Over the last 2 years, Vitamin C has become the single most popular skincare ingredient and for a very good reason. It helps our bodies produce collagen, which then helps reduce the 7 signs of aging and a majority of dermatologists recommend it regardless of age or skin type.
“All of its various benefits make it a top recommendation for most dermatologists,” said Dr. Fatima Fahs, a dermatologist in Michigan.
Seven signs of aging
1. Fine lines and wrinkles
2. Dullness of skin
3. Uneven skin tone
4. Dry skin
5. Blotchiness and age spots
6. Rough skin texture
7. Visible pores
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, so it can neutralize damaging molecules called free radicals, which “accelerate signs of aging,” said Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City.
Not all Vitamin C is equal.
The most common and cheapest form of Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. This is made in an industrial factory setting and more than 80% comes from China due to lower environmental standards. This version of vitamin c is a crystal form that requires water to dissolve and therefore a preservative in your skincare. This form of vitamin c is not stable and deteriorates with both time and UV light. Skincare using this form is not effective at all unless the vitamin c concentration is over 10% and closer to 20%.
Natural Vitamin C
The highest natural form of vitamin c comes from a small native Australian fruit called a Kakadu Plum.
Kakadu plum is still a wild harvested fruit (Short video in link showing harvest) as it is relatively new to western science, creating important opportunities for Australia's First Nations people.
The Kakadu Plum fruit has the highest known Vitamin C concentration of any single natural food source in the world, occasionally as high as 3800 mg per 100g of fruit. That's over 55 times the concentration found in oranges (with around 50 mg/100 g). When used in natural skincare products, this powerful antioxidant works to stimulate the production of collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Containing the phytochemicals gallic and ellagic acids, Kakadu Plum Oil is also revered for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. helps to reduce redness, inflammation and irritation.
Concentrations for skin care for Kakadu Plum can be 5-10%, as it is twice as effective for your skin as industrial, Chinese made L-ascorbic acid.
Kakadu plum oil is stable and does not deteriorate with time or light.
Vitamin C serums do not need to cost $50+
Consumers clearly associate higher price with higher quality, but it is impossible for L-ascorbic acid to be better quality than a natural vitamin c, like Kakadu Plum oil. By all means spend $100 plus if it makes you feel better, but it is just not linked to reality.
Some companies are charging $195 for 1 fluid ounce of vitamin c serum and that feels like a crime.
CocoRoo Natural Skincare founders, moved to the USA from Australia to help the world discover effective skincare methods but more importantly create opportunities for Australia's First Nations peoples. The Kakadu Plum is going to change lives, not just for the indigenous harvesters, but for the entire community.
When purchasing your vitamin c serum consider these 3 things
Effectiveness of the ingredient.
Indigenous opportunity v the Chinese rising super power.
Natural V Industrial - the environment
Price