Skin Science

What To Look For In A Vitamin C Serum

by Neostrata
May 29, 2023

With outstanding brightening benefits and powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C has rightfully earned its recognition as a rockstar skincare ingredient. Vitamin C helps to visibly fade skin discoloration, provide antioxidant support and is suitable for most skin types, making it a multi-tasking must-have for every skincare routine. For more information on the benefits of Vitamin C for skin, read What are the Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Skin and Face?

Vitamin C now appears in everything from serums and face moisturizers, to capsules and body lotions at almost every beauty retailer. With so many options and at every price point on the market, how do you know which option is the best for you when shopping for a Vitamin C serum?

When doing your research to find your ideal Vitamin C serum, you’ll want to consider a few different things: the form (Pure Vitamin C vs. a derivative), the concentration, the added ingredients, the aesthetic, the packaging and of course, the clinical proof.

Here are a few pointers to get you started and on your way to finding the right Vitamin C serum just for you:

Form:

Vitamin C can appear on the ingredient label as several different names and derivatives such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (a stable oil-soluble form of Vitamin C), Ascorbyl Glucoside (a stable water-soluble form of Vitamin C combined with glucose) and many others. But the one you want to look for is L-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C) which is the most effective and is the Vitamin C that occurs naturally in your body.

Concentration:

The ideal level of concentration you want of L-Ascorbic Acid is between 10 and 20 percent. The higher the concentration of Vitamin C is, the more potent it is, but also more difficult to stabilize. Going over 20 percent can lead to irritation and won’t increase the benefits for your skin.

Added ingredients:

When shopping for the best Vitamin C serum, you’ll want to checkout what other ingredients have been added to the formula. Look for ingredients that can boost the products efficacy such antioxidants or hydrating, brightening or exfoliating ingredients.

Aesthetic:

The serum’s texture, smell and consistency are something you’ll want to be mindful of when selecting your Vitamin C serum. It should ideally be lightweight, non-greasy and not overly fragrant.

Packaging:

When it comes to your Vitamin C serum, packaging does make it perfect. Its particularly important for your Vitamin C serum to be stored in a dark glass bottle and feature a medicine dropper (rather than a pump) to ensure the freshest delivery of the serum. Exposure to air, light and heat can deteriorate the quality and stability of your Vitamin C serum.

Proof:

Ensure that your Vitamin C serum has been clinically tested. Check the product’s website for clinical studies, before and after photos, as well as reviews from other customers.


A Great Vitamin C Serum to Try

Our 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum is powered by 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C) uniquely paired with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) which gently exfoliates the skin’s surface to allow the Pure Vitamin C to absorb into fresh, renewed surface layers of skin. It’s also formulated with Green Tea and Feverfew Extract to boost antioxidant capacity for additional protection against environmental aggressors. The serum’s texture is lightweight and easy-to-absorb, plus it’s housed in an orange-colored opaque glass bottle with a medicine dropper to ensure maximum freshness. Most importantly, it has impressive clinical results: 98% noticed brighter, more radiant looking skin after just 1 week*, with skin becoming dramatically brighter-looking over time.

Click through to learn more about this new gold standard in Vitamin C and give it a try for yourself.

*Percent of participants noting improvement with once daily use.


References


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