The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Versus Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 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 Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
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
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Coriandrum Sativum Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Cucumis Sativus Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Sclareolide
Masking
Rose Flower Oil
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Extract
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Squalane, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Oil, Tocopherol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Cucumis Sativus Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Limonene, Citral, Sclareolide, Rose Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Squalane 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".
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 15 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Luvs it~
Love the lavender scent. Love the texture, not greasy and absorbs nicely. My skin LOVES this product! Always soft and hydrated in the AM after using this product.
I use this every night, and I love it! The lavender scent is very soothing, it's not greasey, goes on light, and you only need a few drops. My skin is always soft and velvety in the morning!
