The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic acid- The Ordinary Wednesdays

Hi guys, I hope you are good. So, today in The ordinary Wednesdays series, we move on from the exfoliating products we have, to the antioxidants. We wrote reviews on exfoliators like the glycolic acid 7% toning solution, salicylic acid 2%, and AHA 30% and BHA 2% peeling solution. First, I am going to tell you about a very potent antioxidant, that is 'The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic acid 5%'. If you are given the choice to buy only one of The Ordinary products, then it is this one. I mean, we all need antioxidants in our lives, not just for the skin, but the whole body too.

The skin careless

How antioxidants work in general

When any harmful substance or foreign body is destroyed by the body, free radicals are produced, and if not killed can cause further damage to the tissues in the body, including the skin. This damage can manifest on the skin in the form of premature aging (skin wrinkles, fine lines), hyperpigmentation, tumors and so on.  Therefore, antioxidants destroy these free radicals and prevent any further harm that may happen.

What does The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic acid 5% look like

It comes in a 30ml dropper bottle. The bottle is dark in order to minimize sunlight exposure of its content. As such, direct sun exposure is not advised for this product. The liquid inside is watery and has a strong smell.

The skin careless

How to apply

It is recommended for use at night and not more than 3 times a week. I apply at night to my entire face and neck after using the glycolic acid toning solution. It feels very peppery and oily on application but this sensation stops after a few seconds. The oiliness also disappears immediately, and what is left is a comfortable and glowing look. A little goes a long way so it can last for ages.

A strong SPF 30 or 50 (sun protection factor) is recommended to prevent the skin from sun damage.

My thoughts

I will give this beauty five stars. It is truly magical. I suddenly got a bout of breakouts some weeks back and after giving up on Salicylic acid, I used the Alpha Lipoic acid. The next morning, I couldn't believe my eyes, my face was smooth (they were not all gone but there was a massive difference). It costs about 6 GBP on The ordinary website, Beauty Bay and Cult beauty.


The next few reviews will be on Vitamin-C based The Ordinary skin care items.

Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafisah Nk