The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone VS Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 dupes

“Gio, is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone a dupe for Indeed Labs Vitamin C24? Should I switch?”

If I had a penny for every time someone asked me this question in the past few months, I’d be a millionaire.

I decided to settle the question once and for all with a blog post. Here’s my thoughts on which of these two Vitamin C products is worth your money:

What Ingredients Do They Have In Common?

ASCORBIC ACID TO FIGHT PREMATURE AGING

Both The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone and Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 use the pure form of vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbic Acid is an antiaging powerhouse:

  • It destroys the free radicals that cause premature aging
  • It increases collagen production, keeping your skin firm
  • It fades away dark spots
  • It gives your complexion a lovely glow
  • It boosts sun protection (especially when paired with vitamin E and ferulic – neither product has them… )

Ascorbic Acid is a powerful weapon against aging. And like all powerful weapons, it has a double edged sword.

For starters, Ascorbic Acid is super unstable. It oxidises (ie becomes useless) when exposed to light, air and water. This is why both products use a silicone instead than a water base. It makes your vitamin C last longer.

Ascorbic Acid is also the most irritating form of vitamin C out there. It’s not uncommon to experience tingling and irritation when you first start using it. For best results, use it a couple of times a week and build frequency from there.

If your skin is very sensitive, you may have to come to terms with the fact that it may not be able to tolerate it at all. Try one of its less powerful but gentler derivatives, instead.

Related: Types Of Vitamin C In Skincare


Want more dupes? Download the “Skincare Dupes” cheatsheet below for the most cost-effective skincare products and never compromise on results again:


SILICONES TO MINIMISE FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

Ah, the skincare family everyone loves to hate. If you really don’t get along with them, neither product is for you.

But if you’re reading this, I guess you’re cool with silicones. 🙂 As I said, they help keep your precious Vitamin C stable and effective for longer.

But can Vitamin C reach the skin when it’s trapped inside silicones? Yes. Silicones have a particular molecular structure that’s made up of big molecules with wide holes between them.

That allows silicones to create a protective barrier on the skin that traps moisture in and allows actives to get through. But, there’s a chance that NOT all of the Vitamin C will reach your skin.

I guess that’s why The Ordinary has upped the Vitamin C dose. So a huge dollop can still get through.

But, more isn’t always better. Ascorbic acid can be irritating in higher doses, remember?

One more thing: silicones allow active ingredients to get through, but in a smaller amount. For best results, don’t use serums on top of either product.

I keep most of my actives for night time use. In the morning, I only use cleanser, vitamin C and sunscreen (in winter when my skin feels drier, I may throw in a hyaluronic acid serum underneath or a moisturizer on top).

Related: Do Silicones Allow Active Ingredients To Reach Your Skin?

What Else Is In These Vitamin C Products?

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone keeps things simple. It only has vitamin C and three silicones.

Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 has more silicones and a few drops of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin. But while Hyaluronic Acid is super hydrating, this product isn’t.

Both have the same smooth finish of a makeup primer and make a good base for makeup. I’d say The Ordinary has a more powdery texture so if you have dry skin, you’d definitely need a moisturizer on top.

Related: My Full Review Of Indeed Labs Vitamin C24

What’s The Texture Like?

Both have a thick, silky, siliconey texture.

What’s The Packaging Like?

They both come in opaque tubes that make application easier and keep Vitamin C stable. The Ordinary is a boring grey, while Indeed has a hint of orange that makes you think of Vitamin C.

How To Use Them

At night, after cleansing. Don’t forget to pile on sunscreen in the morning.

indeed labs vitamin c24

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient so, in my humble opinion, it’s best to start with the lowest concentration. That means Indeed Labs Vitamin C 24.

I get this can be frustrating. You want maximum benefits from the start. But more benefits mean more irritation.

The internet is full of women who gave The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicones a negative review because it stings their skin like crazy.

But, if this is the first Vitamin C product you use in your life, of course it’ll sting like crazy. If you have sensitive skin and go anywhere near this, your skin will get all dry and red. And that sting!

That doesn’t mean the product sucks. You’re just not using it properly.

Be smart. If you’re new to vitamin C or have only used derivatives, go with Indeed Labs Vitamin C24. Start using it a couple of times a week and build frequency from there.

Only when your skin tolerates daily use well, switch to The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone, if you so wish. But, as you’re upping your vitamin C dose, you may experience that stinging again. Again, cut back for a while and increase frequency slowly.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, staying with Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 may be the better option. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may not be able to tolerate either serum.

One of my best friends has sensitive skin and she adores the new Vichy LiftActiv C Brightening Skin Corrector, which has 15% Ascorbic Acid.

But, the first time she used Indeed Labs Vitamin C24, she complained it stings. I told her what I told you: cut back to once or twice a week and, if the stinging doesn’t stop soon, go back to Vichy.

Sorry for making this so long, but I can’t emphasize this point enough. More isn’t always better. Start small. Work your way up. Slowly.

Listen to what your skin, not marketing departments, tell you.

Availability

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone: £5.80 at Beauty BayCult Beauty and Feel Unique

Indeed Labs Vitamin C24: £24.99 at Feel Unique and Ulta

Is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone A Dupe For Indeed Labs Vitamin C24?

I wouldn’t call it a dupe. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% In Silicone is a more powerful version than Indeed Labs Vitamin C24. It’s for vitamin C pros only. Those new to vitamin C or with dry/sensitive skin will do well to stick to Indeed Labs Vitamin C24.

Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 Ingredients

Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Silica Silylate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone Ingredients

Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Polysilicone-11, PEG-10 Dimethicone