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At only £10, could this affordable serum from indie brand, Garden of Wisdom, be the best budget Vitamin C you can buy?
If you've ever wanted bright and healthy skin, you probably know about Vitamin C. It's an ingredient that we're constantly told is great for all skin types, and that's seriously effective.
If you want a good Vitamin C serum, you normally have to expect to part with quite a bit of money.
The most popular Vitamin C serums come from brands like Oskia, SkinCeuticals and Paulas Choice.
Despite these luxury products being incredible, it hasn't stopped me from trying to find a more affordable option. Then I found the Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid.
Garden of Wisdom is a skincare brand that started in Arizona, and was brought over to the UK fairly recently in a collaboration with Victoria Health. They took a select few products and refined the packaging and formulations to ensure their success in the new market.
They have a lineup of products, similar to those of The Ordinary, with a lot of ingredients you'll recognise like Niacinamide, Squalane Oil, Rosehip oil etc.
One of the most popular products from the line is the Vitamin C, the topic of today's review.
What the serum claims to do
Firstly, this is a high-strength Vitamin C that promises to brighten and freshen the skin, prevent and treat hyper pigmentation and help to protect the skin against ageing.
"Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C 23% + Ferulic Acid Serum provides high strength pure L-ascorbic acid to brighten and even out skin tone whilst Ferulic acid helps protect skin against free radical damage."
Garden of Wisdom – Victoria Health
Who is this targeted towards?
Secondly, this product is targeted for anyone. No matter your age, or skin type, Vitamin C is a beneficial product to add into your routine.
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or acne scars you will notice a difference after frequent Vitamin C usage in particular.
£10 for 30ml of product. You can only buy this product from Victoria Health.
Garden of Wisdom do have their own website, but the products and formulas are different to what you'll find on Victoria Health.
My final thoughts on the best budget vitamin c serum
The Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C is a thin, clear and unscented product that isn't grainy or too sticky.
Firstly, I use about 1-2 pumps of this a day as part of my morning skincare routine.
It applies nicely to the skin and works well with other skincare and makeup products. This is a key must-have for me because other budget Vitamin C's I've used in the past (*cough* The Ordinary) have felt extremely uncomfortable and almost impossible to use in the morning before makeup.
I've now been using this every day as part of my morning routine for around a week. I've already started to notice a difference in my skin.
After continued use for over a month, I started to notice that my acne scars and red spots were beginning to slowly fade away. This is great as these were my main motivation to incorporate a Vitamin C into my routine.
After using this product for a few months, I notice a real difference in my acne scarring.
In conclusion, compared to other budget Vitamin C serums I have tried, the Garden of Wisdom product is on another level.
This is one of the few products I've used where I can genuinely see an improvement.
It's also so much more enjoyable to use, it's lightweight, fragrance-free and doesn't interfere with other products.
More Vitamin C serums that I also recommend
If you're outside of the UK, this serum may be a little hard to get hold of. Here are some more affordable Vitamin C serums that I also recommend:
Beauty Bay SkinHit Brightening Serum (£6.50)
Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Pure Double Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum – £11.09 (with membership)
Let me know what your favourite Vitamin C serum is!
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Vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in some of your body's most vital functions.
Whether your goal is to give your immune system a boost or support skin health, you're going to want to get plenty of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a particularly unique nutrient because it also functions as an antioxidant that protects your cells against potential damage (1).
Vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, but inadequate intake can lead to symptoms like dry skin, achy joints, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing (1).
Acute vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy and potentially fatal if left untreated (1).
If you smoke, have kidney disease, take certain medications, or consume a very limited diet, you may be at an increased risk for vitamin C deficiency (2).
Vitamin C can be found in a variety of whole, plant-based foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli (1).
Obtaining nutrients from whole foods is always the best approach, but if you have difficulty meeting your nutrition needs for any reason, a supplement may be necessary.
The supplements on this list were chosen based on quality, manufacturing standards, usability, and price.
Here are the 14 best vitamin C supplements for 2021.
Care/of Vitamin C
Price: $
Care/of makes it easier than ever to stay healthy by creating a personalized supplement subscription plan based on your needs.
Their supplements feature ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and all products undergo three rounds of testing to ensure that they are safe and effective.
This supplement contains 250 mg of vitamin C per serving, which is fermented to help maximize absorption.
What's more, it's also vegan, gluten-free, and made without any genetically modified ingredients.
Ritual Postnatal
Price: $$$
Ritual specializes in producing simple, high quality supplements, including a multivitamin formulated specifically for postnatal women.
With 25 mg of vitamin C per serving, it can help fill any gaps in your diet and boost your intake of several other key nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, choline, biotin, and vitamin D.
