The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension Serum

Last updated: September 9, 2020

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension Serum
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We looked at the top Vitamin C Serums and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Vitamin C Serum you should buy.

Overall Take

This product helps with uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles. It is good for normal, oily, combination and dry skin types.

In our analysis of 15 expert reviews, the The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension Serum placed 5th when we looked at the top 5 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces the appearance of signs of aging. 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. Alternative products on the market offer suspensions of Vitamin C in water-free formulations in heavier silicone bases to avoid the “powdery” feel of the suspension. These formulations do keep the Vitamin C stable but they are almost always offered in heavier silicone bases that interfere with efficient exposure of the entire Vitamin C content to the skin (the silicone entraps the Vitamin C). Our formula avoids the use of silicones and offers complete and direct exposure of the entire powder content to the skin, maximizing topical delivery. If you prefer a lighter silicone base instead for a smoother skin feel, we suggest our Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

I immediately noticed my skin looked brighter than usual. It looked perkier and just generally much healthier. Call me a convert because I'm hooked on vitamin C.
- Byrdie
It fights free radicals, preventing wrinkles. It inhibits melanin production, fading dark spots and melasma
Contains 30 percent pure L-ascorbic acid, the highest concentration I've seen. A fraction of the cost of most L-ascorbic acid serums.
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!
What sets this serum apart is that the very potent ascorbic acid is in an anhydrous or water free solution, which means that it doesn’t degrade and your skin gets maximum vitamin C potency.

What experts didn't like

For it to work, you need to use high concentrations that sting skin (only for the first couple of weeks)
The silicones will also feel heavier on the skin and may aggravate acne, which is why I'm avoiding this one.
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.
It doesn’t feel nice to apply by any stretch. Actually it feels pretty bad. The grit scrapes across skin as you try to spread it and I always wonder if it’s creating little tears every time I use it.
View our Vitamin C Serum buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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