Topical Vitamin C: Which is Best for Your Skin?

Nearly everyone using skincare understands the benefits of topical Vitamin C -- wrinkle repair, brightening, exfoliation, and so much more.  As with skincare, all Vitamin C’s are not created equal.  Aside from Ascorbic Acid, there are 11 other C-derivatives, each differing in characteristics, INCI name, price, skin benefits, and scientific corroboration. 

A new derivative seems to pop-up every few months. To avoid any disappointments with performance, it's best to shop using the INCI name found on the ingredient label and ignore the A, B, C's - look for Ascorbic Acid instead of Vitamin C.  Although variations may legitimately qualify as Vitamin C, each provides distinctly different capabilities and skin benefits. 

So, which is best for your skin?

When considering Vitamin C skincare, look for the form that best suits the unique needs of your skin, as well as your budget.  Shopping is made easier, with a side-by-side comparison of the most common forms of Vitamin C available in skincare: 

Ascorbic Acid, THDA, and Ascorbyl Palmitate merited inclusion in about-face essentials skincare due to their multi-purpose skin benefits and clinical efficacy data.  Decide for yourself, but choose a Vitamin C enriched skincare.  

Additional information on topical Vitamin C and derivatives are available at the links below:

• Ascorbic Acid (AA)
• Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP)
• Ascorbyl Glucoside
• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA)
• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitoyl (ATIP)

As always, feel free to share your comments or contact me directly with any questions.  

Cheers to better skin!