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Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you that vitamin C should be part of your daily skincare routine. So why limit this versatile ingredient to just your face? Nécessaire says it’s time to slather the free-radical-fighting antioxidant all over your body, and we agree. Today, the brand launched its new The Body Vitamin C treatment, and I’m an instant fan. Here’s what you need to know about the formula and why it’s so great.
Benefits of this body serum
First, let’s talk about the main ingredient in this formula: Vitamin C. The brand opted to use a 2.5% concentration of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbic acid (aka THD ascorbic acid), a vitamin C derivative that’s become a popular choice among skincare brands lately for a few different reasons. According to experts, it’s a highly active form of vitamin C that’s much more stable than L-ascorbic acid (the pure form of the ingredient). It’s also less likely to irritate the skin, which can prove tricky for sensitive people.
In this serum, the combination of THD Ascorbic Acid and Tranexamic Acid significantly improves the brightness of your skin. Not only does it enhance the overall radiance of your skin, it also reduces the appearance of dark spots. In my case (a long-time razor user), I have small dark spots on the backs of my legs and arms. Of course, I am bothered by them (even if others don’t notice them). And I am always on the lookout for non-greasy lotions and potions that can help fade dark spots. In a third-party clinical study, 67% of participants reported less visible sun spots and brighter skin after 4 weeks of use.
I love the lightweight gel-cream texture. It feels like a serum when massaged into the skin. The brand describes this as a “serum in gel,” but it feels so refreshing. I wanted something that would soak into my skin within seconds after a shower, and this does just that. If you have dry skin, I recommend layering it with a body lotion instead of relying on this as your sole moisturizer. The formula is vegan and fragrance-free.
Buy Now – $55
Main Ingredients
Vitamin C (THD Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E, Enzymes, Tranexamic Acid, Terracotta, Niacinamide
How to use it
Apply daily or as needed to the body from the neck down. As I mentioned above, I like to apply it to clean skin right after I get out of the shower. According to Nécessaire, this product is designed to be paired with The Body Wash Olibanum, which also contains Vitamin C (THD Ascorbic Acid) and enzymes. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should. It smells amazing!
When my skin is dry, I layer on The Body Vitamin C first, followed by a more traditional body lotion or cream. I also love the brand’s cult-classic body lotion, and the two work great together, though if you live in a humid area you may not need that extra layer. And just like Vitamin C boosts the effectiveness of the sunscreen you put on your face, it has the same effect on your body. The two are a great combination for protecting your skin from the sun.
