Ascorbic acid is the most chemically active form of vitamin C. But does that make it the best form of topical vitamin C? Not necessarily. In fact, ascorbic acid is actually the least stable form of vitamin C. This means that ascorbic acid oxidizes the easiest out of all forms of vitamin C. When vitamin C becomes oxidized it loses its potency and ultimately becomes ineffective. Things like sunlight, heat, air, water, and time can all lead to the oxidation of ascorbic acid. Additionally, ascorbic acid causes the most skin irritation out of all forms of vitamin C. This happens because ascorbic acid is an acidic molecule and can only penetrate the skin at a pH of 3.5 or less. Since the normal pH of skin is about 5.5, this low pH can be harsh on the skin. These two factors are important to keep in mind when choosing a vitamin C product from The Body Shop as their Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel and Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother both contain ascorbic acid. Pros: enriched with Super Citrus and brightening Vitamin C, helps to re-plump fine lines and reduce their appearance, antioxidant helps protect your skin from sun damage, dermatologically tested and is suitable for all skin types Our review by heat writer Angelica Daujotas:"I am officially OBSESSED with this cream. From its formula to the insane glow it gives, this moisturiser is a staple in my everyday routine. I like to use this moisturiser after the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum for a long-lasting glow when I'm having a good skin day. Having used the moisturiser for over a month, I found that almost instantly my skin appeared healthier and glowing, I could not recommend this enough!"

Pros: high-performance pro-collagen Vitamin C, moisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid and anti-oxidant Ferulic Acid, lovely fragrance Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is another form of vitamin C used in The Body Shop’s Vitamin C line. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is much more stable than ascorbic acid and can also penetrate the skin better. At a pH of 7, this water-soluble form of vitamin C is easily absorbed into the skin and is less likely to cause irritation than ascorbic acid. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is also known to have a hydrating effect on the skin and decreases transepidermal water loss. According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is also a free radical scavenger that is photoprotective and increases collagen production under laboratory test conditions. You’ll find magnesium ascorbyl phosphate in The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Boosting Microdermabrasion Exfoliator, Vitamin C Energizing Face Mist, and Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish. If you’re ready to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine, a great vitamin C moisturiser is the best place to start. A multi-use vitamin C moisturiser will help brighten and hydrate your skin all while promoting collagen production, added to your everyday routine it’s a skincare holy grail. Want even, radiant skin that glows? This Garnier Vitamin C Serum Cream combines the benefits of both a brightening serum, with the lasting moisture of a cream, all in an SPF 25 moisturiser. The formula is concentrated with 20 per cent serum enriched with vitamin C and super citrus, in addition to being a moisturiser with SPF, to protect your skin from sun-induced dark spots.This lightweight gel cream is formulated to hydrate and brighten, with vitamin C and magnesium to smooth and energise the look of your skin. The Ren Clean Skincare Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream promises visibly plumper skin with a more even-looking tone and texture. It's even a great moisturiser for acne-prone skin. Treat yourself to luminosity and glow with Ren, for a radiant, more healthy-looking complexion on all skin types and tones.

A facial sunscreen, on the other hand, only has one job: protect the skin on your face from the sun's rays without worrying about whether it's too moisturiser. Having said that, many sunscreen formulas now are so elegant, it's difficult to know the difference. If you're on holiday or it's a particularly sunny day at home and you've decided to sunbathe, then it's time to get the best sun cream out. Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 15 when working indoors and on overcast days, and SPF 30 at all other times. What else should I look for in an SPF moisturiser? Water (Solvent/Diluent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Sunscreen), Isododecane (Solvent), Octisalate (Sunscreen), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Hydrogenated Polydecene (Skin Conditioning Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Arachidyl Alcohol (Emulsion Stabiliser), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Behenyl Alcohol (Emollient), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Arachidyl Glucoside (Surfactant/Emulsifying Agent), Cetyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Antioxidant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer (Binder), Fragrance (Fragrance), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Polyisobutene (Binder), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Polysorbate 20 (Emulsifier), Sorbitan Isostearate (Emulsifier), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient). Hydration – vitamin C is great for helping your skin retain water, with better-hydrated skin your face cream will make your skin feel plumper and smoother. But, vitamin C can also be used in a body moisturiser. Indeed, we also have a guide to the best moisturisers for dry skin at your disposal.Customer review:"I bought this because it was on sale. I’d never heard of the brand. I’m 40 with combination skin. I didn’t find it greasy just beautifully hydrating and personally, I love the smell. The main reason I have to review it though is that it has worked really well on my frown lines, I’ve never been more impressed with the results of a face cream and my skin is really glowing too. I’m a vitamin C convert for sure! My skin can be quite sensitive but after two weeks of using this product, it seems to be ok. I’ve found my perfect day cream."

Pros: combines a serum with a moisturiser, 20% serum enriched with Vitamin C* & Super Citrus, SPF 25 moisturiser, dermatologically tested, suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin You may have heard that vitamin C is one of the best ingredients to look for in a skin care product due to its ability to brighten and firm the skin. While brands can claim this to be true for any ingredient, there is scientific data that proves vitamin C exerts potent antioxidant activity. Like other antioxidants, vitamin C is capable of protecting the skin from free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Specifically, vitamin C donates electrons to neutralize ROS such as the superoxide ion and peroxide that are generated when the skin is exposed to UV light. This is important because the harmful effects of ROS occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane and the cellular proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. Thus, vitamin C’s ability to protect collagen within skin makes it an ideal ingredient to include in anti-aging skincare products. Formulation insight What’s more, SPF moisturisers are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant. For these reasons, they won’t offer the same level of protection as the best sun creams," the doctor adds. The only little problem I have with this product is that it gives me a slight burning sensation for a few seconds. The sensation chills down in just moments though! My skin is a little sensitive, so maybe, the sensation is a problem only for sensitive skins and as per the claim, I have not noticed any radiance in my skin after 15 days of using the cream, maybe I will have to wait for a few more weeks. Pros of The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30:Customer review:"Only a small amount is needed for a glowing face. An excellent all-day, non-greasy moisturiser, smells nice. But the real magic is as a make-up base. Try it, you'll find out." Here’s one more reason to use sunscreen containing vitamin C: it also guards your skin against pollution. Sunscreen alone can’t stop the free radicals generated by pollutants from penetrating your skin, but vitamin C comes to the rescue by neutralizing them before damaging your cells. Our favorite vitamin C sunscreens to try Brightening – Vitamin C can aid in helping skin pigmentation as well as reducing dullness, for glowy radiant skin.