All About Skin Lightening: Product Recommendation: UNT C Clarity Ascorbic Acid Brightening Serum

Monday, May 24, 2010

Product Recommendation: UNT C Clarity Ascorbic Acid Brightening Serum

Photo Credit: UNT/Amazon

So after finishing my latest tube of the Vichy Bi White Double Reveal Whitening Essence, I decided to go back to basics. I feel like I should put pure vitamin c (l-ascorbic acid) back into my regimen. I can feel that my skin can really benefit from it.

I love the Vichy Bi White, I have been using it for over 8 months now but I think I want to return to a stronger, pure vitamin c serum. This is what my skin needs at this point.

Plus I miss all the amazing benefits pure vitamin c offers (collagen production, instant brightening, the vitamin c 'glow' and ofcourse the strong overall skin lightening and fading of dark spots).

Originally I was going to go back to the Skinceuticals AOX 20 but I'm a little tight for cash right now. Naturally I then opted for the DIY Vitamin C serum, but then I realized I just will not be able to make it fresh daily since I don't have any bottles or anything to store it in. Plus I am so busy in the mornings I barely don't even have time to look twice in the mirror before I'm off.

So a couple of months ago I searched for more inexpensive vitamin c serums (that have good packaging (which is so important in keeping the vitamin c fresh and stable). I stumbled upon the UNT C Clarity Ascorbic Acid Brightening Serum, which came in a 35 ml vacuum sealed bottle, and ran for aboout $24.00.

That's a good deal IMO, so I jumped on it and got it a couple of days ago. Today was my first day wearing it and...it's fabulous.

I'm not going to be doing a full review yet (that'll be in the next month or two) but I can tell you just by the first day that the consistency/texture is light and perfect for warm weather.

The UNT C Clarity Ascorbic Acid Brightening Serum comes in a 20% strength (the highest strength the skin can absorb). It is oil-free and wears well under sunscreen (no flaking off or greasiness). I did get the instant brightening look (which I always do with 20% pure vitamin c) that just makes me feel like I am glowing.

I did get some mild stinging (but that is normal) which I know will subside as I continue to use this serum (it's been awhile since my skin has touched L-ascorbic acid).

On the official website it states to use the product at night only. I'm assuming they are stating this because L-ascorbic acid has mild exfoliation properties (it is acid based). If you're wearing sunscreen, then this product is best worn during the day because vitamin c strengthens sunscreen protection and protects against oxidative damage found in the air (which causes darkening and wrinkles). Though it can be used at night if you wish to. I am going to be using this every other day, since it can be overkill using a 20% level vitamin c serum daily. I've tried that before and I find my skin reacts much like it would if I used a strong peel. It will temporarily darken, peel in some areas and then within a day or two become brighter, lighter and more even overall.

For any vitamin c novices out there, 20% is not where you should be starting. 10% is the best place to start since you can still get lightening, brightening and collagen stimulation with that strength but with a little less chance of irritation. Building tolerance with these strong products is important since it is acid-based and can cause really heavy irritation which can only lead to more problems.

I'm excited to start using it though. I feel like I'm back to my personal best regimen - l-ascorbic acid, sunscreen, botanical lightener and a rx retinoid.

My skin is happy.;)

Official UNT Site
Amazon link to the UNT C Clarity Brightening Serum

Ingredients:
L-ascorbic Acid, Amino Acid, Propyl Glycol, Glycerine, Lemon extract, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, R.O. Water

Labels: anti-aging, antioxidant, recommendations

35 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena

I prepare the fresh DIY VitC everday morning ...i mix 1/4 spoon of Vit C crystals with 1 spoon of water in a steel or glass bowl and apply it to my skin within 5 or 10 mins max (as a toner)..am i not supposed to do this?...i mean u mentioned in your above article that u dont have appropriate bottles to store it ..i really got confused.

Can u kindly suggest a good brand of Niacinimide capsules, i want to try the DIY mask..i buy my Vits in Vitamin shoppe.

Thanks; May 25, 2010 at 6:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena,

What do you think of their EX WHITE 2 for melasma/ acne prone skin. Currently i am using vivite vibrance therapy with retin a gel. Do you think EX WHITE 2 would be benefited for melasma i've suffering from melasma from 6years.Had numurous of treatments including yag laser, hydroquine cream and obagi.If you think EX WHITE 2 can help with melasm when should i use that night or day should i keep using vivite vibrance therapy as well or no. Recently i found out i get allergic reaction to topical vit c (i tried to to skinceutical aox20+)and got inflammantory white head type acne on my forhead and cheeks. Does this product has vit c . Pls help!
Thank you; May 25, 2010 at 9:45 AM
Mileena said...: Hi,

Oh I'm sorry I confused you there. When I mentioned the bottles, I meant if I was planning on making a vitamin c serum that can last a week or so. The daily fresh kind with water I don't even have time for in the mornings. That's what I was trying to get at =P

What you are doing is fine. Remember to take it slow, every other day since it's strong stuff.

I get mine from vitacost, but browsing the Vitamin Shoppe website the Vitamin Shoppe Niacinamide capsules look good:

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1533; May 25, 2010 at 9:55 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena,

What do you think of their EX WHITE 2 for melasma/ acne prone skin. Currently i am using vivite vibrance therapy with retin a gel. Do you think EX WHITE 2 would be benefited for melasma i've suffering from melasma from 6years.Had numurous of treatments including yag laser, hydroquine cream and obagi.If you think EX WHITE 2 can help with melasm when should i use that night or day should i keep using vivite vibrance therapy as well or no. Recently i found out i get allergic reaction to topical vit c (i tried to to skinceutical aox20+)and got inflammantory white head type acne on my forhead and cheeks. Does this product has vit c . Pls help!
Thank you; May 25, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena,

Pls give your opinion about EX WHITE 2. I would like to try that for melasma.

Thank you; May 26, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Mileena said...: I think it's great. Out of all the tranexamic lightening products out there - EX WHITE 2 is the best because it has the right concentration of tranexamic to help with skin lightening (3%). It has a decent price. Also has some other brightening properties (vitamin c derivative and licorice) and plus it's oil-free.

Whether it will lighten your melasma - hopefully. Since tranexamic acid is an enzyme (tyrosinase) inhibitor that is a good place to start. Wearing a good UVA protective sunscreen can really compliment the UNT EX WHITE 2. It's worth a shot iMO.

;); May 26, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Thank you so much for realing. Do you think this can subsitute vivite vibrance therapy or no.; May 26, 2010 at 1:27 PM
Mileena said...: Well, Vivite Vibrance therapy has AHAs + botanical extracts while the UNT EX White 2 is purpley botanical based ingredients. So you are missing the mild exfoliating properties of Vivite, but the exfoliation can be achieved from other things as well (seperate AHA product, rx retinoid, weekly peels/scrubs etc.)

I think the UNT looks promising though. I've never tried tranexamic acid, did an article on it and at 3% am curious how it can perform. It's proven to have an effect at that concentration.

If you are getting results with Vivite (the results you want) then stick with it. But UNT is a valid replacement, it's less expensive too.; May 26, 2010 at 1:36 PM
Mileena said...: Your welcome ;); May 26, 2010 at 7:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena

I got Bioderma today....i used to apply Retin-A first topped with Makari Night Cream...now, can i follow the same way or since there is Vit C in it do i need to apply Bioderma first topped by Retin-A? , and also should i abide by the 20 min wait period since it has Vit C?

Thanks.; May 27, 2010 at 6:34 AM
Mileena said...: Hi,

Yes I would do the 20 minute wait. Apply the Bioderma first, wait 20 mins, and apply Retin-A on top.

Alternate at first for the first week, so one night with Bioderma, the other night off since Bioderma does have AHAs in it which can be overpowering at first. Especially coupled with Retin-A. Allow your skin time to adjust and tolerate, and alternating every other day for the first week will be good.

<3; May 27, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena,

What do you think of UNT acne line . They seem promising. Any thoghts about their clear perfectin cleanser , toner and or acne med. I am 28 year old and strugling with adult acne used everthing avilable in canada(i think)Intersting in trying unt line .Any suggestions pls.; May 28, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Mileena said...: Hi,

I never really paid much attention to the UNT acne line. Their acne med product is a salicylic acid (BHA) treatment which is great for clearing out pores.

