The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% combines two powerful skincare ingredients that helps correct and lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
For this 90 day before and after skincare product review, we test if this facial serum really makes a noticeable difference to dark spots on the skin!
How do you use the ordinary ascorbic acid alpha arbutin before and after and Does the ordinary ascorbic acid alpha arbutin really work?
Let’s find out!

What skincare ingredients are in The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum?
We absolutely love skincare products that takes a minimalist approach to their skincare ingredient selection.
Using fewer ingredients allows people with sensitive skin more options to create their very own unique skincare routines!
And to our surprise, this brightening serum is formulated with just 3 ingredients:
- Ascorbic Acid
- Alpha Arbutin
- Propanediol, which helps with serum texture and water retention.

Although the actual ingredients in this skincare product might be minimal, perhaps The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% before and after 90 day results will show that sometimes, less really is more!
SKINCARE BASICS & TIPS
90 day review using The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
For this skincare product review, we continue with the minimalism theme and use the following skincare routine:
- AM and PM Skincare Routine
- Wash skin with warm water.
- Apply a few drops of The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% to dark spot.
- Use sunscreen whenever necessary.
By using only one skincare product, the final result should show just how effective this serum is at reducing and correcting dark spots!
Also, it should be interesting to see how fast this serum starts to make a significant difference to hyperpigmentation in skin.
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2 week result after using The Ordinary brightening serum
To really test the effectiveness of this serum, we chose a very large dark spot right below the eye.
Does The Ordinary’s brightening serum make a difference to hyperpigmentation in just 2 weeks?


At a glance, it looks like not much has changed in 2 weeks.
The size of the dark patch of skin didn’t get smaller and the overall tone is still dark.
However, look a bit closer and it’s clear that the dark spot is a bit lighter, resulting in the pores becoming way more visible.
Although the before and after results aren’t as dramatic as we’d hoped, it’s good to see that the serum is at least starting to take affect on the skin.
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Dark spot results using The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum for 30 days
In the previous result, we were just beginning to see some actual changes to the dark spot.
So, how does The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin brightening serum affect dark spots in 30 days?


Right away, a few things are immediately noticeable:
- Dark spot is much lighter.
- Clarity of the skin improved.
However, as the serum lightens the dark skin pigments, the pores are becoming way more visible!
Now that we have an idea of how The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin serum lightens dark spots in 30 days, we’re looking forward to the final 90 day before and after results!
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60 day before and after results using The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% on facial dark spots
After 60 days of using The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid + Alpha Arbutin serum, the visible changes to the dark spot continues to be completely surprising.


Overall, the shade of the dark spot is significantly lighter and the tone is much brighter.
However, the blackheads that previously blended in with the dark skin is now darker and clearly visible!
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Dark spot after 90 days using The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum
After 3 months of applying The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% twice daily, it’s clear that this serum is the real deal.
Just take a look at the final results:


The fact that there’s only 3 skincare ingredients in this serum makes these results even more impressive.
Now, it’s obvious that the dark spot isn’t completely gone and still needs a bit more time.
However, seeing how much the tone and texture has improved in such a short amount of time, we’re confident that with continued use, The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum will continue to effectively lighten the dark spot.
After completing this 90 day review, we used Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil to see if double cleansing with a cleansing oil can help extract these blackheads that formed during this review.
It’s amazing how a simple cleansing oil can improve the appearance of the skin in such a short amount of time!
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The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Skincare Product Review
Want to add this brightening serum to your very own skincare routine?
Here’s a few things we noticed that might help you if this skincare product is right for you:
Does The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% have any fragrance?
How thick is the texture? Does The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% leave behind a sticky residue on the skin?
A few drops absorbs easily and quickly without leaving a sticky residue on the skin.
Where should I store this skincare product?
Click here for the complete guide on how to store your skincare products.

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Disclaimers
- This post is not sponsored and the featured product was purchased using our own funds.
- Remember, this was our result and you may have different results.
- Skincare products affect skin differently and we hope you can use our findings to help you decide if this skincare product is right for you.
- This is not medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your skin, talk to your dermatologist.
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