The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Perfect for brightening skin and minimising the appearance of uneven skin tone, The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is optimised for ideal stability. Notoriously difficult to keep stable, vitamin C and alpha arbutin do not perform at their best when combined with water – hence, this formula is completely water-free. It may feel slightly ‘oily’ for a few seconds after application, despite the fact that it is completely free from oil. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reducing signs of ageing, while alpha arbutin is a highly purified biosynthetic active ingredient that reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The Ordinary offers a host of vitamin C-based products to brighten skin – opt for this one if you’re looking for a ‘moderate’ option and a ‘light oil’ texture

Why It's Cult

Stripping back unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients, The Ordinary offers an abundance of brilliant, high-performing products at surprisingly affordable prices. This potent formula combines two of the most powerful brightening agents in skin care: pure vitamin C and alpha arbutin, both solubilised in a completely water-free formula for perfect stability. Brightening skin tone and reducing signs of ageing, this formula is particularly adept at reducing the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

How to Use

Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sun protection in the AM.

Notes: Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin are less stable in formulations that contain water and use of them combined in formulations containing water is highly discouraged. This formulation is a water-free, stable solution, and may feel slightly “oily” for a few seconds after application, despite the fact that it is completely free of oil.