Vitamin CG

At Garnier, we use a stabilised form of Vitamin C: Vitamin Cg, also known as ascorbyl glucoside. It is an ingredient obtained through a process that respects the principles of Green Chemistry. But how exactly is that possible? Well, without getting too technical, Vitamin Cg is a vitamin C molecule with a glucose molecule bound to it, which improves the stability. In Vitamin Cg, the G stands for Glucose. That increases the overall stability so there’s no risk of degradation or loss of effectiveness, and it makes it much easier to formulate with. Vitamin Cg also has a natural origin and is obtained from renewable sources – which makes it one of our top ingredients that defends against oxidative stress and pollution.

Once vitamin Cg is applied, an enzyme – α-glucosidase – which is present on all skin, breaks the glucose apart. This reaction is called a ‘natural bio conversion.’ Skin can benefit from the properties of vitamin C that are released throughout the day, which is why antioxidants should be a staple part of everybody’s skincare routine. We are all exposed to damaging elements every single day, and everything from pollution to free radicals (which are small molecules that react to energy sources, such as UV radiation which can damage skin and cause oxidative stress) can damage skin cells and break down collagen, leading to dullness, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, vitamin Cg can neutralise free radicals, preventing oxidation-induced damage on skin, as well as preventing dark spots appearing by acting on the formation of melanin and improving overall texture and tone of skin.

The final thing that makes vitamin Cg so universally great is that it can be used by anybody who has pigmentation or dullness concerns. Some skin types may find that using vitamin C causes irritation; however, vitamin C is suitable for sensitive skin. Like all our products, those containing vitamin C are subjected to a strict evaluation of their quality and safety.

It is often asked if vitamin C can be used with retinol. It is not recommended to use vitamin C skincare products with retinol skincare products at the same time. Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that can cause irritation, and by layering a vitamin C-based product with a retinol-based product, it could irritate the skin more. However, if you want to benefit from the efficacy of retinol, you can use a product with vitamin C in the morning alongside sunscreen, and a product with retinol in the evening.

In terms of how often it can be used, we would suggest using either a vitamin C-based serum or day cream at least once a day as part of a morning routine, using it after cleansing – for example with Vitamin C Micellar Water – and before applying sunscreen.

Vitamin C serum can also be used in the evening to take advantage of all its benefits.