Ritual provides in-depth information on how ingredients are sourced in all of their supplements to promote total transparency.
They also offer monthly subscription plans, which you can easily cancel at anytime if you are unhappy.
Persona Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
Price: $$
Persona Nutrition provides personalized supplement recommendations just for you, which are determined using the 5-minute health assessment on their website.
This supplement is designed to support immune health and contains 500 mg of vitamin C, along with several citrus-based bioflavonoids to help squeeze more antioxidants into your diet.
Persona Nutrition tests their products at every stage of production to ensure purity and uses recycled, eco-friendly packaging in an effort to support sustainability.
Plus, each subscription plan includes unlimited consultations with their team of nutritionists, making it a great option for those seeking personalized guidance and expert advice.
Capsules are the most popular form of vitamin C supplements. These are among the best on the market.
Amazon Elements Vitamin C
Price: $
Amazon Elements is a line of premium products that strives to have "transparent origins," meaning that the company sources their ingredients carefully as well as tests their vitamins for potency, integrity, and purity.
One of the brand's best-selling products are their Vitamin C tablets, which are gluten-free tablets that don't have artificial colors and flavors, and don't have preservatives.
Each tablet has 1,000 mg of vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid and helps to support a healthy immune system.
Amazon Elements also gives the options of buying their vitamins in a single-purchase or signing up for a personal subscription service to get your vitamins shipped to you at the timing of your choosing.
Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids
Price: $
Thorne is well known for producing some of the highest quality supplements on the market, and this product is no exception. Each capsule provides 500 mg of vitamin C and 75 mg of citrus-derived flavonoids. These compounds are found in fruits and vegetables and boast both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits (3).
Thorne manufacturing facilities are certified by several globally recognized third-party regulatory agencies, including NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
All Thorne supplements are tested for potency, purity, and quality multiple times throughout the manufacturing process, so you always know you're getting a top-tier product.
Integrative Therapeutics Buffered Vitamin C
Price: $$
Integrative Therapeutics is a supplement company that has held a strong reputation for quality for over 3 decades.
Each capsule provides a dose of 1,000 mg of vitamin C with added minerals that may improve digestive tolerance. This feature makes it a great option for anyone with a sensitive stomach or history of difficulty tolerating nutritional supplements (4).
Integrative Therapeutics holds itself to some of the highest ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards in the industry, so you never have to wonder whether you're getting a good product.
Their manufacturing facilities are certified by NSF International, a third-party regulatory agency.
Kirkland Signature Vitamin C
Price: $
Kirkland Signature provides an affordable alternative to expensive, high-end supplement brands without sacrificing quality.
Each of their vitamin C capsules contains a 1,000 mg dose of vitamin C and citrus-derived flavonoids for an added antioxidant boost.
Kirkland Signature vitamin C capsules are verified for purity and quality by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), so you can rest assured you're getting exactly what the label claims.
NOW Foods Chewable C 500
Price: $
If you're not a fan of swallowing pills, NOW Foods chewable vitamin C tablets may be the product for you.
NOW Foods is a reputable brand that produces a variety of affordable, high quality nutritional supplements.
Each orange-flavored tablet provides a 500-mg dose of vitamin C and contains just 1 gram of added sugar. They're also 100% vegan and free of major allergens.
NOW Foods prides themselves on their meticulous testing protocols. Each supplement is tested in-house for purity and potency, and all of their manufacturing facilities are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Gummy vitamins are one of the hottest trends in nutrition supplements — and understandably so. Whether you're a kid — or a kid at heart — taking your vitamin C has never been easier or more delicious.
However, although gummy vitamins are convenient and taste great, they should not be confused with candy.
It's important that you don't exceed the recommended dose, as too much vitamin C could lead to unintended side effects. Like other supplements, be sure to store them away from little ones to avoid a potential overdose.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies
Price: $$
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies are made from high quality, natural ingredients and suitable for adults and children over age 4 years.
Each 2-gummy serving contains 250 mg of vitamin C and 4 grams of added sugar.
The orange-flavored gummies are sweetened with cane sugar and colored with natural fruit and vegetable juices. They don't contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors and are gluten- and dairy-free.
Nordic Naturals vitamin C gummies are third-party–tested for purity and potency, so you know you're getting what you have paid for.
Carlson Labs Kid's Vitamin C Gummies
Price: $$
Carlson Labs vitamin C Gummies for kids are a great option if you're looking for a quality supplement specifically designed with your children in mind.
Each orange-flavored gummy provides 125 mg of vitamin C and contains only 2 grams of added sugar. They don't harbor any artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, and are 100% gluten- and soy-free.
