What Is The Most Effective Form Of Vitamin C

Ranking The Best Vitamin C Supplements Of 2021

Vitamin C plays an important role in keeping your immune system healthy, but it does far more than that. This essential vitamin also acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, leading to a number of other impactful applications beyond keeping your immune system healthy.

Here are the best vitamin C supplements on the market, ranked. Afterwards, well break down what vitamin C does and how a supplement can benefit your body.

Research

DACHA makes a tremendous vitamin C supplement that uses a unique approach to boosting bioavailability and absorption.

With over 1000 mg of vitamin C per serving, the dosage is fantastic, too, making it our number one pick of the year.

What Is A Stable Form Of Vitamin C

Every woman who tries to keep up on the latest beauty tips and tricks knows the positive effects of vitamin C on the skin. Most women find that topical vitamin C brightens their complexion and takes off years of aging from their face. Women clearly want that type of anti-aging effect.

Without vitamin C, collagen isnt as healthy as it could be. The skin doesnt look as plump as it used to and fine lines can turn into deeper wrinkles.

There are two ways vitamin C gets into the skin: 1) through our diet , and 2) topical application .

However, for topical application to work best, the vitamin C must be stable. It cant be in a form that oxidizes or a form that is not absorbed by the skin.

Unfortunately, many forms of C are unstable and become oxidized when exposed to moisture in air. You can tell when this happens because the product turns brown. Oxidized vitamin C is not effective and provides no benefit to the skin.

The benefits of C are not limited to reversing the signs of aging. Vitamin C can also help improve problem scars and skin blemishes: it encourages healthy collagen formation after skin injury, improves hydration which helps scar healing, and also decreases inflammation and redness. It also helps lighten hyperpigmentation like dark scars or dark marks.

Best Forms Of Vitamin C In Natural Skincare

One of the most complex issues Formula Botanica students come up against is deciding not only on the best form of Vitamin C for skin but also how to use it in their various natural skincare formulations. Vitamin C is one of the most well-known beneficial active ingredients in skincare and has been on trend for some time now.

In our first post in this series on vitamin C, we looked at the benefits of Vitamin C in high-performance skincare reviewing its action, among other uses, as a de-pigmentation agent and as an antioxidant able to scavenge free radicals. Vitamin C comes in many forms each of which has a different use and place in skincare products. As natural skincare formulators we need to understand our options to ensure we use the correct form to provide the maximum benefits in our end products.

In this second post in our series on vitamin C in natural skincare, we go over some of the most suitable and commonly-available vitamin C ingredients and also do a bit of a deep dive into their chemistry to help you understand which is best suited to your aims. Be aware that many available forms of vitamin C are not all appropriate for the home or small-scale natural skincare formulator, even if they are widely used in the professional salon world.

For more advice on what to be aware of as a small-scale, or home DIY natural skincare formulator, see also these posts:8 Points you must know before making homemade skincare

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Life Extension Buffered Vitamin C Powder

Some people find that taking ascorbic acid irritates their stomach. Buffered vitamin C is a less acidic form of the nutrient, which may help reduce adverse effects.

One serving of this powder provides 4,000 mg of vitamin C. This dose is very high twice that of the upper limit that the NIH recommends.

However, as this product comes in a powder, people can lower the dose to a more moderate level by using smaller amounts of powder.

Life Extension is also NSF and GMP certified and produces a Certificate of Analysis for every product it makes.

Vitamin C Supplement Features

Supplement form: There are three basic supplement forms: powder, chewable tablets, and pills or capsules. One type isnt necessarily better than the other because all can contain different amounts of vitamin C. Powders offer more doses per dollar, but you have to mix it in liquid before ingesting. What really matters is the form thats the easiest for you to take and wont upset your stomach.

Dosage: Supplement dosage varies widely from as little as 25 mg to 1,500 mg. However, the body can only absorb so much vitamin C at once, and it isnt recommended that you take over 2,000 mg per day. Once your body has reached its limit, the kidneys flush out any excess vitamin C, which is why physicians recommend taking a few smaller doses throughout the day rather than one mega dose. The body absorbs roughly 70% to 90% of the vitamin C that enters it through food or supplements. However, as the amount of vitamin C in the body increases, the absorption rate drops to around 50%.

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Major Forms Of Vitamin C Choose According To Your Skin Type

Vitamin C is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products. However, not everyone knows that vitamin C has different forms with varying properties. Elements like the pH levels, vitamin C concentration level and other ingredients within a product can break or enhance its benefits on your skin. As such, different forms of vitamin C react differently with skin types.

While vitamin C works for all skin types, ensure that you choose the correct form for your skin type. You should read the product label to understand if vitamin C in the product is suitable for your skin type.

Let’s look at some forms of vitamin C to help you choose the right product for you.

A Better Form Of Vitamin C

Every tissue and cell in our body requires vitamin C for growth and repair. But because vitamin C cant be stored in the body, its difficult to maintain optimal levels. Fortunately, scientists have uncovered unique botanical extracts that increase the rate at which your body absorbs and retains vitamin C allowing you to reach peak concentration faster and maintain it longer.

Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. Kathy Wilson, Ph.D., Psychology, NHD, on July 2020. Written By Steven Cortez.

Even though humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, every tissue and cell in our body needs this nutrient for healthy growth and repair.1,2

Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin C is difficult because it is water soluble and cannot be stored in the body.3 This inability to maintain high vitamin C levels is recognized by researchers as limiting its potential benefit, especially with regard to chronic illness.4

For years, scientists have been looking for ways to boost the impact of each dose of vitamin C. Fortunately, a method has been discovered to increase the speed at which vitamin C is absorbed.5 Reaching peak concentrations faster offers the edge your body needs to optimize its exposure to vitamin C following each dose.

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It Reduces The Symptoms Of Pms

In another study in premenstrual women, it was found that in combination with vitamin B6 and magnesium, PMS symptoms were reduced . Researchers found that magnesium and vitamin B6 in combination are more effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS than for magnesium alone although both were significantly more effective than placebo. In another study, the researchers divided 44 women into groups receiving magnesium, vitamin B6, magnesium and vitamin B6 or placebo. The researchers concluded that a small synergistic effect was observed in magnesium absorption in the group receiving B6 + magnesium combination therapy . It is worth noting that the researchers decided to use magnesium oxide as a test compound. This type of magnesium is very poorly absorbed and is not recommended for treatments aimed at increasing the total magnesium concentration in the body.

Best Liposomal Vitamin C: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid

If you’ve done any research on unique delivery forms, you’ve likely already heard of liposomal vitamin C. This liquid format is the best design to achieve true vitamin-containing liposomes, thanks to the sheering force of shaking the liquid. This helps the active mix with the sunflower-derived phospholipids . The addition of fat helps aid vitamin C’s absorption. We love that this formula is GMO-free and vegan, but do note: It requires refrigeration and some amount of endurance .*

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The Best Refreshing Vitamin C Serum: Tula Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum $48

• Pros: Consistent at brightening and hydrating, works well on sensitive skin, smooth and refreshing
• Cons: None to speak of

Tulas Brightening Treatment Drops are literal drops of ocean-cool refreshment onto your skin. Its the serum I would choose if I need to really wake up in the morning and over time, gives some of the best, glowy results.

• Pros: Has the best consistency we tested good at giving an all-around, sweet glow
• Cons: Has a slightly strong floral scent, but nothing unusable

Rose Inc. shocked me with its ability to produce a natural-looking glow. Seriously, if you happen to skip your cleanser and moisturizer one day and just use the brands Radiant Reveal Clean Brightening Vitamin C Serum, youll be A-OK.

Its not too thick and not too runny, so its the Goldilocks winner of serums. Plus, its packaging is minimal and sealed, anti-bacteria safe.

Everyone Wants Glowing Skin And Vitamin C Is Touted As The Way To Get You There Find Out The Most Effective Form Of Vitamin C So You Can Shop Smarter

Vitamin C is an antioxidant-rich skin care ingredient that claims to brighten skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, so it makes sense that everyone wants to get in on the vitamin C game.

But the skin care world can be a bit overwhelming. Its saturated with so many products claiming to have vitamin C. After researching all these products, you could be questioning which form of vitamin C is actually worth your money.

Here, we breakdown how vitamin C works and the most effective form that will help you reach your skin care goals quicker.

What is vitamin C?

First, lets break down how vitamin C works and what makes it such a sought-after ingredient. At its core, vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant located in the dermis and epidermis .

This amazing molecule is crucial because it helps to protect us from UV photo-damage, increases collagen production, and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation. Studies even suggest vitamin C can help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, which is the evaporation of water from the outermost layer of the skin. This loss of water usually results in dry and irritable skin.

There is a catch though. Vitamin C is notoriously difficult to formulate since its prone to oxidation. Once oxidized, the vitamin C is no longer effective. Not to mention, it has to be pH balanced to work efficiently. This means youll want to choose the right form of vitamin C to get the most powerful formula your money can buy.

Which form is the best?

Bottom line:

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Contraindications Of Vitamin C Administration

There are no contra-indications of vitamin C administration. Diabetics, patients prone to recurrent renal calculi, those undergoing stool occult blood tests, and those on sodium restricted diets or anticoagulant therapy should not take excessive doses of ascorbic acid over an extended period of time.

