Different Types of Vitamin C in Skincare

Do you want to amp your skincare routine or simplify it? Either way, vitamin C might be the ingredient you need. Topical vitamin C has garnered an outstanding reputation by fighting various skin problems from wrinkles to sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. While most vitamin C serums seek to achieve the same goal, they are not created equally.

They generally have varying components of vitamin C concentration and ingredients. Some types work best in fading dark spots and acne, while others excel in combating free radicals. So, which one is suitable for your skin? Below is a list of the best types of vitamin C to consider for your unique skin type.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant commonly used to combat free radicals, reduce dark spots and wrinkles, and enhance collagen production. As the most effective and well-researched type of vitamin C, ascorbic acid is a popular ingredient in brightening serum labels. When formulated at the right pH, less than 4, ascorbic acid offers incredible anti-aging benefits for normal skin types.

However, sensitive skin types should opt for a slightly higher pH of 5 to 7 to avoid skin irritation. It is also essential to choose the right concentration, starting from 10 percent for uneven skin tone and increasing up to 20 percent for stubborn pigmentation.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Like ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is an excellent antioxidant that boosts collagen, brightens skin tone, and fights free radicals and acne. This form of vitamin C works well with all skin types – it changes into ascorbic acid when applied to the skin. While this action makes sodium ascorbyl phosphate less active, it can benefit sensitive skin.

Moreover, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is less erratic than ascorbic acid when exposed to water, air, and light. Though it won’t lose its potency easily, you still need to store it in dark, opaque bottles.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help fight free radicals, hydrate the skin, and increase collagen production. As one of the most stable forms of vitamin C, MAP is less irritating to the skin and effective at lower concentrations compared to ascorbic acid. This aligns with our beliefs at GLOWBIOTICS and is what we use in our Advanced Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

Furthermore, this form of vitamin C is water-soluble and can work well in water-based products such as Aloe Vera gels. With its anti-inflammatory properties, MAP can prevent oxidation and soothe skin irritations.

Sodium Ascorbate

This is the most stable and purest form of vitamin C categorized as a mineral salt. It has several benefits, including fighting free radicals, reducing black spots, and lightening skin discoloration. Like SAP, sodium ascorbate converts into L-ascorbic acid when used on the skin. This process makes it less potent, reducing irritation to your skin and making it more stable once exposed to air or light.

Calcium Ascorbate

Like sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate is a mineral salt. It helps in wound and tissue repair, antioxidant defense, and collagen synthesis. It also reduces wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and fights against free radicals. What is best about this form of vitamin C is that it has a neutral pH, making it perfect for all skin types.

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Unlike other forms of vitamin C, Ascorbyl Palmitate is non-acidic. It is a fat-soluble ingredient with antioxidant properties that help reduce hyperpigmentation, boost collagen, and promote skin texture. Similarly, Ascorbyl Palmitate works well with all skin types and is more stable when interacting with light and air than ascorbic acid.

Order Vitamin C from Glowbiotics

Vitamin C is a must-have beauty hack. Knowing the correct form of vitamin C to apply to your skin is a brilliant way to improve your skincare routine. At GLOWBIOTICS, we believe in a low and slow approach to skincare – effective but never damaging. That is why we use the most stable form of Vitamin C in our serum that won’t disrupt the pH of the skin or damage the stratum corneum. We also use an airless pump in our serum bottle to prevent oxidation, leaving your product potent longer. Order the GLOWBIOTICS Advanced Vitamin C Brightening Serum now and start enjoying its multiple benefits.