Is Drunk Elephant’s polished, skin-friendly formula worth the premium, or does The Ordinary’s clinical-strength 23% C steal the glow-for-your-dollar crown?
Torn between Drunk Elephant C‑Firma and The Ordinary 23% C? This quick, expert comparison highlights strengths, formulation differences, and ideal users so you know which vitamin C serum suits your skin, budget, and sensitivity without wading through jargon right away.
Gentle Brightening
8
A well-balanced, clinically minded vitamin C day serum that prioritizes stability and skin-friendly formulation. It delivers reliable brightening and antioxidant protection with a refined texture, though the price and activation process may not suit every routine.
Maximum Potency
7.6
A no-frills, high-potency vitamin C suspension that delivers visible brightening at a very low price. Effective for users building tolerance to pure L‑ascorbic acid, but the gritty texture and potential for stinging mean it’s not ideal for everyone.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma
- Vitamin C Potency – 8.5
- Brightening & Anti-Aging Efficacy – 8.5
- Texture & Absorption – 8
- Tolerance & Skin Comfort – 7
The Ordinary 23%
- Vitamin C Potency – 9.5
- Brightening & Anti-Aging Efficacy – 8.5
- Texture & Absorption – 6.4
- Tolerance & Skin Comfort – 6
Drunk Elephant C-Firma
Pros
- Stable formulation with ferulic acid and vitamin E for enhanced antioxidant effect
- Fresh-mix activation preserves potency until first use
- Lightweight serum that layers well under sunscreen and makeup
- Clean formulation free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance
The Ordinary 23%
Pros
- Very high vitamin C concentration (23%) for strong brightening potential
- Excellent value for potency budget-friendly
- Water-free suspension improves shelf stability of pure L‑ascorbic acid
- Includes hyaluronic acid spheres to help with hydration
Drunk Elephant C-Firma
Cons
- Premium price point
- Shorter active lifespan once mixed; requires careful storage
The Ordinary 23%
Cons
- Gritty texture and less elegant finish compared with serums
- Higher risk of tingling or irritation, especially on sensitive skin
At-a-Glance Comparison: Key Specs and Claims
Drunk Elephant C‑Firma — 15% L‑Ascorbic Acid (Active Serum)
C‑Firma is a liquid day serum that combines 15% L‑ascorbic acid with 0.5% ferulic acid and vitamin E in a fresh‑mix format (you activate it before first use). Amazon highlights: clean clinical positioning, fragrance‑free, silicone‑free, cruelty‑free, and dermatologist‑tested. Texture: lightweight, fast‑absorbing serum that layers smoothly under sunscreen and makeup.
- Concentration & form: 15% L‑ascorbic acid in an aqueous serum activated at first use
- Supporting actives: ferulic acid + vitamin E + fruit enzymes
- Size: 28 ml / 0.94 fl oz
- Claims: clean formula, free of essential oils/silicones/fragrance, cruelty‑free, dermatologist‑tested
- Typical finish: non‑greasy, skin‑friendly layering under SPF
- Quick pros/cons: pro — stable antioxidant system (L‑ascorbic + ferulic + E); con premium price and shorter active lifespan once mixed
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension — 23% Pure L‑Ascorbic Acid (Water‑Free Suspension)
The Ordinary’s formula is a high‑potency, budget option: 23% pure L‑ascorbic acid delivered in a water‑free, slightly gritty suspension with 2% hyaluronic acid spheres for hydration. Amazon cues: minimalist ingredient list, excellent value, and a noticeably different texture.
