The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

I’ve fallen behind in reviews of the new The Ordinary launches. So I’ll start trying to get those up for you. First up is my favorite in a long time The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%. I love ascorbic acid as my form of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is also known as L-AA and it’s the true form of vitamin C. It’s also the form that oxidizes and irritates a lot of people. But it’s also the most potent and effective at brightening. I prefer a 15 to even 20% concentration so I wasn’t sure what to expect with an 8% level. Details per The Ordinary:

This formula combines two of the most powerful brightening agents in skincare: pure Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin, both solubilized in a completely water-free formula for ideal stability. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of aging. Alpha Arbutin is a highly-purified biosynthetic active ingredient that reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Notes: Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin are less stable in formulations that contain water and use of them combined in formulations containing water is highly discouraged. This formulation is a water-free, stable solution, and may feel slightly “oily” for a few seconds after application, despite the fact that it is completely free of oil.

Topical Vitamin C offers a wide array of benefits to the skin. However, many forms of Vitamin C and many more formulations of Vitamin C are available commercially with a potential to confuse the audience. We have developed a guide that offers guidance on the formulations of Vitamin C offered under The Ordinary range. It also offers education on Vitamin C itself and on the differences between formulations of Vitamin C at large. Please click here for this guide.

Directions Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sun protection in the AM.

Ingredients Propanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin

So we all know the benefits of vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that defends your skin from free radical damage. It also does wonderful things like brighten and even your skin tone plus it helps build collagen. I find the vitamin C derivatives less effective at brightening but they still give excellent antioxidant protection as well as help build collagen. I like an ascorbic acid serum in the day and a derivative at night just for building collagen.

This serum only has 8% ascorbic acid and my usual is 15% but I actually found it really effective. In two weeks it brightened & evened my skin tone easily. I had actually started using it after using a derivative in the day and the difference was remarkable. It reminded me why I love the true form. Now that being said not everyone can tolerate the true vitamin C. It’s notorious at causing irritation especially if you have sensitive skin. For those with sensitive skin this is a lower percentage and it may not be as bad of irritation as a 15-20% concentration. If you don’t want to risk it I recommend The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% as an alternative. It’s the next best vitamin C from The Ordinary I’ve tried.

I actually don’t like most of the textures of the vitamin C products in The Ordinary line. There’s a powder, an oil, a few silicone based products then some serums. The Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% has a nice hydrating slippery serum like texture. It’s the best of the lot. This Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% has a light yet oily feeling texture. It’s the Propanediol base. While this water free version keeps it from oxidizing (and it did stay clear the entire time I’ve had it) it has a different texture than your usual hydrating serum. It’s very light but that oily feel is there at first. It does dry down and go away mostly. I didn’t find it clogged any pores either. I actually used this right after my essence then let it dry and set for a few minutes. I experienced no pilling this way.

In addition to superstar ascorbic acid this serum has 2% alpha-arbutin. Alpha-arbutin works by slowly releasing hydroquinone which in turn blocks tyrosinase activity and reduces melanin production in the skin. It’s a lightening agent. So maybe that’s why this was so effective with only an 8% ascorbic acid concentration. It’s worth a shot to try for only $10. Some may not like the texture but I think it’s pretty light and easy to work with. It’s effective and cheap. Easily my favorite The Ordinary vitamin C product they have made to date. I have yet to try the Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution which is next on my list.