The Vitamin C 23 Serum

Vitamin C serums have been a staple in my morning skincare routine for many years. A good vitamin C serum is fantastic for brightening the skin, improving tone and texture, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and evening out hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. I started with lower concentrations and gradually increased the strength, which led me to search for a more potent option. After seeing mostly positive feedback for COSRX's Vitamin C 23, trying it out was a no-brainer.

This product delivers a concentrated dose of vitamin C, aimed at enhancing radiance, reducing wrinkles and pigmentation, and targeting dull and rough skin. It’s marketed as a powerful serum that fits seamlessly into any skincare routine, containing a high concentration of 23% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), known for its effectiveness in brightening the skin and combating free radicals. The formula also includes beneficial components like hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and vitamin E (tocotrienol) for added nourishment. One of the best aspects of this product is that it’s fragrance-free, which I appreciate. However, like many non-fragranced vitamin C serums, it does have a distinctive smell reminiscent of hot dog water. While this is to be expected, it’s not exactly appealing. Fortunately, the scent dissipates within a few minutes, so you won’t be left smelling like hot dogs all day.

The texture of the serum is slightly oily, but I didn’t find it felt greasy on my skin or interfere with the absorption of my other serums, moisturizer, or makeup. However, if you have oily skin or dislike oily formulations, you might want to skip this one.

My only significant concern with this serum is that it isn’t packaged in an airtight pump bottle. Ideally, vitamin C serums should be in airtight containers to ensure stability and effectiveness. Vitamin C is highly sensitive to light, air, and heat, which can lead to oxidation and degradation over time. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to lose its potency, diminishing its antioxidant benefits and ability to brighten the skin. An airtight pump bottle protects the serum from air and contaminants while preventing light from penetrating the product. If COSRX were to change the packaging, this product could be a real winner.

I used the serum consistently for several weeks and noticed improvements in my skin's brightness and texture. My skin adjusted well to the higher dose without any adverse reactions. However, since my skin is accustomed to vitamin C, I recommend incorporating it slowly into your routine or starting with a lower concentration if you're new to it.

I also appreciate COSRX's commitment to cruelty-free practices; it’s reassuring to know their products are not tested on animals and are ethically produced. In conclusion, while COSRX's Vitamin C 23 boasts impressive ingredients and potential brightening effects, it ultimately met my expectations. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to approach this product with caution. However, for those accustomed to higher concentrations of vitamin C and seeking a potent dose, it’s definitely worth a try.