What are the Differences Between The Ordinary Vitamin C Products?

There are many benefits of including vitamin C into your skincare routine, and with The Ordinary range of vitamin c products, you have several products to choose from.

With their oh-so-confusing names, it can be difficult to know which of The Ordinary's vitamin C products in Australia is best for you.

Read on to discover the differences between The Ordinary's 6 vitamin c products in Australia and find out how best you can include The Ordinary's vitamin C into your routine.

Watch the YouTube video below to find out all about the differences between each of The Ordinary's Vitamin C products and the best The Ordinary Vitamin c product for you...

Why Is The Ordinary's Vitamin C So Good For The Skin?

(L-Ascorbic Acid) most commonly known as Vitamin C is good for the skin as it boosts collagen production and has antioxidant properties to protect the collagen it produces. Collagen is vital for keeping skin looking youthful and feeling firm, so if you're after wrinkle-free skin, you'll want to include one of The Ordinary's vitamin c products into your routine.

It also brightens skin and is effective at minimising pigmentation and brown spots which are often the first signs of aging.


Which Vitamin C From the Ordinary Is Best for Me?

The Ordinary have a large range of vitamin c products in Australia, so choosing can be difficult. We've broken down each product so you can choose the one best suited to your needs.

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and its pure form of L-Ascorbic Acid has been shown to reverse multiple signs of skin ageing while brightening the skin when applied topically. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. The system is supported with addition of dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid to offer visible surface smoothing alongside the benefits of Vitamin C.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a water-free, silicone-free product contains pure 23% L-Ascorbic Acid so is ideal if you want dramatic and fast results. It also contains additional spheres of Hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and smooth.

Apply The Ordinary vitamin c suspension at night time, after applying any water-based solutions, and you will wake up with a brighter and more youthful complexion!

Any vitamin c skincare, including The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 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.


An oil solution for use for night and day, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F contains a high concentration of Vitamin C that acts as an effective antioxidant. The Ordinary vitamin c serum brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. This The Ordinary vitamin c serum is rich in Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that can be used in higher concentrations without drawbacks. It is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C but, being a derivative, its potency will not be directly comparable to pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

Aging skin will become drier over time, so you may want to choose The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F. This is an oil-based vitamin c serum with a high concentration of the oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.

This The Ordinary vitamin C serum can be used in high concentrations without the drawbacks of it becoming unstable or harsh to skin. This vitamin c serum also contains high amounts of Vitamin F which are essential fatty acids, known to firm and rehydrate skin, so if you have mature or dry skin, or suffer from premature aging this solution will be perfect for you. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin Fshould be applied after water solutions, in the morning and/or in the evening.


Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant vitamin c serum texture. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it's impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is the golden standard of vitamin C derivatives. Pure vitamin C is unstable in water-based solutions, however Ascobyl Glucoside is a water soluble derivative.

There are many advantages to water based solutions including their speedy absorption and being suitable for all skin types including oily and sensitive. So if you're looking for a comfortable formula of The Ordinary's vitamin C products this vitamin c serum is the perfect option. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% should be applied before heavier oils and creams, and can be using both in the morning and the evening.


If You’re Looking for Glowier, Brighter Skin

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is a highly recommended vitamin C product due to its unique formulation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of alpha arbutin, a skin-brightening ingredient, enhances the effectiveness of the product. With consistent use, this product can result in a clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion.

If You’re Looking for Glowier, Brighter Skin

Meet The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%- 30ml. A formula that brings together two powerhouse brightening ingredients to reduce the signs of ageing, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. This formula is also deliberately created without water or oil for a stable solution. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is best suited for those concerned with reducing the signs of aging, such as dullness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Other features and benefits of this The Ordinary vitamin c product: - Oil-Free - Alcohol-Free - Silicone-Free - Nut-Free - Vegan - Gluten-Free


The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder is a highly regarded vitamin C product due to its potency and versatility. As a pure form of L-ascorbic acid, the powder is highly concentrated and can be easily integrated into any skincare routine. The powder form allows for customisation of the concentration, making it suitable for all skin types and concerns.

The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder is a Vitamin C powder for face that can be added to water, toner, moisturiser or serum to enhance your complexion over time. This powder works to improve radiance and even skin tone, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. This superfine powder also helps to protect against external aggressors due to its antioxidant properties.  Suitable for all skin types (however sensitive skin should use with caution) you will only need a small amount of The Ordinary's vitamin c powder per application. The Ordinarys vitamin c powder contains antioxidants to help protect against free radical damage and may help reduce pore size.


The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone is a highly recommended vitamin C product due to its effective and stable formulation. The use of silicone creates a smooth and velvety texture that helps to protect the skin from any potential irritation, making it suitable for all skin types. The high concentration of 30% L-ascorbic acid in this product ensures that it is highly effective in delivering its benefits to the skin.

A Water-Free, Stable Suspension of 30% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid in Light Silicones to help reverse multiple signs of skin ageing while brightening the skin.  Due to the presence of very light silicones, this formulation feels smooth on the skin despite the suspension format of the formulation, avoiding the short-lived gritty feeling of our original Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% formula.

Suitable for most skin types, this treatment is ideally applied at bedtime due to its high potency of vitamin c. Other benefits include: - Helping reverse the signs of skin ageing - Provides high-strength antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors.  - Brightens the look of skin.  - Provides direct exposure of extremely high concentrations of Vitamin C.


A Quick The Ordinary's Vitamin C Review:

No matter your skin type or how far along you are in the aging process, The Ordinary's Vitamin C products are a highly favourable product to include into your routine.

Still Can't Choose? Take Our The Ordinary Quiz

Need some more help? Take The Ordinary quiz. A super-fast quiz that can help you find the best The Ordinary vitamin c product for your skin type and concerns, check it out below or click here




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