Painted Earth Optimum 15% Vitamin C Face Lotion- Review

Press Sample

According to Painted Earth,

This clinically proven, environmental aging treatment protects and repairs skin with a remarkable new Vitamin C technology that delivers 50 times the free radical neutralizing power of prior generations. For up to eight- fold antioxidant protection, ninety-six percent reduction of sunburn cells, and prevention of the formation of free radicals in sun exposed skin. Undo sun damage and erase a lifetime of summers. Improves skin radiance and clarity, Stimulates collagen production, Jump starts cellular defenses, Helps extend cellular vitality, Promotes new cell growth. This unique formula provides superior all-day Protection against environmental aggressors that assault skin every day.

As a confirmed skincare enthusiast, I have a ridiculously large stash of potions and lotions- and there are a great many that seldom get reached for. Each time I try a new product, I approach it with an open mind, but I tend to temper my expectations with the reality that few products really fulfill all of their promises made. That said, I was overwhelmed with excitement when I began trying numerous products from Painted Earth because the company seeks to produce healthier skincare and makeup products in a time when the lion's share of mainstream cosmetics and skincare companies maintain the status quo by utilizing so many multisyllabic unpronounceable chemical compounds of questionable safety.

According to Painted Earth,

Our high quality ingredients combined with cutting edge innovative science have resulted in  product formulations available as never before.  Search through our, organic, natural and truly superior product line up. Products are manufactured in the United States, in a fully licensed and FDA registered laboratory. We strive to manufacture truly remarkable skin care products that will meet and exceed our customers expectations. Our products are pure, natural, organic, non-animal tested and safe with active ingredients. Painted Earth is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to ending animal testing. We do not test our finished products on animals, nor do we allow others to test on our behalf. Additionally, we require our suppliers to certify that the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are not tested on animals.

Directions: Use dime sized amount for face, night and/or day depending on the skin type. For optimal results, Painted Earth suggests using it along with Vitamin C Wash, Vitamin C Serum and Vitamin C Eye Treatment.

My experience with Optimum 15% Vitamin C Face Lotion: After having used this luxurious lotion exclusively for a month, I am very pleased to say that I experienced no breakouts whatsoever. What I found somewhat alarming was the fact that I saw results after just a single use, but of course I needed to use it longer in order to determine whether the results would be sustained, and/or cumulative. What I immediately noticed was a healthy glow emerging. My skin seemed more vibrant, stimulated, and healthy. To be fair, I have good skin that is healthy and in good shape- partly genetic and partly the result of my commitment to the consistent use of high quality skincare products. Nonetheless, this potent Vitamin C rich cream clearly fulfills the promise made that it "improves skin radiance and clarity, stimulates collagen production..." This formula boasts tremendous antioxidant protection, and when used in concert with a high SPF sunscreen it offers the skin a very high level of protection against the the ravages of the environment. After sustained use my skin continues to be vibrant with a healthy glow, and there is a greater clarity and evenness of tone. This is to say nothing of the fact that it delivers the perfect amount of moisture to my combination skin that remains moist and hydrated throughout the day. I honestly cannot think of a single negative thing to say about this product. I love the simple packaging and the pump dispenser guarantees to potency of ingredients- not to mention that it keeps the lotion itself uncontaminated. This is a really spectacular face lotion (though it is a bit thicker than a very liquid lotion and perhaps resides somewhere between a lotion and a cream), and unquestionably rivals the efficacy of the high price tag luxury lotions and creams that garner luxury price tags.

Ingredients: Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower Oil), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Citric Acid. 15% vitamin C.

Science and research citations: **Whole Foods Premium compliant Scientific Evidence of Topical Vitamin C and antioxidants Formulated with high performance actives. Our collection of antioxidant serum contains high amounts of the Vitamin C in its Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) molecular form. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is the most useful form of Vitamin C and is most effective in stimulating collagen synthesis and providing protection against ultraviolet sunlight. Vitamin C has been backed by reliable scientific evidence confirming its effectiveness as a topical agent. 1. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Farris PK. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):814-7; discussion 818. 2. Topically applied vitamin C enhances the mRNA level of collagens I and III, their processing enzymes and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 in the human dermis. Nusgens BV, Humbert P, Rougier A, Colige AC, Haftek M, Lambert CA, Richard A, Creidi P, Lapière CM. J Invest Dermatol. 2001 Jun;116(6):853-9. 3. Photoprotection of UV-irradiated human skin: an antioxidative combination of vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium and proanthocyanidins. Greul AK, Grundmann JU, Heinrich F, Pfitzner I, Bernhardt J, Ambach A, Biesalski HK, Gollnick H. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002 Sep-Oct;15(5):307-15. 4. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, Lapière C, Nusgens B, Richard A, Schmitt D, Rougier A, Zahouani H. Exp Dermatol. 2003 Jun;12(3):237-44. 5. Topical melatonin in combination with vitamins E and C protects skin from ultraviolet-induced erythema: a human study in vivo. Dreher F, Gabard B, Schwindt DA, Maibach HI. Br J Dermatol. 1998 Aug;139(2):332-9.

Overall assessment: Amazing! Optimum 15% Vitamin C Face Lotion unquestionably earns an A+. Such a delightful surprise, and such an effective product. It just proves that one does not have to spend a small fortune on skincare in order to get real and tangible results. It is well worth becoming acquainted with Painted Earth and their amazing array of high quality products!

$55.00 1.7 oz. from Painted Earth (not an affiliate link).

Press Sample, but all views expressed are categorically my own.
Stock image courtesy of Painted Earth.