When I’m asked about no-nonsense skincare, I think Paula’s Choice. It doesn’t just top the list, it began it. But as much as I enjoy most of the brand’s formulas, the recent launch of 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum made me a tad nervous. Unpopular opinion alert: of all the Paula’s Choice boosters, the Vitamin C was my least favorite. Unlike the Niacinamide and Peptide serums, it felt cosmetically inelegant and left a slightly sticky finish on my skin. Luckily, the new addition is everything I like, want, and need in a serum. More below.
What is the new Paula’s choice Vitamin C serum all about?
Paula’s Choice made the new 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione part of their ‘clinical’ range. ‘Clinical’ is industry speak for powerful and/or highly effective. It does not, however, mean prescription strength. Since I’ve always considered Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment a stand-out among Vitamin A formulas (and one of the best products from the brand overall), I was hoping it would surpass my booster experience. It’s a super gentle yet quite advanced solution that brightens and firms a dull, lackluster complexion. And it will work even for those usually sensitive to conventional Vitamin C serums.
What’s in the new Vitamin C serum?
First, the brightening promise comes via a clever blend of two forms of Vitamin C. Paula’s Choice uses a 25% concentration of oil-soluble Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and water-soluble Ascorbyl Glucoside. Unlike the ubiquitous L-Ascorbic Acid, these are extremely stable and won’t oxidize. You don’t have to worry about triggering sensitivities that turn your skin red and inflamed either. The combination of Glycerin with a touch of Dimethicone gives this serum a silky texture that feels almost luxe when applied.
Glutathione is another hero ingredient in this impressive formula. A potent antioxidant, it successfully defends against free radical damage like UV exposure and pollution. Glutathione is unique in its ability to inhibit enzymes that create pigment, which in turn lightens dark spots caused by UV damage. Maximizing antioxidant protection, the serum highlights Vitamin E, Apple Fruit Extract, and mushroom derived Ergothioneine. There isn’t added fragrance, but I do pick up a very faint aroma reminiscent of… wait for it… a vanilla wafer?
How do I use the new Paula’s Choice serum?
Since I don’t like to complicate things and refuse to get too adventurous, I stick to Vitamin C during the day and retinoids at night. I know you can technically use both together in the same sequence but I find checking which has the lower pH and then waiting 30 minutes between applications pretty daunting. This Paula’s Choice serum is definitely safe to use twice a day if you choose to do so. After my morning cleanse, I use an essence, follow with 2 pumps of the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum, and finish with my favorite sunscreen. Two thumbs up for this launch. I’ll for sure consider purchasing it when my bottle runs out.
$62 (30ml) at paulaschoice.com
P.S. These Vitamin C serums also work great on my skin:
