Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% (30ml) by The Ordinary: A Highly-Stable, Water-Free Alpha Lipoic Acid Solution for Visibly Improved Skin Texture and Tone

I’m a bit of a skin care addict, and do my research before spending money, or putting something I wish I hadn’t on my face. Alpha Lipoic Acid has solid, confirmed results in lab tests and is proven a far better antioxidant than vitamin C and E, even thousands of times better! It’s cheap, not only the purchase itself, but the fact that you only use two to three drops at a time, and only 2-3 times a week- so the bottle lasts ages! A few points to remember, ALA isn’t stable around sunlight, or water. The Ordinary got this right by creating this preparation in an oil formula, free from water and in a protective dark glass bottle. Alpha Lipoic Acid should be used only at night, only two to three times a week, and you should alternate your Retinoid on nights you don’t use this. This little bottle is STRONG. I’ve used it after Derma-needling, and oiy. Yeeeeouch! My face felt like it was burning off, I had been warned, did it anyway and will again! Again, because my skin looked absolutely incredible the next morning! I know, when you any review that says “My years of skin problems were completely fixed after one use!” you should roll your eyes and move on, yet this little antioxidant does give immediate results- and is lab proven to do so. Long term results are just that, long term, but I’m looking forward to them! After the first use, my skin glowed. The use which STUNG. This stuff DOES sting. (If it’s too much, mix it with another product when you apply to buffer it until you get used to it.) My skin was plumped, my lips were plumped, and my face, just, looked, good! I had a hard time putting my finger on what exactly it was that made such a difference? But I love it. I’m keeping it. It’s one of the best finds and my 40 year old skin is much happier with it in the cabinet. I will update as good things happen! (Normally, skincare products take 6-8 weeks and longer for results.) Steer clear of “instant results”, wishful thinking, placebo effects, and sales tactics- good skincare takes time..... Alpha Lipoic Acid is a rare bird indeed. A great, well researched and proven, and well thought out preparation, with the Ordinary’s customary low price. Buy it, and smile through the sting- you’re going to look fabulous.

I’m giving it five stars because there isn’t a reason not to. I have normal-dry-can be sensitive. It’s potent. You must be SPF obsessed with this product. Let this product have you more aware to re-apply!! Most of TO products your skin becomes more photo sensitive, and avoiding SPF makes use of this counter-productive. I have never spent $200 on a facial and coming back to edit as it’s been close to a year of use. I have no idea what to expect from this product, so do I re order? I think my skin looks idk glowy, morning after, but it’s not lasting...so what’s the point of using? If continued use is just maintenance then idk, I feel like my skin 1 year is not improved re: fine lines. Appearance of skin yes, but continued use removing any signs of aging I don’t think so. I assume it’s doing the exfoliation like it says, I also use the toner and the red peeling mask, I just don’t know what I’m supposed to be expecting. I think I will start Retin-A.

I can tell that my skin looks better after my 3rd week of use..It does sting a little bit and smells like gasoline after it has been applied to the face after 4 to 5 minutes..but as long as it's working, I will tolerate the smell.

I was using this product once a week for my KP, it seemed to be improving the texture of my skin but I suddenly broke out in a severe, inflammatory rash. Will not be using again, the rash covered nearly my whole arm and has left signs of hyperpigmentation where I was prescribed a course of oral and topical steroids to control it

Big fan of alpha lipoic acid and this brand. I spent a lot of money using this particular brand and love all their products but this one smells like someone rubbed condoms all over your face. It has a very strong rubber smell to it. It might be very good product but people from across the room have commented on the smell. Pretty much a waste of money

This product is amazing. It works just as well-if not better- than the higher end products I have used before.( Dr. Temts $50, Dr. Grandels $40 -to name a few) But be sure to follow their instructions not to use it every night. It is very potent. Also, you don't want to use it the night before an important event because your skin will appear and react different than what you usually expect. For me, my skin was very shiny all over my face and my nose was visibly red. Also, my makeup looked blotchy and wore off after an hour. That lasted for two days, but after that my skin looks really good. It looks smoother, no visual pores, and tighter skim.

Firstly, I will say that the stuff is pretty smelly. The first time I put it on, I thought it had a "skunk-like" smell. HOWEVER, this is the only product I've ever used that has given me immediate results. I put it on 2-3x per week before bed and I see a noticeable difference in my pore size and the clarity of my skin. I have some minor acne scarring and pretty oily skin, so I have used a lot of different products, but this is the only one I continue to use! I'll take a product that works with a stinky smell over a product that smells nice but does nothing, any day!

This product worked amazing in my current skincare routine. I replaced the Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane by the Ordinary with the Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%. My skin looks much more vibrant and smooth. And it will last a very long time since you only use 2 or 3 drops 2 to 3 nights per week. PLEASE listen to the instructions and use a sunscreen with this product no matter what your skin tone may be.