Vitamin C is one of the products we shouldn’t forget to use daily. It is brightening the skin and providing a nice healthy glow. But these are not the only properties of the famous antioxidant. The best products on the market with the right penetration system also soften the wrinkles, diminish acne scars, lighten dark spots caused by the sun, and protect skin cells from pollution.
Unfortunately, most cosmetic companies produce serums and creams containing vitamin C, which confuse the consumer as to what product to choose. There are many different vitamin C products on the market, not only ascorbic acid, but also esters of vitamin C like ascorbyl palmitate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD ascorbate), and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (ATIP).
What is the difference? The main one is the stability of the product and its reaction to the skin. Ascorbic acid is water-based and very unstable, sensitive to temperature and light. That’s why you notice oxidation of the product, it becomes brown in the bottle, which then doesn’t do anything for your skin. Bear in mind if you are looking for cheaper products on eBay or similar websites be careful that the product hasn’t already been opened!
Ascorbic acid is also more irritating to the skin; that’s why people with sensitive skin and fragile skin barriers should be using other types of vitamin C. However if you convinced that ascorbic acid is the best form for your skin, it is better to use it with a combination of vitamin E and ferulic acid. That mix provides a more protective effect on the skin.
Ascorbyl palmitate is slightly more stable and has a better skin penetration. However, it might cause a reaction on the skin when exposed to UV and cause oxidative damage.
An excellent form of vitamin C is THD Ascorbate. It is more stable (it converts to L-Ascorbic Acid) – fat-soluble form –and it penetrates the dermis skin layer much more easily than other types. It is less irritating as well. That’s why it’s great for people with skin conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, dry skin. With these products the manufacturers can use a higher quantity of vitamin C; in some cases, you can see even 80% of THD Ascorbate used. If we compare this to ascorbic acid, as used in inferior products usually the highest amount is not more than 20%.
Below you will find the best vitamin C products on the market.
CATALYST AC-11
www.osmosisbeauty.com
This patented, clinically proven serum reduces the appearance of pigmentation, scarring, and capillaries. Catalyst AC-11 contains a powerful collection of activated amino acids that amplify the Vitamin C results for healthy DNA and firmer skin.
- Clinically proven to improve elasticity by 110%
- 15% tightening of eyelids
- Improves skin radiance and luminosity by 32%
- Reduces the appearance of capillaries and redness by 64%
CE Ferulic
www.skinceuticals.co.uk
C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage. This topical antioxidant serum neutralises free radicals, while C E Ferulic improves signs of photo-damage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness. SkinCeuticals research shows that specific combinations of antioxidants, when effectively formulated, perform synergistically to provide results superior to each single antioxidant formulation.
- Helps to reinforce skin’s natural protection against free radicals
- Neutralizes free radicals on the upper layer of the skin to help prevent the impact of ozone damage to skin
- Visible anti-ageing benefits, such as the improvement of the appearance of lines and wrinkles Ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin
- Excellent complement to sunscreen for enhanced protection
- Fast absorbing serum
Transdermal Vitamin C Serum
www.thetruthtreatments.com
This is the most concentrated tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate serum available. Premium fat-soluble Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory plant extracts and nutrients help repair damaged skin, fade dark spots, improve skin firmness and even skin tone. Boosted with skin barrier-building cholesterol and fatty acids, this serum corrects damage and repairs the skin barrier.
- Supports collagen and elastin production, giving skin a firmer, plumper and lifted appearance
- Boosts skin’s production of Natural Moisture Factors for increased hydration and moisturization
- Diminishes the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation while helping to prevent new ones from forming
- Provides antioxidant protection to prevent future damage from free radicals and UV radiation.
- Visibly lightens and brightens complexion
C+ Correcting Complex 30%
www.revisionskincare.com
C+ Correcting Complex 30%® – Reveal a brilliant glow, a more even skin tone and a more youthful appearance. Infused with our patent-pending MelaPATH® technology that illuminates, refines, and rejuvenates, C+ Correcting Complex 30%® defends and corrects the skin-damaging effects of free radicals generated by Urban Dust and High Energy Visible light (HEV or blue light).
- Helps to support the skin’s natural production of Vitamins C and E
- Delivers the next generation of Vitamin C – correcting existing damage and defending your skin for the future
- Supports the skin’s Microbiome with prebiotic technology
- Non-comedogenic
- 1 FL OZ | 30 mL w/pump
Professional-C® Serum 20%
www.obagi.com
Professional-C Serum 20% is our highest concentrated serum, packed with antioxidants to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving skin feeling silky soft. This high-performance serum is formulated with 20% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and is best suited for normal to oily skin.
- 20% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) encourages skin to rebound from previous visible damage
- Improve overall complexion by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Formulates to immediately absorb and remain in the skin
TRANSDERMAL C BALM
www.truthtreatments.com
Rich, intensely moisturizing balm drenches skin with lipophilic Vitamin C in a time-released, transdermal formula.
Unlike standard night creams that just coat the skin in waxes and oils, Transdermal C Balm uses Truth Treatments Transdermal Delivery Matrix™ to time-release a high dose of 100% stable Vitamin C into the skin while you sleep. This lipophilic Vitamin C is the best form of Vitamin C to effectively penetrate deep into the dermis and work at the cellular level to reverse damage and boost collagen and Natural Moisture Factor production.
- Results in an immediate glow and brightness to the complexion
- Moisturizes and nourishes dry, dehydrated skin
- Provides anti-aging support with a high dose of Lipophilic Vitamin C
- Boosts collagen and elastin production for firmer, plumper and more lifted appearance
- Softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles
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