In the midst of what appears to be the budget skincare breakthrough, a new skincare brand is creeping up the Amazon UK bestseller list. Hot on the toes of other affordable brands such as The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, Voila Skin offers up key anti-aging ingredients with a desirable price tag.
So what is behind the rave reviews of Viola Skin?
It appears the answer may lay in the ingredients. Specifically, concoctions of scientifically-backed anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, pentapeptides, and antioxidants.
Let’s have a look at the Viola Skin product attracting the most attention on Amazon:
Viola Skin Vitamin C Serum
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also commonly listed on ingredient information as ‘ascorbic acid’, is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin [1]. It is essential for collagen production, neutralises oxidative stress caused by environmental factors (such as UV radiation, pollution, and smoking), replenishes vitamin e, and reduces pigmentation. However, even with high doses of oral vitamin c, only a small fraction is available for use by the skin [2]. For this reason, topical application of vitamin c is essential for skin health [3]. In addition, the particular form of vitamin C used in Viola’s Vitamin C Serum (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) has been used in research to successfully treat acne.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is the key molecule involved in skin moisture and works by binding and retaining water molecules [4]. During the skin ageing process, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the epidermis reduce, resulting in the loss of skin moisture [5]. The topical application of hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration and elasticity, as well as reducing the depth of wrinkles [6].
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring form of sulphur that can be found in fruits and vegetables. MSM can help other skincare ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively [7] as well as offering antioxidant effects [8].
So as you can see, the Viola Skin Vitamin C Serum has three potent ingredients that work well in combination with each other. Based on the key ingredients, this serum may help offer enhanced collagen production, antioxidant protection, and improved hydration.
Viola Vitamin C Serum Review
Time for some anecdotal evidence. After all, research can only give us a basic idea of what we may expect from Viola’s Vitamin C Serum. Of course, your experience may vary but here is what I found…
Before we go any further, here’s a bit of background information to make it easier to understand whether you could expect similar results:
Female, early 30’s, fair skin (type I), first signs of aging (mainly some fine expression lines), combination skin prone to breakouts and post inflammatory erythema, but with very little pigmentation, and an avid sunscreen user.
Note: This is not a sponsored review. I purchased this serum myself, for my own personal use. However, this review does contain affiliate links. This serum has been rebranded since my purchase.
First Impressions
Viola’s Vitamin C Serum has a very slight, but pleasant citrusy fragrance. Upon application, the serum feels very light with a watery consistency. This consistency means that it absorbs into the skin almost instantly and enables you to continue with the rest of your skincare routine with little waiting around.
The instructions on the packaging advise applying Viola Vitamin C serum once a day and gradually building up to twice a day due to the fact that it has a high concentration (20%) of vitamin C.
Results
The Viola Vitamin C Serum made my skin appear brighter almost overnight and after a few weeks of use, my fine lines appear reduced. In addition, I did not experience any breakouts, which is often a concern for me when I try to introduce new skincare products.
While the results aren’t as dramatic as those I have experienced from other vitamin C serums, the Viola vitamin C serum is a fraction of the cost and is easier to add into existing skincare routines.
Viola Vitamin C Serum Review Summarised
Pros:
- Brighter Skin
- No Breakouts
- Fine Lines Slightly Improved
- Value For Money
- Absorbs Easily
- Easy To Add Into Skin Care Routine
Cons:
- Not As Effective As Some Higher-End Vitamin C Serums
Overall, I would have to give Viola’s Vitamin C Serum a 7/10 and I would fully recommend trying it out!
You may also be interested in…
Retinol Serum
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid
Antiwrinkle Face Cream
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, Hyaluronic Acid
Related Reading: The Number One Anti-Aging Product You Should Be Using Every Day!!
References:
- Manela-Azulay, M. & Bagatin, E. (2009). ‘Cosmeceuticals vitamins’. Clinical Dermatology, 27, 469-474.
- Al-Niaimi, F. & Chiang, N. (2017). ‘Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications’. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 10(7), 14-17.
- Farris, P. (2009). ‘Cosmetical vitamins: vitamin C.’ In Draelos, Z., Dover, J. & Alam, M. eds. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. 2nd ed. New York: Saunders Elsevier.
- Baumann, L. (2007). ‘Skin ageing and its treatment.’ J Pathol. 211, 241-251.
- Meyer, L. & Stern, R. (1994). ‘Age-dependent changes of hyaluronan in human skin’. J Invest Dermatol, 102(3), pp. 385-389.
- Pavicic, T., et al. (2011). ‘Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment’. J Drugs Dermatol, 10(9), pp. 990-1000.
- Tripathi, R., Gupta, S., Rai, S. & Mittal, P. (2011). ‘Effect of topical application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), EDTA on pitting edema and oxidative stress in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study’. Mol. Biol. 57(1), pp. 59-65.
- Beilke, M., Collins-Lech, C. & Sohnle, P. (1987). ‘Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on the oxidative function of human neutrophils’. Lab. Clin. Med. 110, pp. 91-96.
