Can't Use Vitamin C? Try These Alternatives!

[@JD-xd4sy]

This! Took me a long time to accept that my skin just won't tolerate pure ascorbic acid, even at lower percentages. Good to know the FOMO is a bit irrational :)

[@nataliacontreras5549]

Same! I can’t tolerate vitamin C!!! Thanks for your video!!!

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Kelly I just can't use vitamin c in any meaningful amount - way down on the INCI list used as a preservative is fine, but otherwise no. Many of the derivatives are also a no go in higher percentages. My rosacea just hates it - especially in low ph water based products. I do use a retinoid (retinaldehyde) and azelaic acid, as well as green tea, centella, licorice, niacinamide and pycnogenal however. These give me the antioxidants, brightening and collagen stimulation I would get from Vitamin C. Best wishes.

[@lizbarrand7701]

This video has needed to be done for so long!!! I’m speaking as a person that tolerates vitamin C just fine but when trying to shorten my routine, I always feel like this is something I can’t go without. Clearly I can. Thank you, Kelly ❤️

[@angelinebiswas7611]

I really like the beauty of JOSEON retinaldahyde+ginseng eye serum. It’s a 0.03% retinAl and I’ve used it every night around my eyes and sometimes allover my face since it came out like a month and half and literally zero side effects and I have insanely sensitive skin. Geek and gorgeous retinaldahyde is also FABULOUS and as long as I only use literally a pea sized amount ontop of moisturizer. I have found retinal to be far less irritating than retinol since it doesn’t have to do a bunch of stuff like retinol does

[@嘉-m1c]

WOW. Good product! I didn't know Beauty of Joeon got a rentinal eye cream.

[@CarrCab]

Speaking of Stratia Skin, as someone who has found vitamin C with l-ascorbic acid to be too harsh in the past even at lower percentages, I can actually tolerate Stratia's C+C Serum very well. But, I dislike the silicone base it comes in. But that's just a texture thing, I can easily get over that to spread a few pumps of it over my face and neck. 10% L-AA, 5% of a derivative, CoQ10, it's a pretty good product.

[@Rarwiorrrx3]

Yesss that you. We need more stuff like this in the world that actually aknowledge the flawed and limitations of vit c and that it's not for everyone. And great alternatives!

[@christinemarie2264]

I love it. It never irritates my skin and always leaves it glowing.

[@crinaivanciu6693]

For me lower % of vitamin C are ok, the higher ones I can't stand. This video was very helpful and I appreciate the had work you put into making it!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Glad it was helpful!💜

[@aamugirl]

I've been using an Ascorbic Acid serum daily for years. However, when I'm done with my newest bottle I'm switching to the Ordinary Buffet with Copper Peptides. I want to try something new.

[@becreb]

Thank you:) My problem with vitamin c is how unstable it is… I had a vit c serum and was only able to use about 1/3 of it before it oxydized😩

[@Nangoob1]

Did you try keeping it in the frig? That works for me!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Omg I know exactly what you mean, the diva behavior isn't worth it!

[@becreb]

@@Nangoob1 i did! I don't know what went wrong🤷‍♀️

[@Nangoob1]

@@becreb Hi! I just started using vitamin C and I really notice a difference. I bought the Dr Brenner and then I bought the Timeless one, both purchased on Amazon and they didn't oxidize.

[@reij9694]

Hi Kelly, You are my expert when it comes to K-beauty. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Perhaps you can add in your future video list good K- and/or J-beauty products with Vitamine C derivatives? Many thanks!

[@yukikok2044]

Thank you so much for this awesome video. I am one of those who have had FOMO because of unability to find a Vitamin C serum which gives beneficial effect to my skin. In addition, DMAE has been my skincare staple for more than a decade😊

[@KellyDriscoll]

Yes!

[@peggybaumgardt7909]

I’ve tried Timeless Vitamin C, 10% & 20% three times and that’s it. I’m done! Maybe I will try one of your recommendations. Thanks!!

