Perfect for brightening skin and minimising the appearance of uneven skin tone, The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is optimised for ideal stability. Notoriously difficult to keep stable, vitamin C and alpha arbutin do not perform at their best when combined with water – hence, this formula is completely water-free. It may feel slightly ‘oily’ for a few seconds after application, despite the fact that it is completely free from oil. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reducing signs of ageing, while alpha arbutin is a highly purified biosynthetic active ingredient that reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The Ordinary offers a host of vitamin C-based products to brighten skin – opt for this one if you’re looking for a ‘moderate’ option and a ‘light oil’ texture.