There’s no such thing as a miracle treatment when it comes to combating age, though vitamin C comes pretty close. It’s a powerful antioxidant that reduces discoloration, softens the signs of age, brightens and evens out skin tone, and so much more.
Nowadays, there’s tons of different vitamin C serums, creams, and oils on the market, but in this review we’ll focus on Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum.
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum is formulated with vitamin C and a blend of supporting ingredients in order to target dark spots, uneven tone, and expression lines, while also promoting a firmer looking complexion.
But can one serum really provide all of these benefits? In order to answer this question, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.
We’ll also share some Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Ergothioneine, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
- Skin type? All
- Texture? Lightweight serum
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $12.95 USD for 1.75 fl oz
What Are The Key Ingredients in Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum?
In order to determine how well Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)
The form of vitamin C that’s used in Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum is called aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, which is 10 times more photostable than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
As an antioxidant, vitamin C donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species (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 cellular proteins, including collagen.
Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin.
Since vitamin C can protect collagen, the Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum can help prevent signs of aging.
Vitamin C also stimulates the synthesis of new collagen in the skin. By increasing the amount of collagen in the skin, signs of aging will be diminished and the skin will appear more firm.
And just when you thought vitamin C couldn’t get any better, it can: vitamin C also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. This is accomplished through inhibition of melanin synthesis.
Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin color, but too much of this pigment can lead to undesirable dark spots called hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C decreases melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is required for melanin synthesis. The result is skin that appears brighter with less dark spots and a more even skin tone.
Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Ergothioneine)
In addition to vitamin C, there’s a few more antioxidants in Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum, including vitamin E, ferulic acid, and ergothioneine.
The combination of vitamins C and E is great because these ingredients are known as “network antioxidants”.
As a publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic — particularly in UV protection.”
Next up is ferulic acid, which works like other antioxidants to slow the aging process by protecting the skin from free radical damage. One of the key advantages of ferulic acid is its ability to enhance the efficacy and stability of vitamins C and E.
Lastly, ergothioneine is included in the Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum because it has a strong protective effect when applied to the skin. Specifically, it has been reported that skin cells have the ability to uptake ergothioneine to strengthen their natural antioxidant defense system. In addition, ergothioneine provides mild protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid)
We love that Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum includes two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic and lactic acid.
AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation.
By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
How to Use Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum?
Use Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum after cleansing face and gently pat product onto skin, focusing on problem areas. Wait several minutes for the serum to absorb, then follow with moisturizer. This serum can be used daily, morning and night.
Where to Buy Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum?
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum and other Advanced Clinicals skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as on several third party online retailers such as Amazon, iHerb, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and more.
How Much is Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum?
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum costs $12.95 USD for 1.75 fl oz on the brand’s website.
What is The Advanced Clinicals Return Policy?
The Advanced Clinicals return policy states, “Advanced Clinicals products are 100% risk free guaranteed. Try it out, if you do not like it, return the product and we will refund you. Sometimes results take a bit longer to see, use the entire bottle, if you still do not like it, return the empty bottle and we will refund you.”
Is Advanced Clinicals Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Advanced Clinicals is cruelty-free. They do not test their ingredients, product prototypes, or finished products on animals, and they also do not commission tests to third-parties. Additionally, Advanced Clinicals products are not sold in mainland China (where animal testing is required by law).
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum is a well-formulated, budget-friendly vitamin C serum that should help to brighten the complexion while also reducing signs of aging.
Pros
- Affordable
- Beneficial key ingredients (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Ergothioneine, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)
- Many positive Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum reviews
- Advanced Clinicals is cruelty free
Cons
- Formula contains fragrance
- Some Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Serum reviews mention breakouts
