What to Look For When Shopping For the Most Potent Form of Vitamin C


Vitamin C is the antioxidant of choice for those looking to brighten their skin, help with collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Vitamin C is in serums, eye creams, moisturizers, and even face masks. If you peek at product labels, you’ll likely see ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid listed. This is vitamin C in its most pure and potent form. L-ascorbic acid is one of the most naturally active forms of vitamin C and also one of the most unstable, meaning it can oxidize (or go bad) quick. The stability of vitamin C depends on its pH level – the lower the pH, the more stable it is. Other relatively stable forms of vitamin C are magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
Topical vitamin C concentrations can typically range up to a potent 20 percent, and there’s debate between experts on what exact percentage is needed to actually absorb into the skin. But, if you’re a first-timer, look for something in the five to 10 percent range and give your skin time to adjust.Now that you have a better idea of the different forms of vitamin C, watch the latest episode of POPSUGAR’s beauty explainer series The Makeup for more vitamin C tips and product recommendations from our resident beauty expert, Kirbie Johnson.

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