Focus on: vitamin C, the ultimate guide

I wrote my first “Focus on” article about vitamin C in 2017. It’s been a while, and I’d been thinking recently that I probably hadn’t said everything I wanted to on the subject. It’s funny because, when you read my previous article, you get the impression that vitamin C is the new trendy ingredient, that you’re going to see it everywhere, etc.

And 6 years later, I realize I was right, because it is still super popular these days. And in fact, it IS everywhere, almost every skincare brand now has its vitamin C serum!

Indeed, one of the preoccupations of many consumers, pollution, and its harmful effects on the skin, has not really changed. Quite the contrary! Antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide that protect the skin, fight pigmentation and improve skin’s radiance are more popular than ever.

Consumers are demanding more and more preventative anti-aging and brightening ingredients, and vitamin C remains the undisputed star in the antioxidant category. In fact, the global vitamin C market is expected to be worth $15.7 billion by 2030 (Precedence Research, 2022). So it won’t stop anytime soon!

However, it’s not an easy ingredient to integrate into a cosmetic formula. Vitamin C is still a fragile, unstable ingredient that oxidizes easily, which does not make it easy for formulators to make effective products that stay effective, and are stable over time.

But we see more and more solutions from manufacturers to get around these limitations, and just for that, I thought it was worth talking about it again today.

Let’s take another look at vitamin C, the ultimate healthy glow ingredient but also your best antioxidant ally to prevent the signs of aging. Here is my complete guide!

Why antioxidants are your skin’s BFF?

I had already explained it in my first article about vitamin C, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh our collective memory now does it! 🙂

If you’ve heard about oxidative stress, free radicals or even skin photoaging, you can imagine that all these are not ideal to preserve the skin’s youth…

But there is a category of powerful ingredients that have the power to protect the skin against all these undesirable phenomena.
These expert anti-aging ingredients are antioxidants. These star anti-aging ingredients are highly effective in preventing skin aging. They protect the skin against the aggressions that can make it look dull and age faster.

Antioxidants are molecules capable of preventing the oxidation of the skin. The phenomenon of oxidation is notably responsible for the production of free radicals, unstable molecules causing chain reactions / damage to the skin, which are the source of its premature aging. Skin oxidation is caused by several factors: stress, pollution, smoking, infections, inflammations, sun exposure… in short, an active life!

And vitamin C is probably the most effective antioxidant, and it will also give an immediate glow to the skin. It’s a great brightening ingredient!

Unfortunately, simply eating kiwis and oranges at every meal is not enough to bring that benefit to the skin. That would be too easy. Vitamin C must be applied on the skin, topically, for the skin to benefit from all its properties.

Pure vitamin C skin benefits:

There are several vitamin Cs used in cosmetics, but the most effective and best known form is L-ascorbic acid. This kind of vitamin C is intensely antioxidant and therefore protects the skin against the formation of free radicals that cause accelerated aging.

Note:
When it doesn’t appear by its actual name, L-ascorbic acid, it’s what brands tend to call “pure vitamin C” on the packaging, if you want to recognize it more easily 😉

Here are its main benefits:

• It boosts the production of collagen in the skin:

Vitamin C helps to boost the production of the skin’s support fibers (collagen and elastin). It is anti-wrinkle, in an indirect way. As a bonus, it also helps to neutralize the enzymes that reduce the collagen present in the skin day after day. It therefore preserves the density of the skin and helps to maintain its plump appearance.

• It boosts the glow:

L-ascorbic acid is a glow booster because it helps in improving the quality of the skin structure as well as the skin microcirculation. A good circulation allows the nutrients essential to the health of the skin to be transported to the upper layers of the epidermis and the skin can look healthy and glowy! (It is also beneficial for smokers or if you live in a very polluted environment)

• It boosts the sun protection that is applied over it:

Vitamin C helps to protect the skin from UV rays, not by replacing sunscreens (it has no UV protective effect) but by increasing their power by about 30%, in addition to its antioxidant action. It is therefore highly recommended to use a sunscreen after applying your vitamin C product because the two products combined will have a real shielding effect on the skin.

• It helps to fade pigmentation spots:

L-ascorbic acid also reduces the oxidation of melanin, the molecule responsible for skin coloration. It therefore reduces the appearance of spots or darker areas that make the skin look dull (= hyperpigmentation), and it also lowers the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme that activates the production of melanin.

