The Ordinary

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

SerumBudgetMorning only
Water-based vitamin C at a tolerable 8%, paired with alpha arbutin for pigmentation. Gentler than pure 20% L-ascorbic acid suspensions — a sensible first vitamin C for most skin types. Expect a mild tingle; discontinue if it stings.

What this is good for

✓ Great forDark SpotsDullness
• Use with caution ifSensitive skinDamaged barrier

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.

~50–80%Aqua (Water)
8%Ascorbic Acid
~3–10%Propylene Glycol
~2–6%Glycerin
2%Alpha-Arbutin
~1–2%5 ingredients
≤ 1% each3 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %★ brand-disclosed %1% regulatory line

What's actually doing the work

Vitamin C
L-Ascorbic Acid / Ascorbyl Glucoside / MAP / THDA
Vitamin
The gold-standard antioxidant for skin. L-Ascorbic Acid neutralises free radicals, inhibits tyrosinase to fade hyperpigmentation, is essential for collagen biosynthesis, and provides measurable photoprotection under SPF. Derivatives like Ascorbyl Glucoside and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate are more stable and gentler. Results visible in 4–12 weeks.

Routine placement

Morning only

Similar on the shelf

Put this in context

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.