So I tried the No 7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C (also called N7 Radiance Vitamin C Serum or No7 Radiance 15 Vitamin C Serum), and to be honest I have mixed opinions about this vitamin C serum for your face.
If you are exploring vitamin C options for your face, keep reading because I am breaking down everything from the first drop to the long-term glow.
The brand says it is suitable for all skin types and gives a natural radiant glow. It improves the appearance of your skin texture, tone, and pigmentation. It also says your dull skin will be left looking really glowy.
Those are big promises, especially for anyone who has struggled with uneven tone or that flat, tired look we all get from time to time. I was drawn in because I love vitamin C for face products that promise brightness without irritation, and this one seemed affordable and accessible.
It comes in a dropper format and you get 25 ml of product. It is a yellow orangey color, which is normal for a stable 15% vitamin C formula. The consistency is like a runny serum and it has an orange smell to it, citrus flavor.
It rubs in well to the skin and does not feel heavy or greasy.
The dropper makes it easy to control how much you use, and the bottle is compact enough to travel with. If you are into best serums for all skin types, the packaging alone feels premium for the price point.
The instructions say to use it after a cleanser, but I just use it in the morning after I wash my face. I place 3 or 4 drops on my fingers and apply it. You can use it in the morning or night. It goes on really smoothly and it is not oily, which is nice.
My skin just soaks it up within seconds. I usually follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning. At night, I layer it under a richer cream. For more layering tips, check our best moisturisers for your face guide.
After 15 minutes my skin begins to feel really tight and it looks like I have had some Botox, so that is a perk I guess. The tightening effect is subtle but noticeable in photos. I have seen results when I use it at night.
My skin looks a lot more even in texture and tone, so I do not have to wear as much makeup. Often you wear foundation to make your skin tone look the same.
I did not get any pimples from it either, which is a win for my combination skin. It fits right into my best glowing skin face products routine and has become a staple on no-makeup days or work from home.
The glow builds over time. After about two weeks of nightly use, my complexion looked brighter and more awake. Dark spots from old acne started to fade slightly, and my overall tone appeared more balanced. If you are patient, this No7 Radiance Vitamin C Serum delivers on the radiance promise. I also appreciate that it did not cause any sensitivity, even though I use actives like niacinamide and occasional AHA/BHA exfoliators.
I had to stop wearing this under makeup because it pills and it just looks horrible throughout the day. If you touch your face or the makeup wears off, it creates this really patchiness. It is like it is a layer sitting on top of the skin. The pilling is frustrating, especially when I am in a rush and want a quick routine.
I tried different primers and foundations, but the issue persisted. It also has a slight sticky finish that lasts for about 20 minutes. If you hate tackiness, this might annoy you.
The citrus scent, while fresh, is stronger than I prefer in skincare. It lingers for a few minutes after application. If you have sensitive skin or dislike fragrance, patch test first.
I started using it at night and that works. It does not mix well with other products during the day, but I can still use it at night. If you do not mind that it is a little bit sticky, you will be really satisfied with this because you will see the benefits.
You can normally find it on discount at Boots or Amazon. You do have to use it for a while to see the results. I just put it on when I am working from home if I am not going to be wearing makeup. Pair it with a good night routine like the tips in how to hydrate your skin overnight for maximum glow by morning.
This vitamin C serum for face is ideal if you want brightening on a budget and do not mind a nighttime-only routine. It is great for combination skin or dry skin that can tolerate a bit of tackiness. Skip it if you need something that layers perfectly under makeup or if you prefer fragrance-free formulas.
If you do not like the tackiness you might not like it, or if you do not like scents. But this No7 Radiance Vitamin C Serum gives real glow and evens things out with time. Worth a try if you want an affordable option that actually works. Curious about more reviews? See my Vichy Mineral 89 Serum review or Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Serum review.
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