Blog

It’s no secret that Vitamin C is a skin care superstar. This powerhouse ingredient is celebrated for its ability to deliver a brighter complexion, even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s everything you need to know about Vitamin C and how to add it to your skin care routine. 

What Is Vitamin C?

First things first: What exactly is Vitamin C? Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues — including the skin. As Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar tells us: “Vitamin C is an incredibly effective nutrient for your body and an all-around savior for skin care. It’s been found to help prevent UV damage, reduce pigmentation, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production in skin.” We cannot produce Vitamin C and our bodies don’t store it; therefore, we can only receive its benefits by ingesting it (think chewable vitamins and freshly-squeezed orange juice) or by applying it topically (cue Vitamin C in your favorite skin care serums and moisturizers). Popular sources of Vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and grapefruit
• Leafy greens such as kale, broccoli and spinach
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Rosehip oil
• Seabuckthorn oil
• Kakadu plum

You might think that oranges has the highest concentration of Vitamin C, but surprisingly, Kakadu plum has 30 to 50 times the amount of Vitamin C in comparison. Eating this superfruit or applying it topically may potentially aid in reducing the appearance of dark spots, enhancing skin radiance and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. You can read this guide on superfoods for skin for more information.

Vitamin C Benefits For Skin

The benefits of Vitamin C for the skin are seemingly endless. One of its most important features is that it is able to mitigate skin problems before (and even after) they occur. According to Natalie: “One of the great things about Vitamin C is it both helps prevent and repair damage caused by our environment.” During the day, Vitamin C can provide additional protection against the aging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution, blue light and UV rays; at night, its rejuvenating properties can minimize the look of damage caused by free radical exposure. Here’s a closer look at Vitamin C’s many skin care benefits.

Fights Free Radicals

Heidi Waldorf, MD describes free radicals as “anti-oxygen bombs that trigger inflammation and cascades of damage”. These highly unstable molecules are missing an electron and, in an attempt to stabilize, steal electrons from otherwise healthy cells. This type of attack changes cell composition and triggers oxidative damage that presents as dryness, irritation and premature aging. 

How can free radicals be stopped? Neutralize the “bomb” so to speak. Antioxidants donate an electron to free radicals before they can cause undue damage to the skin. Vitamin C is one such antioxidant that can neutralize and remove free radicals, thereby minimizing the visible impact of exposure to pollution, particulate matter and other types of environmental stress. 

Supports Skin’s Barrier Function

One of the ways Vitamin C benefits overall skin health is by supporting the skin’s barrier function. The lipid barrier is an essential part of the skin’s outer layer and is often likened to mortar, holding together the bricks that are your skin cells. When healthy, it acts like your skin’s security guard: It keeps in the good by helping skin retain moisture and keeps out the bad by denying potential irritants (like troublesome free radicals). Studies show that Vitamin C enhances the production of barrier lipids and, by extension, the skin’s ability to protect itself from transepidermal water loss, keeping it healthy, happy and hydrated.

Minimizes Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Collagen and elastin are frequent victims of free radical damage. These structural proteins are responsible for the density and bounce associated with a youthful complexion. When weakened, they are unable to provide much-needed structural support and, as a result, the visible signs of aging (including sagging skin and fine lines and wrinkles) begin to develop.

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps stave off the visible signs of aging caused by free radical damage. In fact, a 2007 study by the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition found that women aged 40-74 who consumed high levels of Vitamin C appeared to have fewer fine lines and wrinkles and less overall dryness in their skin. 

Brightens Skin

Vitamin C’s antioxidant quality can also minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. When faced with stress, the skin defends itself by triggering cells called melanocytes to produce the pigment melanin. Vitamin C inhibits the function of tyrosinase, the enzyme that activates the skin’s melanocytes, thereby impeding melanin production and minimizing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This contributes to a brighter and more even-toned complexion.

Boosts Skin Cell Regeneration

Skin cell turnover is the process by which dead cells are shed from the skin’s top layer and new, fresh cells rise to the surface. One feature of healthy skin is its ability to efficiently turn over, a process that slows with age. With its acidic nature, Vitamin C is helpful in sloughing away dead and damaged skin cells, thereby speeding up the skin’s natural turnover process. This not only smooths skin texture, but also reduces dullness and minimizes the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Increases Collagen Production

In addition to extrinsic factors (like environmental stress), intrinsic — or biological — aging contributes to the decline of collagen. As you age, your skin’s stores of collagen naturally deplete and degrade, resulting in the visible signs of aging. Vitamin C not only activates the skin’s fibroblasts to produce new collagen, but it also stabilizes the collagen you already have, helping skin stay firm, plump and youthful-looking for longer. 

