As I have formulated over the last few years, I've come to truly believe that not all high-quality products do not need to be complicated and packed with long ingredient lists. Instead, a formulation can be simple and very effective and serving as an example of this, holi (c) is minimalism and power at the same time. The Agent Nateur holi (c) contains just two ingredients: calcium ketogluconate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. I have searched the world for the most effective pure, non-GMO ingredients, and I love what we developed with holi (c).

holi (c) is a dry, stable form of Vitamin C powder (known as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate that I will refer to as SAP) that is the most stable, potent state of Vitamin C. The SAP is deeply regenerative and is also combined in this product with Calcium ketogluconate, a French-patented natural complex molecule that helps restore the skin's elasticity for a youthful, plump appearance. Together, they are a dream.

There are lots of different types and variations of Vitamin C on the market. Nearly all Ascorbic and L-Ascorbic Acid out there is derived from GMO corn, but at Agent, we source our non-GMO SAP from Japan and France, both of which have the highest safety regulations for cosmetics in the world. Not only is GMO sourcing dangerous to our health, but Ascorbic Acid is complex for the body to absorb through the lipid barrier so poor quality products, or products formulated with ascorbic acid, often don't do much to your skin and can even cause breakouts for people with sensitive skin.

However, SAP penetrates the skin's lipid barrier much more quickly and easily, meaning that our holi (c) form of Vitamin C is easily absorbed & utilized by the body and the skin.

The product also does not oxidize on contact with the air. The powder is activated by mixing a dime size amount of this product with holi (water), although you can also do this with holi (créme), our new filter face moisturizer, now this has launched.

SAP is a stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant. It is thought to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, effectively slowing down the aging process and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. There are a ton of other benefits too. It helps breakouts while brightening and tightening the skin, also can act as an SPF and has been shown to lift skin by 27% in just 30 days of usage. I will get into the benefits, science and studies later in this blog.

This holi (c) bottle looks small but lasts me four to five months. The reason for this is because of the potency and quality of the formulation. Most formulations of Vitamin C on the market only have 0.5 - 5% vitamin C in their products. One bottle of holi c could formulate up to 100 bottles of serum if I were to formulate it out into liquid form.

I like this product because you can mix it with holi (water), which means you can build this out to your own strength, depending on the amount of each product you use.

The skin benefits of vitamin C + the science

A big part of my formulations with my chemists involves understanding the science, research, and clinical trials behind the ingredients and a lot of the research around Vitamin C looks at aging, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness of the skin, protection against UV rays and also hyperpigmentation and dark skin spots.

SAP has been thoroughly tested, with many of the research studies available to the public. Some of the biggest benefits, supporting evidence, and studies around Vitamin C are below for you.

The major benefits of SAP include:

Being the most stable form of Vitamin C

As well as being the most stable form of Vitamin C, studies also show that SAP is the most effective in preventing spoilage of microorganisms like mold and yeast.

Anti-aging and redness-reducing properties

Studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles and aging too. One study showed that using a vitamin C formulation daily over 3 months improved the appearance of wrinkles on the face and neck, as well as contributed to better overall skin health, texture and appearance too. Research studies have shown that combining vitamin C with other topical ingredients (like Vitamin E) can help reduce the redness of the skin.

Our holi (oil) is a good quality source of high-quality Vitamin E, so make sure that you add a couple of drops of holi (oil) to your face, neck & decolletage towards the end of your routine.

Protection against UV rays and sun-related aging

It also is protective against UV rays (radiation that causes degenerative effects and speeds up the aging process). This is because the SAP in our holi (c) protects against these rays and enhances the photoprotective properties of sunscreen. So, make sure you are always protecting yourself with sunscreen too. This should be your baseline level of protection, and then the Vitamin C can elevate the photoprotective properties further. Other studies have also shown that Vitamin C can help to protect the skin from long-term damage caused by UV rays from the sun

Hyperpigmentation and dark spots

As well as aging and protection, clinical trials around vitamin C have also shown that it can help to protect against dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma because it can help to regulate and block the production of pigmentation and pigment in the skin. This is thanks to the SAP that inhibits melanin production and can help to lighten skin. One set of clinical trials linked here showed that nearly all participants in the study who applied vitamin C topically saw positive changes and improvements in their dark spots, as well as seeing little to no side effects.

Anti-inflammatory and acne fighting

Vitamin C is also anti-inflammatory, which I think gets overlooked a lot. It can help moderate oil production of the skin (often an issue for people with oil-prone skin or oil-driven acne), so some people consider it an acne fighter. Some clinical trials have also confirmed that twice-daily application of vitamin C (think morning and evening) reduced acne outbreaks when compared to the placebo group. Studies have also shown that SAP reduces inflammation. In randomized and double-blind studies, it was shown that SAP reduced inflammatory lesions more effectively than retinol by 20.14% after four weeks of use and 48.82% after eight weeks. This confirms that SAP is a calming ingredient for irritated skin that can help support downtime, rest and repair.

So, due to its purity, stability, and quality ingredients, holi (c) is a complexion-saving product for all skin types. In addition, our unique dry formula is even more stable than traditional emulsions, ensuring that its regenerative benefits aren't compromised with use and will deliver you all of the benefits that your skin, neck and decolletage deserve.

I always recommend pairing it with our holi (water) so you also get the maximum benefits of the lavender water, and cucumber water as well as the powerful antioxidant and mineral content of the pearl powder, as well as the unmatched brightening effects of pitaya.

For a dewy, hydrated glow, complete the ritual with our holi (oil). And again remember - SPF is a really important part of this process.

So, high-quality Vitamin C can help the body with sunburn, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, uneven skin tone, sun spots, photoaging and photodamage, acne and more.

For such a small bottle? It does a lot of things! Avoid aging before it occurs with our holi (c)

Shop yours here

Love Jena x

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.