Compare Products: B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum vs Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Who It's Designed For

Sunday Riley
  • Those seeking an antioxidant-rich niacinamide treatment
  • Users who want botanical anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside niacinamide
  • People addressing post-acne dark spots and uneven tone
  • Those who prefer prestige skincare with complex formulations
  • Users comfortable with light synthetic fragrance
The Ordinary
  • Experienced vitamin C users who want maximum potency at minimum cost
  • Those who have built tolerance to lower vitamin C concentrations
  • Users willing to work with a challenging texture for strong active delivery
  • Budget-conscious shoppers seeking L-ascorbic acid at 23%
  • People who use vitamin C as a nighttime treatment

Key Ingredients

Sunday Riley

Niacinamide (10%), Brightenyl (Diglucosyl Gallic Acid), Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG (Green Tea), Centella Asiatica

The Ordinary

23% L-Ascorbic Acid, 2% Sodium Hyaluronate (HA Spheres), Squalane

Product Composition

2% similarity (1 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
dimethyl isosorbide
Only in Sunday Riley (33)
water/eau/aquaniacinamideglycerinphenyl trimethiconeoctyldodecanolresveratroldiglucosyl gallic acidasiaticosidemadecassosideepigallocatechin gallatyl glucosideboswellia serrata resin extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extractocimum sanctum leaf extractaloe barbadensis flower extractsolanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extractcoccinia indica fruit extractbetainecorallina officinalis extractmelia azadirachta flower extractmelia azadirachta leaf extractpeg-8tetrahydrodiferuloylmethanepunica granatum fruit extractargania spinosa kernel oilcalendula officinalis flower extractpentylene glycolethoxydiglycolxanthan gumtamarindus indica seed gumphenoxyethanolchlorphenesinparfum/fragrance
Only in The Ordinary (14)
ascorbic acidsqualaneisodecyl neopentanoateisononyl isononanoatecoconut alkanesethylene/propylene/styrene copolymerethylhexyl palmitatesodium hyaluronateglucomannancoco-caprylate/capratebutylene/ethylene/styrene copolymeracrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate crosspolymertrihydroxystearinbht

User Feedback Patterns

Sunday Riley
Texture and absorption

Users frequently praise the lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness. Layers well under other products and makeup.

Brightening over time

Consistent reports of improved radiance and brighter complexion with regular use, though dark spot fading varies by individual.

Oil control

Oily skin users report reduced shine and less sebum production throughout the day.

Packaging concerns

Some users note the dropper packaging can cause product to dry and crust around the lid. Others have reported the product arriving discolored.

Price sensitivity

Mixed opinions on value. Some feel the botanical complex justifies the premium; others find it overpriced compared to budget niacinamide options.

The Ordinary
Intense stinging on first use

Nearly all first-time users report significant stinging and tingling. This subsides for most within 1-2 weeks of regular use as skin builds tolerance.

Pilling is a universal complaint

Layering anything over this product commonly causes pilling. Users have found that applying it as the last step at night or mixing with a drop of oil reduces this issue.

Effective brightening at unbeatable price

Users who tolerate the texture report visible brightening, improved tone, and reduced dark spots. The $8 price point makes it a cult favorite despite the application challenges.

Night-only use recommended by most

Due to texture and pilling issues, most users reserve this for nighttime use. It does not layer well under sunscreen or makeup.

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% offers great value at a lower price point. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (10%).

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