Unboxing The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin

See the product before you buy it.

A quick look at Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin

• 79% of the Deciem Addicts love it
• 77% say they have seen an improvement
• 75% will repurchase it
• Currently scores 4.1/5 on the Deciem website
• Brightens skin tone
• Reduces Signs of Ageing
• Reduces the look of dark spots
• Evens skin tone

Everything you need to know about Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin reviews, when and how to use, conflicts and frequently asked questions.

What is Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin & What Does It Do?

A brightening duo for uneven skin tone. This formula combines two of the most powerful brightening agents in skincare: pure Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin.

• Brightens skin tone
• Reduces Signs of Ageing
• Reduces the look of dark spots
• Evens skin tone

The Ordinary´s simple explanation. Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% combines two of the most powerful brightening agents in skincare; pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Alpha Arbutin. Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin are less stable in formulations that contain water and use of them combined in formulations containing water are highly discouraged, which is why this format is anhydrous and may feel oily for a few seconds after application. Like its counterparts, this shouldn’t be used alongside Niacinamide, peptides or EUK 134.

How & When Do I use Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin?

• Use this in the morning and the evening if you wish.
• This is an anhydrous solution so apply after water-based products and before oils and creams if using.
• Just a couple of drops for your face. If you feel you need more, use more but it´s best to start off with a small amount.
• Avoid the eyes.
• Always use an SPF.

Which products should not be used with Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin?

Avoid using the following products in the same routine as Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin. You can use it in alternate routines, morning/evening or on different days.

• Niacinamide Serum & Powder
• EUK 134
• Peptides including Copper Peptides
• Direct Acids
• Retinol/Retinoids
• Other Vitamin C products
• The Ordinary Products you can and cannot mix.

What’s the PAO of Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin?

The period after opening is 6 months.

The colour, texture & smell of Ascorbic Acid

• The colour is clear.
• Solution Anhydrous. Oily. Not too thick or too thin. A nice consistency.
• Smell. Slight smell direct from the bottle but once applied to the skin, I cannot smell anything.

Reviews of Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin

You can find lots more reviews in the Facebook Group. Here´s the Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin thread where you can leave your own reviews.

Nia @niapattenlooks says: It’s nice. Really warming, and has an oily texture but sinks in nicely. Personally, I have an issue with Vit C as it gives me acne.

I love Alpha Arbutin + Ascorbic Acid and have been using this for 7 days. My hyperpigmentation has already gone around my lip area. Just love this product 😇.

I love Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin! I use it in the morning. After toner, leave for a few minutes to absorb into the skin and after that serum, moisturizer and SPF. My pores get smaller, and some dark hyperpigmentation spots are almost gone!

At night I now use this because I don’t have time in the morning to let this absorb before I put on my makeup. 

I have noticed significant fading of old acne scars and quicker fading of new scars and mixed it with Rosehip seed oil and NMF at night, about an hour before I go to bed. I use it 3-4 times a week.

FAQS Answered By Deciem

These FAQS have been asked on Social Media and answered by Deciem themselves.

It says that The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin shouldn’t combine in a formulation containing water. Should I change my moisturiser if it´s water-based? The note regarding Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin being less stable in formulations that contain water refers to the actual product itself, not the products it’s layered with. Using a water-based moisturizer is completely fine.

Is Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin suitable for pregnant and nursing moms? While each ingredient has been tested and is considered safe for topical application, DECIEM products have not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women. We suggest consulting with our full ingredients list and your physician to be absolutely sure.

Do you recommend alternating Glycolic Acid Toner & Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin on different nights? Would Niacinamide be okay after Glycolic Acid Toner? Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% may be used together in the same regimen. Yes, you should separate the use of Glycolic Acid and Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%.

More Faqs about Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin

Can I use Vitamin C Suspension 30% with Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% and Glycolic Acid Toning at the same time? It may not be necessary to apply both Vitamin C products in the same routine. We would suggest alternating between Glycolic Acid and Pure Vitamin C and waiting until your skin has adjusted to one before introducing another.

Can Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% at the same time as The Ordinary Buffet? It is best to not use Peptides in the same routine as the following products: Direct acids, LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid) and ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid).

Can I use the Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin in the evening and the Niacinamide in the morning? Yes, you can.

I use the Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin after Hyaluronic Acid and I get residue-type flakes. Is there something that I’m doing wrong? “Pilling” often occurs due to many different reasons, for example, the amount of the product being applied, consistencies of the products being used in conjunction, the total number of products being applied, etc. 

You may be applying too much product to your skin. Your skin can only absorb a certain amount of product, and any excess will be left on top of the skin so that when the next product is being applied, it rubs off. We recommend using 1-2 drops of each product, massaging it into the skin until it is fully absorbed in order to move on to the next.

Photos of authentic The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin

This product was purchased directly from Deciem in 2021. Products may vary slightly from country to country. If you have bought from authorised stockists and your bottle or box is slightly different, don’t panic.

Final Thoughts

79% of the Deciem Addict love it! 77% say it has improved their skin, and 75% will be repurchasing it. This currently scores 4.1/5 on the Deciem website. Amazing results by the Deciem Addicts.

The Ordinary guide to Vitamin Cs

You can read more about The Ordinary & Deciem Vitamin C products here.