The Ordinary
100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
The Ordinary
100-l-ascorbic-acid-powder
Serum
9784786583845
Morning or Evening?
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Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
100% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
FEATURES
Pure Vitamin C powder for brightening and evening skin tone
BEST FOR
combination
CHECKS
Water-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free
Who Is It For?
Adults With Signs Of Aging And Uneven Skin ToneWhat Does It Help With?
Signs Of Aging Uneven Skin Tone Brightness Antioxidant SupportBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What The Ordinary Says
Product Description:
A customizable concentration of Vitamin C to target signs of aging by brightening and evening skin tone.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
Ascorbic-Acid
Key Ingredients
L-Ascorbic Acid
Ingredients Details
Ascorbic Acid
Common Name(s): Vitamin c,l-ascorbic acid,l-ascorbate
CAS Number: 50-81-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen production, inhibits melanin synthesis for a brighter complexion, and supports skin repair.
Why It's Used: It is used because it offers comprehensive antioxidant and brightening benefits supported by extensive clinical evidence. it is the most bioavailable form of vitamin c for topical application.
How It Works: As an antioxidant, it donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species. it is an essential cofactor for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen synthesis. it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation.
Typically Found In: Vitamin c serums,brightening moisturizers,antioxidant formulations,spf products,eye creams
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ vitamin c
Secondary Functions: Collagen booster,tyrosinase inhibitor,ph adjuster
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%โ20% (effective range: 10โ20%; ph must be below 3.5 for activity)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetically produced or corn/plant-derived
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced by reichstein synthesis or guangxi fermentation process from glucose. some plant-derived versions exist.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low to moderate; low ph formulations can cause initial tingling or stinging, especially at concentrations above 15%
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Acidic ph can irritate sensitive or compromised skin barriers. highly unstable โ oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air, light, and heat (turns orange/brown). use in the morning under spf.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution โ start at lower concentrations (5โ10%). stabilized derivative forms (vitamin c derivatives) may be better tolerated.
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Very safe; well-studied. key concern is formulation stability, not safety. ewg hazard score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin e (tocopherol) โ synergistic antioxidant effect,ferulic acid โ stabilizing and boosting,spf,hyaluronic acid,niacinamide (use at different times if concentrations are high)
Avoid Combining With: Retinol (use at separate times โ ph incompatibility),benzoyl peroxide (oxidizes vitamin c),ahas/bhas (cumulative irritation risk)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
L-ascorbic acid is the only form of vitamin c that is proven bioactive in skin at the molecular level. its instability (rapid oxidation) has driven development of numerous stable derivatives including ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,pinnell et al. studies,journal of the american academy of dermatology
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12