Green Chemistry Alpha C Serum

PR Sample, Affiliate Link

What Is “Green Chemistry”?

“Green chemistry” was a new-to-me term. It means made from ingredients that were sourced from nature. I assumed that when they use the term “wild” that it meant sourced from things growing wild.

Green Chemistry, The Skincare Company

But after reading on about the company, Green Chemistry, and products they craft, I see that they do source ingredients from farms in Oregon and Washington that farm organically. That is fine with me. I was wondering how they could get enough ingredients just by foraging! Nevertheless, their products are “made fresh in limited quantities”. They are sold on their online shop only so they can control the age of the products.

Yet, Green Chemistry isn’t a brand new company. Their LA-based lab is 23 years old, so they’ve been at it for quite a while. Their researchers are chemists, Ayurvedic practitioners, dermatologists, and skincare experts. The products are made from clinically-proven ingredients, and they never contain parabens, dyes or artificial fragrances. To maintain their efficacy, the products are packaged only in double-walled, tinted glass. Leaping Bunny approved, the products and ingredients are never tested on animals.

Alpha C Serum: Key Ingredients

I was sent Green Chemistry’s Alpha C Serum to try out. What really interested me in this product besides the care with which it is made is that it contains both Vitamin C and Retinol, two of skincare’s power ingredients. For years I have read that the two ingredients should be used in tandem: Vitamin C in the daytime and Retinol at night. But relatively new data has shown that they can be used together, at the same time, for an even more effective skincare cocktail.

In fact, here’s a rationale for using the two ingredients together that I found on the website of another trusted brand (comfort zone) by Davines:

Your skin requires a low pH level (0 to about 3.5) to absorb Vitamin C, while Retinol requires a higher pH level (around 5.5 to 6). When you mix Vitamin C and Retinol, the pH of vitamin C increases and the pH of Retinol decreases — hence why it’s believed that the two ingredients render each other ineffective. Contrary to that outdated belief, Retinol and Vitamin C work fabulously together: studies have shown the Retinol + Vitamin C combined are highly effective in reversing both natural aging and photoaging. In addition, Vitamin C is known to stabilize Retinol, increasing its effectiveness. The two ingredients combined form a barrier that protects the skin from the harmful environmental factors that cause skin damage and rapid aging.

Green Chemistry calls their Alpha C Serum “the ultimate Vitamin C and Retinol serum for dehydrated and sun damaged skin”.

Here are the key ingredients in Alpha C and their benefits:

• Beta carotene from organic carrot seed and avocado combine (a) range of concentrated fruit extracts, including tangerine and over 30 different herbs and botanicals, to make the most potent antioxidant serum available.  

• Over 50% linoleic acid, the EFA (essential fatty acid) that is vital to cell and tissue repair. 

• Contains 3 bioflavonoids and 200 mgs of phytosterols for antioxidant protection.

• Sustained release retinol (tretinoin/Vitamin A) is proven to rebuild collagen.

• Vitamin C, from tangerines, acai, maqui berry, and pomegranate form one of the most bio-available forms of the vitamin for collagen synthesis, has been proven to reverse the appearance of aging.

• Glutathione, “the mother of all antioxidants”,  is in every cell of the human body acts to prevent and eradicate sun damage and aging.

This is the complete ingredient list taken from the Green Chemistry website:

• 2.2% Tretinoin (Retinol)

• Avocado

• Organic Aloe Leaf Juice

• Carrot Seed Oil

• DMAE Bitartrate

• Tangerine

• Meadowfoam Seed Oil

• Vitamin A Ester

• Vitamin B3

• Vitamin C Ester

• Rosehip Seed Oil

• Organic Evening Primrose Oil

• Tamanu Oil

• Organic Neem Seed Oil

• Organic Rosemary Leaf

• Organic Sunflower Seed Oil

Alpha C Serum: What’s It Like to Use It?

Green Chemistry recommends using Alpha C at night after cleansing and toning. You can follow up with a moisturizer or use it on its own. I was surprised at how hydrating Alpha C feels on its own. But I usually follow up with a lightweight moisturizer.

Alpha C is naturally yellow-green colored, a rather unusual shade for a skincare product.

It has the most delightful citrus scent derived from tangerines and other Vitamin C source. I honestly look forward to using Alpha C because it smells and feels so good! One to two pumps of the serum covers my face and neck.

The Alpha C pump bottle contains 1 fl. oz./30 ml and is priced at $90 on the Green Chemistry website. Shipping is free. The company gives back by supporting bees and beekeepers, thus the bee on the label. I would love to try some more products from this green brand.

Today's Author

Allison Cohen

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