In skin care, Vitamin C is a widely praised antioxidant, thought to combat those free radicals that accelerate ageing and exacerbate other skin issues.
WATCH: We trialled Tribe’s Vitamin C Serum for two weeks. See the results!
Regarding its many benefits, Vitamin C purports to:
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Brighten and even-out skin tone: Vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots);
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Boost collagen production: Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
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Protect the skin from ‘environmental stressors’, including UV radiation and pollution
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Help improve skin texture by reducing the appearance of acne scars and inflammation.
Having said that, this skincare ingredient simply doesn’t work the same for everyone.
When it comes to any ingredient, results will vary based on the product itself, your skin type and the other products in your cabinet. (Count this as your friendly reminder to always patch test first!)
Despite never having much luck with Vitamin C serums myself, the reputation of Tribe’s Vitamin C Brightening Skin Serum preceded it.
Even before it hit the market in 2022, this Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin had amassed a 50,000-person waitlist to purchase.
In the days after it hit the market, Daily Mail reports Tribe made $13,000 in 12 hours.
Tribe founder, 32-year-old Kayla Houlihan from Geelong, reportedly trialled the product on her 65-year-old mother — and you know we love to see beauty products that don’t just work on 18-year-old influencers.
The reason Houlihan started Tribe – and the reason for its success – was that many products that target acne or other skin concerns can be a problem for folks with sensitive skin, including Kayla herself.
“The best-sellers in the range are the Clearing Anti-Breakout Serum and the Brightening Vitamin C Serum,” Kayla confirmed. “Typically, acne serums and Vitamin C products are common for sensitive skin to react to. By creating versions of these popular products that are gentle enough for sensitive skin but still get amazing results, we really have the winning formula.”
So, what did I – a person who normally doesn’t get along with Vitamin C serums – find here?
Tribe Brightening Vitamin C Serum, $68
What is in Tribe’s Vitamin C Brightening Serum?
The actives:
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
Other ingredients of note:
Aloe vera gel, Kakadu plum, rosehip, acai, lactobacillus (radish root) ferment (live cultures!).
What I like about Tribe’s Vitamin C Brightening Serum?
The packaging
Firstly, the packaging – and I’m not talking about aesthetics alone. (Although, the minimal, yellow cylinder pump is very cute.)
Vitamin C, also L-ascorbic acid, can be an unstable ingredient, which is one of the reasons it’s not as good in glass bottles with eye-droppers (as it is so frequently sold).
Prolonged exposure to air, light or heat can make Vitamin C less effective or even harmful to the skin.
Tribe’s packaging leaves less opportunity for this. It’s well-sealed, compact and lightweight.
The results
I used the Tribe Brightening Vitamin C Serum sporadically over a couple of weeks as part of my night time routine.
I have brown skin thanks to a mixed white-south Asian heritage, and hyper-pigmentation can be a problem for my skinfolk!
I particularly focused the use of the serum on my cheeks, where dark spots – mostly from sun damage – tend to gather.
After a few uses, I did find my skin looking brighter in this area! I thought I saw improvements even after one use, and after the two weeks, I do believe my skin is brighter and smoother.
I think, over time, this Vit C serum could work well for me.
The cons:
I probably wouldn’t recommend for day-wear, depending on your sunscreen (it seemed to pill with mine). I was also initially concerned about the scent but this didn’t result in any issues for me, personally.
As someone who has been disappointed by Vitamin C serums before, this is definitely the best I’ve tried so far and it’s found a permanent spot in my routine.