The limitations of pure vitamin C:

As I said above, L-ascorbic acid is certainly the most effective and pure vitamin C but unfortunately, it is also the most unstable form. Especially when integrated in a water-based formula, L-ascorbic acid has a big tendency to oxidize and, therefore, to become inactive very quickly.

I already detailed all this in my first Focus on this ingredient article, but to stay active, L-ascorbic acid needs some very specific conditions to deliver all its powerful antioxidant power.

Indeed, this form of vitamin C is water soluble, which can pose quite a few challenges in terms of its formulation…

In short, for a vitamin C/L-ascorbic acid product to be effective in a water-based formula, it must:
– be in a formula with a pH of 3.5 or less,
– have a high enough concentration of L-ascorbic acid (between 10 and 30%),
– be paired with other antioxidant ingredients in its formula (vitamin E, ferulic acid…) for more stability,
– be in a bottle that protects the formula from air and light (avoid transparent glass, unless it is anti-UV treated),
– be used quickly (maximum 6 months after opening) and be “fresh” when purchased (no need to stock up on products that use this ingredient).

Rest assured, the vast majority of manufacturers know their job, and know how to formulate effective and rather stable vitamin C/L-ascorbic acid products! But it’s always good to know this info as a consumer, in my humble opinion. (Again, for the details of all these criteria, see my first article Focus on the Vitamin C ingredient 😉 ).

In short, L-ascorbic acid is the most effective and most studied form of vitamin C, but not the easiest.

And this is where vitamin C derivatives can be useful. Granted, they are less studied than L-ascorbic acid, and some also consider them less effective, but they still have a lot of benefits, and they are certainly less of a diva when it comes to stability! 😉

Vitamin C derivatives:

Vitamin C derivatives are known as inactive forms, or esterified forms of vitamin C. Most of them require a conversion to ascorbic acid on the skin and are activated when applied to the skin.

Depending on the derivative, they may also penetrate the skin better, and they are notably more stable than pure ascorbic acid. Most do not require a highly acidic product formula (as is the case with pure vitamin C), making them more suitable for sensitive skin.

Note:
Many skincare brands use the term “vitamin C” without specifying whether it is a derivative or pure vitamin C/ascorbic acid. To find out, look at the INCI list. If you read “ascorbic acid”, it means it’s pure vitamin C. And if you see one of the derivatives below in the list of ingredients, you’ll know the product you are looking at is a derivative. 😉

Here are the most commonly used vitamin C derivatives in cosmetics:

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP):

SAP is said to be as beneficial as L-ascorbic acid in terms of its antioxidant, collagen-boosting and skin tone-evening properties. This derivative is particularly suitable for people with acne-prone skin, as it has been shown to reduce acne and the bacteria that cause it (it is antimicrobial). SAP is usually found in serums at a concentration of 20%. It is stable in a formula, even with a higher pH (up to 7).

On the downside, it does not penetrate the skin as well as the diva-in-chief, L-ascorbic acid, so its action may be quite limited.

Overall, in terms of anti-aging action, it’s probably not as effective as pure L-ascorbic acid, but it’s probably worth a try, especially if you get acne.

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP):

MAP is one of the most stable derivatives of vitamin C. It is soluble in water. Although research has shown that MAP stimulates collagen production and helps to reduce pigmentation, its antioxidant abilities are still debatable, and it is rather poorly absorbed into the skin.

Which can also be considered an advantage, for the record! Its low absorption makes it the least irritating vitamin C derivative, and it is well tolerated by even the most sensitive skin.

For delicate skin, it’s clearly an interesting derivative, and it has good results on the radiance of the complexion.

• Ascorbyl Glucoside:

Ascorbyl Glucoside is one of the best options among vitamin C derivatives. It has the benefit of being very stable and it penetrates the skin easily. Once absorbed, Ascorbyl Glucoside is converted to pure vitamin C (although the exact rate of conversion is not known). It is soluble in water.

It would have the same anti-aging benefits as pure vitamin C: antioxidant protection, collagen stimulation and hyperpigmentation reduction.

In summary, Ascorbyl Glucoside is one of the most promising vitamin C derivatives. It is less studied than pure vitamin C, and less certain of its efficacy, but there is a lot of potential!

• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD):

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is stable, penetrates the skin, and is oil soluble. It performs the same three anti-aging functions of ascorbic acid: photoprotection, pigmentation reduction and collagen strengthening.

Its role in reducing hyperpigmentation and even melasma is most noteworthy, and it may be just as effective as ascorbic acid (although there is not as much scientific data compared to the latter).

THD also tends to be more nourishing, so it’s more suitable for dry skin.

• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbate (EAC):

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbate is a stable, water and oil soluble vitamin C derivative. It offers all the major benefits that vitamin C is known for, such as radiance, collagen boosting effect and hyperpigmentation reduction.

As a modified and more stable version of pure vitamin C, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbate must be converted to vitamin C in the skin. Since conversion to pure vitamin C is a slower process, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is considered a more tolerable form of vitamin C. It is therefore interesting for sensitive skins, and those who cannot tolerate pure vitamin C. It also does not require a very acidic pH to be effective and stable, which is a plus for sensitive skin!

It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties, another interesting point for sensitive skin!

In short, it is one of the most promising vitamin C derivatives, especially for delicate skin!

How to use your vitamin C product to make it most effective:

Theoretically, you can use your vitamin C product as you wish: morning and/or evening, every single day if you want to. If it’s a serum, it’s usually before your moisturizer; but if it’s a vitamin C cream, it will be instead of it, of course!

But personally, I’m a little peculiar in the way I use my vitamin C products. Generally speaking, I tend to prefer serums with pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). Since I can tolerate it well, I must admit that I prefer to use the most concentrated and best studied version of vitamin C for its anti-aging effects.

I have nothing against vitamin C derivatives, not at all, and still use them from time to time. I don’t want to miss out on the benefits of pure vitamin C in serums, however, since they are effective for me.

• For serums that contain L-Ascorbic acid / pure vitamin C:

Pure vitamin C has an antioxidant effect, as seen above, so I usually use it in the morning. There is nothing wrong with applying your vitamin C product in the evening, but since it boosts the efficiency of sunscreens, it seems more logical to me to use it at the beginning of the day, when the skin needs more protection.

Vitamin C has a 72h reservoir effect, meaning it remains effective on the skin even if you apply it once every 3 days. (Even if you rub the skin and if you wash it) However, I prefer to apply it every day to avoid losing product to oxidation (because, as we’ve seen, it has a limited shelf life). However, I only apply it once a day, that is enough to have a maximum effect.

Also, since it requires a certain percentage to be effective, I prefer more concentrated and liquid forms that are more frequently found in serums than in creams (which are often richer and less concentrated). Ideally, I favor vitamin C combined with vitamin E and/or ferulic acid, two other anti-oxidants that boost its effectiveness.

I usually apply it right after cleansing my face, on skin that is not too wet (because the vitamin C products I prefer are quite acidic, and it can be irritating for the skin if you apply a product with an acidic pH on wet skin). I like to use it first thing in my morning routine because it’s the most concentrated anti-aging product in my morning routine, and I like the idea of using it on my skin before my other products.

Also, since I prefer vitamin C products with very liquid textures, it makes more sense to me this way. This way, they absorb very quickly, and I can switch to thicker textures on top.

I read here and there that it’s recommended to wait a few minutes after applying your vitamin C serum to let it work/absorb. Personally, I always wait a little while before continuing with the rest of my routine, but the serums I use absorb into my skin pretty quickly, so my wait time rarely exceeds 1 minute (the time to wash my hands to avoid staining all my products because of the vitamin C that leaves orange traces everywhere lol).

• For vitamin C derivative based products:

With vitamin C derivative products, it’s much simpler. You can simply rely on their textures and use them accordingly in your routine.

Personally, for the order of application of products in my routine, I always rely on the good old rule of lightest to thickest texture. I don’t worry too much about pH levels etc., especially since products based on vitamin C derivatives are rarely formulated at a very acidic pH level, as with pure vitamin C.

So, if I summarize, if it’s a vitamin C derivative-based essence, I use it first in my morning routine. If it’s a serum, I use it before my moisturizer, and if it’s a cream, I use it instead of my cream, obviously.

Nothing too complicated, in the end! 🙂

Should I keep my pure vitamin C serum in the fridge?

Usually, if the formula is stable, you don’t have to keep your pure vitamin C serum in the fridge while you use it.

