I finally ran out of my Indeed Labs’ Vitamin C24 and immediately felt the need to replace it with a new one. Always a very good sign when I have literally boxes filled with treatments and serums that are to be tested! It is powerful but at the same time gentle and non-irritating. It is an incredibly close “dupe” for Paula’s Choice Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment, in fact, they feel and perform identically on my skin — the key difference is the price. I really like the one by Paula’s Choice but US$55 for mere 15ml is daylight robbery! This is 75% cheaper!
This cream contains 22% encapsulated L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 2% hyaluronic acid in a simple silicone cream base that contains no water. The blurb says that it “delivers optimal benefits and potency without the typical breakdown and oxidation of other vitamin C formulas”. I’d say it’s true to word! It shows no signs of oxidation even after several months — the white cream still looks just as fresh and pristine. Not surprising as an anhydrous (water-free) environment greatly slows down the rate vitamin C degrades both in storage and also on the skin! (You can read more about anhydrous vitamin C in this excellent science article here.)
I think the “cream” labelling and the (negligible) hyaluronic acid could be very misleading for those expecting a face cream or a moisturising formula — this offers skin no noticeable moisture. It isn’t the least bit drying, but it gives a dry, velvety-touch finish of a silicone-based primer. I feel such a silicone-heavy, occlusive formula will hinder absorption of the UV filters in my sunscreen so I avoid using the Vitamin C24 during the day. (Even though Indeed Labs say you can use this morning and night as a serum, Paula’s Choice instructs to use their version at night only as the last skincare step.)
Personally, I use it after prepping my skin with a Japanese watery lotion at night, followed by Gekka Sleeping Pack (more on that soon) if I need more moisture. I don’t have dark patches to fade but it does a superb job at brightening and pepping up the skin, making it fresher, brighter, and clearer — all without the associated mild sting, stickiness, tightness, or unpleasant odour that comes with a high percentage of vitamin C.
Indeed Labs is Canadian and the Vitamin C24 is the cheapest in Canada. It is sold exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart for CDN$22.99 and it goes on sale very often! If you’re in the US, it is available exclusively at IndeedLabs.com for US$24.99 HERE. (UKers can find it exclusively at Boots for an eye-watering £24.99!)