Vitamin Cg

Discover why vitamin CG, a potent derivative of vitamin C, is a popular ingredient in skincare products and all the benefits of this beauty hero.

In its purest form, Vitamin Cg is a highly unstable ingredient (it goes off when it’s exposed to light and air) which makes it difficult for scientists to formulate products with. So, to solve that issue, Garnier Laboratories have been able to use a sustainable derivative – called Vitamin Cg – so we can all enjoy the positive benefits with none of the downsides.

More about Vitamin Cg

Chances are you’ve heard of Vitamin Cg: not only is it great for helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots to even out and brighten the overall look of skin, but it's also beneficial for hair by promoting healthy growth and adding a a look of fullness and body. It's an antioxidant that’s loved for its ability to protect skin and hair against environmental damage (which includes things like pollution, free radicals, and other aggressors that we’re exposed to on a daily basis).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Garnier, we use a stabilized form of Vitamin Cg: Vitamin Cg, also known as ascorbyl glucoside, it is an ingredient obtained through the process that respects the resource conservation, pollution reduction, energy conservation, waste reduction, and protecting the planet's ecological balance. But how exactly is that possible? Well, without getting too technical, Vitamin Cg is a Vitamin Cg 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 natural origin and is obtained from renewable sources – which makes it one of our top ingredient for helping to brighten and defend 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 Cg that are released throughout the day, which is why antioxidants, like vitamin this one, 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, thanks to Vitamin Cg products such as the SkinActive Brigthening and Hydrating Face Mask or the SkinActive Brightening Vitamin C Eye Cream, you can neutralize 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 Cg causes irritation, however Vitamin Cg is suitable for sensitive skin. Like all our products, those containing Vitamin Cg are subjected to a strict evaluation of their quality and safety.
It is often asked if Retinol and Vitamin Cg can be used together. It is not recommended to use Vitamin Cg 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 Cg-based product with retinol-based product could irritate the skin more. However, if you want to benefit from the efficacy of retinol, you can use a product with Vitamin Cg 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 the Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid or SkinActive Brightening Day Cream at least once a day as part of a morning routine, using it after cleansing – for example with our Vitamin C Micellar Water – and before applying a sunscreen.

A Vitamin Cg serum can also be used in the evening to take advantage of all its benefits. For optimal results, just squeeze a drop into your hand, smooth the serum onto the skin, and then apply your day cream or night cream.
Vitamin Cg, often celebrated for its skin benefits, is also a powerhouse for hair health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of hair, promoting healthy growth, and adding a radiant shine. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin Cg combats the damaging effects of free radicals, preventing premature hair aging and breakage. We can find it into the Hair Filler + Vitamin Cg system designed for weak and damaged hair, that fills hair with strength 7 layers deep for more strength and less breakage. With products like Fructis Grow Strong Thickening Shampoo for Fine Hairharnessing the strength of this vital nutrient, users can expect not only stronger, but also thicker and more resilient hair, all while enjoying the refreshing invigoration that Vitamin Cg brings.