If you keep it in a cool, dark and dry place, it will be enough to prevent your serum from oxidizing too quickly. Just avoid exposure to sunlight at all costs and keep the cap of your bottle tightly sealed.

Now, if the formula is not the most stable, it can be a good thing to keep it in the fridge. It’s also a good idea to keep your product in the fridge if you buy a serum and don’t use it right away (knowing that you don’t want to stock up for several months with this fragile ingredient).

Personally, for a bottle I’m currently using, I don’t like to keep it in the fridge, I don’t find it practical, so I don’t do it. That’s why it’s important to find formulas that are stable and that don’t oxidize too quickly (and it’s a bit of a quest, more on that below in the part regarding the different products I’ve been testing 😉).

A few vitamin C products that caught my attention:

Since I wrote my first article Focus on Vitamin C article in 2017, I’ve had time to do more testing of different vitamin C products.

I have a few favorite vitamin C products that I repurchase on a very regular basis, and I alternate them with new products that I’m intrigued by, or that I want to try.

I haven’t necessarily taken the time to do a detailed review on each one, but I still want to quickly introduce them here, so you can find them all in one place.

I’m still currently testing some of them, and my reviews will probably come later, but I can still tell you why they caught my eye. It might be helpful!

The links to purchase these products are included in the article’s text. 🙂

• Pure vitamin C products:

Most of them are serums, or can be mixed with other products, like a booster. L-Ascorbic acid is my favorite form of vitamin C, so these are the types of products I tend to prioritize!

I’m starting with my two favorites!

– Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow :

The one I’ve repurchased the most is definitely the Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Serum , which for me, really has it all.

Its formula ticks all my boxes, it’s effective, it’s very affordable, the brand always sells it fresh and even better, they offer solutions to help keep it at its optimum. So you can always use your product at its maximum effectiveness. I gave more details in my Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Serum review, but in short, for me, it clearly has everything right!

– Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster :

This is probably my personal favorite, the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster . I love it, but it is more expensive than the first one.

Its formula is super complete, it works great on me, the glow it gives me is really visible (and even by my husband, which is quite telling!😆). I love that it comes in a small size because it stays fresh almost until the end of the use. Its only downside is the price, but the brand often runs promotions, so you can get away with it at a decent price. I’ve done a dedicated Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster review if you want more details 😉

When I’m not trying out new products, I alternate between the Geek & Gorgeous and the Paula’s Choice. These are clearly my two go-to’s!

Next, here are three other serums that I haven’t really repurchased because I preferred the first two, but are still great pure vitamin C serums.

– Maelove The Glow Maker :

If I lived in the United States, Maelove The Glow Maker would probably be in my top 3 favorite vitamin C serums.

I reviewed Maelove The Glow Maker a few years ago, and I have nothing more to add. It checks all my boxes except for being easily accessible if you don’t live in the US.

– Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum :

I tried the reformulated version of the Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum as a sample size and I really liked it.

The Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum I reviewed a few years ago was the old version, and the reformulation was a super smart move from the brand. In fact, now the product comes in two parts when you buy it: the L-Ascorbic acid powder on one side and the rest of the liquid formula on the other side. You mix the two before the first use and it allows you to have a super fresh product!

The only thing I don’t know is if the formula stays stable until the bottle is empty. But if it’s like the old version, the stability wasn’t bad. And I also found it to be pretty moisturizing, so if your skin needs comfort, you should like this one! 🙂

– Skinceutical C E Ferulic :

Of course, I couldn’t not talk about the very cult Skinceutical C E Ferulic which is one of the most popular pure vitamin C serums out there, and for very good reason!

Its formula is very effective, and it’s also one of the most stable in the market. But, and I mentioned this in my dedicated Skinceutical C E Ferulic review, it’s also overpriced. And for me, there are too many good alternatives out there to justify splurging on this product. But if I had extra bucks to spare, I would gladly repurchase!

I’ve also tried another pure vitamin C serum that didn’t quite work out…

– Timeless Skincare 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid :

The serum Timeless Skincare 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid could have convinced me, because on paper, it seemed to have everything I was looking for in a vitamin C serum.

