“This £10 Serum Has Completely Transformed My Skin”
I have a confession to make: I don’t use vitamin C in my beauty routine. I know: it’s lauded as part of the holy trinity of skincare, alongside sunscreen and retinol, so there must be something good about it. The truth is, though, I’ve never actually noticed a difference. That is, until now.
Why vitamin C is important
As someone who religiously uses sunscreen (SPF 50, no less) and retinol in my skincare routine, I was recently shocked to learn about the role of vitamin C. Essentially, sunscreen prevents premature ageing by protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. Meanwhile, retinol (a vitamin A derivative) promotes collagen production and cell turnover.
So what does vitamin C do? According to Dermatica, in addition to protecting your skin from environmental factors like pollution, brightening your skin, and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, it also plays a crucial role in collagen production. Essentially, if you’re looking to reduce fine lines and promote plump, youthful-looking skin, you need vitamin C, too. Without it, you’ve only got half of the tools you need.
The hero find
Before you lay into me, yes, I’ve tried quite a few vitamin C serums over the years. Candidly, they’ve either been given to me through work, or I’ve picked them up at the local chemist, but I’ve never repurchased. The reason is that the price points vary widely, and for the money, I’d rather purchase something like niacinamide, which has had a greater impact on my skin.
All of that changed, though, when I tried Aroma-Zone’s £10 Vitamin C 10% & Astaxanthin Serum. When I look at the reviews online, I’m clearly not the only fan – the product has over 7.3k reviews at the time of writing, and a 4.6/5 rating. It’s also taken home industry beauty awards, so the hype is real.
Suitable for all skin types, while also being fragrance and allergen-free, it’s surprising that this bottle comes in so affordably.
Why I love it
Previously, despite using moisturiser every day and night, my skin was still getting dry in certain areas, particularly around the nose. Since using this, though, my face has an even, hydrated layer, providing an even, smooth base.
My skin looks significantly more glowy, and I love that there isn’t a residue or film-like tightness to it, like with other vitamin Cs I’ve tried; it completely melts into your skin.
I haven’t noticed much of a difference when previously incorporating vitamin C into my skincare routine, but I immediately saw an improvement from the first time using this serum.
Natasha, Digital Editor
How to use it
I apply a single pump of this serum every morning to dry, cleansed skin, underneath my moisturiser and sunscreen. Notably, you don’t need much – a little goes a long way. After applying, this serum takes about 30 seconds to sink into my skin, so it’s a quick and easy step if your morning routine usually looks slightly rushed.
In case you’re not already aware, you shouldn’t use vitamin C and retinol at the same time. Their different pH levels mean they can reduce each other’s efficacy, while also risking causing of redness and irritation. For the best results, use vitamin C and sunscreen in your morning routine (to protect your skin from the sun and environmental factors), and retinol in the evening.
The results
Unlike with makeup, there isn’t a major ‘wow’ before and after, but you can already see my skin looks more radiant and hydrated with this one product applied to clean skin.
Before
After
Another fan from The Handbook team
I’m really cautious with Vitamin C because my skin is ridiculously sensitive and London weather and air seems determined to dry me out year-round. But this one is incredibly gentle. It gives a brighter, fresher look without the tightness or irritation I get worried about with active serums, and it acts to make the skin stay much more hydrated and calm even during temperature swings, which is exactly what I look for in both heat waves and cold snaps.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
Shop now
Other Vitamin C heroes
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
