A:
Vitamin C is otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid and it’s this pure version you’ll spot on our product ingredient list rather than any of its derivatives. Like many of our favourite ingredients, Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and is responsible for stopping oxidative stress in its tracks. This could mean reducing signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation and fine lines, protecting against moisture loss and collagen degradation, and generally keeping dullness at bay. But it’s not just any antioxidant, it’s the antioxidant for super-fast results.
Superheroes don’t come without their kryptonite though, do they? Oxidation is Vitamin C’s. Oxidation occurs to Vitamin C incredibly easily, by being exposed to sunlight, water or air, we can end up with an unstable product. This is why you’ll find that most Vitamin C products come in amber glass packaging – to try and protect them from light! Oxidation of Vitamin C causes yellow discolouration, and rapidly reduces the efficacy of the ingredient. It can be tricky to make a Vitamin C product that doesn’t pose this risk, as it’s incredibly difficult to protect your products from ever encountering water and sunlight, let alone air. Some developers may choose to use an artificial pigment (look for CI numbers on the INCI) to cover up the discolouration, or suspend the Vitamin C in a waterless formulation, which makes it hard to absorb into the skin. Many will use the Vitamin C derivatives which are not as effective as pure Ascorbic Acid. Vitamin C needs water to absorb well into your skin so trying to formulate a serum is quite the conundrum!
Cue some amazing formulation from the Chemists at Team Q+A…
The Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum is particularly special due to Vitamin C molecules being encapsulated in Volcanic Soil. Yes, the exact thing you might find alongside erupting volcanoes and rivers of lava (although don’t worry, no one was harmed in the making of this product!). The Soil creates a barrier around the Vitamin C, protecting it from being exposed to environmental risks, whilst allowing it to still blend with the other ingredients. This, alongside some special formulation wizardry, means you will not find any discolouration or Vitamin C degradation with our formula! Pretty cool, huh? It also absorbs quickly into the skin, and has its own unique benefits to keep your complexion looking healthy!
Now that we’re on the topic of our Vitamin C Brightening Serum… It’s packed with more goodies! Namely, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane. If you’re not up to speed on how great Hyaluronic Acid is, check this blog out! It’s the perfect match for Vitamin C as they’re both anti-ageing powerhouses, working in harmony to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Squalane is a non-comedogenic oil (no pore clogging here!), and a non-polar hydrocarbon, meaning it can blend into a water-based formula without causing separation. It will help prevent water loss through your skin cells into the atmosphere, moisturise and soften your skin, and even stave off signs of ageing.
You may notice that the Vitamin C Brightening Serum doesn’t quite look like the other serums in our range... This unique serum-moisturiser hybrid is both lightweight and fast absorbing (so no need to worry about a white cast on your skin), but also delivers the same hydration you’d expect from applying a daily moisturiser!
So, when is best to apply this product? Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum will slot seamlessly into your regime, morning, or night. Just apply a few drops after cleansing and/or toning, and follow with a moisturiser if your skin needs a little more hydration. Because Vitamin C helps to protect your skin from pollution, if you’re only going to apply it once a day, we’d recommend applying it in the morning to shield your skin.
If you’re ready to up your skincare game and maintain your Summer glow into Autumn, grab yourself a Vitamin C Brightening Serum! And if you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Amy @ Team Q+A
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Amy Robsonamy.robson@ellipsisbrands.com Aspiring author, craft addict, and Q+A's eCommerce Coordinator |