Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an effective antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces the signs of aging.

In its pure form, vitamin C is unstable in water, which is why The Ordinary provides it in a water-free formulation.

Alpha Arbutin reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
This formula offers a combination of 8% ascorbic acid and 2% alpha-arbutin that work together to visibly brighten the appearance of skin while targeting the appearance of dark spots and multiple signs of skin aging.