[@heatherlewis5010]

The beauty pie super active vitamin C capsules may be worth checking out for anyone with sensitive skin. They’re $20 (and the beauty pie subscription is able to be canceled within 30 days if you’re not interested in their products), and a blend of 10% vitamin c with vitamin E and you get 60 doses. It feels like literally nothing on my face and I’ve seen great results. Their products in general are affordable and worth looking into, but this product alone makes the subscription price worth it imo. Vitamin C products can get pretty expensive! I layer my fatty acid moisturizer on top plus sunscreen and never feel like my skin is over saturated or heavy feeling either! 😮

[@brookebyers1114]

Thanks Kelly! I can tolerate vitamin C but I think I'm going to try alternate products I've been putting off trying. Congratulations on your move. :)

[@onednp]

I rotate different vitamin C products. I love Timeless in the summer when I am going to be out a lot and want the extra sunscreen boost. I like the Summer Friday that uses a derivative for the indoor months. I use Curology (tret/tranzemic acid/nia) and NIOD SDSM year round and COq10, green tea, and centella in various forms year round as well. If you haven’t tried the skin1004 brightening ampoule yet, it is a winner!

[@beckyc.5743]

It doesn’t agree with my skin either Kelly! I tried the Clinique Fresh Pressed because it was dosed for applying for approximately one week. It was great but it was all I could take! Thanks for your alternative suggestions.

[@KellyDriscoll]

I'm glad these helped! That clinique product sounds like a good concept for vitamin c which can go bad quickly. Another reason why vitamin c isn't for everyone!

[@angelinebiswas7611]

ONE WORD: REGIMEN LABS LEVE SERUM! 3% Tranexamic acid, 5% niacinimide, 2% alpha arbutin , and tons of other antioxidants all in one product! Seriously try it Kelly!! It blew my mind! Similar to Paula’s choice but has way more and is 39$ 😱

[@elisabeth0222]

I second this! I love Regimen labs products!

[@hellEna1]

Only available in the US?

[@elisabeth0222]

@@hellEna1 no, they ship outside the U.S. and Canada just might work a little differently

[@mell2994]

Kelly! Where are your earrings from? Love them.. !

[@angelinebiswas7611]

I find that using an l-ascorbic acid in the morning like 2x a week doesn’t bother my skin. Obviously use tretinoin or Retinoids at night but I def wouldn’t during the day. On other days I use a derivative and then later regimen labs level serum which has like 12 different antioxidants including 5% niacinimide 3% Tranexamic acid, 2% alpha arbutin and Resveratrol I think and several others. The reason I personally use vitamin c is for the collagen effects and there’s nothing else in any studies other than vitamin A that do that like l-ascorbic acid except MAYBE copper peptides and DMAE along with stem cells so I do like to rotate those out on opposite days. Literally just ordered the Stratia this morning!

[@lamiaaabass4526]

This is for me just my need😍😍😍 thanks dear friend ❤❤❤ it's great help for me

[@nelsonquinney2316]

Great Video Kelly

[@mahzabindyuti8311]

Hi Kelly! You didn’t talk about Cos De Baha, how is it?

[@TiaVaylik]

an tranexamic acid with copper peptides?

[@verdonnl]

Thanks for sharing the information. Your videos did hepled me a lot. Stay safe and healthy too.💪❤💪

[@renataparker2824]

I can use Vit C Derivatives (SAP, MAP) Otherwise Nah…Niacinamide anytime any amount anywhere Retinaldehyde likewise from K-Beauty worth mentioning is AHC’s Youth Focus line Using their emulsion in alternation with Avene

[@KellyDriscoll]

MAP and SAP don't get enough love, these are awesome ingredients!

[@ciara.russell]

TFW you're currently using three of the products Kelly recommends 😍

[@abriltorres4063]

I’ve tried a couple of vitamin c serums and toners but always at low percentage and the moment they make the slightest tone change they are out I can’t feel my skin it gets ridiculously irritated so I have been using the other alternatives more recently taking of your other videos for hyperpigmentation and well ageing my freckles are getting lighter and the darkness around my eyes too so thanks 😊

[@elisabeth0222]

Great video! I have had some vitamin c luck with Peach and Lily and Ghost Democracy. I also have been enjoying dna repair serums to help with past sun damage but it is a little expensive. Have you tried any?

[@sabrinahossain151]

Hello kelly... I love ur videos... They are informative and effective... I have a Q Can I use cos de baha tranxemic serum on under my eyse for dark circle??? Plz let me know..

[@charlenebaker6025]

I’ve been using vitamin c and started seeing skin damage so I stopped using it

[@Emmazz1412]

I heard that Vitamin C is not good to be applied if there is active acne.. I used to have hormonal acne time to time so I think I can't use Vitamin C too

[@leatieri8461]

Does the Stratia Rewind have 5% niacinamide? Just making sure I am hearing you correctly. Sounds nice. Looked this up and it is very affordable too. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@KellyDriscoll]

It has 5% which is the ideal amount for collagen stimulation!

