Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum Review

SKIN CARE REVIEWS

08.21.19 AD DISCLOSURE

The Tree Of Life Vitamin C Serum was designed to serve as a gentle yet effective vitamin C serum. One of the reasons that vitamin C serums are so common is that they offer the ultimate multipurpose solutions. Vitamin C can be used to help with a full range of skincare concerns from acne to hyperpigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Even more so, vitamin C is an incredibly powerful antioxidant which helps to protect the skin and prevent the skin damage that plays a huge role in premature aging. But while vitamin C is so beneficial, it can be incredibly tricky to find a formula that ticks all the boxes, depending on your skin type and your skincare needs. Looking at the Tree Of Life Vitamin C serum, this product works best for those with slightly more sensitive skin types as well as those who are looking for a more stable product with a longer shelf life. Instead of using pure ascorbic acid, which oxidizes quickly, this serum uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate or SAP, which offers most of the benefits of pure vitamin C, without the sensitivity or the short shelf life.

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Water/Aqua/Eau

FUNCTIONS:

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

When you see “water\aqua\eau” on a product’s ingredient label, it simply means water. Manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products are required by law to list all of the ingredients...Learn More

FUNCTIONS:

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

Glycerin (Kosher Vegetable)

FUNCTIONS:

Humectant

A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups, such as hydroxyl groups (OH) and/or amine groups (NH2). There needs to be enough NH and OH groups on the molecule to counteract the nonpolar parts (i.e. hydrocarbon portion), allowing the overall molecule to be polar enough to attract water. The OH and NH groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin. Humectants slow water from evaporating and therefore keep the skin hydrated. Examples of humectants include glycerin, amino acids, peptides, urea, and hyaluronic acid.

FUNCTIONS:

Humectant

A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups, such as hydroxyl groups (OH) and/or amine groups (NH2). There needs to be enough NH and OH groups on the molecule to counteract the nonpolar parts (i.e. hydrocarbon portion), allowing the overall molecule to be polar enough to attract water. The OH and NH groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin. Humectants slow water from evaporating and therefore keep the skin hydrated. Examples of humectants include glycerin, amino acids, peptides, urea, and hyaluronic acid.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe)

FUNCTIONS:

Plant Extract

Plant extracts are used in a variety of skin care products because they contain beneficial components such as oils, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. With many plants, manufacturers can obtain beneficial extracts from all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, or bark. By definition, extraction is the separation of medicinally active portions of a plant, leaving behind any residue that cannot be used. There are many methods to extract these active portions of the plant, for example, solvent extraction, distillation method, pressing, and sublimation. Cold pressing is considered to be the best method for extracting active components from the plant. A cold press compacts plant parts (i.e. seeds, nuts, etc.) between two plates, releasing their natural oil. Applying heat to the plant as it is being pressed can speed up the process and produce more oil; the downside is that this heat can also break down the nutritional content and reduce the extract’s effectiveness.

FUNCTIONS:

Plant Extract

Plant extracts are used in a variety of skin care products because they contain beneficial components such as oils, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. With many plants, manufacturers can obtain beneficial extracts from all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, or bark. By definition, extraction is the separation of medicinally active portions of a plant, leaving behind any residue that cannot be used. There are many methods to extract these active portions of the plant, for example, solvent extraction, distillation method, pressing, and sublimation. Cold pressing is considered to be the best method for extracting active components from the plant. A cold press compacts plant parts (i.e. seeds, nuts, etc.) between two plates, releasing their natural oil. Applying heat to the plant as it is being pressed can speed up the process and produce more oil; the downside is that this heat can also break down the nutritional content and reduce the extract’s effectiveness.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)

FUNCTIONS:

Vitamin

Vitamins are organic substances (that just means they include the element carbon) that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins include all 8 B vitamins, as well as vitamin C and vitamin P (bioflavonoids). The most common vitamins used in skin care products include vitamins A, C, and E, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and panthenol (provitamin B5). The majority of vitamins function as antioxidants. Antioxidants limit oxidative damage caused by free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. In addition to functioning as antioxidants, each vitamin provides unique skin care benefits. For example, vitamin C is well known to help fade dark spots and brighten the complexion, while vitamin E can help to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a water soluble form of vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C), which is prone to break down in the presence

FUNCTIONS:

Vitamin

Vitamins are organic substances (that just means they include the element carbon) that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins include all 8 B vitamins, as well as vitamin C and vitamin P (bioflavonoids). The most common vitamins used in skin care products include vitamins A, C, and E, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and panthenol (provitamin B5). The majority of vitamins function as antioxidants. Antioxidants limit oxidative damage caused by free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. In addition to functioning as antioxidants, each vitamin provides unique skin care benefits. For example, vitamin C is well known to help fade dark spots and brighten the complexion, while vitamin E can help to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Hamamelis Virginiana Water (Witch Hazel)

FUNCTIONS:

Plant Extract

Plant extracts are used in a variety of skin care products because they contain beneficial components such as oils, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. With many plants, manufacturers can obtain beneficial extracts from all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, or bark. By definition, extraction is the separation of medicinally active portions of a plant, leaving behind any residue that cannot be used. There are many methods to extract these active portions of the plant, for example, solvent extraction, distillation method, pressing, and sublimation. Cold pressing is considered to be the best method for extracting active components from the plant. A cold press compacts plant parts (i.e. seeds, nuts, etc.) between two plates, releasing their natural oil. Applying heat to the plant as it is being pressed can speed up the process and produce more oil; the downside is that this heat can also break down the nutritional content and reduce the extract’s effectiveness.

