Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 18, 2026
8% ascorbic acid and 2% alpha arbutin brighten and fade hyperpigmentation; sticky texture.
What the community says
This serum combines 8% vitamin C with alpha arbutin for brightening and fading dark spots. It suits those targeting hyperpigmentation but feels sticky and can sit on skin surface even after layering. People sensitive to texture may find it cloying under makeup.
What this means for you
Backed by 6 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 3 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Brightens and fades hyperpigmentation visibly
- Wears well under makeup despite texture
- Combines vitamin C with alpha arbutin for dual action
Watch out for
- Sticky texture that may sit on skin surface for hours
- Vitamin C quality and stability concerns among users
- Not ideal for those who dislike tacky feels or layering issues
Product details
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 10 mentions across 6 threads
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% on Reddit, in one place — 6 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 3 more, summarized.
“I prefer the Ordinary's AA 2% + HA as opposed to their AA 2% + Ascorbic Acid 8%”
Cautionary
“I don't believe the quality and stability of their Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is great.”
Cautionary
“I generally don't trust the Ordinary's vitamin C.”
Cautionary
“I prefer the Ordinary's AA 2% + HA as opposed to their AA 2% + Ascorbic Acid 8%”
Cautionary
“as I don't believe the quality and stability of their Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is great.”
Cautionary
“That's why I opt for a separate Vitamin C serum step.”
Cautionary
“I wanna try The Ordinary's Ascorbic Acid with Alpha Arbutin before I give up on vitamin C serums for good.”
Mentioned
“...before I give up on vitamin C serums for good.”
Mentioned
“I wanna try...”
Mentioned
“The ordinary 8% ascorbic acid + 2% alpha arbutin”
Positive
“Sunscreen, vitamin c, alpha arbutin and or hydroquinone are the perfect recipe for hyperpigmentation.”
Positive
“my dark marks were fairly new so that’s why I think mine went away so quickly.”
Positive
“Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%: I wanted to up the brightening effects of Vit C”
Positive
“I notice when I don't use this that acne scars do not fade as quickly.”
Positive
“It wears well under makeup”
Positive
“the only product that ever helped a little was one serum from the ordinary that had ascorbic acid & something else”
Positive
“they stopped making it”
Positive
“i’ve tried ... numerous vitamin c serums”
Positive
