Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to brighten and even out skin tone. However, not all forms of Vitamin C are created equal, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. It also protects the skin from damaging free radicals and exposure to ultraviolet radiation as well as helping skin repair, cell turnover and collagen renewal.  It is a direct inhibitor of melanin production and may assist with the lightening of brown spots and hyperpigmentation and acts as a skin brightener. It is derived from citrus fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruit, peppers, broccoli and leafy greens. Kakadu plum and hibiscus flower also produce L-Ascorbic Acid. Some products contain additional antioxidants, such as Vitamin E or ferulic acid, which can help stabilise Vitamin C and its effectiveness.

Formulations of Vitamin C found in skincare include L-ascorbic acid (most common form, water soluble), sodium ascorbyl phosphate (more stable, water soluble), ascorbyl palmitate (more stable, fat soluble), tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (stable, oil-soluble form) and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (stable, water soluble).