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Expert Session
Into the Bottle: Daily Vitamin C Serum
September 04, 2025
Photos by: Bliss Kaufman
What is Vitamin C, and why is it such an important step in a skincare routine?
Vitamin C is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, and is best known for supporting everything from immune health to collagen production. It’s required for the biosynthesis of collagen, a component of connective tissue that plays a key role in wound healing. It also supports protein metabolism and immune function, which makes it a critical nutrient in your diet, and just as beneficial when applied topically. In skincare, Vitamin C helps brighten the skin, provides antioxidant protection against free radicals, and supports a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. While many Vitamin C serums rely on high-strength actives that can be irritating, ours takes a more gentle and nourishing approach.
What’s unique about the highly-stable form of Vitamin C that Oak’s formula uses?
Oak’s Daily Vitamin C Serum is just that—a formula that is safe and encouraged to use daily. This formula is unique compared to a typical Vitamin C because it uses a dual form of stabilized Vitamin C, with both a water-soluble and an oil-soluble form. This allows for multi-layer delivery (on the surface and deeper skin layers), helping to enhance effectiveness with larger and smaller molecular sizes. We also formulated with a rare Potato Pulp Extract—not commonly found in skincare—that offers soothing, brightening, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What kind of results can someone expect with consistent use?
Those looking to improve the overall tone, texture, and health of their skin can benefit from using a Vitamin C serum. This ingredient is especially well-suited for dullness, tired-looking skin, uneven skin tone, mature skin, or even oily skin—no matter your age! That said, those with sensitive or reactive skin types should consult with their physician before using a topical Vitamin C to avoid any potential irritation.
How does Squalane fit into the formula?
Squalane, when paired with Ethylhexyl Olivate and Sunflower Seed Oil, helps to moisturize, soften, and protect the skin. These oils are known to be non-comedogenic—meaning they won’t clog pores—and are said to mimic the skin’s natural lipids.
What about Plankton Extract?
We included a botanical and marine antioxidant blend of Magnolia Bark, Rosemary Leaf, and Red Algae, also known as Plankton Extract, to provide strong antioxidant protection as well as calming benefit to the skin.
Do you recommend using Daily Vitamin C Serum in the morning or the evening?
Vitamin C is typically recommended for morning use, though it is safe to use any time of day. If you are using another targeted treatment like Retinol—which should be reserved for nighttime to avoid sun exposure—Vitamin C is a great option for your morning routine. And always follow with SPF!
What does this serum feel like on the skin?
The texture is silky, airy, and gel-like. It smooths on beautifully and absorbs within minutes. If you touch it and it’s still a bit tacky, that means it’s not quite fully absorbed. As it sinks in, I like to imagine the dual-weight Vitamin C getting to work on multiple layers of my skin!
Where exactly does it fit into a skincare routine?
Every product in your skincare routine plays a distinct role, and they work best when used in the right order. Start by cleansing the skin to create a clean canvas. Then, spritz with Balancing Mist to tone and prep the skin to receive more targeted treatments. Next, apply Daily Vitamin C Serum, massaging it into the skin and allowing it to fully absorb. Follow with a moisturizer—whether that’s Ritual Oil, Moisture Rich Balm, or another hydrating step of your choice. Serums deliver actives deep into the skin, then moisturizers help lock them in while supporting the skin barrier.
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