When it comes to quality, Carlson Labs has been an industry leader since 1965. According to the brand, all of their products are manufactured in an FDA-certified facility and come with a purity and potency guarantee.
Liquid supplements are a convenient option for anyone looking for a supplement that can be easily mixed into beverages and absorbed quickly.
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid
Price: $$$
Pure Encapsulations liquid vitamin C is made with a unique, liposomal form of vitamin C that's encapsulated in sunflower oil.
Research suggests that liposomal forms of vitamin C may boost your body's absorption, so you get more out of each dose (5).
Each teaspoon (5 mL) provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C and doesn't contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
All Pure Encapsulations products are certified gluten-free and third-party– tested for quality, purity, and potency.
Garden of Life Organic Vitamin C Spray
Price: $$$
Garden of Life vitamin C spray is made from a variety of 100% organic, whole foods like strawberries, blueberries, and tart cherries.
You'll receive a 60-mg dose of vitamin C in every 5 sprays, and it doesn't contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. It comes in two flavors and is suitable for adults and children over 4 years old.
The vitamin C dose in this product is lower than many traditional supplements, making it a great option for anyone who eats a variety of vitamin-C–containing foods but still needs some extra help filling in potential nutrient gaps.
All Garden of Life products are third-party–tested for quality and purity, and they operate FDA-certified manufacturing facilities.
Powdered supplements are a great, flexible option. Whether you plan on drinking them mixed into juices and smoothies or want to fill your own capsules with customized doses, powdered vitamin C is the way to go.
Swanson Vitamin C Powder
Price: $
Swanson Vitamin C Powder contains nothing but 100% pure, powdered vitamin C.
It dissolves easily into almost any liquid, and you don't have to worry about any added fillers, sweeteners, or preservatives.
Each scoop provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C, but you can tailor the serving size to fit your needs.
When it comes to purity and quality, Swanson holds themselves to exceptionally high standards.
All of their supplements undergo in-house and third-party testing, so you can rest assured you're getting a great product every time.
Bulk Supplements Vitamin C Powder
Price: $
Bulk Supplements vitamin C powder is pure vitamin C without any added ingredients, such as preservatives, sugars, or fillers.
Each scoop provides a 750-mg dose, but like other powdered supplements, it's easy to adjust the serving to meet your needs.
All Bulk Supplements products are produced in an FDA-approved facility and third-party tested for purity and potency.
Selecting the right vitamin C supplement depends on a variety of factors, including:
form
quality
dose
price
Start by considering how you'll be using the supplement.
For instance, if you prefer to take a pill, you'll want to check out encapsulated vitamin C supplements.
If you don't like swallowing pills or want to mix the supplement into beverages, your best option is to consider liquid or powdered supplements.
Next, you want to check the supplement's quality.
Evaluate whether a brand is reputable by exploring their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. A good product will also be tested by third-party organizations, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF International.
Take a look at added ingredients, too. If you're trying to limit your intake of added sugars, you want to opt for a supplement that doesn't contain sugar.
Another factor to consider is the dosage.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women, and up to 120 mg for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, certain medical conditions may require that you take much higher doses (1).
Children have lower vitamin C requirements, which range from 25–75 mg per day, depending on their age. However, it's not generally advised to give children a vitamin C supplement unless their pediatrician has recommended it.
Note that the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C for men and women ages 19 years and older is 2,000 mg.
Meanwhile, the UL for children ranges from 400–1,800 mg, depending on their age. Daily intakes at or below these amounts are unlikely to result in any negative health effects (1).
Vitamin C supplements come in a wide range of dosage options.
If you're looking for a high dose, it may be more economical and convenient to find a concentrated supplement. This way you won't be stuck consuming multiple servings of a lower dose option.
Generally, high doses of vitamin C are unnecessary and could contribute to harmful side effects. Only consume high doses if your doctor recommends doing so.
Finally, you want to consider your budget.
Some professional-grade brands can be expensive, but keep in mind that a higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better product. There are plenty of high quality options available at various price points.
Although vitamin C is a natural compound, getting too much of it can cause uncomfortable and potentially serious side effects.
Some of the most common reported side effects include headaches, flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting (2).
Consuming high doses of vitamin C for prolonged periods may also increase your risk for kidney stones (2).
Always consult your doctor prior to adding any nutritional supplement to your routine.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a diverse role in keeping your body healthy.
Although vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, it can cause serious health problems that, if left untreated, could be fatal.
If you have trouble getting enough vitamin C from your diet, supplements are a great option. They come in a variety of physical forms, dosages, and price points.
Always consult your doctor prior to adding any new supplements to your health and wellness regimen.
