I Tried the New & Improved $90 Vitamin C Serum From Cult Brand asap Skincare
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
For active skincare fans, asap super B needs no introduction... but I'll give you one anyway.
The all-in-one brightening, hydrating, soothing product is our most popular niacinamide/vitamin B serum.
It's actually one of the top 10 best-selling skincare products ever on Adore Beauty, too.
Plus, over 700 Adore Beauty asap customers rate it 4.7 stars out of five. And it costs less than $80.
You get the idea, asap super B complex 30ml is a very good serum.
Despite other asap products like the asap cleanser, asap gentle cleansing gel and asap radiance serum being so popular, the brand's vitamin C serum never gained cult status.
Why? Because it pilled and flaked off in little bits when layered with other products.
But not anymore!
Yep, asap skincare have re-launched a new (and better) version of the asap super C complex vitamin C serum.
Think: New high-strength formula. New consistency. And no more pilling... so they say.
Keep scrolling for my honest asap skincare review of the new and improved super C complex.
Vitamin C For Skin Recap.
You'll find a lot of articles on what vitamin C does for skin on BeautyIQ, but let's quickly recap.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant active ingredient found in skin care.
- Ascorbic acid/L-ascorbic acid (also known as pure vitamin C) is clinically-proven to be the most effective form of vitamin C in skin care.
- Because it's so potent, some skin types find L-ascorbic acid vitamin C serums irritating.
- Gentler, more stable vitamin C derivatives you'll find in skin care include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate and ethyl ascorbic acid.
For more info, watch this helpful YouTube video on the different types of vitamin C below.
The benefits of using a vitamin C serum in the morning under moisturiser and sunscreen include:
- Protection from age-accelerating free radicals while repairing existing environmental damage.
- Increased production of collagen, the protein that strengthens and supports our bone structure for plump, bouncy skin.
- Fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation, discolouration and uneven skin tone.
- Has a brightening and radiance-inducing effect on the skin.
What Is asap Vitamin C?
I'm calling it: asap super C complex is one of the most exciting new asap products in ages.
The powerful, non-irritating formula delivers instantly brighter-looking skin as well as long-term skin benefits.
Recently reformulated to get rid of the pilling problem, this cosmeceutical vitamin C serum contains a whopping 20 per cent L-ascorbic acid.
*Comparatively, the cult CE Ferulic vitamin C serum contains 15 per cent.
For those who didn't love the old texture, the new super C formula is smooth and silky and smells like a scoop of zesty orange sorbet.
Oh, and under $90 for 30ml = very reasonable for an active vitamin C serum.
asap Vitamin C Serum Ingredients.
Here are some more details on this new and improved vitamin C serum:
- asap vitamin C percentage is 20 per cent L-ascorbic acid.
- Also contains three other powerful antioxidants pycnogenol, coenzyme Q10 and hydroxytyrosol (olive extract).
- Improves skin tone, radiance, clarity, plumpness and elasticity.
- Reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Suitable for all skin types, including those with active acne.
- Airtight pump and opaque bottle stop vitamin C from oxidising or 'going off'.
- Aussie-made, cruelty-free, vegan and free from artificial fragrances, sulphates, parabens and mineral oil.
My asap Vitamin C Serum Review.
First thing to know: I have dry skin that tolerates vitamin C well.
This is important because different skin types suit different vitamin C serums, and it takes a few weeks to get used to if you're a vitamin C newbie.
I've been using asap super C every morning since my bottle of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml ran out (if you know, you know).
The brand says it's best used in the morning, either on top of asap super B complex 30ml or mixed together with asap super B...
I'm a rebel though, so I apply one pump after my face mist, followed by a hydrating serum, moisturiser and sunscreen.
The best thing about this reformulated vitamin C serum is the *instant* glow it adds to the skin.
Like, who needs an Instagram filter when your skin care makes you look this healthy and radiant - without makeup - before your first coffee?
Now, let's talk about the consistency, because this vitamin C serum feels very different to others I've tried.
Don't expect something similar to asap super B's thin, gel-like serum texture.
Rather than being thin or runny, the light orange silky lotion consistency has a slightly smooth, silicone-y feel that glides onto the skin and sinks in straight away.
It also has a noticeable citrus sherbet scent. I like it, but those who are sensitive to fragrance might not.
Importantly, I can also confirm the new asap super C serum does not pill. I repeat. NO PILLING TO SEE HERE.
I never tried the old super C formula, but I promise, I rigorously tested this new one layered on top of and underneath all different skincare products and textures to quadruple check.
My best tip is to let any thin, water-based serums sink in for a full 60 seconds before applying asap super C on top.
You can learn more about how to avoid pilling when layering skin care in this YouTube video below.
Personally, I didn't find this vitamin C serum at all irritating. An initial tingle, sure. But nothing concerning.
But if you're worried about irritation, start off slow. Use the product every second or third day for two weeks, and build up to every morning when it feels right.
Final verdict?
If you love asap super B serum and/or want an effective vitamin C serum under $100, this is it.
No pilling. No worries.
Find more asap products here, or stock up on asap super B and the asap vitamin C serum together here:
Want more vitamin C reviews? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:
