Garden of Wisdom (GoW) Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid

Incorporating a vitamin C into your skincare routine can be beneficial for all skin types because not only is it able to hydrate and brighten the complexion, it can also promote collagen production for plumper and firmer skin. Neutralising molecular free radicals by acting as an antioxidant while also having anti-inflammatory properties, the multitasking ingredient is also able to fade hyperpigmentation and improve sun spots, age spots and melasma by inhibiting melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. The Garden of Wisdom (GoW) Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid is alcohol-free, fragrance-free and essential oil-free while the formulation includes pure L-ascorbic acid with another superb antioxidant Ferulic acid. Keep reading to discover the ingredients and benefits of the serum, disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Presented in opaque sealed packaging (ideal for any L-ascorbic acid vitamin C product because it is highly unstable when exposed to air and light) though it is stable in this solution with water because the pH is 3.1-3.4, the pH has to be less than 3.5 to be effective and for the skin to absorb it. The properties the other beneficial ingredients provide are emollient, antioxidant, humectant and moisturising the skin while the full ingredients are as follows:

Distilled Water - Purified and deionized, it acts as a solvent for ingredients to dissolve in. 

L-Ascorbic Acid 23% - Vitamin C that boosts the skin's own collagen production, works great as a antioxidant and UV protection booster, while also being able to brighten the skin. 

Alkyl Benzoate -  Emollient for softer and smoother skin with antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.

Panthenol-D - Soothing moisturiser and humectant that supports the skins barrier function while also having anti-inflammatory and skin protecting properties. 

Carbomer - Helps to change a products texture to the desired state while also stabilising water and oils in a formula so they do not separate.   

Ferulic Acid - Antioxidant with UV protecting abilities while being able to penetrate the skin and also stabilise the unstable vitamin C in a formula. 

Sclerotium Gum -  Sugar molecule that helps stabilize emulsions so water and oil ingredients do not separate while also acting as natural thickener and gelling agent for improved texture.

Optiphen -  A unique liquid preservative formulation which consists of phenoxyethanol with an emollient base which is Caprylyl Glycol. Provides protection against microbial growth from bacteria and yeast while giving the finished product an exceptional feel. 

Hyaluronic acid - Skin identical moisturiser and humectant to improve hydration and hold on to it. 

The pump applicator dispenses the perfect amount which should be 1-2 pumps onto clean skin either in the morning and evening. My preference is to use any vitamin c in the morning to provide antioxidant protection throughout the day while also wearing it under a broad-spectrum SPF boosts its UV protection and with the Ferulic Acid included it doubles the photoprotection effect of Vitamin C. I was impressed on how quickly this absorbs and no pilling or flaking off was experienced because there are no silicones in the formula but you may experience a tingle that is often associated with potent vitamin c products. The tingle soon disappears and with frequent applications your skin will soon become accustomed to this wonderful antioxidant and hydrating serum that works effectively to protect and brighten the skin. Priced at £10.00 and available here: Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid x Neil.