The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Works for
Evens skin toneAscorbic acid, Alpha-arbutinWorks well
“Its water-free formula combines direct vitamin C and a high concentration of alpha arbutin to visibly improve pigmentation and balance uneven skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: ascorbic acid.
In addition, this product contains alpha-arbutin. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingAscorbic acidWorks well
“Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Ascorbic acidWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Propanediol~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolAscorbic acid8%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidAlpha-arbutin2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
More about Alpha-arbutinIngredient list view
Propanediol, Ascorbic acid, Alpha-arbutin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| The OrdinaryAscorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%YOUR PRODUCT | Standard BeautyPigmentation Buster Serum: Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin & Ferulic Acid | JUMISOAll Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum | Farmacy Beauty10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 94% | 91% |
| Price | $11.00 | — | $6.84−$4.16 | $5.00−$6.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Ferulic Acid | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Skin Republic Skin Booster Vitamin C 6% and 1.5% Alpha Arbutin SerumUrban Skin Rx Pro Strength Super C Brightening Serum
Product summary
"The Ordinary - Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%" is effective for: Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (8.00% (declared)) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 4.32£ up to 14.50£ in the United Kingdom, from 10.00$ up to 11.00$ in the United States, for 12.00CA$ in Canada and for 92.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
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