Some time in the past few months, I stopped using a Vitamin C serum. While it is a staple in my routine, I was experiencing some skin sensitivity, that made me go back to basics, to regain my skin health.
When things got back to normal, I decided to break open a new Vitamin C serum, from a brand that I wasn’t familiar with. Experimentation is the name of the game!
The brand was Novexpert, a French brand of skincare that I’d briefly heard of, but never really come across. The brand was founded by doctors and researchers who focus on skin aging, and is sold at pharmacies, albeit at a higher price tag as they are known as “cosmoceutical” brands. The products are formulated without known harmful ingredients, and are designed to be gentle even on sensitive skin.
While I found the brand story interesting, and not unlike that of most brands today, what I was more interested in what in the efficacy of their products. The first I tried was the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum. If I was going to dive in, I’d dive in with one of my favourite product categories! 😀
Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum
What interested me most was this – Novexpert claims that their formula contains a stablized form of Vitamin C, and that it contains a 25% stablized Vitamin C complex.
I recognize how volatile Vitamin C is, as an ingredient. It oxidizes very quickly, which lends to a very short shelf-life for most effective Vitamin C serums. It can be frustrating, especially if you are prone to hoarding your products (Tip: Don’t do it! 😛 )
A stablized Vitamin C formula meant therefore, that the product would have a longer shelf-life, and correspondingly, better efficiency. Novexpert says that the Vitamin C will be slow-released and remains active for up to 9 hours.
Novexpert says that their Vitamin C comprises 2 types of Vitamin C – a stablized Japanese Vitamin C that is classified in Japan as quasi-drug and a French Vitamin C granted to organic silicium. I am however, unable to verify much of this as there is very little information.
I can vouch for the efficacy of Japanese brand Vitamin C serums (see Melano CC and Obagi C), but am otherwise not in a position to say much else 🙂
It is marketed as a product that assists with lightening hyperpigmentation, strengthening skin, and slowing down aging. All very good things. So, let’s see how it performs for me 😉
Booster serum
This is called a ‘Booster’ and has 2 recommended ways of using it. First, as a booster for your moisturiser and creams. Pump a pump of product into your moisturiser, and apply it to skin. Saves you a step, and if you have sensitive skin, is a good way to introduce it to your skin.
I prefer to use it directly on skin, which is the other way. I usually use 1 pump in the morning, smoothed over my skin and neck area, and then follow up with the other creams. On some days, I use 2 pumps. It is quite substantial this way.
Gentle formula but can sting a little
While I find the formula gentle, lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, I do notice that it can sting a little where my skin is sensitive e.g. broken skin.
It is also very hydrating, and feels very comfortable as it leaves absolutely no residue on skin at all.
Can be used on skin after a sunburn
Novexpert claims that the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum is so stable and gentle, that it can be used on skin before and after sun exposure. While before sun exposure is the usual way of going about it (Vitamin C plays well with sunscreen, to boost the sun protection benefits), I’d never thought about it being used after sun exposure.
I didn’t even think much of it, till one day, I experienced a prolonged sun exposure, to find that my neck and chest area was an angry red (I’d forgotten to apply sunscreen there!). Whilst not painful, it troubled me.
What I did then, was to slap on some of the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum, and hope for the best. It did not sting, nor did it irritate my skin further. If anything, it felt almost soothing. By the next morning, all traces of redness was gone.
Novexpert says that the Booster Vitamin C reduces the effects of UV oxidization and damage to skin, and that’s what I was banking on! 😛
Effect on hyperpigmentation is marginal
The other benefit touted by the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum is that it helps reduce hyperpigmentation. I was happy to put that to the test, as that is problem I have.
My conclusion, after about a month of using it, is that it doesn’t too much to lighten hyperpigmentation. Mine, anyway, which I have been advised, is beyond redemption by mere topical products LOL! 😛
RELATED READING: Coming to terms with my hyperpigmentation and what can be done about it READ HERE
What it did do however, is to maintain my skin clarity, and to help lighten pigmentation left behind after pimples or spots are gone. It isn’t a miracle product by any means, but it did lighten and fade pimple spots more effectively and quickly.
I am quite realistic about claims like this, and I advise you to be as well. Vitamin C serums can brighten skin and lighten dark spots. But it isn’t a miracle worker, and isn’t so strong as to deliver results overnight.
Ultimately, I enjoyed using the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum. It is comfortable, it is effective, and it is well formulated. I will finish my bottle, and I look forward to it.
However, I do find it a little pricey, when compared with other Vitamin C serums in the market. Granted, it could be due to the fact that it contains a stablized version of Vitamin C, and that it is better formulated to not oxidize. But when there are options out there that work just as well, at a lower price tag, it is challenging to say that this is the best there is out there.
That said however, it is a good one to use, and if I weren’t so fickle, one I’d likely use again in time to come.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum is a gentle, hydrating formula that contains 25% stablized Vitamin C as its key ingredient. It is gentle on skin and absorbs quickly and easily without leaving a residue on skin. It can also be used on skin after sun exposure, and I can testify to the fact that my skin appears none the worse for wear the day after. It has helped to maintain my skin clarity and as far as Vitamin C serums go, this is one I’d recommend, because the stablized formula will translate to a longer shelf-life and better efficacy on skin.
PROS:
Lightweight and absorbs well into skin quickly
Feels gentle on skin and does not irritate
Soothes skin after prolonged sun exposure
Maintains (or if first time using Vitamin C serums) Boosts skin clarity and brightness
Helps to fade and lighten dark spots with regular useCONS:
Rather pricey
Not easily accessibleWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a high content stable version of Vitamin C serum
PRICE: RM319 | €49,90 | £45.50 for 30ml
WHERE TO BUY: M Plus pharmacies, Plincco website and also sold on Lazada and Shoppee (official store), Cocooncenter and various websites and pharmacies in Europe
For those interested, this is the ingredient list of the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Silica, Perfume (Fragrance), Glucosyl Hesperidin, Sodium PCA, Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Beta- Carotene, Bisabolol, Adenosine, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Sclerotium Gum, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Phytic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Sodium Citrate, Lauryl Glucoside, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract.
Have you come across the Novexpert Booster Vitamin C serum? Or have you used the brand?
I’d be curious if you have tried anything from the brand. French pharmacy brands intrigue me, and I’ve always had luck using them, so I’m keen to explore further into this brand! 🙂
Paris B
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