TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

30 ml, 1 fl oz
This serum contains a derivative of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) which has not been proven to produce anti-aging results in human studies. Hyaluronic acid and Jojoba moisturize the skin.
Best For
Skin firming and rejuvenation [1, 2]; Enhance collagen production [1]; Improve skin health [1-5]
Strength
3/5
Results
2/5
Safety
5/5
Ingredients of Concern

Phenoxyethanol (safe in small amounts)

    • Fragrance-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Pros:
    • Antioxidant facial serum with highly concentrated vitamin C along with additional nutrients (e.g., vitamin C, E)
    • Contains hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil which hydrate the skin
    • May enhances collagen production and supplies facial skin with vital nutrients
    • Targets the signs of aging
    • May reduces the appearance of sun spots, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines
    • Promotes brighter, firmer skin
    • Formulated and bottled in the USA
    • Free of artificial fillers, harsh chemicals, synthetic color additives, fragrance, and stabilizers
    • Cruelty-free
    • is packaged in a dark bottle which helps protect ingredients from degrading from the effects of light

    Ingredients Concern: Phenoxyethanol (considered safe in small amounts)

    Cons:

    Vitamin C topicals have questionable effectiveness because of stability. This means that ince light or air hits the serum, there is no assurance that the product continues to work.

    Contains a derivative of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) which has not been shown in scientific studies to produce anti-aging benefits.

    It is unclear whether the Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) in this serum will convert into ascorbic acid in the body and produce the same results that Vitamin C is known for.

    Patch test recommendation, This is a concentrated and powerful facial serum containing active plant-based ingredients that may cause skin-irritation or breakouts for those with allergies

    The color of the serum may vary from nearly clear to cloudy or milky white due to the lack of artificial stabilizers, fillers, and coloring. It is perfectly normal for the serum to range from almost clear, to quite cloudy.

    TruSkin believes in plant powered formulations and has a strong philosophy toward not hiding ingredients. Their products are formulated and bottled in the USA without unnecessary additives or animal testing. They believe in affordable products for all skin types.

    This serum contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) which is a derivative of Vitamin C. There is not sufficient scientifical evidence to prove that this form of Vitamin C produces anti-aging results.

    For example, one study stated that "It should also be mentioned that there is an increasing number of ascorbic acid-based topical cosmetics available on the market, and it seems that not all preparations of topical ascorbic acid are effective. Many of these products use derivatives, esters, and analogs of ascorbic acid that do not penetrate the skin, do not chemically convert to L-ascorbic acid (the only form that can be used by the body), and/or are not delivered in adequate concentration. These ascorbic acid substitutes include ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid sulfate, ascorbyl stearate, ascorbyl dipalmitate, and ascorbic acid magnesium phosphate, which are easily stabilized but must be converted to L-ascorbate to be effectively useful. There is no direct evidence that ascorbic acid derivatives enter the skin in appreciable amounts, and it seems that their conversion to L-ascorbate is largely inefficient, thus precluding effective concentration delivery. [6]

    Another study also states that "Formulations containing derivatives of ascorbic acid have been found to be more stable, but they DO NOT produce the same effect as that of the parent compound." [7]

    Because Vitamin C is not stable, as it degrades when it comes into contact with light or air, there is a huge questiion as to whether it will really work. Note that products sit in hot warehouses, go through extensive shipping and have the potential to degrade due to heat. Derivatives have been theorized to have more stability than ascorbic acid, yet this is not certain and some tests show that many derivatives are not stable. However, note that the jojoba and the hyaluronic acid in this serum may provide a nice benefit to the skin in terms of mositurization and hydration. (D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) helps improve firmness and skin tone, thereby targeting the signs of premature aging [1]. Hyaluronic acid has moisturizing properties that are beneficial for the skin [2]. JoJoba oil is commonly used for skin products as it slows down the skin aging process and reduces the incidence of skin infections [3]. Aloe barbadensis boosts the body's natural wound-healing processes [4].

    If this form of Vitamin C derivative in this serum does effectively convert into ascorbic acid and work, and it remains stable -- then we may consider looking at the results that have been shown for ascorbic acid. Topical ascorbic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen growth and protect skin from erythema, the redness caused by UV rays from the sun. [6] It has also been shown to help reduce fine wrinkles, improve skin firmness and tone, improve yellowness and sallowness. [8]. Hyaluronic acid has moisturizing properties that are beneficial for the skin [2]. (Vitamin C) has antioxidant properties that target irritated, inflamed skin and this vitamin also acts directly upon collagen metabolism by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, thereby promoting healthy, vibrant skin [1]. Vitamin E

    Skin firming and rejuvenation [1, 2]; Enhance collagen production [1]; Improve skin health [1-5]
    It is not clear whether the Vitamin C derivative in this serum really does work as there are no human studies to prove that it can produce anti-aging benefits. All of the studies showing Vitamin C helps with skin tone, firmness and fine lines have been done with ascorbic acid and this serum DOES NOT have ascorbic acid. This company and many others will claim that ascorbic acid conversion will happen in the akin and produce the same results, but there is no human study evidence of this just mice studies that show conversion. This derivative is considered to be stable and that is why it was used. If the derivative does convert, then the Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that penetrates the membrane of cells throughout the body, thereby boosting the health of skin, bone, tendon, and muscle cells as well as immune system function [1]. Vitamin E (D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) has anti-inflammatory, skin-smoothing, and photo-protecting properties, it helps the outer layer of the skin maintain its moisture, and it accelerates wound healing on the skin [1]. Panthenol and sodium hyaluronate also hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture [2]. JoJoba oil is beneficial due to its anti-aging, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory activity, and it also helps enhance the absorption of other topical agents [3]. Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory properties that help restore and maintain the skin barrier [4]. Hamamelis Virginia (Witch hazel) contain antioxidants that target pro-inflammatory substances (e.g. free radicals) that can damage the skin and in doing so, improves skin health [5].

    All Ingredients: Organic Deionized Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), MSM, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid (Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Organic Gotu Kola, Wildcrafted Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense), Wildcrafted Dandelion, Wildcrafted Geranium, Organic Jojoba Oil (Organic Simmondsia Chinensis), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

    It is IMPORTANT that you perform a patch-test of the product *at least 24-48* hours before regular application to ensure the product is a good fit for your skin. If the formula is compatible with your skin, apply 3-5 drops once daily followed by moisturizer. For external use only.
    These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
    1. Murray JC, Burch JA, et al. A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004;26(5):231-8. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59(3):418-25. 2. Bukhari SNA, Roswandi NL, et al. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018;120(Pt B):1682-1695. 3. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, et al. Jojoba in dermatology: a succinct review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2013;148(6):687-91. 4. Hajhashemi M, Rafieian M, et al. The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;31(13):1703-1708. 5. Sheraz, MA et al. “Formulation and Stability of Ascorbic Acid in Topical Preparations.” Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 2.2 (2011): 86. Web. 6. Traikovich SS. Use of Topical Ascorbic Acid and Its Effects on Photodamaged Skin Topography. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;125(10):1091–1098. doi:10.1001/archotol.125.10.1091 7. Heber GK, Markovic B, Hayes A. An immunohistological study of anhydrous topical ascorbic acid compositions on ex vivo human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Jun;5(2):150-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00242.x. PMID: 17173590. 8. DRAELOS, Z. K. (2016). Cosmeceuticals. https://www.clinicalkey.com/dura/browse/bookChapter/3-s2.0-C20130097939.
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