Diabetics taking more than 500 mg of ascorbic acid daily may obtain false readings of their urinary glucose test. No exogenous ascorbic acid should be ingested for 4872 h before amine dependent stool occult blood tests are conducted because possible false-negative results may occur.

Garden Of Life Organic Vitamin C Spray

Price: $$$

Garden of Life vitamin C spray is made from a variety of 100% organic, whole foods like strawberries, blueberries, and tart cherries.

Youll receive a 60-mg dose of vitamin C in every 5 sprays, and it doesnt contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. It comes in two flavors and is suitable for adults and children over 4 years old.

The vitamin C dose in this product is lower than many traditional supplements, making it a great option for anyone who eats a variety of vitamin-Ccontaining foods but still needs some extra help filling in potential nutrient gaps.

All Garden of Life products are third-partytested for quality and purity, and they operate FDA-certified manufacturing facilities.

Price: $

Swanson Vitamin C Powder contains nothing but 100% pure, powdered vitamin C.

It dissolves easily into almost any liquid, and you dont have to worry about any added fillers, sweeteners, or preservatives.

Each scoop provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C, but you can tailor the serving size to fit your needs.

When it comes to purity and quality, Swanson holds themselves to exceptionally high standards.

All of their supplements undergo in-house and third-party testing, so you can rest assured youre getting a great product every time.

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Which Form Of Vitamin C Is Best Absorbed In The Body

Are you getting enough out of your vitamin C intake? Are you experiencing the myriad of benefits this powerhouse nutrient can give you? If not, you might be wondering why. In this article, we discover what the reasons might be for poor vitamin C absorption, how to improve absorbency, and which form of vitamin C is best absorbed.

What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicles from breaking down collagen and elastin, Dr. Patel explains. You can tell if your serum is working after a week of using.

She adds that your skin should be smoother, softer and more glowy and maybe a few dark spots lighter, as if you have had an exfoliation upon consistent use.

Over months there should be a decrease in dark spots and a thickening of the skin, she adds. There may be fewer breakouts as well.

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Read Your Labels: How To Not Get Duped By Crappy Supplements Plus Dosage Tips

All 13 of these vitamin C supplements have been vetted, but if you choose a different product, be sure to evaluate its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. Reputable brands are often up-front about this.

Some things to look for: supplements made in a GMP or cGMP facility, in-house lab testing, and preferably third-party lab testing . Some supplement manufacturers even make their certificates of analysis for various lab tests, including heavy metal testing, available to view.

Also, be mindful of the serving size. The RDA of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men, 75 milligrams for women, and up to 120 milligrams for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. But some medical conditions and lifestyle factors might require you to take more.

I sometimes have people take 2,500 milligrams per day during cold and flu season or if they get sick a lot, says physician and integrative immunologist Heather Moday, MD.

If you choose to take a higher dose of vitamin C, break up your intake into several smaller doses throughout the day. According to Moday, youre not going to absorb more than about 500 milligrams at once, and the rest will move through the GI tract. Meaning: diarrhea.

The one exception to this rule is with liposomal vitamin C: Due to its molecular structure, its absorbed directly through cell membranes, which increases bioavailability.

Best Clean Beauty: Drunk Elephant C

Drunk Elephant has established itself as a beauty brand dedicated to using clean yet effective ingredients. Just ask the many beauty editors, influencers, and fans part of their cult-like following. Their C-Firma Day Serum is the perfect example of clean beauty at its finest.

This lightweight but antioxidant- and nutrient-rich treatment does not include ingredients the brand believes is the root of most skin issuesessential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead, their vitamin c serum offers 15% potent antioxidant complex15% L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin Ea cocktail which helps fight environmental skin stressors, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and helps replenish the skinalong with exfoliating pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzymes.

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How To Choose The Right Vitamin C For You

If theres one skincare ingredient we would recommend for almost anyone, its vitamin C. Thats rightthe vitamin in your orange juice is one of the most well-researched skincare ingredients out there, and its been scientifically proven to have a variety of benefits:

• Reducing the look of lines and wrinkles and improves elasticity by regulating collagen production.

• Brightening discoloration from acne scars, age spots, and sun damage by reducing melanin production in the skin.

• Provides protection from free-radical damage caused by the sun, blue light from your cell phone, and other environmental stressors.

• Heals acne by soothing irritation and inflammation.

• Supports the skins barrier function so that its less susceptible to moisture loss.

Garden Of Life Vitamin Code Raw C

Garden of Life uses naturally-produced ascorbic acid as the source for their vitamin C, but they go above and beyond other brands by including a huge range of extracts from fruits and vegetables like broccoli, apple, carrot, bell pepper, and kale.

These ingredients give you phytonutrients you wouldnt be getting if you just took pure vitamin C. And, at 500 mg of vitamin C per serving, youre not skimping on dosage, either.

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