HOW MUCH PERCENTAGE OF VITAMIN C DOES THIS PRODUCT HAVE?
Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum contains 2% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, the most stable version of vitamin C. This concentration makes this serum less irritating compared to other serums and suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
DOES THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN PHENOXYETHANOL?
No. Shiny Leaf serums do not contain Phenoxyethanol. This makes all our serums more natural and safer for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
DOES IT CONTAIN FRAGRANCE?
No. Shiny Leaf serums do not contain synthetic fragrances.
Can I use this serum even if I have oily skin?
Yes. These serums contain Green Tea Extract and Salicylic Acid which help regulate oil production to reduce oiliness. Retinol is also proven to reduce acne for clearer skin.
Can I use the Vitamin C Serum with Retinol at the same time?
Using Vitamin C Serum together with Retinol or product that have both is not encouraged. Using these products at the same time will make it less effective and may cause irritation. We recommend to use the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and the Retinol Serum together with the Hyaluronic Acid Serum at night.
What are the different types of vitamin C? How do they compare?
The 7 main types of vitamin C are Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. The main differences are as follows: Ascorbic Acid – very unstable and sensitive to light; Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate – more stable and less irritating so it’s suitable even for sensitive skin; Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – very stable, hydrating, and effective in soothing skin irritation; Sodium Ascorbate – a mineral salt of ascorbic acid, but less irritating and more stable; Calcium Ascorbate – also a mineral salt of ascorbic acid, important in collagen synthesis; Ascorbyl Palmitate – fat-soluble derivative if vitamin C, non-irritating and more stable; Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – stable oil-soluble form of vitamin C that penetrates the skin deeper than ascorbic acid.
Is this type of Vitamin C sensitive to light?
Generally, vitamin C derivatives are sensitive to light, that’s why you need to give it time to absorb in your skin before going into the light. If you often go out under the sun, avoid using L-Ascorbic Acid because it’s very unstable and exposure to light will make it useless. Choose vitamin C derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate found in the Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum. It is less sensitive to light compared to other types of vitamin C.
IS RETINOL SERUM SAFE ON SENSITIVE SKIN?
Yes, but with proper care and caution. If you have sensitive skin, you should start low and take it slow. Retinol is an ingredient that is known to induce irritation as a side effect during initial use of the product. Although this is just the product starting to work on the skin, proper care must still be taken. Using a hydrator like the Shiny Leaf Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps soothe initial effects.
Does this Retinol Serum contain Vitamin C? Is it safe?
Yes, the Shiny Leaf Retinol Serum contains relatively low amounts of vitamin C for added benefits. It must be used separately from the Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum, which you can use for morning application and then the Retinol Serum for evening.
What should I do if my skin has a bad reaction to retinol?
Typical reactions of retinol to skin are dryness and irritation. But these are common as the skin adjusts to the product and they are not difficult to manage. You may cut down the frequency of retinol application or use a hydrator like hyaluronic acid serum to soothe irritation. Once the reaction lessens, you can try retinol again.
When is the best time to apply the serums?
We recommend to apply the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and then use the Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Serum at night. You may also use the Hyaluronic Acid Serum in the morning after applying the Vitamin C Serum if your skin needs extra moisture especially during cold months.
CAN THIS REDUCE HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Yes. Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum prevents photo damage which is triggered by UV exposure. It contains antioxidants that protect your skin. Vitamin C is also effective for inhibiting the production of melanin on your skin. This reduces hyperpigmentation and helps give your skin bright and even skin tone.
WILL THIS PREVENT WRINKLES?
Yes. Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum improves collagen and elastin production of your skin. This ensures that your skin remains elastic and with great volume. The Retinol Serum supports this by encouraging cell renewal for healthier younger-looking skin.
I have pimple-prone skin. Will this product help with pimples and acne?
Yes. One of the amazing benefits of retinol is its ability to control oil and reduce acne with regular use. It also helps shed off damaged cells caused by acne or pimples to bring out a healthier complexion. Plus, the green tea extracts in these serums help regulate oil for clearer skin.
HOW MANY DROPS? CAN I USE MORE?
Each drop of Shiny Leaf serums is potent and a little goes a long way. We recommend 2-3 drops of each serum to start. If you feel the need to add more, do so gradually and with care.
CAN I STILL USE OTHER SKIN CARE PRODUCTS?
Yes. You can apply the Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum before putting on creams, sunscreen, moisturizers, eye serum, makeup, and other skin care products on your face. It is best used together with the Hyaluronic Acid Serum for added moisture. Avoid using the Vitamin C Serum and Retinol Serum together at the same time to avoid irritation.
HOW SHOULD I STORE THIS PRODUCT?
Store the Vitamin C Serum in a cool and dry place and away from direct sunlight. Keep away from children and pets.
Is Benzyl Alcohol considered as an alcohol?
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol. This colorless liquid is often used as a fragrance or solvent. It is naturally produced by many plants and is often found in fruits, teas and some varieties of essential oils. Although the term “alcohol” is used in the name, it does not contain any harmful alcohol like “ethanol”, and may be present in products that are considered as “alcohol-free”.
SHOULD I USE COTTON PADS TO APPLY THESE?
No. Shiny Leaf Vitamin C Serum is very light and absorbs fast. Cotton pads will just soak up the serum. The best way to apply the serums is by using the pump to take a few drops and apply on the skin using your ring finger. It will help the serum penetrate your skin better.
How soon can I expect to see results?
When used regularly, some results may be seen in a few weeks. Results may vary depending on your skincare routine and exposure to external factors like sunlight, stress, and pollution. We recommend to use the serums as part of a regular skincare routine, along with proper skincare habits.
I was looking for a treatment for my acne when my friend told me to try using retinol. So I tried this Retinol from Shiny Leaf together with their vitamin C serum and my acne started clearing up after a week.”
- Emma S. (Shiny Leaf Serums User)