The hardest part of being a skincare blogger?
Having just one face. I know it would be weird if I had two or three but… it takes so much time to review everything I want to review.
Take the It’s Skin Power 10 Formula range for example. It’s been on my wishlist for months now but it’s not like I can try 10 essences at the same time.
Ok, I guess I could but then… how would I know if any of them really work?! Testing skincare the right way takes time.
I guess the key is finding something that really excites you. Because when VC Effector, the vitamin C essence in the It’s Skin Power Range 10 Formula finally landed in the UK, I knew I had to add it to my stash ASAP.
Adenosine and coenzyme Q10 (two other essences in the range) can wait in line. I need my vitamin C fix now. Was it worth the wait?
What’s In It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector?
ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE TO BRIGHTEN SKIN
First things first: It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, a stable form of vitamin C. That’s why I’m not too worried about the see-through packaging. Just store it somewhere dark and cool and you’ll be fine.
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate differs from other vitamin C derivatives because it’s oil soluble. That means it can penetrate the lipid barrier of the skin better and faster than most of its siblings.
If better penetration equals better results, it also means a higher chance of irritation. Although gentler than L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C), it may be slightly more irritating than other water-based derivatives. Just something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Once it gets in, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate does what all forms of vitamin C do:
- Fights the free radicals that cause premature aging
- Boosts collagen production, keeping skin firm
- Increases UV photoprotection, helping to reduce sun damage
- Lightens dark spots and discolourations
The only con? Studies show that vitamin C works better when used together with ferulic acid and vitamin E. But they don’t need to be in the same product. If you want to supercharge this essence (and trust me, you do), supplement it with a separate antioxidant serum.
Related: Is Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate The Best Form Of Vitamin C?
GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN
Like Korean skincare teaches, hydration is the fountain of youth.
That’s why It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector has a big dollop of glycerin, a moisture magnet that attracts water from the air into the skin.
Your skin uses the extra moisture to plump up fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller, make skin softer and give the complexion a lovely glow.
The more moisture your skin has, the better it will look.
Related: Why The Heck Is Glycerin In All My Skincare Products?
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Thickish texture that melts into the skin, absorbing easily without leaving any residue behind.
Fragrance
It smells like lemon liquid soap, which is nice but… you know, I prefer my skincare fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Every morning, under sunscreen to boost its sun protection.
Performance & Personal Opinion
It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector makes my skin glow.
Already after a couple of days, I could see my skin get a little brighter. I can’t personally vouch on how well it fades away dark spots (I’m too young to have any) but it does give skin a healthy radiance. That’s just what I’m after.
Of course, it also helps fight premature wrinkles so your skin ages gracefully and slowly. But that’s something you see if you stick with it for the long term, not after two months. I told ya, skincare takes time to work.
Who Is This For?
If your skin can’t tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C), this is a good alternative.
Who Is This NOT For?
If your skin can tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid, that’s still the best option for anti-aging.
Packaging
A bright, yellow bottle with a dropper applicator. Sleek and practical.
Does It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A brightening serum. | True. |
| This ultra-lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin, enriched with vitamin C and green tea extract to brighten skin, lighten freckles and enhancing collagen synthesis to fill in wrinkles. | True about the texture. The rest is worded in a way that implies the serum does all that, but in reality it’s just saying these ingredients have these properties. |
Price & Availability
$10.71/£12.00 at Feel Unique and Yes Style
Do You Need It?
If your skin can’t tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid, this is worth a try.
Dupes & Alternatives
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% In Vitamin F (£14.90)
- Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops (£125.00)
Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Carbomer, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Do you have any idea of how much the percentage of ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate that this product contains? I’ve been using it for 2 months. The result is good, it brightens my skin and hyperpigmentations are fading, but somehow I’m not that satisfied. I’m considering to try the ordinary but it’s pricier than vc effector. I want to compare, is it worth or not.
Ira, you’ll have to ask the company.
But I’m curious, why are you not satisfied? It seems to me that you’re getting great results already. If your expectations are unrealistically high, you’ll be dissatisfied with everything. Keep in mind that, even when an ingredient works wonders, it never works as well or as fast as the brand or magazine tell you it does. 🙂
If you really feel the need to step it up a notch, consider going for L-Ascorbic Acid. It’s more powerful but more unstable, so it’ll go bad more quickly.