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Vitabrid C12 Face Brightening ($68)

What it is:
Powered by the brand’s unique patented technology that preserves pure vitamin C in bio-friendly mineral layers, this 12-hour active vitamin C powder-turned-serum can be mixed into any skin-care product to improve fine lines and wrinkles, skin firmness and elasticity, brighten complexion, and refine pores in one go. 

How to use:
Shake well until you hear the ball inside the bottle begin to rattle—this signals that the powder has been properly loosened. Mix the powder in the palm of your hand with a daily skin-care product of your choice before smoothing onto a clean face and neck. For best results, apply morning and night. 

Editor feedback:
“I love to versatility of this formula. Whether I’m in a rush or working through my entire routine, the ability to mix the powder into any skin-care product makes folding in a potent vitamin C easier than ever.” —Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor

Key ingredients:
A time-released form of pure vitamin C promotes collagen production over a 12-hour period to help decrease fine lines and wrinkles, niacinamide helps rebalance uneven skin tone, allantoin soothes irritated skin, and adenosine improves skin firmness and elasticity. 

Expert insight:
“Topical vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy skin as vitamin C levels start to decrease with age. However, delivering the full benefits of vitamin C still remains a challenge because vitamin C easily gets oxidized and oral consumption does little to increase the concentration of vitamin C in the skin. This revolutionary powder is the first to introduce the 12-hour active vitamin C that can be mixed into your skin-care products, providing full potency.” —Dr. Geunwoo Jin, director of R&D center for Vitabrid C12