If you’re someone who’s looking for a stronger, more potent vitamin C serum, look no further than this formulation from Cosrx, a coveted Korean skin care brand that’s widely recognised for its simple yet effective ingredients. Offering a 23% concentration of pure vitamin C, this formula delivers some serious brightening benefits, resulting in a more even-looking complexion and faded hyperpigmentation. Plus, it’s also infused with vitamin E to slow down long-term skin damage as well as hyaluronic acid to ensure lasting hydration and an improvement to fine lines and wrinkles. That said, since it’s a strong formula, the brand does recommend performing a patch test prior to using it regularly, as it could also result in irritation or sensitised skin. Use it as part of your morning routine alongside your trusty SPF and a moisturiser.
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7. Best for Mature Skin: TIRTIR Pure Vitamin C 24% Face Serum
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TIRTIR Pure Vitamin C 24% Face Serum
- Pros: Powerful concentration of vitamin C; has a lightweight, nongreasy feel; packs impressive brightening properties.
- Cons: The higher concentration may not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin.
Having gone viral all over social media, Tirtir turned into one of the most sought-after K-beauty brands, and deservedly so. Out of its extensive skin care lineup, the Pure Vitamin C serum is a solid choice for those with mature skin, thanks to a whole bunch of tightening and rejuvenating components such as alpha bisabolol and triple collagen. Featuring a 24% concentration of vitamin C, this quality vitamin C serum has been proven to deliver a firmer and brighter-looking complexion in just a few weeks. Not only does it aid in fading away pigmentation and dark spots, but it also helps plump up your complexion, enhance its natural elasticity, and give your skin that much-needed boost of hydration.
READ MORE: An honest TirTir foundation review – does it live up to the hype?
Your Korean Vitamin C serum FAQs, answered:
What are the benefits of using vitamin C?
“Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that is proven to not only protect against skin damage but also reverse some of the existing damage that has already been caused by oxidative stress—the process that damages cells, proteins, and DNA, resulting in premature skin aging, loss of collagen, pigmentation, and the formation of lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Hall.
Some of its many benefits also include “its ability to brighten skin, even out hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production,” says Cho.
According to Cho, “Vitamin C has been growing in popularity in Korean skin care, but the approach is different from Western formulation. K-beauty has introduced many L-ascorbic (pure vitamin C) acid formulations that are more potent and effective but difficult to stabilise with exposure to light and oxygen. That said, they have made progress on making L-asborbic vitamin C formulations to be more shelf stable in recent years.”
“In terms of formulation, Korean vitamin C serums will be lighter and more hydrating. K-beauty places its biggest focus on the skin barrier—restoring, maintaining, and repairing it—so formulations tend to be gentler. This is achieved through the use of milder, more stable forms of vitamin C,” says Dr. Hall.
How should I use a Korean vitamin C serum?
“Vitamin C is best used in the morning because of its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution,” says Cho.
As far as application goes, Dr. Hall recommends using it on freshly cleansed skin or after applying toner (or Korean toner): “Allow a few minutes for it to soak in before applying your other skin care ingredients. Once soaked, vitamin C has been shown to remain active in the skin for between 8 and 24 hours post-application.”
Is there a difference between ampoules and serums in Korean skin care?
“Ampoules are known as boosters and are more concentrated versions of serums: i.e. the amount of active ingredient in the product will be higher. While most serums are designed to be used once (if not twice) a day, ampoule-style products are designed for using once or twice a week, which is why the packaging size will be smaller,” says Dr. Hall.
Cho also points out that “some Korean brands blur the lines between the two,” so it’s important to pay attention to how the product is labeled and take note of the recommended directions in order to avoid overwhelming your skin.