Watch this In The Mix video where Natalie outlines how Vitamin C may reverse the visible signs of aging: :

How To Use A Vitamin C Serum

Natalie tells us: “Vitamin C is essential in everyone’s routine. Your body doesn’t make this vitamin, so the only way to obtain its benefits is to apply it topically.” One of the best delivery vehicles for Vitamin C to the skin is a serum. Here’s how to use a Vitamin C serum in your skin care routine.

Perform A Patch Test

If you have sensitive skin, we recommend performing a patch test before adding a new ingredient to your skin care routine. Follow these steps with a licensed esthetician at your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner: 

1. Select a small area of skin that can be easily concealed (like your forearm or behind your ear).
2. Apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours.
3. If no side effects occur, apply to your face. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort such as a rash, redness or hives.

Add A Vitamin C Serum To Your Skin Care Routine

Adding a Vitamin C serum to your skin care routine is simple. Vitamin C is typically formulated in a fast-absorbing formula, suitable for all skin types that can be used both morning and night. Skin care experts recommend applying 1-2 drops of serum to cleansed and toned skin. Use your fingers to spread a thin layer of serum over your face and neck, then wait for it to completely absorb before applying your favorite facial oil and/or moisturizer. 

Watch this video to learn from Natalie about how you can add Vitamin C into your skin care routine: :

 

What To Look For In A Vitamin C Serum

When choosing a Vitamin C serum, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pick a serum with:

1. L-ascorbic acid (the most potent and effective variety of Vitamin C in skin care).
2. A concentration of 10-20%. Below 10% may not be sufficiently potent and above 20% can be too powerful for most skin types. 
3. Complementary ingredients like Vitamin E and ferulic acid enhance Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties and keep the formula stabilized.

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum

Our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is a lightweight formula that can easily be added to any skin care routine. This serum is formulated with Vitamin E and ferulic acid which, as mentioned, enhances its antioxidant properties and helps to retain its potency. This formula also includes three varieties of Vitamin C. First, there’s L-ascorbic acid, a powerful form of the antioxidant. Second, you can find Vitamin C from natural sources — citrus fruits like lemon and orange and leafy greens like kale and broccoli. And third, the serum contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate (also known as Vitamin C salt) which is illustrated below.

Pro Tip: Enhance your routine with the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. The hydrating qualities of these complementary products add essential moisture and encourage the skin to absorb more Vitamin C over time, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the serum.

Why Vitamin C & E Together?

There’s a reason we combine Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. Natalie says: “Together, these ingredients provide additional protection against free radicals to further reduce the appearance of damage so skin stays healthy-looking, smooth and luminous.” According to Mindbodygreen, one study found that these two ingredients increase Vitamin’s C effectiveness eightfold! As well as boosting potency, the addition of Vitamin E and ferulic acid helps to stabilize Vitamin C, which is a notoriously finicky ingredient. 

How To Store Vitamin C & Keep It Stable

Vitamin C is a vulnerable ingredient that will break down if it is routinely exposed to air and light. Unless protected, it rapidly degrades and oxidizes, losing its antioxidant benefits. In addition to choosing a serum that is packaged in an opaque, air-restrictive bottle, store your Vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place to keep it away from sunlight. You can even go as far as storing it in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer. 

Understanding the properties of Vitamin C for the skin, and how to store it for long-term use, can be linked back to the research of a small group of scientists. In particular, it was one Hungarian scientist who made some very important discoveries in the 1920s and 30s, as you’ll read next.

The History Of Vitamin C

The isolation and identification of Vitamin C was one of the most important discoveries in the 20th century, leading to dramatic improvements in human nutrition. Scurvy was among many diseases suffered due to malnutrition. According to research, it was a common problem in the world’s navies during the 18th century and is estimated to have affected 2 million sailors. Symptoms included fever, swollen and bleeding gums, and delirium and pain in the limbs.

It’s reported that in 1928, the Hungarian research team consisting of Albert Szent-Györgyi and Joseph L. Svirbely isolated a substance from adrenal glands that they called hexuronic acid, and later renamed ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. 

The new name ascorbic acid is derived from scorbuticus (the Latin name for scurvy), since a lack of this molecule may lead to scurvy in humans and other animals. In 1937, Szent-Györgyi won a Nobel Prize in medicine for both the discovery of Vitamin C and the description of oxidation, becoming a Hungarian national hero.

