I once paid $200+ for a Vitamin C face serum. I still can't believe it!
But Vitamin C products WORK really well for the skin, especially for brightening and aging.
BUT SERIOUSLY... this was pre-kiddo! Did I even understand signs of aging yet!?!? LOL.
Why Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is the holy-grail antioxidant... of the nutrition and skincare world.
Not only does it provide some amazing benefits (we'll get to those!) it is a great addition for just about everyone's skin whether you are working on acne, dryness, aging skin, etc. You could be 14, 21, 44, 68 or 80 with oily, normal, or dry skin. Of course, it is always suggested to spot test, but in general, skin LOVES it!
The benefits of Vitamin C range from encouraging glow, to improving clarity, and enhancing smoothness. It also helps support the skin's natural collagen production.
Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it helps to combat free radials helping to protect the skin from the environmental stressors all of us encounter daily, such as UV radiation, sun, pollution, smoke, etc.
Overall, it makes skin happier and healthier :)
The Problem with Vitamin C Products
The issue with Vitamin C products, especially the L-Ascorbic Acid form, is that they are susceptible to temperature, light, air, and humidity. Meaning they may work great for the first couple uses, but the effectiveness breaks down quickly as the product oxidizes (especially if water-based solutions).
L-Ascorbic Acid can also be irritating, especially at higher concentrations (which are needed to help combat the breakdown). Note: the highest concentration allowed in a product of Vitamin C is 20%.
It's a goldilocks formula... too high causes a chance of irritation and too low won't deliver as many benefits. Beautycounter really nailed this one!
As always, quality matters, too.
About All Bright C Serum
Beautycounter's All Bright C Serum is loaded with amazing, skin-loving, clean ingredients, even beyond Vitamin C
10% Vitamin C:
Beautycounter created an ultra-stable blend of two forms of Vitamin C.
5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: A more stable form of Vitamin C that can be used at lower concentrations and still provide the benefits. Reduces appearance of dark spots + boosts brightening. Helps increase skin's natural production of collagen to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion.
5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate: Moisturizes skin while providing antioxidant benefits known to protect from damaging environmental stressors. Helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Camu Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) Fruit Extract:
Strong antioxidant properties that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while brightening to improve signs of skin fatigue
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) Root Extract:
Antioxidant defense helps to improve radiance by evening skin tone and helps improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
I'm really impressed with Beautycounter's product, performance AND price. This product cost $79 for 30 ml, about $2.63/ml.
When looking at other similar options, they range from $80-225 and are closer to $5.50/ml. Make sure you look at the size of a Vitamin C product (not just the price!)
How to Use:
The C Serum is a treatment, and can be used as such in any skincare routine.
In the morning, after cleansing and prepping your skin, apply your typical treatment and layer the C serum overtop. Apply to face, neck, and décolletage. Allow to dry and finish with a moisturizer.
Other options: You can rotate your C serum and current serum on alternate days (C serum Monday, current serum Tuesday, etc). You could also use the C Serum every morning and the other serum every evening.
FAQs:
Will it stain the skin?
Nope. Those of use who have cooked with turmeric definitely worry about this concern, but there is no sign the C serum was present, on your fingers or your face... except for the glow, of course ;)
What does it smell like?
It has a very earthy and grounding smell, more turmeric than citrus.
Why is it safer?
The C Serum is formulated without ethoxylated ingredients (including PEGs) because of reproductive and developmental concerns, as well as toxicity to the aquatic environment due to their persistence. It is also formulated without dyes (some products use yellow dye to have the cheerful, yellow look)
How is it packaged?
Beautycounter uses glass packaging from North American instead of plastic, saving an estimated 26% of water and fossil use (awesome!). Plus, glass doesn't leach harmful chemicals.
What can it be used with?
It pairs beautiful with ANY skincare routine and especially with the Overnight Resurfacing Peel! These two are amazing together.
Who should use it?
Almost anyone can use the C serum.. if you have sensitive skin, take a moment to patch test prior to a full face application. If you have rosacea, I would be cautious as Vitamin C can be irritating for this condition.
What is the difference between the No 1 Brightening Oil and the C Serum?
The No 1 Brightening Oil does have Vitamin C in it (though it is a lower dose), The oil acts more as a moisturize step whereas the C Serum is a treatment. They could actually be used together!
My Experience with the C Serum:
I was genuinely surprised at the results I experienced with my skin in such a short amount of time!
First thing I noticed: I loved the smell. It is grounded and refreshing... I expected something citrus (like the Brightening oil), but it's earthy.
I used 1 pump in the morning (I did not previously use a serum in the AM because my skin was sensitive to others). Immediately, I loved the texture - a little thicker than the Peel - and how luxurious it felt going on. Not quite a serum, not quite a cream.
My skin would feel "plumper" and have more bounce within a minute or so. It felt like it was creating a protective layer and over time I've noticed that my skin is naturally retaining this benefit.
This is actually my favorite thing about the serum. While the peel works fabulous and you'll wake up noticing a difference in your skin, I can FEEL the serum working within minutes of using!
By the 3rd day of using the C serum, I noticed my skin was starting to be a little oily in the morning after using the Peel as a nightly treatment, so I backed off to using the Peel every other night and will probably be down to 2-3x a week in the summer. This really is a fantastic duo, they compliment each other so, so well!
What Others are Saying:
"I used it this morning and already love it! It smells subtly earthy like turmeric and applies easily. My skin instantly looked brighter and more refreshed. I can’t wait to see it work on my pregnancy induced hyperpigmentation/melasma." - Candace
"I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and I’m in love. I’m not sure why, but I cannot use the brightening oil. I’ve tried a few different times and break out or my face gets hot/red.
I was nervous to try this because of my reaction with the oil.
I use this every morning without one reaction and I’m sensitive sally over here.
I love it almost as much as the peel" - Alicia
Want a sample? Request one here!
Until July 31st, 2020...
there are some unique and exclusive offers available. Read everything below and message me if you need any assistance maximizing your order!
Brand-New to Beautycounter?
Until July 31st, 2020, you can save an extra 20% on your first order with Beautycounter using code CLEANFORALL20 at katesbeautycounter.com.
Make sure Kate Markovitz is listed as your consultant at checkout and forward your receipt to beauty@holistickate.com for a special thank you!
Maximize Your Order with the Band of Beauty Rewards Program
The Band of Beauty Rewards Program is the best way to maximize your Beautycounter dollars (without being a consultant!)
For $29 a year (no auto-renew), you'll get:
Free shipping over $100
10% in product credit on every order to redeem in the future
Think Clean Welcome Gift* on product enrollment over $50
Member-only specials (including access to my VIP group)
*If you sign up for the BOB with $50 of product in your cart, the C Serum for example, Poof!, a free "think clean" welcome gift appears - a mini size of the best-selling Overnight Resurfacing Peel + Charcoal Mask.
If you want more information about being a Beautycounter consultant and getting a steeper discount (aka the C Serum for $59), I have a comprehensive blog post here.
Questions? Please email beauty(at)holistickate(dot)com :)
