The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum 20%: How to Use

How to Choose the Right Vitamin C Serum

When comparing vitamin C serums, look beyond the headline concentration: the vitamin C form, the rest of the formula and the packaging can all affect how well a product suits your skin and routine. Check the label carefully, as formulations and recommended use vary.

Key Features to Consider

Use these criteria to compare options and find a serum you can apply comfortably and consistently.

Vitamin C form and concentration: Check whether the formula uses pure ascorbic acid or a vitamin C derivative, and compare the stated percentage where one is given. A higher concentration is not automatically a better choice; if your skin is new to vitamin C or easily irritated, consider starting with a lower-strength formula.

Skin compatibility and supporting ingredients: Read the full ingredient list and consider whether the formula’s texture and other active ingredients suit your skin type and existing routine. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first and introduce the serum gradually, following the product directions.

Packaging and everyday use: Vitamin C can be affected by air and light, so look for well-sealed, opaque packaging and follow the storage guidance on the label. Choose a texture and application frequency that fit comfortably into your routine, and use daytime sun protection as part of your skincare routine.

A Brighter-Looking Routine Starts with Vitamin C

20% Vitamin C Derivative in a Lightweight Oil-Based Serum

At the heart of this serum is 20% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brings antioxidant care to your daily routine. Its lightweight, oil-based formula combines this key ingredient with jojoba seed oil, squalane and tomato fruit extract, creating a considered blend that feels at home in a simple skincare line-up. A few drops add a targeted vitamin C step, while the nourishing oils give the formula a smooth, comfortable feel on clean, dry skin.

Antioxidant Care for a More Even-Looking Complexion

Make this serum a brightening step in your routine with vitamin C derivative care designed to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. The formula also provides antioxidant care, while supporting collagen production as part of your skincare ritual. Tomato fruit extract joins the vitamin C derivative in this purposeful blend, making it easy to focus on a fresher, more radiant-looking complexion. Use it consistently as a straightforward addition to the products you already enjoy, with a few drops applied to clean, dry skin.

An Easy Morning and Evening Skincare Step

A few drops are all it takes to bring this serum into your everyday routine. Apply it to clean, dry skin in the morning and evening, then enjoy the flexibility of wearing it alone or layering it beneath moisturiser and sunscreen. Its lightweight, oil-based texture makes it simple to pair with familiar skincare favourites, while the 30 ml format offers a handy addition to your shelf or daily line-up. With a clear application step and a focused vitamin C formula, it helps make consistent skincare feel refreshingly straightforward.

Vitamin C Serum For Four Everyday Skincare Needs

For Uneven-Looking Skin Tone

When uneven-looking tone is your main concern, smooth a few drops over clean, dry skin in the morning or evening. The vitamin C derivative helps brighten the appearance of uneven tone, leaving your complexion looking more even.

For Everyday Antioxidant Care

If antioxidant care is a priority in your daily routine, use a few drops on clean, dry skin morning and evening. This gives you a regular serum step for antioxidant care.

For Collagen-Supporting Routines

When you want to include collagen support in your skincare routine, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin, alone or beneath moisturiser. The serum supports collagen production as part of your regular skincare routine.

For Easy Layering Under Moisturiser And Sunscreen

If you want a simple serum step before the rest of your morning routine, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin before moisturiser and sunscreen. Its lightweight, oil-based formula fits into this layering order, making vitamin C care easy to add to your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Ordinary’s 20% Vitamin C serum do?

The Ordinary’s 20% Vitamin C serum uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a vitamin C derivative, in a lightweight, oil-based 30 ml formula. It provides antioxidant care, helps brighten the appearance of uneven skin tone and supports collagen production. Jojoba oil, tomato extract and squalane give it a nourishing feel for a daily skincare routine.

How do I use The Ordinary Vitamin C serum with moisturiser and sunscreen?

Apply a few drops of the oil-based serum to clean, dry skin in the morning and evening, gently smoothing it over your face and neck. You can use it on its own or layer it beneath moisturiser and sunscreen. The 30 ml bottle fits easily into a straightforward daily skincare routine.

Is The Ordinary 20% Vitamin C serum safe to use around the eyes?

Use this serum on the skin only and keep it away from your eyes; its directions are for a few drops on clean, dry skin. If it gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation develops, stop using it and speak to a doctor. Store it cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, keeping the 30 ml bottle out of children’s reach.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum 20%: benefits and how to use it