OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Review
• Inexpensive
• Highly rated
• Proven ingredients and concentration
• Results may take longer than website description implies.
• Some users report no difference.
• Possibly high pH level
Topical Vitamin C has been shown to provide some benefits to skin, and the concentration offered by OZ Naturals is at the top end of the recommended range. The only unanswered question we have is regarding the product's pH level, which is unknown at this point. We feel the price is competitive, and the product will likely be satisfying to the majority of consumers.
OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum
OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum is a popular skin care product which is said to increase collagen which results in smoother, younger-looking skin.
Claims & Features
- Anti-aging power of Vitamin C
- 20% Vitamin C concentration
- Brighter and more radiant skin on first use
- Antioxidant helps protect skin
- Stimulates collagen
- Hydrates and moisturizes
- Naturally lifts and firms
- Made in the USA
- Not tested on animals
- No parabens or alcohol
Cost & Availability
OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum is available from Amazon for about $22.50.
Ingredients
The key ingredients are listed as follows:
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Amino Blend
- Organic Jojoba Oil
The full list of ingredients is: Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), MSM, botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.
OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Reviews
The most glaring question when reading about a product called OZ Naturals is whether it is somehow connected to TV’s Dr. Oz, which it is not. The co-founder and spokesperson for OZ Naturals is Angela Irish. The official website notes that the name originates from the abbreviation for the word “ounce.”
Dr. Oz did post a segment in 2012 which listed Vitamin C as the #1 “secret” for more youthful skin, which seems at least partially responsible for the rise in popularity of such products. Although the OZ Naturals website claims that you can achieve benefits on the first day with their topical formula, plastic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madhere on the Dr. Oz segment said Vitamin C can take “anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks but for others it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks.” She concludes that a “maximum effect” should occur at about the six month mark. It is claimed that topical Vitamin C is “20 times more effective than taking it orally.”
Despite the “first day” claim on the OZ Naturals front page, the website’s FAQ states that results should be apparent in 2-3 weeks.
Concentration
Although Oz Naturals boasts a 20% Vitamin C concentration, higher concentrations aren’t necessarily considered better. Popular skin care website Paula’s Choice urges not to “get caught up in the belief that only higher strengths are beneficial for skin. Research has shown that concentrations as low 0.6% provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits to skin.” The Dr. Oz segment recommends a concentration between 3% and 10%, while one study notes that efficacy of Vitamin C serums is “proportional to the concentration, but only up to 20%.”
pH Level?
The pH of topical Vitamin C is an important factor to consider, and OZ Naturals does not list the pH level on its website. Studies have shown that the pH of topical Vitamin C should be less than 3.5%.
One Reddit user claims that a company rep said the pH is 9.7, but that their Vitamin C derivative isn’t as pH-dependent to be effective. Despite this, that reader did claim to have “some good results” with the product.
The Beauty Cove claims to have tested the pH level and found it to be around 7.
We sent an email to OZ Naturals in hopes of clarifying this.
How to Use
To use this, or any other topical Vitamin C serum, you start by washing (perhaps even exfoliating) your face. Pat dry and apply a thin layer. After it dries, apply moisturizer. There is some conflict as to the best time of day to apply the serum. Dr. Oz states morning, while Oz Naturals says night. You may be interested in this forum which debates the morning-vs-night topic of Vitamin C application. Some people have found the addition of Vitamin E to also be beneficial.
Studies: Benefits and Side Effects
Studies have shown significant benefits of topical Vitamin C for dermatological uses. This 2013 study offers an excellent overview and touches on such benefits as collagen synthesis, tissue healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although topical Vitamin C is said to be safe for daily long-term use, the study also points out possible minor adverse reactions such as yellowing of the skin, hypopigmented hair, and staining of clothes. The Dr. Oz segment also notes that drying of skin is possible, which is why applying lotion afterward is vital.
The study summarizes topical Vitamin C as having “multiple desirable effects” with “an excellent safety profile.”
A Note About Reviews
Reading through the thousands of reviews for this product can be a daunting and dizzying affair. With a phenomenal 4.3 rating with over 4000 reviews, it is only fair to look at the large number of glowing reviews with scrutiny, while not ignoring the minority of users who expressed dissatisfaction with the product.
It is not unreasonable to assume that at least some of the 5-star reviews are planted by those who have an interest to sell the product, as planted reviews have become standard practice on sites such as Amazon and Yelp. That does not, however, mean all 5 star reviews are disingenuous. We have spoken directly with customers who felt the product was deserving of its high rating.
In taking a look at the 1-star reviews, you will also find something of a contradiction among them. Some reviewers have implied – because of the clear color and lack of smell – that the product is simply made of water. This, however, does not account for yet another minority of complaints which claim the product caused dryness or breakouts. If it were water, it shouldn’t cause a rash.
Similar Products
There are a wealth of topical Vitamin C serums on the market. They can be found in stores and online, in a variety of concentrations and prices. You may find them anywhere from $12 up to the $100 range. As of this writing, OZ Naturals ranks #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Beauty category. You may also take a look at this older list by Truth in Aging, which provides some suggested products in this category. Some of those remain popular today.
Epic Conclusion
The consumers we have spoken with who used this product have expressed mostly positive sentiments. A minority felt the product didn’t work, and no one we interviewed expressed any side effects.
Topical Vitamin C has been shown to provide some benefits to skin, and the concentration offered by OZ Naturals is at the top end of the recommended range. The only unanswered question we have is regarding the product’s pH level, which is unknown at this point. We feel the price is competitive, and the product will likely be satisfying to the majority of consumers.
If you’ve used OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum, please give it a star rating and comment below.
