Product Reviews Rated 4.11 out of 5 stars
144 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Works fast to brighten! I have a lot of sun spots, sun damage and acne scars especially on my cheeks and nose. I was using TO's Ascorbyl Glucoside but after several bottles I realized it was doing absolutely nothing. After switching to this AA/AA I've seen more results in two weeks than I ever did with the Ascorbyl Glucoside. My spots are definitely lighter, and my face looks brighter. My skin looks more even, too. I've been really happy with my complexion, especially since I'm staying home and not wearing makeup. I've been able to see the results. I will definitely continue using it.
However, this is not a perfect product. The solution is very "oily" and it doesn't absorb quickly, even if I only use a little bit (I have oily/combo skin). Putting a light moisturizer on top does help absorption a little, but my face still feels slick for hours. Because of that, I would not recommend it for AM use if you wear makeup daily. I don't see makeup staying on well on top of this product. It's not an issue for me right now, because I'm not putting on foundation daily. When I do go back to regular life, I would only use this at night. It also conflicts with a lot of other actives that I use, like niacinamide and peptides, so I have to use it with just a moisturizer, nothing else. (I works really well w/ TO's Natural Moisturizing Factors). I also notice small red bumps on the lower part of my cheeks if I use it too many days in a row. They aren't all that noticeable and go away when I stop using the product for a few days.
Most Helpful Critical Review On the fence After finishing a bottle of this product, I'm on the fence. I used it fairly consistently. On the one hand, I think (?) my skin is a bit brighter overall, less prone to breakouts, and finer-textured (I also use TO granactive retinoid and lactic acid+HA, so perhaps the benefit is cumulative). On the other hand, this product has done nothing to reduce hyperpigmentation/age spots. I find the smell a bit unpleasant (smells like a just-opened aluminum can) and the oily texture definitely unpleasant, enough so that I only apply at night. This relegates me to using this only every other day, as I alternate with retinol and I cannot layer those two products. I am not completely unhappy with this, but I have purchased the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% to see if that product is better for my needs.
Reviewed by 144 customers Clean, gentle product 5
newMama from Boston, MA
Use daily, has not been irritating at all and soaks in nicely
Love it! Pro tip about absorption issues... 5
infinigirly from washington, dc
Pro Tip: If you're having issues with your skin absorbing the oil, USE A HOT TOWEL. Dampen a small towel with hot water and put it on your face for 30 seconds. Due to the direct steam, the pores will open up, absorb the serum and your skin will feel amazing after!
I started using this recently so I can't speak for any hyperpigmentation improvements, but my skin feels incredibly soft and supple. When you apply it (2-3 drops), it smells like roasted nuts and you feel a hot flash across your face. This feels fantastic during the winter time.
- Do NOT use with niacinamide, they negate each other's benefits. (I use the ascorbic acid during daytime and niacinamide at night)
- This product contains a humectant, meaning that it absorbs the moisture in the air to hydrate your skin. To maximize results, use a diffuser or humidifier in your room.
My skin type: combination, medium skin tone.
Great Ingredient Profile, horrible formulation 3
Shanika from Monroe
Now I should clarify with saying by horrible I mean, while wise choices were made with the formulation like not putting the Ascorbic Acid in something water based, the formulation itself feels so inelegant on the skin. It's got a more greasy feel which is fine but it also made my T-zone break out. I pay very good attention to my skin and managed to recover it to the point where I no longer had visible bumpiness on my forehead down to my nose (my chin is a lost cause to hormonal acne) so I knew immediately that this product caused the issue. I say only buy it if your skin is actually dry. Mine is normal-dry during the winter season and it didn't work out for me.
Amazing Product 5
Jai from Orlando
I use product day & night just keep away from eye area bc it will burn.
I've used better, plus more fine lines?? 3
Tay from United States
I really wanted to like this. I have dry skin, so I actually liked the oily texture of the serum. I used this for almost a month twice a day and felt my skin looked a little more dewy, but I felt like I had more fine lines on my forehead which I never have (I'm 23). I also noticed that is started to discolor the skin around my mouth and chin to an almost orange color. I have used vitamin C and the past and loved it, but unfortunately this one is just not it for me.
On the fence 3
A-M at 55 from Central IL
After finishing a bottle of this product, I'm on the fence. I used it fairly consistently. On the one hand, I think (?) my skin is a bit brighter overall, less prone to breakouts, and finer-textured (I also use TO granactive retinoid and lactic acid+HA, so perhaps the benefit is cumulative). On the other hand, this product has done nothing to reduce hyperpigmentation/age spots. I find the smell a bit unpleasant (smells like a just-opened aluminum can) and the oily texture definitely unpleasant, enough so that I only apply at night. This relegates me to using this only every other day, as I alternate with retinol and I cannot layer those two products. I am not completely unhappy with this, but I have purchased the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% to see if that product is better for my needs.
LOOOVE IT!!! 5
NurseBernie from Danbury CT
I've been working on my skincare regimen for the past 2 yrs consistently. Found this little gem after loads of YouTube reviews on the best vitamin C serum. 2 drops in the am and even my oily combo skin loves it. Skin is so much better after this addition to my routine
Super sticky 1
Jess from United States
I've been looking for a non sticky vitamin c and this is just not it. Would not recommend this product makes your face feel super sticky and gross
I love it 5
Brenda from Texas
I love this vitamin c serum, it leaves my skin so soft and it looks so healthy, it is my second bottle I highly recommend it.
