The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (AKA ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make it a non-negotiable if you’re looking to improve the appearance and overall wellbeing of your skin.

As a vital molecule for skin health, both dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have even shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage. 

So, what are you waiting for? Here are some of our favourite vitamin C-based beauty heroes, and why you need to add them to your daily routine now.

Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment

New Zealand skincare legends Trilogy have several unique, Vitamin C-based formulas in their range, one of which comes in the form of a supercharged skin-changer: the Vitamin C Booster Treatment. A freshly activated, two-week intense brightening beauty treatment packed with high potency natural Vitamin C powder in its freshest and most active form, this marvel is essential to keep on hand and add to your regime when needed.

Vitamin C is always at its most active when it’s fresh, so this little booster includes a unique dispensing mechanism that pops with freshness when the 100 percent pure Vitamin C powder is released into an ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid concentrate enriched with daisy extract, rosehip, and mandarin oil. The fresh activation ensures the powder’s potency levels are at their optimal level to deliver maximum skin brightening results. Once activated, the treatment is designed to be used twice daily for two consecutive weeks to visibly boost the skin’s own unique glow and to help improve the overall appearance of dull and tired skin. This makes it perfect for use before an important event, or as a real pick-me-up when you think your skin needs it most. In two weeks you’ll see some pretty magical results, and the booster treatment is suitable for all skin types.

Trilogy Vitamin C Energising Mist Toner

Another Trilogy fan favourite, the Vitamin C Energising Mist Toner is a delicious water blend of mandarin, tangerine, ylang-ylang, and antioxidant vitamin C that is full of energy and glow-giving goodness. Uplifting with a gentle citrus scent, this spritz can be used to complete any cleansing routine, or to freshen up throughout the day (even over make-up). 

During the summer months, keep your spritz in the fridge for a cool down exactly when you need it.

Nuori Supreme-C Serum Treatment

Containing 7.5 percent pure vitamin C, Nuori’s Supreme-C Serum Treatment helps repair prior skin damage caused by free radicals and offers powerful antioxidant protection for brighter, revived skin.

Its carefully designed dispensing mechanism allows the 100 percent pure vitamin C powder to be mixed into the serum immediately before the first application because when it comes to vitamin c, fresh is always best. At the press of a button, the powder is released into the serum, bringing the formula to life while ensuring the peak efficacy of the ingredients.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, goes to work improving skin texture and tone by neutralising free radicals, inhibiting the production of melanin pigments, and contributing to collagen synthesis. Natural glycerin and hyaluronic acid, known for their hydrating action, are also in the formula to help replenish and retain the skin’s inner water reservoirs, while plant-based ferulic acid neutralises free radicals and boosts the photoprotective properties of vitamin C. Last but by no means least, organic Damask rose flower water is included for its antiseptic properties and ability to soothe the skin.

Tailor Gold Dust 

Tailor Gold Dust is another winning formula by a highly respected New Zealand brand, lauded by beauty editors and clean beauty fans alike. A blend of pure Vitamin C and CoQ10 crystals, Gold Dust is designed to be added to your evening skincare routine to boost the skin’s cellular energy and collagen synthesis, resulting in younger-looking skin. Its vitamin C quotient works to boost collagen while lighting and brightening the complexion, whilst CoQ10 is in there as a cellular energiser and antioxidant that can reduce the visible oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even decrease the depth of wrinkles.

To use, after cleansing, mix a pinch of Gold Dust with Tailor Renew or Moisture and gently apply to the face and neck, avoiding eye area, using every night for one week to brighten the skin. Then, take a break for three weeks, before repeating the cycle each month to fade scars and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Alder New York Brightening Face Mask

A beautiful skin-firming mud mask that exfoliates and brightens skin for a radiant, toned complexion, Alder’s Brightening Face Mask includes vitamin C to help fight free radicals and reduce dark spots. Zinc oxide and kaolin clay are in the mix to smooth and tighten, while calendula and chamomile extracts nourish and calm skin. This mask is also vegan, fragrance-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, and phenoxyethanol-free, all the hallmarks of a true clean beauty hero.