Since in Canada we don't get the good BHA products like Stridex pads or Paula's Choice, this can be ideal.

However I would say there are some really great acne treatments found here. In Shoppers Drug Mart, look for the Neostrata Toning Solution Level 2 (10% glycolic acid and 2% BHA, right pH levels and a good toner, strong but great at treating acne):

http://www.neostrata.ca/products/-category/acne-care/toning-solution-level-2/128/

Their blemish spot gel looks good too.

BHA is great at treating acne, but in my personal experience nothing helped me take control of my acne like an rx retinoid (prescription retinoid). Retinoids are fantastic at clearing up acne at the root, by regulating cell turnover rate and clearing up pores inside and out. I got a prescription for Retin-A Gel 0.025% 3 years ago and my skin has been thanking me ever since. The first few weeks with it are hard to adjust since it's tough stuff, lots of flaky skin/some peeling but after the initial stage it becomes smooth sailing from there. My skin is so clear from retinoid usage. I use Retin-A gel every night to keep my acne in check. It's worth looking into. =); May 28, 2010 at 8:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Thank you so very much for answering those question for me re: UNT acne line. I've using Retin a gel 0.025% since last month was using retin a micro before for about 7 months and still getting acne flare up . Would like to add good products to control acne .; May 28, 2010 at 9:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena,

May I ask where you bought this product from or if it's available in stores rather than online? I'm also from Toronto so it would be so helpful if you did get it in stores! :)

Also, would you recommend using this with the P&J Whitening Serum, and in what order? Do you use it everyday?

Also, how did it compare to your Vichy in terms of whitening effectiveness?

Thanks!; June 2, 2010 at 3:26 PM
Mileena said...: Hi!

I haven't personally used the Paul & Joe Whitening Serum, only heard/read good things about it. Since I first made a recommendation on it, a lot of people have purchased it and messaged me about it telling me how they love it.

I've had a few messages where people told me it didn't do much for their skin, but majority of the response is very good.

I have used the Vichy Bi White, and I can tell you from experience it is a great product. It definitley lightens, it's great for acne prone skin (the whitening essence). Love the whitening essence, I used it for almost 8 months. Right now I am using this UNT Vitamin C serum which is amazing!

Anyway, I don't know where exactly you can get the Paul & Joe Whitening Serum in stores here in Toronto. I'm guessing asian beauty stores might (or might not) carry it. Online is your best honestly, bobodave is my fav. site to get asian beauty products since they are so reliable and fast shipping:

http://www.bobodave.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_220&products_id=2786

If you want something local, I would suggest the Vichy Bi White since it is readily available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

;); June 2, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Ooh, thanks for the heads up! I've heard lots of reviews about the P&J serum too so I'm interested, but I might try the Vichy Bi White first since it's more easily accessible :)

What about the UNT Vitamin C serum? Is it available for purchase in stores or just online?; June 2, 2010 at 7:11 PM
Mileena said...: Your welcome ;)

UNT is an asian brand which I don't think sells its products in stores. It could, again like the P&J probably in Chinatown or an asian beauty store.

It's available online though.; June 2, 2010 at 7:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Hello Mileena,
Are you still using this Vit C Serum? Did it lighten ur skin? I am using for a good and affordable Vit C serum to incorporate in my routine.; June 17, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Mileena said...: Yes! I am still using this and it is lightening up my skin which is always a plus. I love this one a lot, moreso than the AOX 20 by Skinceuticals solely onthe price. It's definitley more affordable plus it works so well.

I use it every other day, sometimes every third day if I decide to use a peel or something but it works. Highly recommend this.; June 17, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Mileena,
Thank you. I just ordered it after reading your review from amazon. I wanted to let you know that they have it for about $30 now not 24.00. Also wanted to let you know that I read a lot of your articles, been reading them for hours actually lol on your blog and they're very very informative. Keep up the good work! Thanks a lot!; June 17, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Mileena said...: Thank you =D; June 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Mileena - I've quite recently developed melasma :( Currently it's a devilish dark patch on the upper lip, between and just above the eyebrown line, and progressing on each cheek. Up until now I've just been using a potent spf to keep it in check as much as possible, but would really appreciate your suggestion as to the best product/most easily found with proven results. I've done a lot of research but I have to admit...it's daunting and somewhat confusing!

