I came across Lixir Skin’s Vitamin C paste on Beautylish when I was randomly browsing facial treatments. I love Vitamin C and the wonders it can do for the skin so this unique product definitely caught my eye.

Lixir Skin Vitamin C Paste is 10% L Ascorbic Acid and promises to neutralise oxidised sebum and proteins to revive the skin. it provides a natural sunscreen against UVA/UVB rays and helps collagen protection. It promises vibrant luminous smoothed complexion from day 1. And brighter more even-toned and lifted skin for continued use.

Experience

I was really excited to try this but after using this intermittently for 3 months I am not convinced it’s worth it.

Vitamin C paste makes it sound like the texture would be similar to a ‘paste’ (the packaging also reminds me of toothpaste). The texture of my product is very runny, very similar to a lotion and when I first received it has separated so only the oil dispensed first. After shaking it the product was still very runny and similar to a lotion. This picture is from when I first opened it! There was oil everywhere and made a slight mess.

I am not a huge fan of the scent, it’s not horrid but I don’t find it particularly pleasant. I thought the ‘paste’ felt slightly oily going onto the skin and on the skin but it doesn’t feel heavy. I experienced no irritation from it. This mask is designed as a quick morning mask which is exactly what I used it for. The Vitamin C paste feels warming on the skin and it’s very easy to rinse off. It washes clean without any greasy residue

Is it effective? The product promises ‘natural UVB /UVA protection’. Whilst there is no SPF’s in the ingredients, some studies have shown L Ascorbic Acid does offer some protection against UV exposure. ( this paper references some of those studies but also mentions a 5% and 10% conc that were used in those studies, Vitamin C paste has 10%) we know Vitamin C has amazing antioxidant properties but I did not rely on the natural UVB/UVA protection this offered and still used my daily SPF50. I got this mainly to target hyperpigmentation and a way of adding extra Vitamin C. in hindsight I realise what is the point of having vitamin C in a wash-off product to target pigmentation issues? I personally have not experienced any long term benefits, I do get instant healthier-looking skin after its been washed off but nothing concrete in the long term.

I am also very disappointed in the texture of the product. I was expecting a thicker creamy mask that stays put during showering but I got a runny mess that drips down.

My final verdict– I was really excited at the thought of using this unique vitamin C mask. I haven’t seen anything like it on the market and I tried to recreate this by adding vitamin C booster powders to my masks before I purchased the paste. I finally decided to get it because I thought it would be easier to just use this than mixing masks in the morning lol. I am quite disappointed with the texture but more so that I haven’t really experienced any long term benefits. If the product is indeed supposed to be runny then calling it a mask is quite misleading.

Whether this provides SPF protection or not, I would recommend you still go ahead and use an SPF in the mornings.

I won’t repurchase after I finish the tube.

Lixir Skin Vitamin C paste is £32 on Cult Beauty