African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum & Vita C Corrector

African Botanics launched a few new items to their skincare line. I love the eco luxe brand for their innovations combining plant ingredients with science and proven synthetic ingredients. Vita C Corrector is their newest vitamin C serum. Details per African Botanics:

Vita C Corrector is a waterless booster serum that is powered by the most stable and bio-available form of Vitamin C - THD Ascorbate that penetrates deep into the skin to brighten, illuminate, help produce collagen and provide superior antioxidant protection.

This high-strength serum booster combines a 20% concentration of Vitamin C with an anti-wrinkle Marine Blue Micro-algae, Resurrection Plant, Vitamin E and antioxidant-rich Marula Oil to target signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven skin tone, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles while speeding up cellular renewal for radiant and luminous skin. 100% active and biocompatible it is formulated without water, alcohol, dimethicone, fragrance, essential oils and fillers.

This highly active treatment booster should be used daily or as an intensive course (3-4 Months) for optimal results.

Key Benefits

• Visibly brightens
• Provides antioxidant protection
• Firms skin
• Promotes radiance
• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Active Ingredients

• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Incredibly stable, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that provides exceptional antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals. It also stimulates healthy collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the complexion plump, radiant and youthful looking
• Vitamin E A lipid-soluble antioxidant that is naturally present in the skin. It works together synergistically with Vitamin C to provide 4 x more protection against free radicals, boosting the serum’s overall antioxidant effect to keep skin protected throughout the day
• Marine Blue Micro-algae extract A technologically-advanced anti-wrinkle ingredient which stimulates production of structural skin proteins. Rich in antioxidants, amino acids (EPA), Omega 3, minerals, sugars, carotenoids and peptides with incredible cell-renewal properties
• Squalane An oil-soluble antioxidant, it works with other antioxidants in skin to neutralize damaging oxygen molecules generated when skin is exposed to UV light. It is a mega-hydrator that acts as a barrier to keep moisture locked in to keep skin soft, supple and plump for longer
• Resurrection Plant Rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols and Trehalose sugar molecules address multiple signs of aging: dehydration, fine lines, uneven texture. By enhancing moisture retention, this intensive bio-extract nourishes the skin cells and contributes to skin regeneration
• Marula Oil Contains a high antioxidant count and is rich in many skin-benefiting micro-nutrients and essential fatty acids, especially Omega 9. In addition to its protecting and regenerative effects, Marula oil also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soothe redness and sensitivity and helps prevent free radical damage. High levels of Omega 9 - Oleic Acid (80%), palmitic and stearic fatty acids are critical for rapid penetration – meaning this oil sinks in quickly to promote intense repair and seal in precious moisture. Marula Oil is rich in Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Flavonoids, Phenolic compounds and Phytosterols - these antioxidants help protect against free radicals and daily environmental stressors

Ingredients

Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis (Marine Blue Microalgae) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Myrothamus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Plant, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil

This is a waterless vitamin C serum. It's essentially oil based with extracts. The vitamin C is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate which is a stable vitamin C derivative. For me this derivative has always been more effective than other derivatives out there. This serum uses a 20% concentration of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. It has a really light oil texture, almost watery. It doesn't have any real discernible scent. African Botanics added resurrection plant and marine blue microalgae which are some of the extracts they use in many of their products. Resurrection plant extract is interesting. The Resurrection plant develops molecules to survive stress in times of drought. This allows the plant to come back after a desiccation state. The Haberlea extract form the plant is rich in caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycoside called myconoside which is what plays a role in how well it survives. The basic roles of the plant extract are an antioxidant & increasing production of elastin and collagen. It also helps increase skin elasticity and radiance. If you want to watch a really cool video of this plant coming back to live from a desiccated state after being given water go HERE.

The oil sinks in very quickly for me, it's not heavy or greasy at all, it has a satin silky feeling to it. You can either apply it neat to the skin or mix in a serum or cream. Vitamin C helps with brightening & evening the skin tone as well as anti-aging by stimulating collagen production. I've had some oil based vitamin C serums that worked best applied first before anything else, this one works well at any stage with no pilling. I used it at many phases in a routine and it worked in all of them. I would suggest applying this last before a cream. That's how I liked it. This one is non-irritating for me, that's the benefit of a derivative compared to ascorbic acid--little to no irritation. Derivatives aren't as brightening for me either but it's always a pro/con in skincare. Overall I have to say I prefer Nutritive Molecule Serum to this one. That serum is a more one and done day serum (plus it's super effective).

They also launched a new eye serum. The Eye Contour Gel-Serum is such a great release. It's soothing and was such a nice release for the summer. Details per African Botanics:

Eye Contour Gel-Serum is an energizing and highly concentrated cooling gel-serum that targets the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles while visibly soothing, tightening and reinforcing the barrier function of the skin for a more youthful appearance.

The powerful combination of Ceramides, Lupine Oligosaccharides, Yeast Beta-Glucan, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C and fucoidan-rich Seaweed extract help plump and deeply moisturize while supporting the synthesis of epidermal elastin production and effectively awakening the eye contour. Caffeine, Arnica, Copper and Dragon’s blood extract help drain, revitalize and activate microcirculation reducing puffiness and dark circles. This age-defying serum provides an instant tightening effect and sinks into skin quickly, making it a perfect base for make-up.

