Our Rating: 4 stars

Anyone interested in skincare has undoubtedly heard of the powers of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) with its impact on reducing wrinkles, lightening pigmentation, stimulating collagen production and protecting against sun damage- all clinically proven. Skin nerds (like me, and probably you) also know about the challenge of harnessing those powers because of how easily Vitamin C becomes unstable and/or causes irritation, especially in a water-based formula. I've tried my share of Vitamin C products, including Mad Hippie's Vitamin C serum with ferulic acid but hadn't noticed enough difference to sing any praises. My interest in the new formula by Medik8 CE-Thione - Rechargeable Vitamin C Serum ($150 in the shop) was piqued after hearing about the first ever form of "rechargeable" Vitamin C that promises to prevent premature skin aging, provide all day antioxidant protection, and lighten my lifeguard spots.

The CE-Thione - Rechargeable Vitamin C Serum consists of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, and L-Glutathione in a water-based serum. This trademarked formula apparently mimics the same process our own bodies use to keep Vitamin C stable and allows all of the ingredients to be put to use and "recharged" throughout the day, extending the protective and regenerative effects. But how? According to the Medik8 website, "the Vitamin C is 'recharged' by having two antioxidant 'allies' in solution with it: Vitamin E and L-Glutathione which then regenerate the Vitamin C molecule when it is used up, delivering an incredible potency."

My brain was impressed, but was my skin? The answer is yes with a proviso: my skin was brighter, and seemed plumped almost from the first application. I love immediate gratification! I never experienced any irritation, even when mistakenly using too much. I also used it twice a day for half the test period, instead of just in the morning per the directions without any irritation. I do think it will take more time before seeing significant differences in my hyperpigmentation. I don't have a lot but I can't tell much difference in the few clusters I do have on the left side of my mouth and upper cheek.

I will definitely continue to use Medik8 CE-Thione - Rechargeable Vitamin C Serum as long as I can continue to tolerate the scent. To me, it smells like burnt chemical lemon. The scent dissipates quickly and only bothered me during application but is something to note if you are sensitive. The odd smell was even more puzzling given the website describes this product as "scent-free." This product comes in two 15 ml vials; I am just getting to the bottom of one of them after five weeks use. The test period has been during the fall with a mixture of sun and clouds in Seattle. I'd like to see how well the CE-Thione performs in the high sun of summer to get the full antioxidant effect. Does Truth in Aging need a volunteer to go to Hawaii?

Ingredients in Medik8 CE-Thione Rechargeable Vitamin C Antioxidant Formula: water, ascorbic acid, ethoxydiglycol, propylene glycol, peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, lactic acid, glycerin, polysorbate 80, phenoxyethanol, caprylic/capric glycerides, tocopherol, glutathione, peg-12 dimethicone, polyglyceryl-10 mono/dioleate, panthenol, tartaric acid, ckitric acid, cinnamomum camphora (camphor) bark oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus limonum (lemon) peel oil expressed, sodium metabisulfite, trisodium HEDTA, sodium hyaluronate, limonene, citral, linalool