- Concentration & form: 23% pure L‑ascorbic acid, powder suspension (water‑free)
- Supporting actives: hyaluronic acid spheres (2%)
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Claims: high potency, stable in suspension, budget‑friendly
- Typical finish: slightly grainy, more matte/powdery on skin
- Quick pros/cons: pro highest measurable concentration at low cost; con gritty texture and higher irritation risk for sensitive skin
Feature Comparison Chart
| Features | Drunk Elephant C-Firma | The Ordinary 23% |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $ |
| Vitamin C concentration | 15% L‑ascorbic acid | 23% L‑ascorbic acid |
| Vitamin C form | Stabilized L‑ascorbic with ferulic acid | Pure L‑ascorbic acid powder (suspension) |
| Additional actives | 0.5% ferulic acid, vitamin E, fruit enzymes | 2% Hyaluronic Acid spheres |
| Texture | Light serum; mixes fresh at first use | Gritty suspension |
| Stability / Format | Fresh-mix system to preserve potency | Water-free powder suspension for stability |
| Recommended use | Morning (use with SPF) | Evening or mixed into creams; use SPF daytime |
| Recommended skin types | All skin types; generally good for sensitive skin | All skin types; may irritate sensitive skin |
| Size | 28 ml | 30 ml (1 fl oz) |
| Packaging | Glass bottle with mix activation mechanism | Opaque plastic tube/jar style (suspension) |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
| Typical irritation | Low to moderate; can feel drying for some users | Moderate; tingling or stinging common on first uses |
Ingredients & Formulation: Stability, Efficacy, and Sensitivity
Drunk Elephant C‑Firma — antioxidant system and delivery
C‑Firma delivers 15% L‑ascorbic acid in an aqueous serum paired with 0.5% ferulic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E). Ferulic + vitamin E synergistically stabilize ascorbic acid, improve photostability, and boost free‑radical protection a well‑documented antioxidant trio that increases efficacy versus vitamin C alone. The formula is designed with a low, skin‑friendly pH (Drunk Elephant emphasizes “healthy pH levels”) to favor L‑ascorbic acid absorption while avoiding unnecessary irritants (no silicones, essential oils, or fragrance).
- Strengths: proven antioxidant synergy, fresh‑mix activation preserves potency pre‑use, lightweight aqueous vehicle for fast absorption.
The Ordinary 23% Suspension — anhydrous high‑dose delivery
The Ordinary uses 23% pure L‑ascorbic acid as a water‑free (anhydrous) powder suspension with 2% hyaluronic acid spheres. Removing water prevents hydrolytic degradation of ascorbic acid, allowing very high concentrations without immediate oxidation. Because the powder isn’t fully dissolved, delivery depends on skin moisture and surface contact; that yields strong potency but a grittier feel and greater risk of tingling or mechanical irritation.
- Strengths: maximal nominal concentration and long shelf stability in sealed bottle; HA spheres add surface hydration.
pH, stability & expected shelf‑life
- Aqueous L‑ascorbic acid performs best at low pH (<3.5) C‑Firma’s aqueous system uses this principle and adds ferulic/vitamin E to slow oxidation. Fresh‑mix means more active life pre‑activation but shorter active lifespan once mixed.
- Anhydrous suspensions (The Ordinary) bypass pH constraints and resist oxidation; unopened shelf‑life is long, but post‑opening exposure to moisture/air and skin contact can still slowly degrade potency.
Compatibility & irritation — potency trade‑offs
- Higher concentration ≠ proportionally higher benefit: 10–20% L‑ascorbic acid often achieves most clinical brightening; >20% increases irritation risk without clear extra efficacy for many.
- Combining with retinoids, AHAs/BHAs increases irritation consider alternating AM/PM or buffering. Niacinamide is generally compatible; any transient discoloration is cosmetic, not chemical incompatibility.
- C‑Firma’s antioxidant boosters typically reduce irritation and enhance benefits; The Ordinary’s raw high dose is more likely to sting on sensitized skin.
Texture, Application & Real-World Results
Texture & Feel
Drunk Elephant C‑Firma: lightweight, watery‑gel serum that spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly without residue. It feels elegant under makeup and rarely pills when layered correctly.
The Ordinary 23%: a noticeably granular, paste‑like suspension skin feels slightly gritty on application. It leaves a matte, powdery finish that some find drying or abrasive at first contact.
Absorption & Layering
C‑Firma sinks in fast; follow with moisturizer and sunscreen in AM. It layers well under primers and makeup. The Ordinary can sit on the skin surface longer; buff gently and wait before applying heavier creams to avoid pilling.
Routine & Sunscreen
- C‑Firma: best used AM for antioxidant/sun protection boost; always finish with broad‑spectrum SPF.
- The Ordinary: recommended PM by the brand but many use it PM or alternate days; if used AM, pair with sunscreen.
Performance & Timelines
- Brightening/evening: 4–8 weeks for noticeable improvement with consistent use.
- Fine lines: 8–12 weeks for subtle smoothing when combined with sunscreen/retinoids.
