La Roche-Posay is a brand recommended by dermatologists worldwide and is known for delivering highly effective skincare products. I have been using their Vitamin C serum, the cicaplast baume B5, and the Anthelios sunscreen line.
Today I’ll focus on the Vitamin C Serum. I recently incorporated Vitamin C in my morning skincare routine after extensive research I bought the La Roche-Posay serum from the pharmacy in Oman, I paid 20 OMR (approximately 4000 INR) for 30 ml which is expensive but considering how stable and effective the formulation is, it’s worth the splurge.
The serum claims – “This anti-ageing vitamin C face and neck serum leaves skin more radiant, softer, and hydrated. As a result, wrinkles look visibly reduced and skin texture and tone are more even and refined. This serum combines concentrated 10% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, and neurosensine for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.”
The Ingredients List
KEY INGREDIENTS
10% Pure Vitamin C: Also known as L-ascorbic acid, this ingredient is commonly recommended by dermatologists. Within our formulas, this water-soluble vitamin is known for its antioxidant and visible anti-ageing properties.
Salicylic Acid: Known for its effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores. An ideal choice for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.
Neurosensine: A synthetic dipeptide, also known as acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, used to help skin feel soothed.
Glycerin: Derived from vegetable sources, it’s an excellent humectant. It helps hydrate skin by absorbing water from the surrounding environment.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A polysaccharide (carbohydrate polymer) found naturally within the skin. When used in a formula, HA is an effective humectant that can hold a large amount of water to help maintain the skin’s moisture.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water: A soothing water sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay in France and a core ingredient in most of our products. It contains a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant.
FULL INGREDIENT LIST:
AQUA / WATER / EAU • ASCORBIC ACID • CYCLOHEXASILOXANE • GLYCERIN • ALCOHOL DENAT. • POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE • POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE • POLYSILICONE-11 • DI M E T H I C O N E • P ROP Y L E N E G LY COL • PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE • C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN • TOCOPHEROL • SODIUM HYALURONATE • HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID • ADENOSINE • ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-1 CETYL ESTER • PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE • P O L OX AME R 3 3 8 • S A L I C Y L I C A C I D • POLYACRYLAMIDE • TOLUENE SULFONIC ACID • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • XANTHAN GUM • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • DISODIUM EDTA • BHT • LAURETH-7 • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE
As seen in the ingredients list the form of vitamin C La Roche-Posay uses is Ascorbic acid which is the most active and purest form of Vitamin C. It protects the skin from free radicals due to its antioxidant activity.
A research paper by Pullar et al. states the potential functions of Vitamin C in the skin – The Promotion of Collagen Formation and the Ability to Scavenge Free Radicals and Dispose of Toxic Oxidants (Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize and remove oxidants, such as those found in environmental pollutants and after exposure to ultraviolet radiation)
Some studies have shown that the topical use of Vitamin C increases collagen production thus reducing the signs of ageing.
I have been using La Roche-Posay Vitamin C serum for over two months now and I have noticed that some of my dark spots have faded and the skin tone is much more uniform. The texture of the serum is thick and gets absorbed into the skin instantly.
The serum on its own can be drying due to denatured alcohol in it, so I always layer it with moisturizer and sunscreen. Combining Vitamin C serum with sunscreen gives better protection against free radical damage.
Formulated Vitamin C is a photosensitive product and can easily oxidize when exposed to air. That is the reason why you will find most of these serums in dark bottles, prior to using La Roche-Posay serum I tried the Sunday Riley CEO 15% vitamin C serum which oxidised within days of opening the bottle. You can tell if the Vitamin C serum has gone bad by its colour. It should be clear or pale yellow, throw away the serum if it is orange and brown in colour, it has oxidised and will do more harm than any good.
I store my bottle of Vitamin C in the fridge now and the cold temperature has certainly extended its shelf life. It will oxidise within six months though, and 30ml is an amount I will use within that span of time.
Are you using any Vitamin C serum? Or do you know any other alternative for the La Roche-Posay Serum?
Pullar, J.M.; Carr, A.C.; Vissers, M.C.M. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients 2017, 9, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866
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