I generally don’t like multi-function products, but given the reality that many of us are short on time, I make an exception for this 6-in-1 product. C2.5 Cleansing grains, available only in the winter line, is mixed with an equal part water (1/2 -1 teaspoon each) and used as a scrubbly, exfoliating, antioxidant mask 2-3 times per week. Used after C1, C2.5 replaces your traditional C2 cleanser.
Key functions:
1. VitC(LAA) is clinically shown to have skin health benefits. In addition to matcha powder these two ingredients give this mask an antioxidant punch.
2. Exfoliating treatment (chemical via fruit enzymes papaya, pineapple, guava and physical agent)
3. Mild Cleanser (SCI)
4. Pore clarifying mask (kaolin, rhassoul, bentonite clays)
5. Moisturizing mask (oatmeal)
6. Licorice root extract is a traditionally used Indian remedy for dark spots.
Because this product contains no water, it is also preservative-free. But what’s really important to note here, is that topically applied VitC(LAA) the best of the best in skin antioxidants is highly unstable in solution.
That is why other serums on the market containing this ingredient have shelf-lives of about 90 days at best. After being warehoused and and then stocked in retail stores, it will probably be even less time than that before the product turns orange—a sign of oxidation.
I suspect for it is for this reason that a well-known luxury skincare company included an orange-coloured sea buckthorn oil, another ingredient with good antioxidant effect, into its VitC product. It conveniently disguises oxidation of its key active ingredient. It’s like intentionally choosing speckled kitchen countertops (like mine, but I didn’t chose the counter top!) to hide the dirt, contamination, spills. Wouldn’t you want to know if you’re spreading oxidized product or germs around?
I’m not asking you to activate this product just before use because I am preservative-demonizing granola tree-hugger. I love preservatives in skin care. I made this product to be activated by you, the end user, to:
experience the benefit of fresh, active, vitC which is not oxidized.
decrease your exposure to preservatives when it can easily be avoided.
It would take you about 8 extra seconds to mix C2 with water, compared to just scooping out a ready-to-use product out of a jar. I think that’s the best investment of 8 seconds you can make for your skin. OK sure, the mask takes about 5 minutes to dry but you can brush your teeth and brush your body while you wait. What you get in return, when used regularly and consistently, is a potent, preservative-free, skin cleaning, pore-refining, brightening experience!
Yours selfcare,
Cee
