# C Glow vs The Ordinary and Garnier Vitamin C Serums

- URL: https://beautefire.com/compare/c-glow-vs-the-ordinary-and-garnier-vitamin-c
- Facts checked: 20 October 2026

The three use different forms of Vitamin C, so percentages are not directly comparable. C Glow (30 ml) uses 10% stabilised 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at Rs.1,799; Garnier’s 30 ml serum was Rs.1,999 at one Pakistani store, and The Ordinary’s 30 ml Vitamin C serums were Rs.4,900–5,450 at derma.pk on 20 October 2026.

“Vitamin C serum” is not one ingredient. Brands use different forms (plain L-ascorbic acid, or stabilised derivatives such as ethyl ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside) at different strengths, in water-based or oil-based bases. That is why a 10% serum and a 23% serum cannot be ranked by the number alone. The table shows what each brand or Pakistani retailer states.

### Vitamin C serums available in Pakistan (public listings, checked 20 October 2026)

|   | Beautefire C Glow | The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% | The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% | Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Size | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml (15 ml also sold) |
| Vitamin C form and strength | 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (stabilised derivative) | 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside (water-soluble derivative) | 23% L-Ascorbic Acid (pure form) in an anhydrous suspension | “30X Vitamin C” per the retailer; strength and form not stated on the Pakistani listing; also contains niacinamide |
| Texture (as described) | Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum | Lightweight water-based solution | Slightly granular, oil-like suspension | Not stated |
| Other named ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Glycerin | Propanediol, thickeners, Ethoxydiglycol and others (full list on brand page) | Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate and other emollients (full list on brand page) | Niacinamide; full ingredient list for the Pakistani version not verified |
| Pakistani price | Rs.1,799 | Rs.5,450 (derma.pk) | Rs.4,900 (derma.pk) | Rs.1,999 (Nestlé eShop; 30 ml) |
| Approx. price per ml | about Rs.60 | about Rs.182 | about Rs.163 | about Rs.67 |

## Why the percentage is not the whole story

Pure L-ascorbic acid at high strength is the most studied form but can sting and oxidise quickly; derivatives such as ethyl ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside are usually gentler and more stable, but a “10%” of one form is not the same as “10%” of another. For beginners and sensitive skin, a stabilised derivative is often the easier start. For experienced users who tolerate it, pure ascorbic acid in an anhydrous base is a different, stronger style of product.

## Where C Glow fits

[C Glow](https://beautefire.com/products/c-glow-vitamin-c-brightening-serum) is a gentle, hydrating morning serum for dull or tired-looking skin and uneven tone, made for people who want a Vitamin C step that does not sting. Several reviewers with sensitive skin say it did not burn. It is not a high-strength pure-ascorbic-acid product, and it should be worn with sunscreen.

## Honest differences

- The Ordinary publishes full ingredient lists for these products; Garnier’s Pakistani listing did not show a verified list for the Pakistani version.
- The Ordinary’s 23% suspension is a stronger, different style of product from C Glow and not an equal swap.
- Garnier’s serum has a lower price per ml in this table and is widely available; it also includes niacinamide, which C Glow does not.
- Prices for imported products vary by seller and are often out of stock.

## FAQ

**Is 10% Vitamin C enough?**

Strength depends on the form. A stabilised derivative at 10% is a common, gentle option for daily use; higher numbers of other forms are not automatically better and can irritate more.

**Which Vitamin C serum is best for sensitive skin?**

Stabilised derivatives are often easier to tolerate, but always patch test. C Glow is made as a gentle formula and reviewers with sensitive skin say it did not burn.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to The Ordinary Vitamin C in Pakistan?**

Yes. C Glow is Rs.1,799 for 30 ml, and other brands sell Vitamin C serums too. Compare form, strength, ingredients, size and seller.

**Can I use C Glow and Alpha Arbutin together?**

Yes, at different times: Vitamin C in the morning and Alpha Arbutin at night.

**Do I need sunscreen with Vitamin C?**

Yes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.

## Sources

- The Ordinary – Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (official): https://theordinary.com/en-tf/ascorbyl-glucoside-solution-12-vitamin-c-100405.html
- The Ordinary – Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (official): https://theordinary.com/en-us/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2-vitamin-c-100451.html
- derma.pk – The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%: https://derma.pk/products/the-ordinarys-30ml-ascorbyl-glucoside-solution-12
- derma.pk – The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%: https://derma.pk/products/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2-30ml
- Nestlé eShop – Garnier Skin Active Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster 30 ml: https://eshop.nestle.pk/products/garnier-skin-active-bright-complete-vitamin-c-booster-serum-30-ml-contains-niacinamide-6

_Brands and product names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe public information. Beautefire is not affiliated with them. Formulas, sizes and prices change and can differ by country, batch and seller: compare on your own skin’s needs and always check the pack you receive._