Key Benefits

• Instantly soothes and awakens the under eye area
• Helps reduce the look of puffiness
• Visibly firms and tightens
• Softens the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
• Provides a cooling and lifting effect

Active Ingredients

• Oligosaccharides Obtained from sweet white lupine and alfalfa, rich in low molecular weight glutaminated peptides promote synthesis of epidermal proteins and lipids, limits the trans epidermal water losses and reinforces the barrier function of the skin. By stimulating the lymph drainage, it reduces the swelling caused by the accumulation of interstitial liquids and it reduces the surface of under-eye bags. Tone and firmness are improved thanks to a boosting effect of metabolic synthesis
• Yeast Beta-Glucan A potent skin humectant with plumping capacity as hyaluronic acid and is high in antioxidants. It attracts water to the top layers of skin while decreasing the look of wrinkles, redness, and irritation. Some tests have shown beta-glucan is 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid at the same concentration
• Niacinamide Vitamin B3 refines the look of pores, reduces the appearance of discoloration, improves skin resilience, and visibly brightens and fights dullness for a radiant, even-looking skin tone*.
• Ceramides Reinforce skin’s barrier and increase hydration, giving you plumper, smoother, firmer-feeling skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles, as well as fewer signs of sensitivity*.
• Fucus Vesiculosus Bladderwrack extract is known for its strong water-binding properties. When applied topically it restores and maintains moisture levels, preserving your skin smooth, soft and youthful
• Caffeine Researched for its skin-stimulating properties, contains antioxidants and polyphenols protecting the skin from free radical damage
• Bulbine frutescens A unique plant with incredible healing, soothing and moisturizing qualities. It enables the restoration of skin barrier function, reducing sensitization and improving moisture retention
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate A stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant and is potentially effective for brightening an uneven skin tone
• Vitamin E A lipid-soluble antioxidant that is naturally present in the skin. It works together synergistically with Vitamin C to provide 4 x more protection against free radicals, boosting the serum’s overall antioxidant effect to keep skin protected throughout the day
• Arnica Anti-inflammatory extract that has been used topically in both traditional and homeopathic medicines for pain relief and to help with the reduction of bruising and swelling
• Dragon Blood Resin extract helps protect skin cells, calms inflammation while reducing redness and swelling
• Ferulic acid A skin soothing agent with powerful radical scavenging properties comparable to Vitamin C. It is used for the treatment of premature skin aging and UV-radiation
• Marula Oil Contains a high antioxidant count and is rich in many skin-benefiting micro-nutrients and essential fatty acids, especially Omega 9. In addition to its protecting and regenerative effects, Marula oil also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, soothe redness and sensitivity and helps prevent free radical damage. Marula Oil is rich in Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Flavonoids, Phenolic compounds and Phytosterols - these antioxidants help protect against free radicals and daily environmental stressors

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein Oligosaccharides, Yeast Beta-Glucan Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginia (Witch Hazel) Extract, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Fucus Vesiculosis (Seaweed) Extract, Caffein, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos)* Tea Extract, Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush)* Leaf Extract, Bulbine Frutescens* Leaf Extract, Hypoxis Hemerocallidea (African Potatoe)* Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)** Seed Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitiamin C), Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo)** Kernel Oil, Arnica Cordifolia (Arnica) Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Copper Sulphate, Croton Lechleri (Dragon’s Blood) Resin Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Ferulic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

This eye serum has a thick gel texture, it also has these beads that burst when you apply the product. It's so refreshing and soothing. Truly a pleasure to apply. I blew through mine in record speed. This is meant to help with puffiness, dark circles, lines/wrinkles plus it's soothing and tightens the eye area. Now I feel it did all of those minus dark circles which is pretty much the story of my life. I have genetic dark circles so honestly as I always say, nothing will fix those. I absolutely adored this launch. It's fantastic. Very pricey yes. I get it. But it was so refreshing, yet hydrating more than the average gel, plus it just really helped tighten the area and was such a delight to use. The combination of refreshing with benefits made it such a delight for summer.

This has a lot of things I like such as arnica, caffeine, antioxidants, hydrators like beta glucan, seaweed, oligosaccharides & ceramides plus the usual African Botanics plant extracts (honeybush, marula, rooibos). Overall it's just really a cool texture, it works and the packaging is luxe. The pump almost spits out too much at first but later it seems to slow down. It's so expensive and I'm missing this the last few weeks without it. Definitely a luxury purchase. My eye area is the area I pay attention a lot because it's super dry for me, like beyond a normal person's idea of dry. I love a serum under a cream to really lock in the moisture/hydration in that area for me.

The Resurrection Eye Cream is pictured as I was sent one and I never updated my thoughts on the new formulation on the blog (at least that I can remember). I loved the original and it's been about 3.5 years since I talked about it HERE. It's now thinner but fairly similar in effects and ingredients. It's really the lighter texture change and packaging. The pump is obviously a plus. I kind of liked the original texture (and price) but this one is really a fantastic product. It tightens, smoothes and firms the eye area better than a lot of eye creams I've tried. And I have 40+ year old eyes so I know a better tightening one now than I did 15 years ago. I've gone through three of these at least so far over the years and it's an eye cream that I think will always be in rotation for me. It's a green beauty meets science or what we call green chemistry now (the names change all the time so I just try to keep up) kind of brand and product. I was actually happy to see it featured recently in New Beauty magazine and getting the recognition it deserves. If I had the choice I would pick the eye cream over the serum, but I like them both together and want to be selfish and not choose.

*Gifted by brand but all thoughts are my own. I have bought the eye cream and plenty of African Botanics back in the beginning of my discovery of them.