The formula is a pretty decent dupe of the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum, only milder because it’s a 10% concentration of pure vitamin C. It has almost all of its qualities… except for one, essential. It doesn’t have its stability. Despite its airless container, which made me hope for the best…

Still, I didn’t want to take any chances, and I ordered the smallest bottle available (it comes in 3 sizes: 15ml, 30ml, 120ml) but each time, the product was turning yellow very quickly. And another thing, it is available in different places online which is very convenient, but I’m never sure if the product I buy is fresh. I bought it from Amazon a few times and it was already yellow when I opened it, when it’s supposed to be clear if it’s fresh.

That’s really a gamble! When I did manage to use it fresh, I thought it was pretty good, especially for the brightening effect. But if I can never be sure I’m buying a product that won’t arrive already oxidized, it’s not great…

And even when it arrived fresh, it turned yellow too quickly. After 3 weeks, so halfway through the bottle, I could already see it getting oxidized. I guess if you keep it in the fridge during usage, it probably works out better, but I said above, I don’t want to do that. And I feel that with a 15ml bottle, I shouldn’t have to…

Finally, here are two other pure vitamin C products that I’m currently testing:

– L’Oréal Paris 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum :

I snagged the brand new L’Oréal Paris 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum in France when I went there a few weeks ago.

There are many aspects that I find interesting in this new product! First, it is a pure vitamin C serum sold in supermarkets (and that’s rare!). Then, the dosage of vitamin C is good. 12% is enough for a good efficiency without being too high either. It contains other great active ingredients in its formula (vitamin E, salicylic acid, glycerin, hyaluronic acid…). And the pH is neutral, which makes it a less irritating product than others in its category. In short, on paper, it seems to be an effective product, affordable (more or less depending on the country, but in France, it retails for around 20 euros), and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

I’ve only been using it for a few weeks, but I must admit that there are a couple of things I’m not a fan of in this product. The texture is a little too thick for my personal taste. I prefer super liquid textures and here, it’s a bit of a gel texture, like a classic serum. I’m not really impressed by its fragrance either, which I find a bit cheap (fortunately, it doesn’t stay too long).

And another point, which is more problematic, this serum seems to oxidize very quickly. My bottle has been open for a little more than 4 weeks and it’s already turned quite yellow. Knowing that this product should normally last me 3 months, I’m afraid it will become ineffective before the end of the bottle… :/

In short, I’m not sure of its long term stability. I will do an edit in the article after I finish my bottle!

– Garancia Paris La Poudre Magique Eclat & Jeunesse [ L’Appel de la Forêt ] :

For this product, Garancia Paris La Poudre Magique Eclat & Jeunesse [ L’Appel de la Forêt ] I haven’t started it yet, so it’s going to be complicated to give you an opinion!

But I thought I’d tell you why it caught my attention, and why I decided to purchase it. 😉

Garancia is a very cool French pharmacy brand if you’re not familiar. And they found a way to provide a super stable product: it’s a waterless formula, a powder, which you have to mix with the liquid product of your choice at each use. The brand provides a small measuring spoon with the jar that contains the powder, so you use the right dose each time, no risk of mistake. As a result, the pH of the product in which you mix the powder doesn’t really matter, since you use it right away, which makes it a product that will probably be better tolerated than others in its category.

Formula-wise, La Poudre Magique contains 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, as well as vegetal collagen (moisturizing), pine bark and beechwood powders (brightening), and chicory root with probiotic properties to help maintain a balanced microbiome.

I’ll be honest, the only thing I’m a little annoyed about is having to mix my product with vitamin C every morning. I’m sure that’s going to bug me after a while. I’m not a fan of the whole “mixology/ little chemist” approach. But hey, I’m going to try it (in a few months, time to after finishing the L’Oreal first). And for the time being, I appreciate the stability of this product, which will remain impeccable until I open it (that’s the advantage of a product without water!). And thanks to this powder format, it is also a super economical product (the jar will probably last me 6 months if I use it once a day).

To be continued, then 😉

I also wanted to tell you about a pure vitamin C day cream that I tried last year!

– Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream :

I’m a fan of the Aqua Bomb range from the Korean skincare brand Belif. And I always keep an eye out when they release different versions of their famous moisturizers.

Last year, they launched a glow version, the Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream with pure vitamin C and vitamin E, which also contains soothing plant extracts and, of course, the hyaluronic acid complex of different molecular weights, which is found in all the products of this Aqua Bomb range.

