Vitamin C Fix Concentrate & Serum: what’s the difference?

We’ve just given two of our Vitamin C Fix bestsellers a major system overhaul to our most powerful, effective formula yet. Our Vitamin C Fix Serum 5% and Vitamin C Fix Concentrate Extreme 15% now not only have higher concentrations of vitamin C, but also boast a stabilised formula that slows the rate of oxidation right down (when vitamin C goes brown – which essentially means it’s lost its potency), meaning you have a longer-lasting, more powerful formula for your money (did we mention our prices haven’t increased?).

You can read more about all that here. But we know what you’re thinking: do you need both? Is one better than the other? What’s the actual difference between these two skin-brightening powerhouses? Read on to find out what’s what with our serum and concentrate. 

A note on serums

Generally speaking, serums are usually gel-like in texture and contain a high concentration of active ingredients. They can be applied straight onto cleansed skin, used on their own or applied after a concentrate if you’re going for the full monty in your skincare routine (although it doesn’t reaaally matter which way round you do it). Our Nip + Fab serums are more balm-like in texture, so on the thicker side, and while they’re super nourishing on skin, they’re a little more suited to evening use when you’re not likely to be layering other things like SPF or makeup on top of your skincare.

Vitamin C Fix Serum 5%

Ideal for PM use when you’re not ready for retinol

While much of the skincare industry tells us that everyone must simply use retinol, it isn’t for absolutely everyone. If you’re a little younger or you have very sensitive skin, the Vitamin C Fix serum 5% is a great alternative to a retinol serum: vitamin C has a lot of similar benefits, like the ability to smooth fine lines by boosting collagen production and encouraging skin to regenerate quicker, reducing pigmentation.

It has a nourishing, balm-like texture

As we’ve already covered above, our serums are thicker in consistency and have a more balm-like texture. Our Vitamin C Fix Serum 5% is no different, so we love to use ours in our PM skincare routines straight onto cleansed skin and to lock it all in with our hydration hero, Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Concentrate.

5% complex – a good vitamin C starter product

When you start using a product or an ingredient for the first time, it’s a good idea to take the ‘slow and low’ approach: introduce it gradually and at a low concentration while your skin acclimatises and to minimise the chance of irritation. Our Vitamin C Fix Serum has a 5% complex which, while an upgrade on the previous 3% formula, is gentle when compared to the concentrate, making it a great introductory product if you’re new to all things vit C.

A note on concentrates

Generally, concentrates are lightweight and usually contain a high concentration of active products. They are best applied straight onto cleansed skin and can be followed with a serum or used alone. Their lightweight nature means they layer well with other products, which makes them ideal for AM routines where you’re more likely to be using moisturiser plus SPF plus makeup.

Vitamin C Fix Concentrate Extreme 5%

It’s ideal for layering with other products

Even though it’s had a major upgrade from the old formula, our Vitamin C Fix Concentrate Extreme 15% has the same texture (and same light, fruity scent), so it’s still a great option to use in the morning after cleansing. If you want to lock in all the skin-protecting, brightening benefits and give skin a little more hydration after using, we recommend following up with our Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Hybrid Gel Cream, otherwise you can start to layer on your usual moisturiser, SPF and makeup routine.

It has a supercharged 15% complex

Our concentrate has jumped from a 3% formula to a 15% complex, which means it’s now seriously supercharged – but supercharged means even better results. If you used our old formula or are switching from a vitamin C product with a lower concentration, we recommend doing a quick patch test 24 hours before use to make sure that your skin doesn’t react to the higher concentration, otherwise, get stuck in and enjoy the benefits.

Use in the AM for maximum skin protection

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can protect skin from harmful free radicals (like UV rays and pollution) which cause things like premature ageing, collagen degeneration and a whole host of other issues. Because of its new 15% complex, our upgraded concentrate is ideal for use in the morning, so you can ensure that you’re getting all the protection your skin needs throughout the day.