Today, I’m writing about a product that’s absolutely essential to my skincare routine! I’ve used this Vitamin C serum on and off for a few years now and it’s definitely a product I would recommend to ANYONE seeking to even out their skin tone.
If you don’t use a Vitamin C serum, are you really living? Just kidding, but really. You need one.
Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum has had some flash new upgrades to packaging and the formula, and is now known as the T’iam Vita C Source. It still has the same high percentage of Ascorbic Acid, so it’s got the same benefits plus some great new features.
Why Should I Use a Vitamin C Serum?
First, let me touch on the many benefits of Vitamin C for the skin. According to this peer-reviewed journal article, Vit C can: provide some photoprotection, boost collagen production, protect skin from free radicals, and be an anti-inflammatory.
I feel like there’s almost nothing this skincare ingredient can’t do – lighten existing dark marks, prevent more from occurring, prevent photoaging… It literally does it all and that’s exactly why I adore this product so much and why I use it so diligently as part of my morning routine.
How Much Vitamin C Does Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum Contain?
This Korean Vitamin C serum packs a punch with 20% Vit C. However, the only drawback of using such a high percentage of the most unstable form of Vit C (L-Ascorbic Acid, aka L-AA) is that it can oxidise QUICKLY.
Oxidising affects the appearance of the product – the darker the product is, the more oxidised it has become. The jury is out on whether or not using oxidised Vitamin C is actually harmful, but you’re definitely not able to reap its full benefits.
The new version contains the same high amount, which is great to hear!
How to Store Vitamin C Serum
Even though the serum already comes in a darkened bottle to prevent oxidisation from light, I still keep it in the box in the fridge – I’m already halfway through this bottle and it’s just as clear and light as it was when I first opened it.
Another little trick I used to try and minimise oxidisation is avoiding blowing bubbles in the bottle using the applicator. As soon as I’ve dispensed the dropper into my palm, I don’t release it until it’s back in the bottle again. I don’t know if there’s any real science to this but not blowing oxygen back into the product has gotta help, right?
However, this also means that the serum is definitely not travel-friendly unless you have a fridge at your destination to throw this into. I’ve literally gone places for the weekend and brought this in it’s box and found that it’s oxidised slightly over two days of not being in a fridge.
One thing I noticed about the new version is that it’s both smaller AND cheaper in price. Usually, I’d be annoyed about the packaging becoming smaller; however, I can see how it would benefit this product since it’s so sensitive to oxidising before the full benefits can be reached!
Serum Texture
The serum has a really light texture, but definitely not as light as water. It spreads easily without being runny, and I find one dropperful is enough for my entire face.
I find it best to use it first thing in the morning after washing my face. When I first started using it, I remember feeling a light tingle – that’s totally normal. Because the product is so strong, it’s best to start using it every other day, or even every second day before working up to daily use.
The original version of this serum did feature alcohol to keep the texture thin and manageable, but the new T’iam Vita C Source does not – yay! The ingredients list has also been updated to include Ferulic Acid, an antioxidant that boosts the power of Vitamin C for even better results.
Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum: Key Points
This was one of my favourite Vitamin C serums, and I’m so happy to see it’s gotten some fantastic upgrades while keeping the same high percentage of Vitamin C for best results. It’s now boosted with Ferulic Acid while removing the alcohol from the formula, making it more suitable for sensitive skin.
