. I will use up this tube, and see if it helps at all. I know that I am a candidate for IPL with my remaining dark spots but the cost keeps me away. I will break into my other goodies from The Ordinary soon and post about them. I will also go to the amazing website and check out the eye serum you’re using. PS I wore my UD Glitter liner to dinner on Sunday night. I have decided I don’t care what other people think, I love wearing it! I may go and get the brown one before it disappears!
I love a good vitamin C serum. I’ve liked the Ordinary’s products.
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I was so happy to see this brand at Sephora now! Cant wait to try out their skincare.
I heard that The Ordinary was coming to Sephora, but I didn’t know it was there already. I hope that my small suburban Sephora will carry The Ordinary and ColourPop coz I hate paying for shipping as much as the cost of one product. I’m happy with this vitamin C so far! For the price, it’s a steal.
Lol, Im the same – I DETEST paying shipping.. for anything.
birds of a feather… <3
Well, you certainly can’t beat that price. I will be curious to see if you find it effective by the time that you finish the tube.
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I’m a tough customer because vitamin C serum over the past 3 years did a good job getting rid of my cute little freckles. So all that’s left are the big spots that would benefit from IPL or laser. But what the heck, I keep trying with serums. 🙂
the ALA is on my to-use list.
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I’ve been using their Retinoid and Buffet serums and just love them. It’s too bad the Vitamin C isn’t doing the job for you, but I think you’ll really like their other products.
Thanks, Gabrielle, for letting me know that the Retinoid and Buffet serums are good ones! I haven’t ordered anything myself yet, and now you’re the second person to mention the Buffet. As far as the Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone goes, I haven’t given up on it yet, and I am so glad that it was included in my holiday gift. As I mentioned, I have been using vitamin C serums for about 3 or 4 years, and the C serums have done a good job fading my cute little freckles and my lighter discolorations. But what’s left are the serious dark spots from years of sun damage that I really need IPL or laser treatment to remove. Nevertheless, I think it’s worth it to try the product!
I think the brand is great. I watched a long video on it by the creator and they say they can keep the price down since they do their selling by word of mouth and by disregarding fancy packaging and advertising. I’ve mostly used the Caffeine Solution but want to use the hyaluronic acid one next.
I was overwhelmed by the size of their product line, and I had no idea what to choose so I am grateful that Marah did the initial choosing for me! I’m looking forward to trying the other 3 products she sent. Eventually, I’ll get around to picking some myself. I’ll take a look at the Caffeine Solution too. (Hope you’re enjoying your day! The sun is out here in your honor xo)
Unfortunately, this didn’t work for me. I went on a serious buying spree last year because I want to try every single thing because of the hype and affordability. The only products I liked was the rosehip oil. On a side note, either IPL or laser can help with your resistant sun spot, of course under experienced hands.
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That’s too bad! I have three more products to try, yay. As I wrote in my post, I know that IPL or laser are the antidote to my dark spot problems, but I can’t afford it sadly.
Hi Allison! Vitain C is amazing for brightening the PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), but for stubborn age spots you should try melanin inhibitors. The Ordinary has Alpha Arbutin and Azelaic Acid products that should do the trick. They take a VERY long time to work, usually 3 months or more, but at that price it’s worth a try. Melanin inhibitors work by slowly lifting the pigment to the surface, where your AHAs and enzyme peels can get rid of it. Some spots are more tricky than others depending on how long they were left untreated, but at the very least you should see noticeable lightening of those spots in 3-6 months of daily use.
Aesthetic treatments (IPL, etc) will probably give you the best results though.
Also, you already know this, but using SPF every single day will help speed up the process too.
Discolsure: not a derm/pro 😉
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thank you, Anastasia, for the information about the melanin inhibitors!! I didn’t know about them. I have tried arbutin from DHC in the past, but I should try it again. I’m not familiar with azelaic acid, but I am game. As I wrote in my post, I know that IPL or laser would do the most to get rid of them but I can’t justify the price, sadly.
I’ve never tried this brand, but the serum really sounds nice & definitely would look for it to brighten my skin.
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If you’re interested in trying some new skincare, definitely check out The Ordinary because their well made products are so incredibly affordable!
Products that sting are so hard to use… I hope you’ll update us and let us know if it was worth it.
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The stinging lasted for about 3 or 4 times. When I first started using it, I applied it directly to cleansed skin or over a lightweight essence. Since doing additional reading, I found out that I could or even should apply it as a last step over moisturizer – very surprising. But now no tingling. I hope it will have some effect on my dark spots, but as I said, my remaining dark spots are a “torture test” better suited to IPL or laser treatment that I can’t afford!
This is all so Greek to me! I love learning about new brands and products from you!
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Hahaha, Krystal! Hope it’s at least somewhat interesting and informative. The Ordinary is a brand you should check out!
I just ordered a few foundations and a primer.
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Very helpful review! I have not tried anything from this brand.
It’s worth checking out because there skincare products are so affordable but so well made. It’s now at Sephora.
Another brand I haven’t heard of. I feel like with skincare, I’m very basic. Lush cleanser and moisturizer and I call it a day.
I haven’t heard of this brand, but Im always interested in new skincare products. Especially at their prices.
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The Ordinary is well worth trying and just as you said, the affordable price certainly don’t hurt 😉
I’m using an Indian brand for vitamin C and it makes so much difference to my skin, love it. The Ordinary is out of reach for me due to the shipping charges to India
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My friend in India uses a vitamin C from The Hero Project from the UK, and I was interested in it, but to the US it was pricey because of the shipping. So I know what you mean, Shilpa!
ITs always just as informative to read the comments! So much great info!
Yes, it shows you that different people have different reactions to and results from every product!
I still need to try The Ordinary! I’m definitely in need of a good Vitamin C-rum.
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Vitamin C-rum: so cute, Stacie!
I really like The Ordinary and this is definitely on my list to try! I’m glad to hear you’re sticking with it and not giving up because it can definitely take a while to see results.
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I’ve heard fab things about The Ordinary. I would love to try them someday.
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At their super affordable prices, we can all try skincare products from The Ordinary!
I’ve been seeing a lot about this brand and think I finally just need to take the plunge and give it a try
At The Ordinary’s amazing prices, you’ve got nothing to lose! And I hear that it’s now at Sephora 🙂
Never heard of this brand, I doubt we have it in Sweden.
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It’s sold internationally from their website and it’s now sold at Sephora 😉