VC15 is the first vitamin C serum available in India. It contains L-ascorbic acid at a concentration of 15%. It is a stable formulation with a pH of 2.7. VC15 is non-irritating and non- comedogenic. It is available in a bottle of 15 ml, along with a dropper.

Every day, the skin is exposed to external factors like sunlight, smoke and air pollution, all of which lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species in the skin. These reactive oxygen species can damage various cellular structures such as DNA, proteins, cellular membranes and lead to signs of aging. VC15, being an antioxidant and having anti-inflammatory and depigmentation properties, helps in the treatment and prevention of photodamaged/aging skin.

The following properties of topical vitamin C support its different clinical uses:

Oral vitamin C is prescribed for various skin ailments. Since the absorption of vitamin C from the intestine is limited, oral supplementation with vitamin C does little to increase its concentration in the skin. Therefore, topical application of vitamin C is the preferred method to increase its presence in the skin.¹ The level of vitamin C in the skin after topical application of 15% serum is 27 times more than the level that could be attained with oral vitamin C.²

Serums tend to be thick liquids and are usually clear. Also, they are mostly water-based. Because serum is water-based, most skin types can use them. A serum is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. So, to achieve the maximum benefits, VC15 is available as a serum formulation.

As L-ascorbic acid is an unstable molecule, it is difficult to formulate a stable topical formulation. So, stable derivatives of vitamin C are used in topical formulation. But to be effective, these vitamin C derivatives must first get into the skin and then must be chemically converted by the skin's cells into L-ascorbic acid. Because the skin is difficult to penetrate and the enzymes necessary to convert these derivatives into L-ascorbic acid are not always available, these derivatives are not very effective in delivering vitamin C into the skin.

VC15 contains stable L-ascorbic acid at a low pH, which allows vitamin C to be absorbed by the skin.

In a study, 15% L-ascorbic acid, 10% ascorbyl-6-palmitate and 12% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate were applied to pig skin for 24 hours and the concentrations in the skin were measured. Neither of the esters increased L-ascorbic acid levels in the skin significantly (Fig. 1).³

Formulations containing 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% of L-ascorbic acid were applied to skin of Yorkshire pigs and the percutaneous absorption was determined. Percutaneous absorption gradually increases as the concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the formulation increases. The 20% formulation resulted in the highest concentration levels, with maximized concentration in the skin even after 3 days of once-daily application(Fig. 2). For unknown reasons, concentration levels higher than 20% resulted in decreased tissue levels.³

The pH of the topical vitamin C formulation is important to actually achieve the skin benefits of topical vitamin C. The 15% formulations of L-ascorbic acid were tested at pH levels between 2 and 5. Tissue levels of L-ascorbic acid were enhanced only at a formulation with pH levels <3.5. Thus, L-ascorbic acid must be formulated at pH levels <3.5 for proper percutaneous absorption.³

Yes, once the bottle is opened, VC15 is stable for a month when stored between 15-30°C.

In a study, the mean time for first clinical improvement was about 20 days. The improvement during this period was in tactile roughness and/or texture and skin hydration changes.⁴ The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable within 3 to 8 months. The results may vary for individuals, depending upon the condition of the skin at the initiation of treatment.
According to a trial conducted with VC15, improvement was evident in skin hydration, texture and pigmentation by 2-3 weeks of therapy.

Research has shown that topical vitamin C has photoprotective properties.³ So VC15 should be applied in the morning. However, it is important to note that topical vitamin C by itself is not a sunscreen because it does not absorb light in the UV spectrum.³ Hence an additional sunscreen is necessary.

The adverse effects reported with the use of topical vitamin C are mild and typically resolve in the first 2 months of therapy. These minor adverse effects included stinging (55%), erythema (24%) and dry skin (<1 %).⁴

According to a trial, VC15 was proved to be non-comedogenic and non-irritating in nature.⁹

VC15 is to be applied once daily in the morning. 7-10 drops of VC15 are to be taken on the fingertips, dabbed on the face and gently massaged until it is completely absorbed. Before application, it is to be ensured that the skin area to be treated and hands are thoroughly clean. Serum should be applied before using any sunscreen and/or make-up.