Product Reviews Rated 3.26 out of 5 stars
424 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review A little goes a long way I slowly added this to my routine. At first, odd to feel grit. Applied during the day, I noticed soft, moist look to my complexion. Grit disappeared. Initially, I used it at night. I will change my routine to use it during day with light hyaluronic acid product and use retinol products at night. I did have some breakout. Salycilic acid (acne spot medicine) and benzoyl peroxide knocked that down fast!
I will continue to buy and use this.
I researched substitute products for Rodan Fields Brightening routine and found THE ORDINARY products offered similar items I could afford and adjust when and how I applied them. I added Neutrogena salycilic acid as an AHA and Benzoyl Peroxide products for breakouts. With the TA pealing serum, i already corrected a raised rough skin area on my face. One on my arm is well on the way to disappearing.
I've had people notice my skin looks good!
WEAR SUNSCREEN PEEPS!
Absolutely, I will buy again.
The Ordinary are fabulous products to try and experiment on what combination i prefer. Love Love Love
Most Helpful Critical Review Bad purchase I bought this in person without knowing that different concentrations of vitamin C should be used for different skin types, so part of this is definitely my fault! I have reactive, sensitive, combination skin and I had no idea that this product should not be used by people with skin like mine until doing further research ***after*** purchasing and using. Due to this, my skin became inflamed and irritated within the first 2 hours of application. This is my fault.
However, I still wouldn't recommend to people who don't have my same skin type. It goes onto the skin and leaves a very greasy and oily residue, and it never soaked into my skin, even though I left it on for a little over 2 hours. It's also somewhat gritty, although there aren't too many of them throughout the product, there's these very small, sand-like granules in it. Wearing this felt awful, not only because of the inflammation but also because the product itself is just a bad texture. It's also so watery even though it's a water-free formula? I opened it and applied almost no pressure, and it spilled out so fast all over my hand and made a mess on the lid of the bottle.
TLDR: Don't buy this if you have sensitive skin or sensory issues
Reviewed by 424 customers Don't Hate, but not in Love! 4
Nicole from Tampa
Like other reviewers have mentioned, it has a gritty/sand texture to it and isn't the best feeling when applying. Feels like a less intense version of an exfoliant, when it shouldn't be. It's worked well though otherwise, however I don't believe I'll be re-purchasing once I'm finished!
I would buy and have bought again. 4
lkjordan from Seattle
I like this ptoduct. It is a little grainy feeling but I'd you put it on alone it spreads out and absorbs. I watched a video and of all the vitamin c serums tested only tjis one and the Timeless brand has the correct PH to be absorbed by the skin and this is only a fraction of the price of the Timeless brand .
Absoulte must have! 5
MakeupK from San Antonio TX
When I first started using this I noticed immediately that it wasn't like any other vitamin C I've tried. One it is high concentration so it stings a bit like retinol when you first use it. Second it has spheres in it that feel a bit gritty against the skin which surprised me but I got used to them. It makes your skin so soft and visibly brighter. Works amazing on hyperpigmentation. It also is super moisturizing and not water based and because of that it may feel greasy to some but absorbs quickly and a little goes a long way.Just everyone has a different type of skin and if it feels that way use it just at night. I use it in the am + pm. I used too much the first time and ended up using a face towel to pat some of it off. This stuff is amazing & for the price its the best I've used and I have used some pretty expensive vitamin C serums. I will have this as my go to!
Brightness Check! 5
S.Eagles from McKinney,TX
Work amazing at night but also great under your makeup!
It's OK 3
El from Los Angeles
This was my first ever Vitamin C product and I wish I would have done more research. I love the Ordinary brand but this was my least favorite product. For me when I put it on it stung my face a little but not enough to cause irritation. It's also kind of greasy? Idk how to describe it but I didn't like it after a while. But everyone is different so this could maybe work for someone else but not me.
Lightened my hyperpigmentation! 5
Sade from Raleigh, NC
I can't speak for anyone else, but this product lightened the hyperpigmentation that had plagued my cheeks for years! However, I was consistent and used it daily. I have combination African-American skin with a caramel complexion. I couldn't get these dark patches off my cheeks no matter what I used. The first few times I tried it, it did make me cringe due to the slightly tingly sensation that I felt. The gritty texture isn't too bad, it's very fine almost as if the particles are milled. Not abrasive at all. I just apply a thin, even layer across my face daily after washing and using toner. I have sensitive skin and it took about 4 uses before my skin adjusted to the tingling sensation. This is a highly concentrated stable form of vitamin C. You CANNOT...I repeat, cannot use this Vitamin C product with other products containing Niacinamide. Meaning you cannot use this and the ingredient Niacinamide in the same routine. It's a recipe for disaster and will cause your skin to become inflamed, red, itchy, and burn. Use 1 in the day and the other at night. I would also advise to use facial sunscreen/SPF daily before going outside anyway, but this product makes your skin extra sensitive to the sun. So please wear sunscreen on your face. I'll be buying my next box of this stuff again soon. It works for me!
So far so good! 5
Elicia from Colorado
I've used some Ordinary products before so I was fairly confident in this product before I actually used it. I was expecting more of a serum/oil like product, so was a little surprised to see it in a creamier product. So far I really like it! I used it in the morning after my toner, and it seems to be helping. My skin is definitely clearing up, and feels much clearer. This product also has a bit of a tingle to it so I feel like it's definitely penetrating the skin and getting deep into the pores. So far will keep using!
Grainy 1
Lp from California
I love the ordinary products but this was so grainy. It felt like I was rubbing sand on my face. I had to return it.
Don't care for the new formulary 2
Jen from Nj
Loved the vitamin c with the silicon in it. This new formulary is gritty felt like it was an exfoliate. Love ordinary products just not this one
Improved Skin! 5
JC from Los Angeles
My face is not dull anymore. I haven't been breaking out lately after using it for 2 weeks
Allergic Reaction 1
Lis from Chicago
This stuff is grainy not sure what happened burned under my eye bag and was very itchy all around.
Consistency is too rough 1
MLS from IL
Did not like the consistency
Works! 4
30somethingMom from Rockford, IL
At first, I didn't link the product. I thought it was too gritty and smelled bad (fake tan smell). I decided to give it another shot and I'm glad I did. I used a smaller amount and wash my hands after - and I don't notice the smell. Works so well - I noticed brighter and firmer looking skin within 2 weeks of using it. Key is to use it at night and use a pea size amount. The price can't be beat. I'll definitely buy again.
I will buy these products again 5
Debz from Covina, CA
Been using these products all together for about a month. Such a great difference on my skin! It's affordable pricing. I absolutely love these products.
The Ordinary Products 5
Debz from Covina, CA
I love the moisturizing lotion, and the Vit E, the best, but using all the products together have been amazing in my skin. I've been using almost a month and WOW what a difference. I love this products!
Burning sensation and Gritty 1
Nicole from Vancouver
This product says tingling but felt more like burning. I wanted to scratch my face, I didn't go red but it felt as if I was having reaction. I use a different brand of Vitamin C same kind but 15% and has light tingle and that one is good. But I would not recommend this one. Also the texture is gritty and rolls into little balls. Just over unhappy, have other ordinary products and enjoy them.
Not a fan 1
dawnylaw from Orlando, FL
Didn't like this product at all. Found it to be greasy, but not in a good way. Burned my face and the gritty texture was not good at all.
This really works!!! 5
Christa from New jersey
I have been using this product for one week. I have oily, somewhat sensitive skin, dark spots and some fine lines and in one week my skin looks amazing! It's brighter and the dark spots are reduced. I use it at night on clean skin and a very small amount. I am super happy with the results!
Gritty texture and burns 1
Gaby from Chicago
Much like the other reviews I agree that the texture is sandy and the sensation is more of a burn than a tingle. There is also an odd scent to it. Will be returning.
Still new but so far, so good 4
MamaJess from Gresham, Or
I follow a wash and vitamin C regime pretty diligently but my last Vitamin C option was very expensive, i was so surprised to find a pocket friendly recommendation. So far, I love this! Only been using for a week now but it has a great texture, leaves my skin feeling great and silky.
Gritty but effective 3
Bbcamc38 from Boston, MA
This product is gritty until rubbed in but I do believe it's effective. It kind of feels like a lotion exfoliator. I've been using for 1 week in the AM along with The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which decreases the burning sensation. I've notice a brighter and more even complexion. I would recommend this if on a budget but I may try something different when I finish this unless the results continue in my favor.
It's not the best 2
Sara from Las Vegas
It doesn't do anything but rub off your face. Any way you apply it, it comes off like you have just rubbed a wet elmers glue all over. But it was cheap and worth a try.
This Sucks 1
Amy from North Miami
This feels uncomfortable and makes your face burn. I was excited to try it due to the great reviews I've seen for The Ordinary but this right here is horrible. It feels gritty and burns. I mixed it with lotion and serum. With my face wet and dry didn't work. It burns, flakes your face and makes your face sensitive. I returned it right away.
I would buy this again 5
Jody from CT
Wish you had the complete product line in stores!
Do not recommend 1
Carar from Ohio
It has a very gritty feeling that burns your face when you put it on. It says on the packaging that it would tingle but adding moisturizer would help. Moisturizer did not help and it's more like a burn and it doesn't go away. It burnt my face and now my face is discolored. I will definitely be returning it.
