topic Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum in Beauty

Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

suzyQ3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:33:00 GMT

I have used and liked the NCN Vit C serum for at least a couple years now and have highly recommended it here often.

But I just had to trash my bottle because it was definitely darkening. It was probably still safe but not particularly effective. The last bottle had the same problem. The company claims that it remains stable for six months.

One of the pros of this product is it's relatively large size. It's 1.3 ounces rather than the normal one ounce. But since I use it only once a day, one bottle lasts me close to the end of its shelf life. I opened this last bottle four months ago.

I am considering either forgetting Vit C altogether or switching to a MAP-based Vit C for better stability. NuFountain makes one with an impressive and short ingredient deck. BabyFace also makes one, but the deck is much more crowded and less appealing to me.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

Valstybaby — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:49:07 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
I have used and liked the NCN Vit C serum for at least a couple years now and have highly recommended it here often.

But I just had to trash my bottle because it was definitely darkening. It was probably still safe but not particularly effective. The last bottle had the same problem. The company claims that it remains stable for six months.

One of the pros of this product is it's relatively large size. It's 1.3 ounces rather than the normal one ounce. But since I use it only once a day, one bottle lasts me close to the end of its shelf life. I opened this last bottle four months ago.

I am considering either forgetting Vit C altogether or switching to a MAP-based Vit C for better stability. NuFountain makes one with an impressive and short ingredient deck. BabyFace also makes one, but the deck is much more crowded and less appealing to me.

I have stopped using NCN Vitamin C for the very same reason.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

HappyDaze — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:04:44 GMT

I have not repurchased the NCN vitamin C either when I ran out. I LOVED that product but I was finding that it was turning quicker than it used to and I honestly don't like the addition of the orange blossom. I reallly do not feel there is any way that it can last 6 months now. I feel the packaging may have something to do with it. You can NOT use a dropper with L-ascorbic! I would use a pump but was tired of having to pour it into something else and I don't know how stable that would keep it even since I am not sure if the pump was necessarily airless.

Anyway, I tried NuFountain L-ascorbic some years ago before NCN's but it irritated my skin. If I remember correctly too, it seemed to turn fairly quickly too. I think it has one of the best ingredients deck so was disappointed in irriation. But if memory serves me, they do offer a money back guarantee (or used to) so you really don't have anything to lose to try it.

I have tried others with MAP and SAP and just never really got the results I did with L-ascorbic.

Good luck!

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

suzyQ3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:46:15 GMT

@HappyDaze wrote:
I have not repurchased the NCN vitamin C either when I ran out. I LOVED that product but I was finding that it was turning quicker than it used to and I honestly don't like the addition of the orange blossom. I reallly do not feel there is any way that it can last 6 months now. I feel the packaging may have something to do with it. You can NOT use a dropper with L-ascorbic! I would use a pump but was tired of having to pour it into something else and I don't know how stable that would keep it even since I am not sure if the pump was necessarily airless.

Anyway, I tried NuFountain L-ascorbic some years ago before NCN's but it irritated my skin. If I remember correctly too, it seemed to turn fairly quickly too. I think it has one of the best ingredients deck so was disappointed in irriation. But if memory serves me, they do offer a money back guarantee (or used to) so you really don't have anything to lose to try it.

I have tried others with MAP and SAP and just never really got the results I did with L-ascorbic.

Good luck!

If I try NuFountain, it would be their CelSignal Support, which is 15% MAP. I know that it might not be as effective as an L-ascorbic formula.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

kesselrun — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:51:50 GMT

I use Mad Hippie's Vitamin C serum and exfoliating serum

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

HappyDaze — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:59:50 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
@HappyDaze wrote:
I have not repurchased the NCN vitamin C either when I ran out. I LOVED that product but I was finding that it was turning quicker than it used to and I honestly don't like the addition of the orange blossom. I reallly do not feel there is any way that it can last 6 months now. I feel the packaging may have something to do with it. You can NOT use a dropper with L-ascorbic! I would use a pump but was tired of having to pour it into something else and I don't know how stable that would keep it even since I am not sure if the pump was necessarily airless.

Anyway, I tried NuFountain L-ascorbic some years ago before NCN's but it irritated my skin. If I remember correctly too, it seemed to turn fairly quickly too. I think it has one of the best ingredients deck so was disappointed in irriation. But if memory serves me, they do offer a money back guarantee (or used to) so you really don't have anything to lose to try it.

I have tried others with MAP and SAP and just never really got the results I did with L-ascorbic.

Good luck!
If I try NuFountain, it would be their CelSignal Support, which is 15% MAP. I know that it might not be as effective as an L-ascorbic formula.

Well if you do try it, let us know what you think!

