A comprehensive review of The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. Learn about the benefits of using a caffeine solution, how it works and where you can purchase this product.
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Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% from The Ordinary is a topical vitamin C serum meant to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark pigmentation and scarring from acne.
HA is actually hyaluronic acid which is often added to skin care products to hydrate the skin. When used with this particular vitamin C formula, it helps the skin feel smoother.
On EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database website, this product is rated a 1, which falls into the green, or low hazard, category. There is limited to no data on some of the ingredients.
There is plenty of information on Deceim’s website about this particular formula being gritty and causing tingling, as well as alternative vitamin C products should these two issues be of concern for you.
Regardless, many of the less-than-stellar reviews are from consumers complaining about these exact issues.
This is the only vitamin C product that has been effective at significantly reducing my areas of dark pigmentation.
Benefits of Vitamin C For The Skin
The benefits of caffeine solution 5% + EGCG include:
- brighten skin tone
- reduce the appearance of aging
- improve appearance of dark spots
- may prevent sun damage
My Review
As mentioned above, many of the lower rated reviews were from consumers complaining about the grittiness of the product and the tingling sensation.
However, there are many, many positive reviews raving about how much brighter their skin looks and about the reduction of the appearance of dark pigmentation and acne scarring.
My Skin Type
I have normal to combination skin. I do get a tad oily, mostly around my nose. There are visible pores on my nose and cheeks. I do not get blemishes often.
There is a larger dark spot on one check and some smaller spots or freckling around my eyes. I also have several areas of melasma under my eyes and on my cheeks.
I’m 43 with only slight fine lines around my eyes that become more visible when I smile. I am also noticing a decrease in firmness lately.
There are dark circles under my eyes and especially in the inner corners of my eyes. I have occasional puffiness that I believe is diet-related more than anything.
How I Use Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
I initially used this product over my entire face after washing in the evening and prior to moisturizer.
There is definitely a grittiness to the product which feels very much like a super fine exfoliator. I can see why this would be irritating to some people, however it didn’t really bother me and does absorb rather quickly.
I did also experience tingling, but it was mostly around my nose and felt like an itch, and not a burning sensation.
After a few days, I decided to only use this product on the areas of my face where I have darker pigmentation or are areas where I get more sun exposure and may get dark spots. I also started using it morning and night, prior to serum and moisturizers, more as a treatment.
In just a week, I noticed the larger dark spot on my cheek had significantly faded. While it is still noticeable, it is much easier to cover with makeup now and has continued to fade. I am hopeful it will be barely visible with continued use of vitamin C.
I plan to continue using this product and will definitely repurchase it when it runs out. The only other product that I’ve even seen a slight improvement in dark areas with is Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask.
Cons
While the gritty texture and tingling didn’t bother me much, I can see how it could be very irritating to others, especially those with sensitive skin.
As always, I do still recommend trying this product. Products from The Ordinary are so budget-friendly that they are absolutely worth trying. This particular product is currently less than $6.00.
You never know, it could end up becoming one of your “holy grail” beauty products. And if not, you won’t be out much money at all.
Where To Buy
You can buy The Ordinary products, including Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, at the websites below:
More Reviews of The Ordinary Products
This is the fifth product of many that I am testing from The Ordinary. You can see my other reviews of products from The Ordinary below:
Or check out the 10 Best The Ordinary Products to help you decide which other products from this brand may work for you.
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