The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

The Ordinary made affordable actives its whole business, and this 12% ascorbyl glucoside serum is a sensible entry point into vitamin C. Ascorbyl glucoside is a water-soluble derivative that the skin gradually converts to active vitamin C; it is far more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid and much gentler, so it rarely stings and does not oxidise as quickly. The lightweight, watery texture layers under almost anything. The honest caveat is potency: derivatives are less immediately active than pure vitamin C, so results are subtle and slow, and this is better thought of as a gentle brightening and antioxidant support step than a transformative one. But at under £10, it is the lowest-risk way to find out whether vitamin C suits your skin before spending more.