# The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily acne-prone skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening for your oily skin due to the high concentration of Ascorbic Acid, which helps even skin tone, but it lacks targeted ingredients to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- While Sodium Hyaluronate provides general hydration, the formula does not offer strong seboregulation, which could pose risks for your oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid Spheres, Squalane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glucomannan

## What the research says

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- Glucomannan isolated from Candida utilis suppressed UVB-induced decreases in keratinocyte viability and apoptosis in vitro, and decreased UV-induced skin erythema formation in human volunteers in vivo. ([Carbohydrate Research, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18067882/))
- A novel Konjac glucomannan/silver nanoparticle composite sponge exhibited good antibacterial activity and effectively accelerated wound healing, promoted fibroblast growth, and accelerated epithelialization in animal models while demonstrating good cytocompatibility with L929 cells. ([Carbohydrate Polymers, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29352894/))
- Carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-chitosan composite sponges possessed high swelling ratio, proper water vapor transmission rate, and good biocompatibility, and effectively healed full-layer skin defect wounds in male ICR mice compared to untreated conditions. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29454058/))

## Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is widely polarized; users with resilient skin praise its high potency for rapidly fading hyperpigmentation and brightening dull complexions at an unbeatable price. A significant number of reviewers find the gritty, sandy texture and strong stinging sensation unpleasant, often deeming it unsuitable for sensitive skin or daytime use.

- Liked: Affordable price (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Gritty texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Stinging and irritation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smooths texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasy finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling issues (sometimes noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% a weak match for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment is a weak match because, while the high vitamin C helps brighten your oily skin, the formula lacks targeted ingredients for breakouts and does not control excess oil well, which may cause problems. A treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and soothing extracts to balance oil and handle acne without irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is a weak match because its heavy, oil-based formula lacks targeted ingredients for breakouts and does not control excess oil. A treatment for oily acne-prone skin needs ingredients like niacinamide and propolis to balance oil and clear blemishes comfortably.

### What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out texture, and improve uneven spots for oily acne-prone skin. It may also help fade marks left behind by blemishes.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by decreasing oil production and reducing breakouts while keeping the skin hydrated. It may also improve skin barrier function and help deliver acne-fighting treatments gently without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35796638/), [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before your moisturizer. Oily acne-prone skin needs a treatment that provides targeted ingredients to clear breakouts along with oil-balancing benefits.

### Can I use this cream with niacinamide, and in what order?

You can use this cream with niacinamide by applying niacinamide first and following with this vitamin C treatment after it absorbs. This product is a weak match for your oily acne-prone skin because it lacks targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil control, which an effective treatment for this skin type needs.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This treatment is best used in the evening once a week to start, as oily acne-prone skin needs careful introduction with active ingredients. Because this product is a weak match for your skin, an alternative of this type needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing benefits to properly manage breakouts.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This product is a weak match for your skin because its heavy, oily base lacks ingredients that target breakouts and control oil, which may lead to clogged pores and irritation. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, oil-controlling formulas with ingredients that clear blemishes and balance oil production.

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £25.95 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — £25.95 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £27.50 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £19.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/vt-cosmetics/cica-purifying-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — £19.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £6.16 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N9Y5UGE?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: £7.70 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/the-ordinary-vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-30ml/11363392/)
- Notino: £8.00 (https://www.notino.co.uk/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2-vitamin-c-brightening-serum/p-16168477/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

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
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2/for/oily-acne-prone-skin