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My first experience with Oskia was their Renaissance Cleansing Gel, a cult favourite. Then I also tried their MSM supplements as well as Bedtime Beauty Boost night cream. They were all fabulous products, very well formulated and effective. When I saw these Super-C – Smart Nutrient Beauty Capsules being part of Caroline Hiron’s Spring Kit, I was more than delighted to try them out. I’m particularly interested in products that use Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate which is unlike ascorbic acid, this type of vitamin c derivative does not exfoliate or irritate the skin.

Quick background information about Oskia, it’s a British, clean, naturally-derived brand specialises in bio-cellular skin nutrition. Their products are designed by Georgie, the founder and formulated by their team of nutritionists, cosmetic scientists and skincare specialists, and manufactured at their very own laboratory and factory in Wales. 

Back to these Super-C – Smart Nutrient Beauty Capsules, I have been using them for the last 3 weeks (3 days on, 3 days off), I have a pretty good idea on how I feel about these capsules and how my skin reacts.

What is it?

Single-use capsules contain a super-charged blend of smart nutrients and actives for radiant skin.

What it does

They work to hydrate, nourish and protect the complexion. These capsules are formulated with:

• 2% Encapsulated Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate – A stable, oil-soluble form Vitamin C, has three times better penetration than ascorbic acid and can produce better results even when used in doses 25 times lower than ascorbic acid.
• Tocotrienols: A much more powerful antioxidant form of Vitamin E, protects the skin against free-radicals, environmental stressors and oxidative damage while also soothing and calming. Unlike traditional Tocopherols, Tocotrienols are also highly anti-inflammatory. 
• Jojoba Seed & Sweet Almond Oils: Rich in Omegas and Phytosterols, nourish deeply.
• Squalane: A plant-derived, saturated fat, restores the lipid barrier, balances the skin’s natural oils and improves hydration and smoothness.

Full Ingredients list

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol (natural fatty acid emollient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Ascorbyl (Vitamin C) Tetraisopalmitate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E), Phytosterols, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Squalane, Squalene, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Parfum (Nature Identical Fragrance), Limonene*, Linalool*
*natural components of essential oil

Note there are a few fragrance ingredients (marked in bold), so if you are sensitive to these ingredients then be careful. Also, there are a few ingredients that are deemed as fungal acne triggers or with a high comedogenic rating (marked in italic), so those who are acne-prone might also need to watch out.  

All Oskia products avoid using alcohol, SLS’s, Propylene Glycol, silicon, synthetic dies, mineral oil, chemical sunscreens (in particular oxybenzone), phthalates and some essential oils (not all are made equal). 

Who’s it for

Suitable for all. I think these are particularly good for dry, sensitive (preferably not acne-prone) or mature skin types.

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Everything else

Packaging

The standard size is 60-capsules that comes in a glass jar with a lid. Mine are limited edition in a travel-friendly plastic case. Capsules are biodegradable and a smart way to protect vitamin C from being exposed to oxygen, which makes the product lasts longer. To use the capsule, simply twist the top off.

Colour, Texture & Scent

Each single-dose capsule contains an oil-serum liquid that absorbs quickly into the skin. It doesn’t feel greasy or gives a sticky residue. Much like a lot of vitamin C products, it has that orangey fruity smell. It’s very faint and once it’s on the skin, you won’t even notice it.

How to use it

At night, apply to freshly cleansed skin. Use after your serum. Can also be used to soothe dry lips and rough dry patches such as the elbows and knees.

Ren instruction

I like using this in the mornings after cleansing. I find the capsule offers more than enough juice, probably equivalent to a good 2 pumps. I massage the oil onto my face and it absorbs pretty much straight away and then I put moisturiser over it.

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My thoughts and experience

In my other posts I mentioned that most L-Ascorbic Acid serums are just not good for my sensitive skin, they tend to break me out by day 3 of continuous use; and they all oxidise too quickly as well which degrade its efficacy. So, the fact that this is Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate already scores a point for me. I don’t think this has irritated my skin but if my skin is already a little irritated to start with, while this doesn’t exacerbate the issue, it is not helping in healing either.

These capsules give a very nice radiant look to the skin once it’s applied and you look fresh. While the 2% vitamin C seems low in concentration, it has brightened my skin typically by day 3. I’m sure with continuous use, the result is going to be more prominent and consistent. Sadly I’m quite nervous with getting breakouts, this time not because of skin irritations but from the richer ingredients like Vitamin E combined with various oils, I think they are great to buffer the vitamin C and provide antioxidant nourishing properties, but for my oily acne-prone skin they can be too much. That being said, the formula isn’t heavy at all, I think if I can use less each time, it might actually be ok. This brings me to this point, I like the fact that these are single-use as they are ultimately fresher and they are so travel-friendly, but they are quite pricey when you think about it. The standard size has 60 capsules at £62 which is around £1 each use. For me, I genuinely feel I need maybe 1/2 to 2/3 of the juice and that would be adequate. I’ve heard that other people store an opened capsule for a second use, not sure how but that kind of defeat the idea of getting fresh vitamin C each time.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are looking for overall nourishment and don’t need to tackle any serious pigmentations, the formula is very well rounded, despite it marketed more on the Vitamin C category. I also think you would benefit more if you have drier sensitive skin types.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. I do like the travel-friendly aspect and having them in my stash can come in handy.

Available: £62/60 capsules -UK (BeautyBay)*

Have you tried this before? What is your experience?

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