Two new developments make this gold-standard ingredient work harder, faster and better.
Two new developments make this gold-standard ingredient work harder, faster and better. The first: fat-soluble vitamin C derivatives like THD ascorbate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate are said to penetrate the skin better because of their fatty acid component. Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is also a more stable form of vitamin C and non-irritating to skin. The second: special packaging that prevents UV rays from destabilising the notoriously unstable L-ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C in its raw form. And the newer formulas have added ingredients that boost the antioxidant’s skin-saving effects.
New development #1: New derivatives
1 With THD ascorbate: Sunday Riley’s C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil ($56 for 15ml) is the latest newcomer with the brand’s fast-absorbing, turmeric-spiked formula that calms and refreshes the skin.
2 With THD ascorbate: Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum ($149 for 30ml) also contains hyaluronic acid to help skin attract and retain moisture.
3 With ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: Melano CC Intensive Antispot Essence ($16.90) has a cult following online thanks to its low price point and efficacy.
New development #2: Improving the original
4 Drunk Elephant C-firma Day Serum ($114 for 30ml) has airtight packaging that keeps the formula fresh. Its 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid and pumpkin ferment extract firms and brightens skin, and the brand says the product’s pH of 3.3-3.5 is the key to a nonirritating, effective formulation that delivers results.
5 Vichy’s Liftactiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector ($52) has 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid and added hyaluronic acid for hydration. It comes in a UV-protective, dark brown 10ml bottle, which means you’ll be able to use it all up before the L-ascorbic acid inside oxidises and is rendered ineffective.
