Vitamin C doesn't have to sting to be effective in your routine. ALASTIN C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum uses sodium ascorbate, an encapsulated vitamin C salt, in a formula that helps brighten and smooth your skin with less irritation.
At ParsaMD in Beverly Hills, we carry it for shoppers who want daily antioxidant care but have found strong, acidic vitamin C serums difficult to use consistently.
Why Do Some Vitamin C Serums Sting?
Vitamin C products come in different forms, concentrations, pH levels, and delivery systems. L-ascorbic acid, which has the longest track record in skincare, usually needs an acidic formula to work well and reach your skin. If your skin is sensitive, over-exfoliated, or getting used to retinoids, that lower pH can feel uncomfortable.
Research supports the antioxidant and pigment-fighting benefits of topical vitamin C, but how a serum is made and how stable it is will affect how well it works. If a serum feels harsh, it doesn't mean it's working better.
What Makes C-RADICAL Different?
C-RADICAL combines sodium ascorbate with 14 other antioxidants. The formula helps protect against free-radical damage, supports elastin, and improves visible signs of sun damage, all without the need for a traditional low-pH L-ascorbic acid base.
A multicenter study followed 36 adults with moderate to severe facial sun damage for 12 weeks while using the serum. Researchers saw improvements in texture, tone, brightness, fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and brown spots, and most people tolerated it well. Since the study was open-label and included ALASTIN-affiliated researchers, it offers product-specific support but isn't a universal guarantee.
Who May Prefer This Vitamin C Formula?
C-RADICAL may suit you when you want antioxidant care but need to be thoughtful about irritation. It may be especially appealing if:
- Previous vitamin C serums caused repeated stinging
- Redness or uneven tone is part of your concern
- Retinoids or exfoliants already make your routine active
Sensitive skin is unique to you. It's still smart to patch test and start slowly, since no formula feels comfortable for everyone.
How Should You Layer C-RADICAL?
Apply it after cleansing, before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Using it in the morning works well because antioxidants support your daily sun protection, but you'll still need a broad-spectrum SPF.
If you use a retinoid, try vitamin C in the morning and your retinoid at night to make your routine easier on your skin. Add only one new active at a time so you can spot the cause if irritation shows up.
At Dr. Kami Parsa's Beverly Hills practice, we look at your whole routine instead of treating one serum as a fix for everything. Your cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, prescriptions, and treatments all play a part in what your skin can handle.
FAQs About ALASTIN C-RADICAL
Can I use C-RADICAL every day?
It's made for daily use, but starting with a few mornings each week can be more comfortable if your skin is sensitive.
Will C-RADICAL replace sunscreen?
No. An antioxidant serum supports your routine, but broad-spectrum sunscreen is still your main daily step for reducing UV exposure.
Shop ALASTIN C-RADICAL at ParsaMD
You can order C-RADICAL through ParsaMD, browse our ALASTIN skincare collection, or stop by our Beverly Hills office for help building an antioxidant routine that fits your skin and the products you already use.