La Roche-Posay Vitamin C vs The Ordinary: Which Should You Choose?
Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and boosts collagen.
Two popular choices — La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum and The Ordinary Vitamin C range — offer very different approaches in price, texture, and formulation.
Here’s how they stack up so you can decide which one fits your routine and budget.
Round 1: Ingredients & Formulation
| Feature | La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 | The Ordinary Vitamin C (LAA 8–23%) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C Type | Pure L-Ascorbic Acid (10%) | Pure L-Ascorbic Acid (8–23%) & derivatives |
| pH Level | ~5.5 (gentle on skin) | ~3.0 (more potent, may sting) |
| Added Actives | Salicylic acid, neurosensine (soothing) | Varies by formula — some with HA or oils |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Ranges from watery to silicone-suspension |
| Fragrance-Free | ❌ Light fragrance | ✅ Yes (most formulas) |
Round 2: Performance & Results
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C10
- ✅ Great for sensitive skin due to gentle pH
- ✅ Smoothes fine lines and boosts radiance
- ❌ Higher price point
The Ordinary Vitamin C
- ✅ Highly affordable with customizable strengths
- ✅ Potent formulas for faster brightening
- ❌ Can cause tingling or irritation, especially at higher percentages
Round 3: Skin Type Suitability
- La Roche-Posay → Best for normal to sensitive skin or those new to Vitamin C.
- The Ordinary → Best for oily or tolerant skin that can handle strong actives.
Round 4: Price & Value
| Product | Price (30 ml) | Cost per ml |
|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 | ~$44 | ~$1.46 |
| The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% | ~$7 | ~$0.23 |
Pros & Cons
| La Roche-Posay Vitamin C10 | The Ordinary Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| ✅ Gentle, stable formula | ✅ Very affordable |
| ✅ Added soothing ingredients | ✅ High potency options |
| ❌ Light fragrance | ❌ Can irritate skin |
| ❌ Expensive | ❌ Shorter shelf life |
Best For
- La Roche-Posay → Ideal if you want a gentle, luxurious, ready-to-use serum.
- The Ordinary → Perfect if you want maximum potency for minimal cost and are okay experimenting with textures.
💡 Pro Tip: Always pair Vitamin C with daily SPF for best results and to prevent oxidation.
Product Recommendations
Verdict
- Need gentle, balanced performance → La Roche-Posay wins.
- Need potent brightening on a budget → The Ordinary wins.
- Bottom Line: Beginners and sensitive skin types should start with La Roche-Posay; seasoned skincare users may get faster results (and savings) with The Ordinary.
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