Product review- Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Ahh... the famous Ascorbic Acid, popularly called Vitamin C, the most plentiful antioxidant in human skin protecting it from harmful effects of UV damage.

What damage, you ask?  Hyperpigmentation, discolouration, uneven skin tone, melanoma, early signs of ageing, fine lines and according to some studies even skin cancer!   

Now I've been using this little guy for around 4 months, making my debut into the world of Korean skincare. Obviously, like any skincare enthusiast, I did my fair share of research before splurging on this 35 ml bottle.

So let's dive into my experience with the product:

What is it?
A vitamin C serum, at a concentration of 5% (one of the lowest concentrations available in the market) 
I chose this out of the array of vitamin C options available, solely because of its low percentage. Having never used an active ingredient on my face before, this seemed like the safest option.

Dermatologists suggest concentrations between 5% to 20% of Ascorbic Acid are effective enough for topical use.

Who is it suitable for?
Ideally, any young adult or older, looking to incorporate an antioxidant into their skincare (more on antioxidants later) for the first time. So if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin this should work just fine.  

When do I use it?
Vitamin C can be used both during the A.M. and P.M. (Always follow up with a good sunscreen if you use it during the day) 
I prefer to use mine at night after cleansing, before moisturising. 3 drops are sufficient for me. Going overboard might leave you slightly oily. 

How long does it last?
It's been four months using 3 drops a day, and there's still a good 70% of the serum left. 
8-month update: 30% of the bottle left and it still hasn't oxidised.  

What does it feel like?
On the outside, it looks like a clear, colourless liquid. On immediate contact with skin, you feel a warm sensation which lasts about 4 seconds. Most vitamin C products at a higher concentration leave you with a tingling sensation for a bit, but this one does not. Once you gently rub and pat it into your skin, it should absorb in 15-30 seconds. 

Why do I need it?
Vitamin C aka Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules in cells that prevent free radicals from taking electrons and causing damage. They help the skin repair itself by reducing inflammation and correcting visible damage.  Free radicals are found in the food we eat, the medicines we take, the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Antioxidants, like vitamin C, can also stimulate collagen production, which is vital for youthful skin.

The Results?
Ideally, vitamin C is not one of those ingredients that cause your skin to purge, but for me, I did notice a few whitehead pimples during the first week of using it. (although it could have just been a normal breakout too)
4 months into using this and I can definitely see my hyperpigmentation has slightly lightened. But don't expect results overnight, mine took about three months to notice the difference. Quicker results would need a higher concentration.
Overall, I'd say the intensity of my acne has reduced, but I still do breakout. It's other key ingredients like Centella Asiatica help soothe inflammation, speed wound healing and stimulate cell growth.
As it was the first active incorporated into my evolving skincare routine, I'd say it's off to a good start.

Where do I find it?
Well, South Korea would be ideal. However, most online K-beauty stores sell products from Klairs. Since it's widely popular it's almost always sold out. So signing up for the waitlist is a safe bet. I picked mine up from Maccaron.

➕Pro tip:

Since it comes in a transparent bottle (unlike most vitamin C serums which come in a tinted bottle) it's best to store this one in the fridge. Storing it away from sunlight in a cool place prevents it from oxidising and therefore losing its potency. Over time it will start to change colour turning yellowish-brown. (Mine is still colourless)  Once it starts to discolour, the potency reduces. The brand claims their technology makes the serum more stable hence the clear bottle, but these tiny tips help increasing its shelf life.

Also, take care to prevent excess air from entering the bottle so once your pipette is empty, squeeze and hold while inserting it back in. That way you won't get any air into the serum. 
Oh, and pairing it with a Vitamin E formula enhances the benefits by increasing the antioxidant properties.

Would I repurchase?

I'm looking to upgrade to a higher concentration once this empties, so maybe not. But for a beginner, this is a good product to start with.

 

Ingredient List:

Water, Propylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid(5%), Hydroxyethylcellulose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Illicium Verum(Anise) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi(Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polysorbate 60, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Orange Oil Brazil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Asarum Sieboldi Root Extract, Quercus Mongolia Leaf Extract, Persicaria Hydropiper Extract, Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lecithin, Acetyl Glutamine,SH-Olgopeptide-1, SH-Olgopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-9, SH-Polypeptide-11, Bacillus/Soybean/Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

Dear Klairs freshly juiced vitamin drop         Dear klairs serum serum freshly juiced vitamin drop   Dear Klairs freshly juiced vitamin drop Vitamin c product

To know more about Vitamin C, here's an interesting read:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/