Are you ready to add a Vitamin C serum to your skin care routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about how this classic ingredient can benefit your skin.

This article was originally written in August 2019.

You’re well-versed in the value of organic — but have you heard about the environmental and nutritional benefits of biodynamic? A step up from organic, Biodynamic® farming methods enhance the quality of agricultural ingredients and reduce environmental impact. What does this mean for your skin care? Think amplified organic: pure and potent ingredients that are even higher in vitamins, nutrients and active compounds.

With an entire collection devoted to certified Biodynamic® ingredients, Eminence Organics is well ahead of the trend. Read to learn why these ingredients are taking the beauty world by storm. 

Biodynamic Farming®️ Methods

Both organic and Biodynamic® farming methods emphasize soil health and prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals — but Biodynamic® goes one step further. This type of farming is an ancient method that yields healthier, cleaner, more sustainable crops than traditional organic farming. Farmers use a variety of regenerative agricultural techniques including crop rotation, composting, interplanting and seed saving to ensure a farm’s health and longevity.

Unlike organic farms, which are permitted the use of imported organic materials, the Biodynamic® farm must meet its needs from within. Biodynamic® farmers use a variety of regenerative agricultural techniques including crop rotation, composting, interplanting and seed saving to ensure a farm’s health and longevity. Crops are grown in rhythm with the powerful moon phases and ocean tides and harvested in their most potent state. The farm is treated as a living, breathing self-sustaining ecosystem with special dedicated space for wildlife. Natural farming techniques are used to build healthy, nutrient-rich soil. No harsh chemical pesticides or fertilizers are used. 

The Biodynamic®️ Farming Calendar

Biodynamic® farmers follow a unique planting calendar that is based on the position of the moon, planets and constellations. Following lunar cycles, the biodynamic calendar helps farmers determine the optimal times to pick and plant crops. According to the calendar, the best time to harvest is when the moon is in ascent and a plant’s sap is rising; when the moon is descending, a plant’s vitality is in its roots and it is time to plant and sow.

Demeter Biodynamic® Certification

Founded in 1928 and operating in more than 50 countries, Demeter is the official certifying body for Biodynamic® products. This non-profit organization holds the world’s oldest ecological certification system for the farming, manufacturing and labeling of Biodynamic® ingredients. Biodynamic products are subject to extremely strict certification standards. For example, the farm producing the raw product must be certified by the Demeter Association, and the product must meet the required percentages of Demeter Certified Biodynamic® ingredients. In addition, all packaging must be free of fungicides, preservatives, fumigants and insecticides.

Managing Director of Demeter USA Elizabeth Candelario says: “Demeter Biodynamic® certification for skin care products is the most stringent standard in the world, which is why there are very few skin care companies like Eminence Organic Skin Care that attain it.” Unlike organic certification, which is crop-focused, Biodynamic® certification requires the entire farm to be certified. To date, there are only 300 certified Biodynamic® farming operations in the United States. 

Are Biodynamic®️ Ingredients Better For Your Skin?

Biodynamic farming yields pure and potent ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. With the farm, plants and animals all working together as a self-supporting cycle, this system produces the most effective ingredients possible. When seeds are planted and crops harvested following the lunar cycle, plants receive the most moisture and goodness. Plus, only natural medicinal herbs and mineral composts are used to enhance the soil and ignite powerful growth in the plants, making the flora void of all chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This farming approach grows produce that is unusually high in nutrients and active compounds, as well as free from chemicals.

Beyond Organic Collection

Eminence Organics has harnessed the power of these pure and potent ingredients in the luxurious Beyond Organic Collection, which is hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. This skin care collection includes products formulated with ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms as well as products that are certified Biodynamic, like our Facial Recovery Oil. Blended with natural herbs, the Facial Recovery Oil provides deep hydration, revealing a healthy glow. The Bearberry Eye Repair Cream harnesses active ingredients to hydrate the delicate eye area, dramatically reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Look for the Demeter Certification badges the next time you visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner and experience the Biodynamic® difference. Studies have shown Biodynamic®️ ingredients on average contain:

Have you tried any Biodynamic® products? Watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar as she shares the background of Biodynamic® farming and our products that are Beyond Organic.

We’d love to hear if you think there is a difference between conventional, organic and Biodynamic ingredients! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written in April 2018.

In the last few years, we’ve seen more and more demand for organic and Biodynamic® products. As consumers are becoming more educated on the harmful effects of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals associated with conventionally-farmed fruits, herbs and vegetables, they are seeking healthier alternatives for themselves and the planet. Consequently, they are demanding more natural options, including skin care products with organic and eco-friendly ingredients. The public and celebrities alike are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their skin care products as well as the environmental practices used when growing them.

