Vitamin C

Vitamin C — Vitamin C is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence. There are many forms of Vitamin C.

L-ascorbic acid, a well-known anti-oxidant that clearly shines when paired with Vitamin E.  Unfortunately, it is relatively unstable. L-ascorbic is stabilized and potentiated by the addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid. This is how it works: “As vitamin E reacts with a free radical, it, in turn, is damaged by the free radical it is fighting. Vitamin C comes in to repair the free-radical damage in vitamin E, allowing E to continue with its free-radical scavenging duties.”  E makes C hundreds of times more powerful when used together. 

The synergy between vitamins C and E can yield good protection from UVB damage (burning rays). Vitamin C appears to be significantly better than E at protecting against UVA damage (Aging rays). The combination of vitamins C, E, and sunscreen offers greater protection than the sum of the protection offered by any of the three ingredients acting alone.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a version of vitamin C that offers plenty of good-for-your skin benefits, while also being gentler and more stable than its counterparts.  It is light-, oxygen-, and water-stable,” and that makes it not only easier to incorporate into different product formulations, but also means you don't have to worry about it losing its potency.

Ascorbyl Palmitate, a vitamin C derivative is an all-in-one boosting and brightening superstar! As a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin C, ascorbyl palmitate will be non-irritating for sensitive skin types, but more stable when exposed to air and light than ascorbic acid.  Ascorbyl palmitate has milder effects on the skin than ascorbic acid, however it is still beneficial for aiding in collagen production, mitigating hyperpigmentation, and improving skin texture.