Current Price $8.10
Highlights
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin C
- Good for: Dullness
Details & care
What it is: A water-free, silicone-free facial treatment that contains 23% pure l-ascorbic acid, otherwise known as vitamin C.
What it does: A brightening formula that uses direct Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help visibly reduce signs of aging by brightening and balancing uneven skin tone. This water-free formula provides 23% pure l-ascorbic acid, which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. The formula is supported with spheres of hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
How to use: Apply a small amount to the face once daily, ideally in the evening. Use sun protection during the day. A tingling sensation can be expected.
Note: The slightly granular texture of this product is due to the vitamin C powder being suspended in an oil-like base, and therefore each application requires a few seconds to feel absorbed by the skin. If desired, this formula can be diluted in a cream base per application to allow the skin to build tolerance over time.
- 1 oz.
- Paraben-free; phthalate-free; silicone-free; sulfate-free; water-free
- Made in Canada
- Item #5982021
Ingredients
Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coconut Alkanes, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trihydroxystearin, BHT.
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging
Shipping & returns
Free shipping. Free returns. All the time. Purchases made online can also be returned or exchanged at any Nordstrom store, free of charge. Read more about our shipping & returns policies.
Gift options
Choose your gift options at checkout. Some items may not be eligible for all gift options.
Delivery
- Email gift message (free)
- Printed gift message (free)
- Fabric gift bag ($5)
Need help finding the perfect gift? We've got you covered.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is democratizing skin care by bringing well-known active ingredients to market at sensible price points. All products are made in the brand's lab, tested on humans (The Ordinary is vegan and cruelty-free) and use ingredients at their highest quality and most effective concentrations. The Ordinary is Clinical Formulations with Integrity.
Most helpful positive review
Mar 21, 2026
Smooths out my skin texture
Really helps with my skin texture and makes my skin feel a lot smoother. I definitely recommend being careful near fabrics with this as it stains your skin and clothes yellow (I normally apply this an hour or two before I shower and am careful not to touch my face). Does have a slight sting for my sensitive skin but is amazing tor getting rid of dead skin and brightening my complexion. Be careful not to overuse if you have sensitive skin though
LlamaLou
Reposted from spacenk.com
Most helpful critical review
Feb 22, 2026
Vitamin C 23% Suspension
This vitamin c suspension does not go on smoothly theres a grit and its almost greasy and potent at the same. Please make sure your ready for this bc I learned the hardway and I love all ordinary products but suspensions are tough to get used to. Besides ordinary has other vitamin s products that work and blend much better.
Toni
Reposted from deciem.com
deciem.com response
Hi there! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. We're sorry to hear that the formula's texture did not meet your expectations and that you found it unsuitable for your skin. If you'd like any additional support, please feel free to reach out to our Product Experts via our Contact Page: www.theordinary.com/contact
5 stars
46%
4 stars
15%
3 stars
13%
2 stars
9%
1 star
18%
Pros:
Cons:
Sort by Most Helpful
LlamaLou
Reposted from spacenk.com
Mar 21, 2026
Smooths out my skin texture
Really helps with my skin texture and makes my skin feel a lot smoother. I definitely recommend being careful near fabrics with this as it stains your skin and clothes yellow (I normally apply this an hour or two before I shower and am careful not to touch my face). Does have a slight sting for my sensitive skin but is amazing tor getting rid of dead skin and brightening my complexion. Be careful not to overuse if you have sensitive skin though
GoldenEmily
Reposted from deciem.com
Mar 12, 2026
Wow. Great price. Great value. Grid solved. Read
Great strong strength and quallity. Some complain about the grit which is why i moved it to evening to rotate one night this vit c product, next night retin A. However ChatGPT advises dermatologists recomend to reduce grit in this product, put pea size in palm mix with your moisturizer (I use Cera Ve AM and PM) or use another. This reduces the gritty feel, prevents pilling of multiple products, and keeps same potency. . Worth a try before going to a more expensive line. This is such a great product at a great price. I am ok with the grit as the value and stregth is amazing.
Neel
Reposted from deciem.com
Mar 1, 2026
Brightens and smoothes but use with precaution
Usage- only a pea size amount and pat only on dry or slightly damp skin. Rubbing may damage skin barrier as it is gritty. Leave and wait for few minutes as it automatically dissolves into the skin.
Pros- brightens, fades redness, makes skin softer(just like glycolic acid), plumps the face next morning, increases moisture into the skin. Better barrier friendly than retinal.
Cons- sensitive skin should use carefully, very strong active for skin barrier. Not sure about collagen in the long run.
Toni
Reposted from deciem.com
Feb 22, 2026
Vitamin C 23% Suspension
This vitamin c suspension does not go on smoothly theres a grit and its almost greasy and potent at the same. Please make sure your ready for this bc I learned the hardway and I love all ordinary products but suspensions are tough to get used to. Besides ordinary has other vitamin s products that work and blend much better.
deciem.com response
Hi there! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. We're sorry to hear that the formula's texture did not meet your expectations and that you found it unsuitable for your skin. If you'd like any additional support, please feel free to reach out to our Product Experts via our Contact Page: www.theordinary.com/contact
scottie
Reposted from deciem.com
Feb 13, 2026
Fades sun spots and dermatofibromas
This is the only vitamin C product that works on my sun spots and dermatofibromas! I tried most other Ordinary vitamin C products in order of strength, none of the others worked for me. Yes, it's grainy. Yes it even stings a little sometimes. It's definitely not for sensitive skin and you should definitely spot test. But it works GREAT for my skin type.
I slather this stuff on morning and night followed by the Alpha Arbutin 2% and non-Ordinary moisturizer with sunscreen and it faded my most recent dermatofibroma in 6 months. It's also improved my redness (kind of a "ruddy" look) and sun spots. Skin looks so good I no longer wear foundation. I LOVE IT.
Amanda
Reposted from deciem.com
Feb 2, 2026
Not for m
I am one of the unlucky people for whom this product did not work. It may have eventually made my skin brighter, etc., but I gave it up because I could not stand the stinging when I put it on my skin - nor did I like the way it looked like I had lint on my face (which was, I assume, the product rubbing off my skin). Disappointing, because I really like a lot of the other skin care products.
deciem.com response
Hi Amanda! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience using the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. We're sorry to hear that this formula wasn't quite right for you, and we're grateful for your feedback.
We have several other Vitamin C products to choose from, so we’d love to connect with you to better understand your skin and suggest something that might be a better fit! Please feel free to reach out to our Product Experts through our Contact Page: www.theordinary.com/contact