Any advice is appreciated.; August 1, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Mileena said...: Hi!

It's great that you are using a good SPF, which one might I ask? Using a good, high PPD (UVA protective) sunscreen is ultra vital in fading melasma and should prevent the progression of it.

If you don't mind me asking, do you know anything that could have triggered the melasma recently? Usually there is a trigger to melasma usually involving hormones. Often times it can just be a direct result of sun damage over the years though.

I would suggest using a good lightener like Skinceuticals Phyto+ (though mild, but still very good for reactive skin) and a peel used twice a week like Makeupartist's Choice 40% Lactic Acid Peel + Licorice Extract.

If you aren't acne prone, might i suggest something like Hypercreme Illumination Fluid (for dry, non acne prone skin) since a lot of my readers who have non-acne prone skin like this one. If not, stick with the Phyto+ since it's so fabulous IMO for all skin types. The peel should go a long way as well since lactic acid is naturally lightening and evens things out with the least amount of irritation. <3; August 1, 2010 at 11:00 PM
casey said...: hi I just came across your useful site after googling whitening products. I have acneprone n oily skin n alot of reddish acne marks. my face is also a shade darker than my neck (I'm nc20-25). my current regime is to use roc roxeil protection for sensitive skin SPF 50 in the morning and then clinique antioxidant repairwear night cream at night and also around 3 times a week retacnyl 0.05 to control the acne. I'm also using a gentle aha/bha wash daily and a scrub once a week. do you think I should incorporate a vit c serum or the Vichy biwhite essence into my regime to whiten my skin one shade? have you tried the shiseido white lucent or clinqiue dermawhite range?

and also for my mum to lighten her dark spots I bought her the lancome blanc expert spot eraser.. any opinion on this product? it's rather expensive. :( my mum previously used skII derm defintion for spots but no use at all.

really appreciate your advice!! thank you!!!; October 5, 2010 at 5:55 AM
Mileena said...: Hi Casey,

A pure vitamin c serum would work in your favor. Moreso than the Bi White which contains a vitamin c derivative. Vitamin C is acidic so it does mildly exfoliate which can help with your acne. The skin lightening and collagen building effects are an added bonus ;)

The UNT C Clarity is a wonderful product, though a bit strong (20 percent) for a novice to vitamin c. Skinceuticals AOX 10 and Skinceuticals C+E Ferulic are also great at lightening dark spots, uneven skin tone and adding radiance to the skin.

I have tried the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel a couple of years ago and was really disappointed. Most of these 'skin brighteners' are just moisturizers that are ridiculously over priced. The plant extracts in them are too weak to do anything. Same with the Clinique Derma White range.

The Lancome Blanc Expert Spot Eraser will probably help to lighten some of your mom's dark spots but probably not fade them completley. If you look at the ingredient list, you can see that the botanical extracts are either in the middle or end of the list. That is a sign that these active ingredients have low concentrations and probably won't do much. But with consistent usage, she should see some lightening which is good.

Are you sure she has exhausted all dermatologist treatment options? Hydroquinone either ar 2 or 4 percent on dark spots works very well. Especially in a regimen that has alpha hydroxy acids as well.

For me, vitamin c serums and SKinceuticals Phyto+ work the best at making a uniform skin tone (fading those pesky acne marks, dark spots and freckles around the nose etc.)

Make sure your mom uses sunscreen daily to strengthen the efficacy of the Lancome.

<3; October 5, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Mileena said...: I forgot to add, a peel would probably help her situation as well. Nothing too strong, but something with lactic acid can really help in breaking up the excess pigment in those legions. Olay's Microdermabrasion + Peel Kit is a good drugstore one or the Makeupartistchoice Lactic Acid Peel at 40 percent would work really well alongside the Lancome. :); October 5, 2010 at 11:09 AM
casey said...: thanks so much for your reply :)
if the UNT is too High for me, is there a lower concentration?
and what's the difference betweeen the two skinceuticals products that you mention ?; October 6, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Mileena said...: Unfortunatley there is only the 20 percent for the UNT. You can always ease your way into it by using it every other day though.

