# The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

> The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% suspends 23% L-ascorbic acid in a water-free base with hyaluronic acid spheres. The brand describes a slightly granular texture, expected tingling and once-daily use, ideally in the evening. It cost £7.70 for 30ml on The Ordinary UK on 25 September 2026.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2
- Category: Skin prep
- Format: Water-free vitamin C suspension
- Finish: Slightly granular
- Best for: High-strength L-ascorbic acid for evening use
- Official: https://theordinary.com/en-gb/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2-vitamin-c-100451.html
- Reviewed: 2026-09-25
- Method: evidence-led desk review of official specifications — not an implied hands-on test

## Should you buy this?

L-ascorbic acid for £7.70 — the lowest price for the most-studied form of vitamin C. The trade-offs are stated by the brand: a slightly granular texture, expected tingling and directions for evening use.

Skip this if you want a morning antioxidant step, a smooth serum texture, or to layer vitamin C with niacinamide or retinoids.

An evening vitamin C step, kept away from the morning base while its granular texture absorbs.

## The formula

The Ordinary suspends 23% L-ascorbic acid in a water-free base with hyaluronic acid spheres. Keeping water out is a stability strategy: L-ascorbic acid degrades quickly in water.

The concentration is higher than most serums. Research summarised by Telang (2013) suggests benefits from L-ascorbic acid rise with concentration only up to about 20%, so the extra strength is not automatically extra benefit.

## Who it’s for

Budget-conscious readers who want L-ascorbic acid and can accommodate an evening step with a gritty texture.

## What should you check before buying?

The brand warns of tingling and suggests it can be diluted; patch test first. It is directed for evening use, so it does not fit a morning antioxidant routine. Check the list of ingredients The Ordinary says not to combine it with, including niacinamide and retinoids.

## How to use it

1. Patch test before first use
2. Apply once a day, ideally in the evening, after cleansing
3. Do not combine with the ingredients the brand lists, including niacinamide and retinoids
4. Use sunscreen during the day

## Questions and answers

### Why does The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension feel gritty?

The brand describes a slightly granular texture: the vitamin C is suspended rather than dissolved in a water-free base.

### Should I use The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension in the morning or evening?

The Ordinary directs once-daily use, ideally in the evening, with sunscreen during the day.

### Can I use The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension with niacinamide?

The brand advises against combining it with niacinamide, retinoids, peptides, copper peptides, direct acids and other direct vitamin C.

## Explore the category

https://thecastindex.com/beauty/category/skin-prep