Hi there! Let me walk you through my thoughts on The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. This is a powerhouse product—potent, affordable, and effective—but it’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve personally used it. Here’s my detailed breakdown to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your skincare routine.
What’s Inside and Why It Matters
- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, 23%)
- This is pure Vitamin C, folks—one of the best ingredients for brightening skin, fading dark spots, and boosting collagen. At 23%, it’s a strong concentration, so expect some tingling (or even stinging) if you’re new to it.
- Hyaluronic Acid Spheres (2%)
- These little spheres help hydrate and plump up the skin, which is a nice touch since pure Vitamin C can sometimes be drying.
- Silicone-Free Formula
- This is great because it allows the Vitamin C to interact directly with your skin. But—and it’s a big “but”—this also means the texture can feel a little gritty. More on that later.
What It Feels and Smells Like
- Texture: Okay, let’s be real—the texture is not silky smooth. It’s a creamy base with a noticeable grainy feel because of the suspended Vitamin C powder. It’s not unbearable, but if you’re used to silky serums, this might be a shock.
- Fragrance: It’s fragrance-free, but you’ll get a faint metallic smell (kind of like coins). It’s not the most glamorous scent, but it doesn’t linger.
How to Use It
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a strong product, so don’t dive in headfirst! Here’s what worked for me:
- Use it at night—Vitamin C can break down with sun exposure.
- Apply a small amount (like a pea-sized dollop) after cleansing and before moisturizer.
- If it feels too intense, try mixing it with your moisturizer to buffer the effects.
- Avoid the eye area—it’s too strong for that delicate skin.
- Start slow: Use it 2-3 times a week and build up as your skin adjusts.
Who Will Love This Product
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to tackle dullness, dark spots, or uneven skin tone, this is a fantastic option.
- It’s best for people with normal to oily skin or those who’ve used high-concentration Vitamin C before.
- Sensitive skin? Proceed with caution. The high potency and gritty texture might irritate you. If that’s the case, I’d suggest starting with a gentler option like The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%.
Packaging and Application
The product comes in a practical opaque tube, which protects the Vitamin C from degrading. It’s easy to dispense, though the tube can get a bit squishy when it’s almost empty. For best results, apply to completely dry skin after cleansing—wet skin can increase irritation.
What People Are Saying
Many users love this serum for its noticeable brightening effects and unbeatable price. But, the most common complaints are:
- The Gritty Texture: It’s not the most luxurious feel.
- Tingling or Burning: That’s the Vitamin C doing its thing, but it can be too much for newbies.
- Drying: If your skin is dry like mine, you’ll definitely want to pair it with a rich moisturizer.
How to Address These Concerns
- For the texture: Mix it with a bit of moisturizer before applying—it smooths things out and makes it easier to spread.
- For irritation: Start slow! Use it just once or twice a week and let your skin build tolerance.
- For dryness: Follow up with a good moisturizer. I recommend something like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra.
How Long Until You See Results?
- You’ll start to notice a glow and slight brightening in 1-2 weeks with consistent use.
- Dark spots and texture take longer—give it about 6-8 weeks.
- The long-term collagen-boosting effects are more subtle and will show after 2-3 months.
How Does It Compare to Other Vitamin C Serums?
This serum is unique because it’s super potent and ridiculously affordable. Other Vitamin C products like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic cost a small fortune, but this one delivers similar results (if you can handle the texture). However, it’s not as elegant or user-friendly as some smoother formulas like Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop.
What I Loved and Didn’t Love
What I Loved
- The price: You can’t beat this for under $10!
- The results: It really does brighten and fade dark spots with regular use.
- The fact that it’s fragrance-free: A bonus for sensitive noses.
What I Didn’t Love
- The texture: The grittiness takes some getting used to, and it’s not the most enjoyable to apply.
- The potential for irritation: It’s definitely not beginner-friendly.
Final Verdict: Do I Recommend It?
Yes, but with some caveats. If you’re an experienced Vitamin C user or someone who wants maximum brightness on a budget, go for it. Just be ready to adjust for the texture and irritation. If you’re new to Vitamin C or have sensitive skin, I’d steer you toward a gentler formula.
Where to buy it?
Available on The Ordinary website for $6.7 (you can’t beat the price for this one), Amazon, Sephora, Nykaa
For me, this product is like a powerhouse you have to tame—it delivers results but isn’t always fun to use. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s totally worth it!
