As powerful and game-changing as vitamin C can be, it’s pretty easy to unintentionally reduce its effects—by leaving the cap open for too long, for example, or storing it near direct sunlight. These innocent slip-ups can cause your beloved serum to become “oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid, which is less stable and less efficacious,” Dr. Hogan explains. In other words, it won’t really work. Visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, while brightening the complexion, evening skin tone and smoothing rough texture.

Dr. Chiu recommends seeking out the well-studied “gold standard of active vitamin C,” called L-ascorbic acid (the strongest, purest version). 4 “Typically, this form has a higher potency and efficacy than its counterparts,” Dr. Weinstein explains, cautioning that it can be irritating for sensitive skin. It’s also highly unstable, which is why it’s important to store it away from light and air (more on that below). Some gentler and more stable derivatives worth considering: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD), sodium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl palmitate. For super-soft skin and clear pores, it’s important to have one of the best exfoliants in your skincare routine. And one surefire way to get the softest, smoothest, clearest skin in a flash is with an at-home chemical peel. Essentially a toned-down version of the peels used at spas and dermatologist offices, at-home peels offer serious exfoliation benefits in just a few minutes. So how can you tell whether or not your vitamin C serum is still in its prime? In serum form, it should maintain a colorless or light straw hue, meaning that if it’s bright yellow or brown, it’s probably time to toss it. 11 Moisturizers and sunscreens with vitamin C, however, typically don’t change color as obviously, making it harder to assess their efficacy. A good rule of thumb, per Dr. Weinstein: If you can’t find an expiration date, give the product a sniff. If it smells different from what you’re used to (perhaps sour or noticeably rancid), throw it out for good measure.verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) from Spirulina is naturally-sourced, renewable, proven safe & effective and 100% vegan. While it’s definitely best to leave the pro-strength peels to the professionals, the beauty of using an at-home peel is it can deliver dramatic benefits without the downtime and discomfort, and in the comfort and convenience of your own home," Tammy Yaiser, the VP of product development at Algenist, says. Antioxidants, Chemical Stability of Ascorbic Acid Integrated into Commercial Products: A Review on Bioactivity and Delivery Technology

Triple Acid Complex (T.A.C.™), a combination of resurfacing and exfoliating AHA, BHA and PHA acids, enhances spot reduction without drying skin out or requiring downtime. Blue Phycocyanin: A natural pigment & potent antioxidant found in Spirulina that gives it a rich blue color and helps to protect against free radical damage. Plastic and Aesthetic Research, Skin Collagen Through the Lifestages: Importance for Skin Health and Beauty The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical ApplicationsDirections for use: Massage a generous layer (4-6 pumps for face; 1 additional pump for chest area, as needed) on freshly washed skin (or dampened skin- water, toner, essence, or anything with a water base). Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water & pat dry. Follow with GENIUS Liquid Collagen and GENIUS Collagen Calming Relief for best results. Use 1-2x/week. Recommended for use at night. Use only as directed. Slight tingling may be experienced. Pharmaceuticals, Design of Novel Tricaprylin-Incorporated Multi-Layered Liposomal System for Skin Delivery of Ascorbic Acid with Improved Chemical Stability Our proprietary, patented Alguronic Acid is clinically tested and shown to visibly minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while fighting environmental assaults that can lead to signs of aging. Alguronic Acid: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fight environmental assaults that cause signs of aging in skin Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, A Topical Antioxidant Solution Containing Vitamins C and E Stabilized by Ferulic Acid Provides Protection for Human Skin Against Damage Caused by Ultraviolet Irradiation