FUNCTIONS:

Plant Extract

Plant extracts are used in a variety of skin care products because they contain beneficial components such as oils, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. With many plants, manufacturers can obtain beneficial extracts from all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, or bark. By definition, extraction is the separation of medicinally active portions of a plant, leaving behind any residue that cannot be used. There are many methods to extract these active portions of the plant, for example, solvent extraction, distillation method, pressing, and sublimation. Cold pressing is considered to be the best method for extracting active components from the plant. A cold press compacts plant parts (i.e. seeds, nuts, etc.) between two plates, releasing their natural oil. Applying heat to the plant as it is being pressed can speed up the process and produce more oil; the downside is that this heat can also break down the nutritional content and reduce the extract’s effectiveness.

Dimethyl Sulfone (Msm)

FUNCTIONS:

Misc

Miscellaneous ingredients are unique ingredients that do not fit into any other category.

FUNCTIONS:

Misc

Miscellaneous ingredients are unique ingredients that do not fit into any other category.

Xanthan Gum

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Organic Jojoba)

Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum (Tara)

FUNCTIONS:

Misc

Miscellaneous ingredients are unique ingredients that do not fit into any other category.

FUNCTIONS:

Misc

Miscellaneous ingredients are unique ingredients that do not fit into any other category.

Sclerotium Gum

FUNCTIONS:

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

Sclerotium gum is a water soluble, naturally derived polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the filamentous fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. Unlike most natural and synthetic gums, sclerotium gum has high thermal stability

FUNCTIONS:

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum (Tara)

FUNCTIONS:

Emollient

Emollients are ingredients that hydrate and improve the skin softness, flexibility, and smoothness. Examples of emollients include petrolatum, mineral oil, and various oils. Emollients are used in products such as creams, ointments, serums, and lotions. They improve skin softness and smoothness immediately after application.

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

FUNCTIONS:

Emollient

Emollients are ingredients that hydrate and improve the skin softness, flexibility, and smoothness. Examples of emollients include petrolatum, mineral oil, and various oils. Emollients are used in products such as creams, ointments, serums, and lotions. They improve skin softness and smoothness immediately after application.

Formulation Enhancer

A formulation enhancer is any ingredient that is used to improve the look, feel, texture, stability, rheology, or appearance of a cosmetic product. A formulation enhancer does not provide a direct benefit to the skin, but rather improves the product and the user’s experience of the product.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

Ethylhexylglycerin

Phenoxyethanol

FUNCTIONS:

Preservative

A preservative is a natural or synthetic ingredient that is added to a cosmetic product to prevent microbial contamination (bacteria, mold, yeast, etc.), as well as to prevent degradation by environmental factors such as heat, light, and air. Cosmetics have a high potential for microbial contamination and growth. The most susceptible products are creams and lotions that are packaged in jars, opened frequently, and applied to the skin with the fingers. Inadvertent contamination may also occur after the use of makeup brushes around the eyes or other parts of the face that touch the skin and the cosmetic repeatedly. Each use increases the chance for contamination. Furthermore, contamination may occur if the consumer leaves a product container open for an extended period of time. Another major cause of product contamination is storage conditions. Since the majority of products are stored at room temperature, the warm temperature can stimulate the growth of microorganisms. Plus, the ingredients used in cosmetic formulations, such as water, oils, peptides, and carbohydrates, create the perfect environment for microorganism growth. Microbial contamination can lead to many problems, such as skin irritation and infections.To avoid these problems, a strong yet non-irritating preservative must be added to the formulation of a product. Examples of commonly used preservatives in skin care include phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, sodium benzoate, and parabens.

Phenoxyethanol is glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetic products and medicines. This is a kind of ether alcohol with aromatic properties that can enhance a skin product’s scent....Learn More

FUNCTIONS:

Preservative

A preservative is a natural or synthetic ingredient that is added to a cosmetic product to prevent microbial contamination (bacteria, mold, yeast, etc.), as well as to prevent degradation by environmental factors such as heat, light, and air. Cosmetics have a high potential for microbial contamination and growth. The most susceptible products are creams and lotions that are packaged in jars, opened frequently, and applied to the skin with the fingers. Inadvertent contamination may also occur after the use of makeup brushes around the eyes or other parts of the face that touch the skin and the cosmetic repeatedly. Each use increases the chance for contamination. Furthermore, contamination may occur if the consumer leaves a product container open for an extended period of time. Another major cause of product contamination is storage conditions. Since the majority of products are stored at room temperature, the warm temperature can stimulate the growth of microorganisms. Plus, the ingredients used in cosmetic formulations, such as water, oils, peptides, and carbohydrates, create the perfect environment for microorganism growth. Microbial contamination can lead to many problems, such as skin irritation and infections.To avoid these problems, a strong yet non-irritating preservative must be added to the formulation of a product. Examples of commonly used preservatives in skin care include phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, sodium benzoate, and parabens.

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