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 19:06:11 GMT

I've given up on vitamin C serums for this reason. I was throwing them away before I used them up and it felt wasteful.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

FUTURE — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 19:14:25 GMT

Ditto, @suzyQ3. I haven't bought a Vit C serum in a while. I'm using a PC serum (Resist) that contains Vit C (obviously not as strong in concentration), and I just figure I'm getting enough that way? Who knows. I just have to be kind of careful, because in the past I have had some sensitivity (and major allergic reactions - I'm looking at you, 100% Pure!!). I used the Timeless one and liked it, but it didn't last more than a few months before turning. The good thing about that one is that it's not too expensive, so I didn't feel like I was wasting SO much money. My first Vit C serum was Isomers (MAP, I'm pretty sure - the old version. I haven't tried their newer version), and I was able to tolerate it well. But it's also one of those I would have to buy in a kit. I'm sure I'd never just buy a bottle at full price. Let us know what you decide!

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

suzyQ3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 20:04:35 GMT

One big plus to MAP is that it's far more stable and also less likely to irritate the skin. The NuFountain is something like $30 (I'm including shipping), so not too pricey.

I did notice that NCN has raised the price on their Vit Serum. It's now $44 or $45.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

River Song — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 20:42:43 GMT

@suzyQ3,

Yup, I gave up on the NCN Vit. C serum a while ago because it *never* stayed fresh for me for as long as they claimed it would.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with my 15% L-ascorbic acid pre-mixed Vit. Serum from Skin Actives. I do keep it in the refrigerator, though, since I live in a subtropical climate and it has never turned on me before I used up the bottle. Plus, it's cheap.

If you want to try a MAP serum, I saw one on the ASDM Beverly Hills website called Lifting Contour Serum, in their luxury line. The ingredient deck looks nice and I want to try it after I use up the Vit. C serum bottle I'm using. It's $65 for 2 oz., not a horrible price especially if you wait for one of their sales.

Here's their product description and ingredient list (but doesn't list % of MAP in it, though):

What it is: This delectable sculpting serum seeps into cells for visible lifting & hydration. Matrikine peptide technology targets signs of photo-induced aging, reducing fragmentation of collagen fibers and notably supporting the reconstruction of this fiber network. Ultra-concentrated formula is packed with Vitamin C, Matrixyl 3000, Glycan Booster, Hyauronic Acid, Vitamin E, Honey Extract, & Aloe Vera. Refreshing & hydrating, this serum will naturally sculpt a more refined silhouette, lifting and firming skin at the dermal layer.

Ingredients: Distilled water, Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Matrixyl 3000, [Saccharide isomerate, water, citric acid, sodium citrate], Glycan Booster, Sodium Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Honey Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, [Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycerin], Lactobacillus Ferment

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

suzyQ3 — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:10:55 GMT

@River Song wrote:
@suzyQ3,

Yup, I gave up on the NCN Vit. C serum a while ago because it *never* stayed fresh for me for as long as they claimed it would.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with my 15% L-ascorbic acid pre-mixed Vit. Serum from Skin Actives. I do keep it in the refrigerator, though, since I live in a subtropical climate and it has never turned on me before I used up the bottle. Plus, it's cheap.

If you want to try a MAP serum, I saw one on the ASDM Beverly Hills website called Lifting Contour Serum, in their luxury line. The ingredient deck looks nice and I want to try it after I use up the Vit. C serum bottle I'm using. It's $65 for 2 oz., not a horrible price especially if you wait for one of their sales.

Here's their product description and ingredient list (but doesn't list % of MAP in it, though):

What it is: This delectable sculpting serum seeps into cells for visible lifting & hydration. Matrikine peptide technology targets signs of photo-induced aging, reducing fragmentation of collagen fibers and notably supporting the reconstruction of this fiber network. Ultra-concentrated formula is packed with Vitamin C, Matrixyl 3000, Glycan Booster, Hyauronic Acid, Vitamin E, Honey Extract, & Aloe Vera. Refreshing & hydrating, this serum will naturally sculpt a more refined silhouette, lifting and firming skin at the dermal layer.

Ingredients: Distilled water, Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Matrixyl 3000, [Saccharide isomerate, water, citric acid, sodium citrate], Glycan Booster, Sodium Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Honey Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, [Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycerin], Lactobacillus Ferment

How funny. In looking for that serum on their site, I found that they have a MAP-based Vit C serum, with 15 percent MAP, for $30

I'll check out the ingredients. That would be better for me than the one you mentioned because currently I do use a Matrixyl serum, although I'm thinking of dropping that one as well. Not sure yet.

Thanks so much, @River Song

ETA: I see that even the Vit C serum includes Matrixyl.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

Dazlin — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 23:25:16 GMT

I've been using JJLabs (recommended here), they make them upon order, in all different strengths. I have not had any problems with it. I personally prefer ascorbic acid.

Now I just ordered the ConsultBeaute kit which has a serum concentrate that contains ascorbic, so Im hoping this will be enough. I remember Mad Hippie balled up and flaked for some reason.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

myshell624 — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:54:34 GMT

I just ordered the Vitamin C Serum from Drunk Elephant along with their Glycolic Serum. Dermstore has them both on sale but I think the sale ends tonight. I can't really review either since I just got them both today. I did try the Glycolic serum tonight and it didn't sting at all! I have had a hard time finding a Vitamin C Serum that I really love. A lot of them do go bad before I can use them all. I emailed Drunk Elephant asking the shelf life of the Vitamin C but haven't heard back yet.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

lkat — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 01:22:16 GMT

@myshell624 wrote:
I just ordered the Vitamin C Serum from Drunk Elephant along with their Glycolic Serum. Dermstore has them both on sale but I think the sale ends tonight. I can't really review either since I just got them both today. I did try the Glycolic serum tonight and it didn't sting at all! I have had a hard time finding a Vitamin C Serum that I really love. A lot of them do go bad before I can use them all. I emailed Drunk Elephant asking the shelf life of the Vitamin C but haven't heard back yet.

I highly recommend the Drunk Elephant Glycolic serum. I've been using it nightly for a couple of weeks and LOVE it. Noticed a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin within a couple of days with no irritation (I had been using Paula's Choice 2% BHA which is ok, but much prefer the Drunk Elephant). It might be too much if you have really dry skin, but I think it's great for combo/oily skin. It's also one of the few lines that gets all 5 star ratings from Beautypedia FWIW. It's very pricey, but totally worth it to me.

I have a small size of the Vitamin C serum but haven't tried it yet. It gets fantastic reviews by some of my favorite You Tubers but I have had problems with other Vitamin C serums breaking me out so wanted to wait until a few weeks after starting the glycolic. I'm curious to know if you end up liking it.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

Drythe — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 01:38:17 GMT

I use and love Drunk Elephant on my combo skin.!

Have had NO problems with it turning, I'm on my 2nd or 3rd bottle.

It is pricey.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

aprilskies — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 01:47:33 GMT

I have the drunken elephant vit c and have been using it the last few days. No bad reactions but too soon to give a review for any results. The bottle says it is good for 24 mos. I have a couple dark patches on my face that I would like to lighten.

It is pricey but if it works. The packaging is very cheap in a sense. Just sort of that cheap plastic but I don't care about packaging. It is an air tight bottle. ...and I love that it is cruelty free.

It does get rave reviews so keeping my fingers crossed.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

myshell624 — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 02:03:23 GMT

@lkat wrote:
@myshell624 wrote:
I just ordered the Vitamin C Serum from Drunk Elephant along with their Glycolic Serum. Dermstore has them both on sale but I think the sale ends tonight. I can't really review either since I just got them both today. I did try the Glycolic serum tonight and it didn't sting at all! I have had a hard time finding a Vitamin C Serum that I really love. A lot of them do go bad before I can use them all. I emailed Drunk Elephant asking the shelf life of the Vitamin C but haven't heard back yet.
I highly recommend the Drunk Elephant Glycolic serum. I've been using it nightly for a couple of weeks and LOVE it. Noticed a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin within a couple of days with no irritation (I had been using Paula's Choice 2% BHA which is ok, but much prefer the Drunk Elephant). It might be too much if you have really dry skin, but I think it's great for combo/oily skin. It's also one of the few lines that gets all 5 star ratings from Beautypedia FWIW. It's very pricey, but totally worth it to me.

I have a small size of the Vitamin C serum but haven't tried it yet. It gets fantastic reviews by some of my favorite You Tubers but I have had problems with other Vitamin C serums breaking me out so wanted to wait until a few weeks after starting the glycolic. I'm curious to know if you end up liking it.

Yay! I'm glad you like the Glycolic serum. I have combo skin so I'm not concerned with it drying me out. I like that it has 1% salicylic acid too since I occasionally get breakouts. These two serums have been on my wishlist for awhile. I jumped on them when I saw the sale on Dermstore! LOL.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

myshell624 — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 02:06:24 GMT

@aprilskies wrote:
I have the drunken elephant vit c and have been using it the last few days. No bad reactions but too soon to give a review for any results. The bottle says it is good for 24 mos. I have a couple dark patches on my face that I would like to lighten.

It is pricey but if it works. The packaging is very cheap in a sense. Just sort of that cheap plastic but I don't care about packaging. It is an air tight bottle. ...and I love that it is cruelty free.

It does get rave reviews so keeping my fingers crossed.

Where did you see it's good for 24 months on the bottle? I looked the box and bottle over and didn't see it.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

aprilskies — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 02:24:47 GMT

@myshell624 wrote:
@aprilskies wrote:
I have the drunken elephant vit c and have been using it the last few days. No bad reactions but too soon to give a review for any results. The bottle says it is good for 24 mos. I have a couple dark patches on my face that I would like to lighten.

It is pricey but if it works. The packaging is very cheap in a sense. Just sort of that cheap plastic but I don't care about packaging. It is an air tight bottle. ...and I love that it is cruelty free.

It does get rave reviews so keeping my fingers crossed.
Where did you see it's good for 24 months on the bottle? I looked the box and bottle over and didn't see it.

On the bottle, on one of the sides that has no writing on it. Down on the bottom of that side. It has the little open jar symbol that reads 24 mos, you will also see a elephant and a bunny and something else.

Re: Tired of throwing away my Vit C serum

MissSugarKane — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 02:37:29 GMT

I just started the Drunken Elephant Vitamin C serum as well. I almost hope I don't like it because of the price.