- Sensitivity management: C‑Firma’s ferulic/vitamin E softens sting; The Ordinary’s high raw dose works faster for some but more irritating for others.
Side Effects & Minimizing Irritation
- Common: tingling, transient redness, dryness, pilling (especially The Ordinary).
- Tips: patch test; start every 2–3 days and increase frequency; buffer by applying moisturizer first or mix a small amount into cream.
User Differences by Skin Type
- Oily: both work; Ordinary may mattify more but can feel abrasive.
- Dry: C‑Firma is gentler and hydrating; Ordinary may need buffering.
- Sensitive: C‑Firma is the safer choice; The Ordinary risks flare‑ups and should be introduced slowly.
Price, Value & Suitability: Which to Buy Based on Budget and Skin Type
Cost-per-milliliter & Typical Amazon Pricing
Drunk Elephant C‑Firma — ~28 mL for ~$79 → about $2.82/mL. Expect occasional sales (~$60–$75) but limited discounts.
The Ordinary 23% — 30 mL for ~$8 → about $0.27/mL. Frequently available for $6–$12 on Amazon and often in multi-buys.
Brand positioning & long-term value
Drunk Elephant = luxury clean‑beauty positioning, ingredient curation, and polished user experience; higher upfront cost but gentler formula designed for regular AM use.
The Ordinary = clinical, budget‑first approach delivering maximum active concentration for minimal cost; great if you tolerate raw L‑ascorbic acid and want potency on a shoestring.
Packaging, convenience & travel
Drunk Elephant’s fresh‑mix activation and glass packaging preserve potency but require care (store cool, use promptly after mixing); heavier and slightly less travel‑friendly.
The Ordinary’s water‑free suspension is shelf‑stable, lightweight, and simpler to pack — more convenient for travel and long-term stocking.
Who should buy which
- Choose Drunk Elephant if you have sensitive or dry skin, want a refined texture that layers under makeup/SPF, or prefer a branded clean‑beauty experience.
- Choose The Ordinary if you’re budget‑conscious, experienced with Vitamin C suspensions, or want the highest L‑ascorbic acid percentage per dollar.
Quick Amazon buying tips
- Check seller (prefer “Ships from and sold by Amazon” or an authorized retailer).
- Verify manufacture/expiration dates or “period after opening” and look for sealed packaging.
- Avoid heavily discounted third‑party sellers with poor ratings.
Long‑term: DE is an easier daily investment; The Ordinary is the best value if you can tolerate its texture and potency.
Final Verdict: Best Pick Based on Needs
Drunk Elephant C‑Firma is the clearer winner for most: a stabilized antioxidant blend, gentler daily wear, and luxe packaging justify the premium. Choose The Ordinary 23% C only if you want maximum L‑ascorbic strength at a low price and can tolerate grit or irritation.
If dry/sensitive, choose C‑Firma; if oily/budget, choose Ordinary instead.
I’ve been using C-Firma for about 3 weeks now and honestly my skin looks brighter.
Texture is lightweight, sinks in fast, and doesn’t pill under moisturizer.
Big downside: the price. Like, ouch. My wallet felt that one 😂
Still thinking it’s worth it for special occasions or when I need a glow.
Anyone else notice less redness after a month?
Agree on the price! I alternate with The Ordinary to save money — C-Firma on days out, The Ordinary when I’m staying in. Works for me.
Thanks for sharing, Sarah — glad it worked for you. C-Firma’s formulation aims to be gentle but effective, which can explain the drop in redness for some users. How often are you applying it?
I used it daily and saw a difference in tone after ~4 weeks. Pricey but the texture + smell (mild citrus) made me keep using it. FYI store returns helped me test it risk-free.
The Ordinary is my go-to if I want potency without drama. That 23% hits hard though, so patch test pls. Not fussy about packaging.
Totally — The Ordinary’s suspension is potent and can feel gritty at first. Patch testing and starting slowly (every other day) are good tips.
I bought The Ordinary because my mate swore by it. Cheap, potent, and yes, gritty. No complaints — results were noticeable in 6-8 weeks.
C-Firma = fancy bottle, fancy price. Ordinary = lab-in-a-bottle and my bank account thanks me.
Either way, vitamin C is king.
