Extreme C 20

Vitamin C, the stable way

Classic L-ascorbic acid is effective but acidic, unstable and prone to stinging. This serum uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, a lipid-soluble ester that stays stable in the bottle and releases ascorbic acid gradually after absorption, the vitamin C route usually chosen for skin that found traditional C serums harsh.

What vitamin C is associated with

Research associates topical vitamin C with antioxidant defence against daily UV-generated free radicals, support for collagen production, and a brighter, more even-looking tone.

The supporting cast

Vitamin E partners vitamin C’s antioxidant work; panthenol hydrates; palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and a signalling dipeptide support the look of firmness; microalgae extract and Australian native antioxidants round out the formula.

Morning by design

Antioxidants earn their keep in daylight, applied under sunscreen, vitamin C supplements SPF’s protection rather than replacing it.

Dull, uneven-toned or sun-exposed skin, and anyone building a morning antioxidant habit, including skin that previously found vitamin C serums stingy, thanks to the ester form.

Worth knowing

Contains orange, tangerine and bitter orange peel oils with declared limonene and linalool. Fragrance-reactive skin should patch test first.

Mornings, apply four to five drops to clean, dry skin before moisturiser and sunscreen.

Consistency matters more than quantity, daily use is where the tone benefits accrue.

Use alongside

Daily SPF, the defining pairing, plus Extreme B 17 (thinnest first) and your moisturiser. Comfortable in the same routine as evening retinoids, since the two occupy different ends of the day.

Keep apart from

Retinal LGS+ in the same application, strong acids and vitamin C esters compete; keep C in the morning and LGS+ at night.