[@jesselynlim2984]

Do you use tranexamic acid on the whole face or just the brown spots?

[@erinnswan7063]

All sunscreen melts off my face. Even waterproof. Any ideas? I am at my wits end. I tried so many sunscreen.

[@morgianasartre6709]

What do you mean "melts off"? Like makes you sweat or something?

[@jaspersky412]

50s and have the same problem. Until summer is over, sticking with Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (or new Trader Joe's dupe). Staying close to the fan while it sets in. Also, staying away from mineral/physical sunscreens. Especially tinted.

[@erinnswan7063]

@@morgianasartre6709 I just sweat it off.

[@erinnswan7063]

@@jaspersky412 I just turned 50. Hot flashes and the it been so hot. I use k beauty brand and just got a water resistant Australian brand but I just doesn’t stay on either.

[@Iron_Sea]

New La Roche-Posay UVMUNE fluid is the most water-resistant thing I've ever tried. I have oily skin and I live in a hot humid climate by the Mediterranean sea and I work outside on the sun (tour guide), so I used to have same problem. All the sunscreens were just melting off my face. This summer I've tried few new sunscreens and this one from LRP is the winner. It's not the most enjoyable product, it shines and it's quite sticky (powder can solve these problems), but it gives so good protection from the sun and it's super water and sweat resistant.

[@martinalast8317]

Innisfree retinol is it in glass bottle? I m just curious if it is convenient for travel; thnx

[@KellyDriscoll]

Yes it's a glass bottle but the pump top twists to lock in place.

[@dipsabanerjee3942]

Love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Iron_Sea]

I've spent last three days reading about Vitamin C and trying to decide if I want to try it or not. I definitely do, but it turned out to be very difficult to find a good vita c serum. So I gave up and ordered The Ordinary resveratrol 3% + ferulic acid 3%. Should be something like vitamin C. If one day I'll find a right serum with vita c with a low percentage and for reasonable price I'll definitely give it a go.

[@zoeberry33]

I love Timeless Vitamin C and Maeloves the Glowmaker. The Glowmaker is closed to the famous....but very expensive, Skinceuticals Vitamin C with 15%. The Timeless has 10% and 20% I love the 20% but it is too strong for some people. Yes they smell like "hot dog water" but to me, that means it is the real deal.

[@patriciabonifaz4736]

Try Timeless! They have a 10% vit C serum that is perfect!

[@Iron_Sea]

@@zoeberry33 thanks for the advice, I'll check on these products 👍

[@raellie0130]

hi kelly, can i use green tea toner from isntree and centella from skin1004 in my morning routine? please help me..

[@KellyDriscoll]

Yes of course, there is no conflict!

[@user-ij5lu9ph2p]

I've just been thinking about this??? omg

[@mkaa24]

Great products recommendations! I love Power Rangers!! I used to always be the red one and my brother the blue!😂

[@KellyDriscoll]

Omg!! I was always the pink ranger!😂

[@susmitamaranthine]

I'm 19. Can I use 0.1% retinol with tranexamic acid and niacinamide? I use a serum that has 5% niacinamide and 3% tranexamic acid.

[@KellyDriscoll]

I'd suggest using retinol on nights you do not use that that serum to reduce chances of irritation.

[@munnyhassan3410]

I love vit c♥️

[@KristenKras]

Retinoids and vitamin c irritate my skin, so I'm out of luck :(

[@aurora6763]

I have super sensitive skin and use The Ordinary 0.2 Retinol in Squalane starting once a week for a month then graduating to twice a week from the second month. The key is the sandwich method using mild products in the rest of your routine to strengthen the skin barrier.

[@Emmazz1412]

They are not for everyone.. Join the club.. I think green tea, snail mucin, niacinamide, arbutin, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, centella, Mugwort, ginseng, propolis, ceramide, licorice or etc. can be used in the place of Retinol and vitamin C for their anti aging brightening, scar healing, antioxidant properties

[@sunidhi29]

❤❤

[@erinnswan7063]

Vitamin C hates me.

[@kendallhailey]

I definitely agree with you 100%! 🫶🏼 My skin loooves Vitamin C but I also like to incorporate some of the alternatives in my routine to make sure my skin is being benefiting all around. For example, some mornings I use Tranexamic Acid instead of Vitamin C and I often use a retinol at night. I have noticed major changes in my skin since using Vitamin C and the alternatives. They are all AMAZINGGG!!! - XOXO, Kendall Hailey

[@KellyDriscoll]

Sounds like your skin is doing so well with your chosen routine!👍