How to Store Vitamin C Products: Keep the Glow Going

We've all discovered an amazing skincare ingredient or product that promises to be the elixir of youth (or, at least, make you look like you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep). One of these magical ingredients is vitamin C. It brightens your complexion, reduces signs of aging, and even boosts your sunscreen's efficacy.

What's not to love? But here’s the kicker: Vitamin C is notoriously challenging when it comes to storing it. So, how do you keep this wonder ingredient potent for as long as possible? Keep reading.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Before we get into the 'how,' let's touch on the 'why.' Vitamin C is highly sensitive to light, air, and temperature changes. When exposed to these elements, it can oxidize, meaning it loses its effectiveness and may even become harmful to the skin.

When vitamin C oxidizes, it can turn a yellow or brownish color, which you won’t want to put on your face. Proper storage helps maintain the product's efficacy and can extend its shelf life.

Keep Out of the Light

Sunlight is vitamin C's biggest nemesis. While vitamin C serums can protect your skin from the sun, ironically, direct sunlight will degrade the quality of the vitamin C in the bottle.

So, where should you keep vitamin C? Think of places that are cool and dark: a medicine cabinet, a drawer, or even your refrigerator.

Yes, you heard that right - the fridge is a haven for vitamin C. The chilled environment helps maintain vitamin C’s potency, especially in a hot and humid climate.

Seal It Tight

Exposure to air is another factor that can oxidize vitamin C. That's why vitamin C products often come in air-tight, opaque packaging.

Be sure to seal the cap of your vitamin C product tightly after each use to minimize air exposure. If your product has a dropper, don’t let it touch your skin, as it can introduce bacteria into the bottle. And always put the cap back on as quickly as possible to limit air contact.

Be Mindful of Expiry Dates

Vitamin C products usually have a shelf life of about one year unopened. Once opened, aim to use it within three to six months.

You can find the expiration date at the bottom of the bottle or on the packaging. But remember, that date assumes you’re storing the product correctly. If you leave your vitamin C serum on a sunny windowsill or exposed to air for too long, you can expect it to go off much faster.

If you want to add a burst of radiance to your skincare routine, consider investing in a vitamin C mask, like the Phyto-C SuperHeal O-Live Mask. Unlike serums, which are designed for daily use, a vitamin C mask provides a concentrated dose of this wonder ingredient, offering almost immediate results.

Just like your vitamin C serums, these masks need proper storage to maintain their effectiveness. Most vitamin C masks come in individual packets or sealed jars to minimize air exposure. If your mask comes in a jar, be sure to use a clean spatula to scoop out the product to avoid contamination.

Store your vitamin C mask in a cool, dark place alongside your vitamin C serum to ensure it stays potent and effective. Given their concentrated nature, vitamin C masks can lose effectiveness even quicker if not stored properly. So, give them the same TLC you would provide to your serums.

Signs of Oxidation

Knowing when your vitamin C has oxidized is crucial. The most obvious sign is a color change. A fresh vitamin C serum should be clear or slightly straw-hued. If it starts turning yellow, brown, or even orange, it’s time to say goodbye. Another indicator is the scent. If it starts smelling off or different than when you first got it, it's probably time to replace it.

When it comes to skincare, vitamin C as an ingredient offers a host of benefits that help you achieve that radiant glow. But for it to work its magic, you need to treat it with some care when storing it.

Remember - keep it cool, keep it dark, and keep it sealed. Your skin will thank you, and you'll get the most bang for your skincare buck. Go ahead and make room next to the salad dressing and Greek yogurt - your vitamin C serum deserves that prime fridge real estate.

And remember, proper storage isn’t just for the product's efficacy but also for the health of your skin. When you take care of your skincare products, they take care of you.

Ready to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine? Discover our fabulous range of vitamin C products here.