ArtNaturals, Vitamin C Brightening Serum

The serum contains a vitamin C derivative that intrigued me. It's called Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and it's special because it also has benefits for acne skin like mine!

• SAP, like any vitamin C derivative, is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
• It encourages collagen formation, which means it can treat and prevent wrinkles.
• It can also lighten and treat pigmentation.
• It has antimicrobial properties so it can treat acne.

However, it is important for me to note that if your goal is antiaging, pigmentation, or acne, I would not go for this ingredient as my main treatment. It is still not clear how effective it is, and probably only a good addition, after you have already combined the more effective ingredients (for example, sunscreen, retinoids, Arbiotan...).

At first, I ordered the cocokind serum, which also contains this derivative, but it arrived completely oxidized, so I ordered the artnaturals one, and it arrived in the correct color.

One of the doubts I had about purchasing this serum is that they didn't publish its percentages, but then I read that SAP only needs a very low percentage to be effective (0.2%-5%), and is second in the list of ingredients, so I guess the percentage there is good.

In addition to vitamin C, the serum also contains Centella asiatica - an antioxidant and soothing and restorative ingredient, and Horsetail Extract - a soothing plant extract. It is fragrance-free/essential oils, and contains alcohol only at the end of the list. It also contains garnion plant extract, if you know you are allergic to it you should avoid it.

In terms of texture, it is a standard serum. Not too heavy, not greasy, absorbed quickly, and I felt I didn't need much of it.

I use it mainly because it is an antioxidant, but also because my skin is acneic with a tendency to PIE (red spots after acne). I don't have pigmentation so I can't testify to a change in this area, but I did see a reduction in the amount of breakouts and an improvement in PIE. However, it is important to take into account that I use many other products for acne and PIE at the same time. In my opinion, it is gentle and not irritating.

All in all, I am satisfied with it, and I would recommend it to those whose skin is acneic, with a tendency to PIE, or to beginners with vitamin C who are looking for something gentle to start with. It is also very accessible and sold on iHerb also in a small size to try.

The brand is cruelty-free 🐰❤️