Vitamin C has earned its place as one of the most popular ingredients in skincare, thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to help improve the appearance of dull, uneven-looking skin.
From serums and moisturisers to targeted treatments, Vitamin C can be found in countless skincare products. But with so many options available, how do you know which Vitamin C serum is right for your skin?
When choosing a Vitamin C serum, there are several things worth considering, from the form and concentration of Vitamin C to the supporting ingredients, formulation, packaging and, importantly, the evidence behind the product.
Here are five things to look for when choosing your Vitamin C serum.
1. Consider the form of Vitamin C
Not all Vitamin C is the same. Vitamin C can appear on an ingredient list in several different forms, including derivatives such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Glucoside.
One of the most researched forms used in skincare is L-Ascorbic Acid, also known as pure Vitamin C.
When choosing a serum, it's worth looking beyond the word "Vitamin C" on the packaging and checking which form has been used in the formula. Different forms have different properties when it comes to stability, formulation and how they are used in skincare.
2. Look at the concentration
The concentration of Vitamin C is another important consideration when choosing a serum.
A higher percentage doesn't automatically mean a better product. The effectiveness of a formula depends on a combination of factors, including the form of Vitamin C used, how the formula has been developed and how well it is tolerated by the skin.
NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum contains 15% pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), providing a high-performance concentration alongside complementary ingredients designed to support brighter, more radiant-looking skin.
3. Look at the supporting ingredients
Vitamin C can be particularly effective when combined with complementary skincare ingredients.
When choosing a serum, look for formulas that bring together ingredients with different but complementary benefits. Antioxidants can help provide protection against environmental aggressors, while exfoliating ingredients can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum combines 15% Vitamin C with 2% Gluconolactone (PHA), Feverfew Extract and Green Tea Extract. The formula is designed to combine brightening and antioxidant benefits with gentle exfoliation.
What is PHA?
Polyhydroxy Acids, or PHAs, are a type of exfoliating acid known for their gentle exfoliating properties.
In the NeoStrata® formula, 2% Gluconolactone helps gently exfoliate the skin's surface, while also providing antioxidant benefits. This makes it a useful complement to Vitamin C in a daily brightening routine.
4. Don't overlook the formulation and packaging
A skincare product needs to fit comfortably into your routine if you're going to use it consistently.
When choosing a Vitamin C serum, consider its texture and how it feels on your skin. A lightweight, easy-to-absorb formula can make it easier to incorporate into your morning skincare routine.
Packaging is another important consideration. Certain Vitamin C formulations can be affected by environmental factors such as light, air and heat, so appropriate packaging and storage can help maintain the quality of the formula.
NeoStrata® recommends storing its 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum upright in a cool, dark place.
5. Look for clinical evidence
With so many Vitamin C products available, it's easy to focus solely on the percentage on the label. However, clinical and consumer testing can provide a much better indication of how a product performs.
Look for evidence that supports the product's claims, including clinical testing and consumer-perception results.
NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum has been clinically tested, with results demonstrating visible improvements in the appearance of skin over time. After one week of once-daily use, 98% of participants noted that their skin appeared brighter and more radiant, while 98% also noted a more even-looking skin texture.
Meet NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum
If you're looking to introduce a high-performance Vitamin C serum into your skincare routine, NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum combines pure Vitamin C with PHA and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts in a lightweight, easy-to-absorb formula.
Powered by 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, the serum is formulated to help brighten the appearance of skin discolouration and promote a more radiant, even-looking complexion.
It also contains 2% Gluconolactone (PHA), Feverfew Extract and Green Tea Extract, creating a multi-action formula designed to provide antioxidant support while gently exfoliating the skin's surface.
The results speak for themselves. After just one week of once-daily use:
- 98% noted brighter, more radiant-looking skin
- 98% noted more even-looking skin texture
With continued use, the results become even more noticeable. After 12 weeks, 93% of participants noted a dramatically more even-looking skin tone and 95% noted a dramatically brighter-looking complexion.*
How to use Vitamin C in your morning routine
For best results, consistency is key.
NeoStrata® recommends applying two drops to clean, dry skin on the face, neck and décolletage every morning, followed by a NeoStrata® moisturiser. The brand also recommends using an SPF 30 or higher during the day to help protect against UV exposure and the appearance of new dark spots and uneven skin tone.
If you're new to Vitamin C or introducing other active ingredients into your routine, it's always worth considering your individual skin needs and introducing products gradually where appropriate.
The bottom line
Choosing the right Vitamin C serum isn't simply about finding the highest percentage. The form of Vitamin C, supporting ingredients, formulation, packaging and evidence behind the product all play an important role.
For those looking for a daily brightening serum, NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum combines 15% pure Vitamin C with PHA, Feverfew and Green Tea Extract to help promote brighter, more radiant and more even-looking skin.
Discover NeoStrata® 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum and give your morning skincare routine a brightening boost.