As a result, Eminence Organics has emerged as the preferred organic skin care brand for many celebs. This includes Shameless actress Bojana Novakovic and broadcast journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall. Keep reading to find out what they, and other stars, had to say. 

6 Celebs Who Love Eminence Organics Skin Care

Bojana Novakovic 

Through our close relationships with makeup artists and industry insiders, Eminence Organics products often make their way to celebrities who are working on film and TV sets. Serbian-Australian actress Bojana Novakovic has been a huge fan since 2021. You may recognize her from TV shows like Shameless and films like I, Tonya. Bojana was introduced to Eminence Organics while filming in Australia, and she loved our products so much that she asked her makeup artist to start using them consistently in her skin care routine.

“… [Eminence] is the only skin care [line] … with organic ingredients that work … [the] products are so beautiful; you can tell that great care is taken in their creation,” says Bojana.

“The first time I tried [other] organic products … it was a disaster … Given that skin care is important for my work [as an actress], this meant that for years I had to either compromise skin quality or try to balance the [less natural] ingredients in products that worked,” she says.

Bojana says that the effects of the products “blew” her away: “I look forward to what has now become a satisfying morning and evening routine, without concern about my health or hormones. I am obsessed with the products; the entire [line] is wonderful, and I cannot recommend them enough.” 

As a company focused on organic skin care solutions, we’re thrilled to receive this praise. We source our ingredients from natural, organic and Biodynamic® farms and we work with manufacturers who share our values. Our commitment also includes formulating our products without the use of animal by-products, petroleum, propylene glycol, harmful fragrances and colorants, sodium lauryl sulfates and parabens.

Laura Dern

In a video interview with TheCut.com, Laura shared her skin care routine and spoke about her love for Eminence Organics. Featured in an article titled, “How Laura Dern Gets Her Skin So Good,” Laura named the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque as one of her favorite products in her routine.

“I love Eminence. They are also protective of the planet … They have a lot of integrity and I’m so grateful for companies [like] Eminence who really consider our health and the health of our planet.”

Our integrity as a company is reflected in our status as Certified B Corporation®,  illustrating our commitment to creating positive change in the world. B Corporations are evaluated on how a company’s operations and business model affects its workers, community, environment and customers. From our ingredient sourcing to our sustainable practices, our B Corp certification reinforces our commitment to healthy products and a healthy planet.

Hilary Swank 

Oscar and Golden Globe award-winning actress Hilary Swank is another star to join the ranks of Eminence’s celebrity fans. The acclaimed actress, whom you might recognize from Million Dollar Baby and Boys Don’t Cry, recently gave us a shoutout on social media.

While filming the upcoming series Alaska Daily for Netflix, Hilary took to Instagram, calling us “one of [her] favorite companies for organic, vegan* face products.” She also loves our policy of planting a tree for every retail product sold, saying to her 1.2 million followers: “Can’t wait to plant my trees, thank you!”

4. Tamron Hall

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, American broadcast journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall shared that she masks every day with Eminence. When asked which self-care and beauty products she uses on a regular basis, Tamron shared, “We actually did an entire [episode of the Tamron Hall Show] dedicated to my beauty obsessions and my favorite things. I mask every day with Eminence — it’s an organic line I’ve been using for some years now.” The Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot was included in the interview as one of the masks that Tamron loves using.

5. Romany Malco

Romany Malco is an actor known for appearing in Weeds, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Baby Mama. Romany was introduced to our products on the set of the TV series A Million Little Things and has been a fan ever since. Romany loves the results he sees using our products, saying, “… the formula is a couple of drops of Facial Recovery Oil mixed with the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer, massaged into the face … I am consistent with it because the results are that obvious, it really does seem to moisturize and replenish my face … “

6. Zooey Deschanel

You might recognize American actress and musician Zooey Deschanel from her work including New Girl and 500 Days of Summer. Zooey gave Eminence Organics a shoutout in an interview with CNN Underscored. She lists the Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer among her favorite beauty products, saying, “I love Eminence’s [Clear Skin] Probiotic Moisturizer. That’s one product that I can use no matter what. Sometimes if I’m tired … I start breaking out … [this is] the only [moisturizer] that will not break my skin out at all.”

We can see why these products are celeb faves! Get in touch with your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a professional consultation and find out which products work for your skin.

*While not all of our products are fully vegan, Eminence Organics offers a fantastic selection of plant-based skin care. Learn more here.