Meet five high performing Vitamin C formulas to love right now

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (AKA ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make the sunny-hued little beauty a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have even shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage. In addition, in a recent study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers have discovered that vitamin C actually helps thicken ageing skin by activating genes that boost skin cell growth. The study shows that Vitamin C reactivates key skin-regenerating genes through DNA demethylation, encouraging skin cell renewal. This study could pave the way for new treatments for age-related skin thinning and weakened skin barriers, so to break the news gently: you NEED the stuff on your face, as well as in your diet. Lucky for us there’s some clever skincare brands doing unique things with it, and formulas to suit every skin.

Read on for some of my Vitamin C-heavy favourites right now, that come with impressive results…

Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced

Many vitamin C serums have proved a little too harsh in formulation for my often-reactive skin, but this high performing beauty is a revelation. A potent 20% vitamin C gel serum with phyto exosomes and 0% barrier disruption (love!), it brings next-gen science to daily skincare and is a joy to use. Powered by the aforementioned potent 20% stabilised vitamin C and revitalising phyto exosomes, C-Tetra Advanced delivers clinically proven visible brightening in seven days as well as serious defence against premature skin ageing, all without compromising the skin barrier. Key to the formulation are the Phyto Exosomes, which act as intelligent micro-carriers, enhancing absorption while reinforcing the skin barrier for optimal skin tolerance and comfort.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser

My favourite way to wake up in the morning, this vitamin-rich, energising cleanser from Murad is a dream to use. Antioxidant powered, it washes away impurities without over-drying skin, and the refreshing citrus scent is delicious and never overpowering. The gentle foam is formulated with Vitamin A to condition; vitamin C to help prevent skin damage and vitamin E to relieve dryness, while allantoin and panthenol help soften and moisturise skin.

Tronque Fully Ripe Vitamin C Body Oil

One of my favourite Aotearoa-born, gone global beauty brands, Tronque never fails to create beautiful bodycare that you’ll love to use. Fully Ripe combines three skin-perfecting heavyweight ingredients with luscious, highly efficacious plant oils to help slow ageing and protect the skin's natural moisture barrier against irritation and dehydration, with Vitamin C THD the jewel in its crown. An amazing fifty times more effective than L-Ascorbic Acid, it penetrates the epidermis to the dermis to restore radiance, prevent fine lines, tackle pigmentation, and slow skin ageing, while a revolutionary lipid complex is proven to make skin behave younger, boosting elasticity, firmness, and hydration. A clean, 100 percent certified natural citrusy fresh scent of bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit, lemon Italy, spearmint and rock fennel is a sensory finale to this gorgeous body oil, which is one of my absolute favourites to use all year round.

Mecca Cosmetica Skin Brightening Vitamin C Serum

Super well-priced and a great choice if you’re just dipping your toes into the vitamin C water, this is a transformative daily treatment that goes to work on environmental damage and signs of premature ageing. The never-sticky serum sinks beautifully into the skin to provide stellar brightening and skin-protecting benefits thanks to a powerhouse blend of 15% l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and vitamin E. Ferulic acid is most effective when used in synergy with Vitamin C for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of premature ageing, while Licorice root extract is also in there to visibly reduce pigmentation and dark spots with soothing anti-inflammatory benefits.

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance +

Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ is an antioxidant-rich serum from the award-winning US skincare brand containing vitamin C, E, and A for addressing the likes of redness, rosacea and inflammation. Perfect for mature and reactive skin, the do-it-all serum boasts both anti-ageing and anti-acne properties, and a stellar list of ingredients that work synergistically to improve the overall quality of skin. Key to the ingredient deck is scientifically advanced L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), which is combined with a superior form of Olive Leaf Extract and pure Vitamins E and A. This powerful formulation significantly increases antioxidant protection while helping improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and prematurely ageing skin.

Pro Tip: Vitamin C is very reactive and easily loses its antioxidant properties when exposed to heat, light, air and other chemicals. To prevent it from oxidising and deactivating, choose vitamin C products that come in air-tight, opaque packages and store them in a cool, dark environment. If your product has turned brown, it’s best to toss it and replace it with a new bottle, as this change in colour indicates that the formula is no longer as effective.

Main image by see plus on Unsplash