The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder vs Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

The Ordinary

Timeless

A serum built around Vitamin C and Vitamin C, for anti-aging and brightening.

A serum built around Vitamin C and Vitamin C, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum

1 ingredient

11 ingredients

Brand price

USD 5.94 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 27.95 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

They come out differently on EU-allergen-free and Fungal-acne-safe; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)1
L-ascorbic acid, the unesterified form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)1
L-ascorbic acid, the unesterified form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 80

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Ascorbic Acid

No concerns found

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 80
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Ascorbic Acid (in both products)
Antioxidant
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Anti-Aging
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Tocopherol
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
Polysorbate 80
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Ferulic Acid
Antioxidant
- Ferulic acid
- Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Benzyl Alcohol
Preservative
- EU labelled fragrance allergen
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant, Buffering, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid is L-ascorbic acid.
Learn more about Ascorbic Acid →

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