This. I rotate: Ordinary for daily maintenance, C-Firma when I need a quick skin pick-me-up before events.
Haha fair take, David. The Ordinary is definitely budget-friendly; C-Firma focuses on stability and added supporting ingredients. Both have their place.
Short comparison from someone who tried both:
– The Ordinary 23%: insane concentration, can sting, gritty, best for those who want raw potency and low price.
– C-Firma 15%: gentler, better texture, more supporting ingredients (antioxidants, ferulic acid?), nicer user experience.
If you value experience + packaging and fewer side effects, go C-Firma. If you’re on a budget and want results, try The Ordinary first.
I switched to C-Firma because of the texture alone. My partner joked I was buying skincare like wine, but hey it works 😊
Ha — skincare like wine! Glad you found what works for you, Maya.
Does anyone prefer the Ordinary mixed into a moisturizer? cut down sting completely for me.
Nicely summarized, Olivia. To clarify: C-Firma contains antioxidants and supportive ingredients intended to stabilize and enhance vitamin C’s effects. Ferulic acid is part of many Vitamin C serums but not all — always check the label.
Spot on. Also, for acne-prone folks, the Ordinary’s formulation may be drying which can help, but watch for over-drying.
Packaging matters: C-Firma comes in a pump/dropper that feels premium and helps limit air exposure. The Ordinary is in a dropper bottle — cheap but effective.
Oxidation is real. I check color and smell every few weeks. If it turns dark or smells off, toss it.
Zoe same! Plus I’m clumsy and the pump saves me from wasting product when I fumble the dropper 😅
C-Firma’s airless packaging is honestly why I stuck with it. Less waste and less oxidized product at the end of the bottle.
Good points, Marcus. Oxidation reduces efficacy and can increase irritation risk. Storing in a cool dark place and checking for discoloration are solid practices.
Question: can I use these with retinol? I’ve been on tret for a year and want to add vitamin C but nervous about irritation.
Great question, Nora. Many users layer vitamin C and retinol by using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to reduce irritation. If you want to use both in the same routine, introduce slowly and monitor sensitivity.
I do vitamin C in AM and retinol PM. No issues and my skin improved a lot. When I tried them together I got flaky, so separate them by time.
Okay real talk: I bought the Ordinary 23% cuz bargain hunter 🛒
First week my face tingled like crazy, kinda scary ngl. Stopped, then reintroduced and it’s fine now.
C-Firma sounds dreamy but I’m allergic to essential oils; glad it’s free of them.
Texture + smell = huge deciding factor for me.
Also — who else gets product pilling with layered serums?
If you have sensitivities, C-Firma could be friendlier since it’s formulated with supportive antioxidants and enzymes. But still, patch test!
I mix a pea-sized bit into my moisturizer too. Less sting, still works — gave me confidence to keep using it.
I get pilling with the Ordinary suspension too — it’s the powdery texture. Mixing it into my moisturizer helped reduce pilling a lot.
Thanks for the honest share, Priya. Tingling with high-concentration vitamin C is common; reintroducing slowly helps. For pilling, try waiting a minute between layers or use fewer actives together.
Good tip from Avery. For some users, combining The Ordinary suspension with a cream can dampen the gritty feel while keeping potency.
I actually like the gritty feel? lol feels like it’s doing something. But yeah, ymmv.
Long post incoming — sorry 😅
I tried both. The Ordinary made my skin feel tight and slightly flaky for the first 2 weeks, then things calmed down. The texture is weird (sandy?) but it literally saved my dark spots over months.
C-Firma gave me instant glow, much smoother application, and zero major irritation. BUT it oxidizes faster once opened (imo), so I store it in a cool, dark place.
If you have sensitive skin, start low and slowly build up. Also, layering with niacinamide helped me reduce pigmentation faster.
Thanks for the detailed experience, Emily. Great tip about storing C-Firma properly. Niacinamide + vitamin C layering is popular — just watch for interactions if you have reactive skin.
I used niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C in the evening — seemed gentler for my combo skin. When I used both AM, my skin got a tad sensitive.
Great follow-up from Emily. Alternating or using niacinamide PM/AM split is a practical approach to avoid irritation while keeping benefits.
Did you use niacinamide at the same time or different times of day? I heard that mixing them is a no-no but lots of ppl do it fine.