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I’m so obsessed with vitamin C serums, and this obsession has led me into testing out different vitamin C serums from different brands, just to test their efficacy and see if they really worth the bucks and of course run back here on this blog to share my candid experience with you guys.
I have used a handful of vitamin C serums from popular brands, ranging from The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside, Geek And Gorgeous C-Glow, Timeless and SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum. And in this phase, I decided to use Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum, and of course I purchased it, used it everyday both morning (AM) and night (PM) for three (3) weeks, and as always, I’ve come to share my honest review with this vitamin C-infused serum.
But before I hit the Go button, are you new to vitamin C? If yes, that means you’ve been living in the cave, but for the sake of civilization, let me walk you through what vitamin C really is, and what it does for the skin.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant vitamin which helps improve the appearance of the skin, potentially reducing pigmentation, dullness, neutralizing free radicals and environmental aggressors. Studies have proved that vitamin C also helps to support collagen production. A daily application of vitamin C will help reverse sun damage (which helps potentiates your sunscreen efficacy), boost collagen production and also address minor hyperpigmentation, which leaves the skin with a wonderful glow and with improved skin texture.
About The Naturium Brand.
Naturium isn’t a baby brand, and therefore, it shouldn’t sound new to many folks, but if you’re just learning about this brand for the first time, then you’re going to be briefed about it.
Naturium brand was launched in early 2020, situated in the U.S, owned by beauty veteran Ben Bennett and skincare influencer Susan Yara.
This skincare brand prides herself as one of the best skincare brands in skincare-world, and trust me when I say, it’s deserving, because just like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, Good Molecules and other reputable skincare brands out there, they strive to produce only quality, high-tech skincare products to attend to individual skincare needs at no killer-price and their vitamin C serum is no different.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum is a 22% vitamin C formula (yea, you heard right, 22%), that contains two forms of vitamin Cs, L-ascorbic acid (purest form of vitamin C) and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a more stabilized derivative of L-ascorbic acid) to increase the potency of the serum.
That’s not all, it also contains other blends of bioactive fruits all together to help brighten and shield skin from environmental stressors for a healthier and more youthful looking complexion.
According to the brand, their main objective is to formulate an effective vitamin C serum with the combination of L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate that will function in a non-irritating pH environment.
“Our proprietary vitamin C complex amplifies the effectiveness of L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate while allowing it to function in a non-irritating pH environment“.
The main ingredients used in the formulation of this product will be explained below:
- L-ascorbic Acid: Also known as ascorbic acid is a water-soluble and the purest form of vitamin C which is used in skincare formulations to offer antioxidant protection, anti-aging and skin brightening benefits to the skin.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A very stable and water-soluble form of vitamin C, which is very gentle and mild on the skin, causes no skin irritations, and converts to ascorbic acid when it’s absorbed into the skin.
- Glutathione: An antioxidant naturally found in human cells that neutralizes free radicals, boosts the immune system and detoxifies the body. Glutathione also cause skin lightening by converting melanin to a lighter colour and inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase (which produce the pigment).
- Ananas Sativus (Pineapple Fruit Extract): Pineapple extracts contain bromelain, a mix of enzymes, and are used in skincare as bromelain helps to gently exfoliate the skin. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Carica Papaya (Papaya Fruit Extract): Papaya fruit extract makes an effective, non-abrasive exfoliant. An enzyme in the fruit, papain, helps to remove impurities and slough-away dead skin cells. Regular use of the ingredient is said to help to fade acne spots, scars, and sun damage.
- Mangifera Indica (Mango Fruit Extract): Mango extract contains vitamin C, which serves antioxidant protection to the skin, improves the looks of minor hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation caused by acne. Mangoes extract are packed with cleansing astringent properties too, which helps cleanse skin.
- Terminalia (Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract): is enriched with phytochemicals such as gallic and ellagic acids which are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties that treat acne. Ferdinandiana fruit extract also helps soothe inflamed skin as its anti-inflammatory property reduces inflammation, redness, swelling and skin irritation. It can be used safely on sensitive skin
- Pleiogynium (Timoriense Fruit Extract): A fruit extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some antioxidant effect to the skin, although evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking.
- Podocarpus (Elatus Fruit Extract): A fruit extract that conditions the skin.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: A skin soothing and hydrating ingredient, which offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant, soothing and anti-itch benefits to the skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: A derivative of hyaluronic acid and a hydrophilic, (which means it easily mixes with water). When applied topically, it attracts moisture into the skin cells, which reduces dryness and flakiness by increasing skin hydration and supplying skin with intense hydration.
- Tocopheryl Acetate: A form of vitamin E in a class of organic chemical compounds known as tocopherols, an antioxidant, which helps fight free radical damage and promote skin healing to diminish signs of aging. It also provides moisture and strengthens skin’s protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Packaging.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum comes well packaged and sealed in an airless-airtight pump, grey-coloured opaque plastic container. Similar to that of Timeless vitamin C’s product-packaging.
The product-packaging not only helps protect vitamin C liquid from quick oxidation (going bad), but also encourages easy dispensing, as it gives you a total control of amount to be dispensed for application.
Texture.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum has a gel-like light-weight texture (just like hyaluronic acid serum) and it goes on super smoothly which sinks into the skin almost immediately upon application without leaving any greasy residue behind. And also blends well with sunscreen.
Colour.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum has a translucent golden colour.
Scent.
It has a fruity scent.
Product pH Level.
pH – 5.50 — 6.50
Shelf-Life Duration.
