vitamin C and vitamin C derivatives

[mama123]

Please tell me what is the difference between Vit.C and Vit. C derivatives. I used to have Vit.C serum but my friend is telling me that Vit.C derivatives is more effective.
What does Vit.C and Vit.C derivatives do anyway??
Thank you!

[PureEscape]

The correct form (or form that is used by the skin) is L-ascorbic acid. This is what you should be looking for in your Vitamin C serums (La Roche Posay, Vichy, SkinMedica all have this).

This form lightens pigmentation, builds collagen, provides antioxidant protection.

The derivative forms like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside (there are others I'm sure) are less effective because they must go through steps within the skin to *become* L-ascorbic acid. It's best to use pure L-ascorbic acid.

The good thing about the Vit. C derivatives are they are very stable. L-ascorbic acid can oxidize and go bad very quickly.

Hope I answered your question!