Ehh 3
Envirobutmakeitfashion from Illinois
I've used the two separate serums and decided to give this a try and was surprised at how oily it was. It's okay if you wanted to use it at night but I can't use it during the day and would hate to try to put makeup over it. It isn't a nice glow, just like I put too much facial oil on
Can't live without it! 5
Mcvalen from Phoenix, AZ
I cannot go without this product, it has gotten rid of acne scars and has helped me with textured skin. I don't have severe acne but I do have sensitive skin so anytime my skin gets irritated from traveling or just stress this stuff always clears my skin overnight. I load this on my face at night and wake up to smooth skin. I have dry skin especially being in Arizona and this does not dry me out my skin feels hydrated and looks healthier. I also break out in my chest area when stressed and this stuff helped calm my skin and got rid of my breakout . Only down side is it is sticky in the face and kind of sits in the skin no matter how much you rub it in but because it works so well I don't mind so much. If you don't want to deal with a whole sticky face I think even just a drop on spots that have acne would work.
OILY 3
RitzBitz from Ny
Not sure how I totally feel about this product yet. Literally I use 2-3 drops because it is that oily. I do have normal to dry acne prone skin so I'm not sure if anything good is happening. Alongside the other products I am combining this with, it SEEMS my face looks clearer and softer and more supple. I will figure it out in another week or 2 I guess. But it's okay.
Seems to be working 4
Renaby from Michigan
I have oily/combination skin that is acne prone. I have a ton is scarring right now. The formula does feel more like an oil and it does feel like it sits on top of the skin. Because of this I use it at night only and I run it into my skin pretty well. I do think it has helped my skin issues and I will continue to use.
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 2
Desirea' from Texas
I've been using this serum for over 6 months now. It's really oily and when you have oily combination skin, well it makes it worse lol I have enough oil, I don't need more. Besides it making me look greasy, it didn't make a difference in my skin. In my opinion, it's not for people with oily skin.
Only vit C serum that works 5
Tmp14 from NY
I've tried many other vitamin c serums and moisturizers to fade dark spots and brighten skin and this is the only one that seems to work. So glad it's affordable!
Good for an Introduction to Vitamin C 4
MT from Oregon
Tried this but it wasn't strong enough for my skin. This product seems like it would be a good introduction to vitamin C as it is only 8% and has minimal ingredients.
Great product 5
Gayle from San Antonio, TX
So far, I'm loving this. It seems to be helping to fade some of my hyperpigmentation. Time will tell!
Great for hyperpigmentation/acne scarring 5
Gabriela from CO
Let me just start off my saying that I have combo/oily skin with fairly large pores in my T-zone. I also have medium-tan skin and any time I get a pimple it ALWAYS leaves a dark spot. I have noticed such a difference in my skin tone, dark spots (old and new) It does have an oily consistency at first, and an "odd" but not bad smell. The smell doesn't really bother me and it soaks in pretty well. Just give it a minute before applying any products over it. Would DEFINITELY recommend !!
I would recommend 5
Gicel from Idaho falls, ID
Love the feeling and it has helped with pigmentation since I broke out bad due to wearing masks, my skin feels and looks so much better! I use it along with niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% in the morning and it's a total game changer!
Changed my life 5
TiredCollegeStudent from Mi
Seriously absolutely amazing! I no longer have dark spots nor get scarring from new blemishes, any new discoloration fades within a day or two. I use nearly every morning under my moisturizer. Seems oily at first, but let it absorb in your face for a minute or two first, then moisturize, it disappears. Don't forget sunscreen!
Definitely Recommend 5
Exhausted Student from Oklahoma
I read some reviews that the product smelled horribly. I went out on a limb and bought this serum, and I do not regret the purchase. My bottle doesn't smell and it's not too oily. I have combination skin type and can get super oily without products. I do see a reduction in old acne scars and my skin is slowly evening out. I typically use the serum in the AM before moisturizing and sunscreen. I have used certain (unscented) cleansers that would sometimes smell bad when I would apply it. I think it may be due to the mixing of the cleanser with a product on my face, and that produced the smell? I am wondering if that is what is happening for some people when they tried using this serum in their routine? Or they could have just gotten a stinky bottle. Overall, I definitely recommend.
Did not see a difference 3
No Difference in Hyperpigmentation from Mead, WA 99021
I dont have a problem with the smell and its a great product, but i used a whole bottle over a 5 month period and i really didnt see much of a difference in my hyperpigmentation. Any changes that occurred for me could have just as easily faded from wearing sunscreen every day.
Oily consistency 2
Brooke from WV
Tried to give this a chance but didn't like my face feeling oily. Not a dry oil.
I can't get past the smell 3
Luckysparkle from St. Louis, MO
I really want to like this product bc the ingredients are great but it just smells awful. If I stick my nose to the bottle I don't smell it right away - the smell only is noticeable a few minutes after I apply it to my face. It is a very metallic coppery smell like pennies. It gets on my hands too and it's hard to get rid of.
Smell makes me sick 1
Emily from Kentucky
I love vitamin C serums and I've tried a couple brands like Mad Hippie and Glossier and have had super success with them. However, these brands are expensive so I decided to try the ordinary. First impression was that this formula is oily, and I hadn't experienced that before with my previous serums. But the smell is what kills it for me. It seriously does smell burnt and nasty and I can't put it anywhere near my nose because it makes my stomach queasy. As for performance, I don't see it doing as much as I do my Mad Hippie and Glossier serums. I just don't like it.