The brand didn’t state the shelf-life duration of their vitamin C serum, but approximately vitamin C serums stay fresh and last for a maximum of 3-5 months when stored in a refrigerator. Therefore to slow down oxidation, store your vitamin C serum in a refrigerator.
Size.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum comes in two (2) sizes, 30ml (standard size) and 60ml (jumbo size).
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract, Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Xanthan Gum, Algin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium Phosphate, Gold, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate. Learn how to read skincare ingredients lists.
My Honest Review On Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum.
Experimenting with vitamin C serums is fun and you know what is more fun? The vitamin C product suits your skin and works as promised. And you know what? Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum never disappointed.
Honestly this serum is indeed a liquid-gold as hyped, as it didn’t only brighten my skin tone, but gave my skin a killing healthy glow.
And what surprised me the most is for the fact I didn’t experience any form of inflammatory-irritation normally associated with high concentration of L-ascorbic acid vitamin C, considering the fact that Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum contains 22% vitamin C.
Personally I have an oily and sensitive skin, which has made me extremely picky when it comes to skincare products for my skin, but when I bumped into Naturium 22% Vitamin C Complex Serum, I had to give it a second thought before trying it out, but had to plunge ahead to giving it a trial when I got to learn that it contains not only L-ascorbic acid (or ascorbic acid) but also sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which unlike L-ascorbic acid is very gentle and mild on the skin and does deliver same vitamin C benefits to the skin without irritations, as it converts to ascorbic acid when it’s absorbed into the skin.
Maybe that was why I never experienced irritation suchlike burning sensation or itchiness while using this vitamin C formula, because sodium ascorbyl phosphate form of vitamin C is best recommended for people with sensitive skin (like me).
Although the brand didn’t tell exactly the concentration of ascorbic acid used in their formulation, but since I didn’t experience inflammatory-irritation (as I normally do when I use high concentration of L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C), I think they really struck a perfect pH balance with the combination of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate to function in a non-irritating pH environment, kudos to Naturium brand.
My experience with Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum is a continuation of the good works of vitamin C on my skin, as I’ve used quality vitamin C serums in the past, and my skin has enjoyed their benefits, the same benefits continued with the usage of this vitamin C serum. More glow and more shine. Therefore, after a diligent everyday use of Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum, my verdict on this vitamin C serum is………. It is worth my money.
But if you’ve got sensitive skin, I’ll advise you not to take the same risk I took, start from a vitamin C serum with lower concentration 10-15%.
In Conclusion.
Similar to the big-guns vitamin C serums sitting on the shelves, Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum (from my own personal experience) is one of them, as its effect on my skin was wonderful, absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind while giving my skin that dazzling glow it deserves.
So, if you’re interested in trying out this vitamin C serum but skeptical about making an approach, I personally think you should give it a shot, your skin may thank you for it.
What I Like About Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum.
- It is fragrance-free.
- Dermatologist tested.
- It is pocket-friendly.
- It is non-greasy and sticky.
- It is potent and effective.
- It contains two forms of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate).
- It’s well formulated to function in a non-irritating pH environment.
- Didn’t break me out or irritate my skin (but perform a patch test though).
- It is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
- It contains no toxic ingredients or chemicals.
(Cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free and fragrance-free).
- It comes in an air-tight pump and opaque-container to protect the vitamin C serum from oxidation and also for easy dispensing.
What I Dislike About Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum.
- Didn’t specify the exact percentage of the respective forms of vitamin C contained in the product: I expect the Naturium brand to reveal precisely the respective concentration of both forms of vitamin C contained in their product. This will encourage transparency.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: How did you apply the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum?
A: Below is how I applied the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum:
- Step 1: I cleanse with Zapzyt Acne Wash Cleanser (which contains 2% salicylic acid), to help mildly exfoliate the skin and deeply cleanse the pores which enhances a better penetration of the vitamin C serum and other additional skincare products to be applied.
- Step 2: I pat (not rub) my face with a clean towel.
- Step 3: I apply a hydrating toner, (sometimes I skip this step, it’s optional).
- Step 4: I apply 3-4 pumps of Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum, I massage gently till fully absorbed.
- Step 5: I seal In with a moisture-rich moisturizer (recommended Simple Hydrating Moisturiser).
Q: Is Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum suitable for sensitive skin?
A: At first, after learning it’s a 22% vitamin C concentration, i was apprehensive to give it a shot, but later plunged ahead because it does not only contain ascorbic acid (which is notorious for causing inflammatory-irritation due to its acidic-nature, especially for sensitive skin, when used at a very high concentration), but also contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate which is best recommended for sensitive-skinned individuals because it’s non-exfoliating which makes it mild and gentle on the skin.
This gave me the courage to use it on my skin, and being an individual with sensitive skin, I incurred no irritation while using it. So, I personally think it may be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
But if you have sensitive skin, and you’re concerned about your skin, you can opt for lower concentration of L-ascorbic vitamin C serum (recommended: Timeless 10% vitamin C serum) or you can as well go for vitamin C derivatives containing only sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum) or Ascorbyl Glucoside (The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Vitamin C Serum 12%) which are non-acidic and best known to suit sensitive skin.
Q: Did you sustain any irritation while using Naturium Vitamin C Complex?
A: Not at all. Of my three (3) weeks of everyday use of Naturium Vitamin C Complex, I never encountered any form of irritation or breakouts (or clogged pores). I’m grateful for that. And it’s a huge plus for me. But I highly advise to perform a practical patch test first prior to commencing product application to test for product suitability for your skin.
Disclaimer: This is a personal experience with Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs, so as result differs too.
UP NEXT: Seeking For Other Best Vitamin C Serums On The Market? Here, Have A Tour.
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