Like all the products in this range, the sorbet texture is a real treat, especially when used in the summer. It leaves the skin moisturized and plumped up, and this vitamin-rich version also helps to enhance the complexion’s radiance, which is always a plus.

Not sure what the concentration of pure vitamin C is (I’m guessing it’s not a lot), but I didn’t have any concerns about the stability/oxidation of the product. I even thought it was a vitamin C derivative cream because it was so stable. But nope, it’s indeed ascorbic acid!

I imagine it should be suitable for a lot of people. It is not at all an irritating product, quite the contrary!

For me, it’s a truly pleasant product, and I guess it doesn’t hurt to add an extra dose of antioxidants to your routine 🙂

• Products with vitamin C derivatives:

As you will see, there are far fewer serums in this category (only one). With the vitamin C derivatives, I favor cream products, whether it’s eye contour, face cream or face mask.

I don’t really rely on these products to give me the same dramatic anti-aging results as my pure vitamin C serums, but I find them to be a wonderful complement to them. All are very gentle, and suitable for sensitive skin. So if pure vitamin C isn’t your skin’s BFF, these products can be a great alternative!

Let’s start with a Korean brightening serum!

Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum

The Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum is always described as a best-selling vitamin C serum in Korea, and has been for several years now.

So obviously, I was curious! This serum is based on a vitamin C derivative (Ascorbyl Glucoside, one of the best!) but it also contains many other very interesting ingredients (niacinamide, arbutin, green tea, turmeric, vitamin E, Centella Asiatica, adenosine, panthenol, hyaluronic acid…). In short, a very complete serum to prevent the signs of aging, but also moisturize and soothe the skin.

I found it very pleasant to use, well hydrating and very effective on the radiance of the complexion. Of course, I always consider my pure vitamin C serums to be more effective on their anti-aging action, but this product is clearly a great option for those with L-ascorbic acid sensitive skin. And it has the advantage of being very complete as well. It is an antioxidant, hydrating and soothing product, so a 3 in 1 product!

Let’s continue with two eye contour creams.

– Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream :

I have a dedicated Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream review, so I won’t go into much detail about it here.

In short, Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is a product that I like a lot and that I often repurchase.

In short, Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
is a product that I like a lot and that I often repurchase.

In this cream, there are 5 vitamin C derivatives (not bad, right? 😉), peptides, ceramides, antioxidant ingredients galore… in short, it’s an ingredient-rich formula!

It helps me a lot to give radiance to my eye area, and since mine is quite pronounced naturally, it’s very appreciable. It’s not cheap, certainly. But for once I can see a real difference in my eye area with a product, so it’s worth mentioning! 🙂

– Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream :

At the moment, I’m currently testing the Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream which was released a few months ago.

It reminds me of the Drunk Elephant one, but the formula is quite different, more suitable for sensitive skin, I would say! It contains a complex of 3 vitamin C derivatives, concentrated at 5%. But also soothing and decongesting rosemary extract, and moisturizing glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

I’ve only been using it for a few weeks, so I haven’t completely made up my mind about it yet, but so far I think it looks promising! It’s more comfortable than Drunk Elephant’s, and I don’t feel like I’m losing out on glow at the moment. I’ll have to confirm it in the long run!

I’ll probably also try their face version (the Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer), because it looks like a great moisturizer for spring-summer!

And finally, I’m ending this series of product recommendations with a sleeping mask that I already talked about a few months ago, and that I love.

– Hanyul Yuja Sleeping Mask :

This cult Korean sleeping mask, the Hanyul Yuja Sleeping Mask is pure bliss if you have dehydrated skin and love the refreshing and indulgent feel of citrus-based products!

The version of Hanyul Yuja Sleeping Mask I tried and reviewed thoroughly last year has been reformulated this year. From what I’ve read, the brand has added even more antioxidant ingredients, and it now contains several vitamin C derivatives, as well as pure vitamin C! I’m thinking of repurchasing it this summer to compare. 😉

In conclusion:

Vitamin C is more than ever at the forefront of the skincare scene! It remains the reference in terms of antioxidant and brightening ingredients, and it is undeniably a powerful active ingredient to reduce the signs of aging.

Thanks to the latest advances from the labs, recent launches on the market offer all sorts of vitamin C options, some of which are suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Everyone can now find something they like, whether it’s among pure vitamin C products, or those based on derivatives! 🙂