The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F Versus The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glucomannan
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coconut Alkanes, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trihydroxystearin, BHT
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Coconut Alkanes is created from the fatty-acids of coconut oil. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates from the skin.
This ingredient is an emollient and solvent. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft and hydrated. Solvents help distribute and mix other ingredients. This ensures a more even consistency.
Coconut Alkanes may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut AlkanesCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F 7 ingredients
It works very well! If you're looking for a Vitamin C derivative serum this is a good option if you like an oil formulation. It could give a bit of initial flushing though but that goes away quite quickly.
Rating it 4 stars instead of 5 because for me it's quite hard to incorporate into my routine as it layers very badly under the sunscreen. Unfortunately, because of that, I won't repurchase Show more
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
This Vitamin C is not for beginners. I got a chemical burn because of this and had to take a break with some actives to restore my skin barrier. Turns out that I still had to dilute it with another cream / moisturizer so that my skin doesn't get irritated. I think there are better Vitamin C products out there. I guess a good point of this Vitamin C is that you don't have to refrigerate it and it Show more
Grainy
The graininess of this feels unpleasant on my face so I'm moving on to a different product.
