The 101 Guide to Vitamin C: Up close and personal with this magic ingredient and the best Vit. C-loaded clean beauty gems

We’re back again with our ingredient series, the one where we unveil all the truths about the most used elements in our favorite beauty products. Today we go back to school for a lesson on none other than miss Vitamin C. And yes, we like to think that she’s a female Muse, just like all of us! Let’s begin with some basic facts on this hero ingredient and find out how to make it work its magic into your routine!

The big question: what is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, crucial to the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. However, unlike other elements, we are unable to produce it on our own. Vitamin C belongs to the category of antioxidants and its main benefits are the protection against free radical damage, evening the skin tone, lightening darker spots and promoting collagen production.

This hero vitamin is naturally found in lots of fruits and vegetables, while for skincare, the purest and most biologically active form is L-ascorbic acid. However, many products contain different forms of vitamin C derivatives. When these are combined with other ingredients, they help to make the vitamin C stable. When put in contact with the skin, they are able to release pure vitamin C in smaller percentages.

Topical vitamin C prevents oxidation and therefore, it’s great to help slowing down the signs of aging. However, it’s a very reactive ingredient and loses its properties when exposed to heat and direct light or air.

This gold-standard ingredient is mostly effective in serum form but can be also ingested as a supplement, although the best skin benefits are shown with topic use. And if combined with other powerful antioxidants, like vitamin E and ferulic acid, it literally works like a treat!

And now for the fun bit you’ve all been waiting for: let’s explore our star ingredient-packed curation for the most luminous, even and brightest complexion ever!

MZ SKIN – BRIGHTEN & PERFECT CORRECTIVE SERUM

This fast acting, ultra-targeted serum combines a potent complex of actives and an optimal dosage of 10% stabilised Vitamin C to address the visible effects of UV activated hyperpigmentation, age spots and to reduce skin tone imperfections. Works deeper to help protect elasticity, stimulate collagen synthesis and create a shield to protect against environmental aggressors resulting in a strengthened, refined and brightened skin tone.

AGENT NATEUR – HOLI C FACE VITAMINES

Known as the acne banisher, holi (c) is calcium and vitamin C are in their most stable, potent state. This unique dry powder formula won’t oxidize, ensuring that you receive all of its regenerative benefits. Blend with our holi (water) to help acne, naturally stimulate collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin production, restoring your skin’s clarity and ageless radiance.

ODACITÉ SKINCARE - AN AUTUMN ON THE WORLD 15% VITAMIN C SERUM

This intensive age-defying and illuminating serum is part of the Odacité Private Collection. An Autumn On The World is a concentrate of the latest advancement in Vitamin C, which is married with rare oils and their exceptional properties. This new form of Vitamin C provides the skin with the nourishment it needs to appear firm and youthful.

OIO LAB – THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

A strong antioxidant that stimulates collagen production, revitalises and unifies your skin tone. Reduce UV induced damage and brighten skin with an ultra-stable 15% of vitamin C with milk thistle, cranberry and rosehip seed oils. This serum-oil elixir supports your skin’s regeneration processes and enhances skin tone, elasticity and moisture levels.

SHIVA ROSE – CITRUS SERUM

A gentle yet active brightening serum, that uses the ancient wisdom of roses, citrus & pomegranate, with the modern power of glycolic acid and vitamin C, to give an even glow. The added addition of Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin plumped and supple. Most of the vitamin C in this formula comes from pomegranate juice & Japanese tangerine Unshiu peel, which contains radiant skin activating antioxidants.

MZ SKIN – RETINOL SKIN BOOSTER

This lightweight night serum utilises the skin-renewing power of retinol to re-build, smooth and repair the skin’s surface. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is highly regarded for its youthful properties. Encapsulation helps target skin cells where it would provide most benefit and enhances skin penetration. With a high strength of 2%, this transformative ingredient helps increase the rate of skin turnover, as it amplifies collagen production and protects against free radicals for younger-looking, more radiant skin.

WILDCRAFTER ORGANICS – WILD PLUM ILLUMINATING C COMPLEX

A concentrated elixir of active Vitamin C, Australian super fruits, Knotgrass extract and Hyaluronic acid. Specifically formulated to repair & protect the skin from infrared induced photo-ageing/ sun damage while at the same time increasing hydration and reducing the depth of fine lines.

LILFOX – KALAHARI ADVANCED C BRIGHTENING EYE SERUM

A nutrient-rich peridot crystal infused formula that imparts a look of bright, toned, moisturized skin. A unique formula of potent and stable vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid and superfruit oils of organic prickly pear, pomegranate, watermelon, rosehip, and passionfruit lend a revitalized appearance to the under-eye area.

VEGETAL PROGRESS – AMOCAMU: THE MOTHER NATURE C

Dietary supplement rich in Vitamin C, 100% organic. The fruit of Camu camu, traditionally used as a food supplement to the body's natural defenses, from the nutritional point of view is distinguished by its high content of Vitamin C. Amocamu® is a food supplement indicated to provide an additional supply to the food ration of Vitamin C in cases of reduced intake with the diet or increased need for this vitamin.

ANIMA MUNDI – CURAM ELIXIR

A powerful blend of some of the most anti-oxidant and vitamin C rich foods on the planet. This formula is a deeply therapeutic mix containing a mega load of phyto-nutrients and essential minerals for total body harmony.

by Ilenia Gatti