Skinceuticals AOX is a vitamin c line geared for oily skin types (very lightweight) and is just pure vitamin c. The C+E Ferulic one has vitamin c, vitamin e and ferulic acid which together have a powerful antioxidant effect. This combination also increases SPF strength too so it's great. Vitamin E can be problematic for acne prone skin types so the AOX line is recommended if you are interested. Trial sized vials found on ebay are a good way to use them at an affordable price.; October 6, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Fanny said...: Hello! I just received my C clarity from UNT. I bought it straight from the UNT site and jsut read the ingredients - slight difference:

Water, L-ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, 1,2-dihydroxipropane, Sodium Hyaluroante, L-lysine HCI, Perfume

I'm not so good with ingredients, I've read BEFORE about the "magical moisturizer" Sodium Hyaluronate (pfft!) and made up my mind back then that it's not what I would want to put on my skin... now it's in my C Clarity:(
I just assumed (one never should) that it would be the same ingredients that was posted here - cause neither on Amazon nor on their UNTsite are there all ingredients listed. Instead I should've asked customer service first. Darn it!

As for the rest of the ingredients they don't say anything to me, some sort of glycol, some amino acid, whatever. Do you think this is an ok ingredient list?

//Fanny; November 5, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Mileena said...: Hi Fanny,

The first C Clarity I purchased back in April had the exact ingredients I listed up top in this blog entry. My second one had the ones you mentioned. I believe UNT slightly re-formulated some of the inactive ingredients which in ways is a good thing as the original had a bit of tacky feel/sticky feel due to lack of any emollients.

Sodium Hyaluronate is actually not that moisturizing at all - definitely not in the same league as hyaluronic acid. It is a preservative which is generally non-acneic. Unless you've had a bad experience with it I wouldn't be concerned.

It never broke me out or gave me any adverse reactions. Give it a shot, unless you've made up your mind that you don't want to use anything with that additive/perservative in it. But again, you should be fine. It worked well for my sensitive, acne prone skin. Remember with vitamin c, a little goes a long way and it doesn't have to be used daily. Only daily application is done on people who can tolerate it (I usually do it every other day). Vitamin C stays in the lower layers of the skin for up to 48 hours ;); November 5, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Fanny said...: Thank you Mileena! You've calmed me down enough to give it a try. I just hate doubting a purchase, especially one that I was originally excited about. Now the ingredient list doesn't put me off anymore, thanks for that;); November 6, 2010 at 2:53 AM
Mileena said...: Your welcome Fanny. Let me know how your first experience with it is. It's a great product! Ease your way into it, it's strong. If you find your skin becoming red or irritated cut back to every other day, or every third day for usage.

Slight stinging is completely normal when you first apply it. :); November 6, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Fanny said...: Hi again!
I just stumbled across a product called Vitamin C by a swedish/canadian label called TVÅL (which means "soap" here in Sweden/swedish). Anyway, I was just wondering if you had any thoughts about this one. It says it's in a powder substance, pure L-ascorbic acid, so that you can mix your own dose of Vitamin C, and get it "fresh" every time, sort to speak. It only costs like $10 and TVÅL is a really pure brand here in Sweden, profiling themselves as eco/vegan friendly and all that. What do you, the expert on Vitamin C, think about a powder version? (If you want to follow the link just run this http://eleven.se/tval-vitamin-c-7143.html through google translate to get the english version since it originally is in swedish); November 19, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Mileena said...: This looks fantastic. Wonderful version. Powder versions are the greatest - hard to find good ones here in Canada or the US but this one looks like an awesome one to use to make a vitamin c serum.

:)

lol - I am no expert. I just have an unhealthy obsession with vitamin c serums! :); November 20, 2010 at 2:34 PM

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Monday, May 24, 2010

Product Recommendation: UNT C Clarity Ascorbic Acid Brightening Serum

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