One of my favourite Ole Henriksen products to date is the Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum which I am sharing with you today. Over the past few months, I have been really lucky to try quite a few products of late which includes the Lemonade Smoothing Scrub and the Truth Juice Daily Cleanser.
This serum is described as being the next-gen vitamin C serum and it combines what is referred to as being the three Ole Glow® icons—vitamin C, exfoliating acids and banana powder-inspired pigments. One ingredient you do get used to seeing with many Ole Henriksen products is banana powder! Whilst this serum does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, the ingredients I have already mentioned I find interesting as to why they are included, so here they are:
- 15% Vitamin C - Ole’s highest concentration of vitamin C for daily use; an antioxidant that helps improve skin’s elasticity, defend skin against environmental stressors such as pollution, brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots and pores.
- 5% PHA's (Polyhydroxy Acids) - A plumper alternative to AHA's that helps even skin tone and texture through chemical exfoliation, loosening the “glue” that binds the surface layer of skin together, and reveal the newer, fresher skin beneath.
- Hyaluronic Acid - Helps plump skin’s surface with hydration and reinforce skin’s moisture barrier.
- Banana Powder-Inspired Pigments - Instantly illuminates and colour corrects.
- Vitamin E - An antioxidant that helps nourish and condition skin; also helps stabilise the vitamin C in the formula.
The role of these ingredients is to instantly brighten and help defend skin against pollution, while at the same time delivering a sensorial experience you’ll love.
The serum, as you can see from the swatch above is bright orange and it smells absolutely delightful, nothing to over the top and zingy, but a scent you definitely know is there, though it does wear off. The instructions for use are to apply evenly to face and neck daily after cleansing. I am really picky with a serum, I don't like the thicker serums on my skin, I want something that has that watery texture that I can leave to absorb whilst I faff about before applying my moisturising cream, this texture is very much in-between being water-like and a slightly thicker, but not too thick a texture to use. It also can't be sticky or tacky, I am not a fan of many skincare products which leave your skin and hands feeling as though you have just covered them in PVA Glue, so again, this one isn't sticky or tacky after being applied.
Using this serum, despite it being a higher concentration in Vitamin C than a lot of other products I've used recently, I haven't had any issues or concerns, my skin hasn't reacted and ive really enjoyed using it as part of my routine. It does work really well under makeup if you haven't got a primer to hand and it does also give that dewy look to the skin.
Having left the U.K. back in 2017, Ole Henriksen, has the returned to UK and can now be found in places such as Boots, making it much easier to get your hands on products such as these and the Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum is currently priced at £45.05 for 30ml as it is part of an offer Boots are running, but outside of that offer it is priced at £53