RoC is a skincare brand well known for its stand-out drugstore retinol products. They are a leader in affordable anti-aging skincare and recently introduced a line of skincare products that contain vitamin C.
If you deal with skincare issues such as dullness, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles and fine lines, then vitamin C may be the ideal active ingredient for your skincare routine.
Today, we’ll take a look at four RoC vitamin C skincare products in this Roc vitamin C skincare review.
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RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Collection
The gel cleanser, serum, and gel cream in RoC’s Revive + Glow Collection feature an active 10% Blend of RoC’s most potent vitamin C.
It’s a blend of a highly stable form of Vitamin C combined with peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators to improve the formula’s efficacy. RoC claims that it produces brighter and tighter skin in just four weeks.
Vitamin C Derivative: 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
The type of vitamin C in these RoC products is a vitamin C derivative called 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, an etherified derivative of ascorbic acid.
- 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is stable in both water and oil and penetrates the skin well.
- Per the manufacturer, it is metabolized by the skin into pure ascorbic acid.
- 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is said to have antioxidant benefits and supports collagen production.
- One of the major benefits of 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is its ability to brighten the skin, even skin tone, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
While more testing is needed to get a clearer picture of 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid’s full benefits for the skin, this vitamin C derivative is a promising alternative to unstable ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C).
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Contains 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to boost collagen and brighten your skin | ❌ Fragrance may not suit everyone |
| ✅ Glycolic acid helps resurface your skin | ❌ Active ingredients are rinsed off your skin |
| ✅ Creates a gentle creamy foam, easy to rinse off |
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser is all about cleansing and brightening the skin. It is formulated with a vitamin C derivative and glycolic acid to reveal a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.
Vitamin C derivative 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid brightens the skin, stimulates collagen production, and evens out skin tone.
In addition to the brightening benefits of vitamin C, glycolic acid works as a power resurfacer, as it’s the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids. Its small molecule size helps sweep away dirt, oil, makeup, dead skin cells, and other debris that may clog pores to reveal a brighter and fresher complexion.
This cleanser also contains a variety of fruit extracts:
- Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract contains antioxidants to protect the skin, as well as vitamins and minerals.
- Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract is moisturizing, brightening, and gently exfoliating.
- Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract is a moisturizer and humectant containing vitamin B5, a moisturizing vitamin with anti-inflammatory properties.
The orange-colored gel cleanser turns into a gentle creamy foam when mixed with water. It removes makeup, dirt, and oil easily and leaves my skin feeling very clean and fresh.
Please note that there is a fragrance added to this cleanser. It reminds me of fresh citrus fruit, very bright, zesty, and uplifting.
This gel cleanser is the perfect second cleanse in a two-step double cleanse. In the evening, a cleansing balm can be used as your first cleanse, and then follow with this cleanser to remove any leftover makeup, dirt, and oil.
Double cleansing works best at the end of the day when makeup and sunscreen need to be removed, so this would be ideal in the morning as your only cleanser. It cleans your skin and wakes up your senses.
Next, my RoC vitamin C serum review:
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Contains 10% active Vitamin C Blend for skin brightening | ❌ Not as potent as pure vitamin C |
| ✅ Contains plant and fruit extracts for enhanced efficacy | ❌ Fragrance may not suit everyone |
| ✅ Lightweight and water-based, suitable for sensitive skin | |
| ✅ Works well under makeup and sunscreen |
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum contains RoC’s 10% active Vitamin C Blend that comes in the form of vitamin C derivative 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
This RoC vitamin C serum also contains plant and fruit extracts to improve efficacy:
- Polygonum Aviculare Extract is an antioxidant and plant extract that comes from knotgrass. Per the manufacturer, it protects against both UV and infrared light, which can damage the skin.
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract is antioxidant-rich and helps to brighten the skin.
This translucent orange-colored serum is water-based and lightweight. This serum sinks in quickly and does not irritate my somewhat sensitive skin at all.
Although I usually reach for The Ordinary vitamin C derivatives (scroll to the end of the post to see a few of my favorites), I like this serum because it is water-based and works really well under makeup and sunscreen.
Please note that this serum is fragranced. The scent is similar to the gel cleanser: a bright and fresh citrusy scent.
Related Post: The Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Contains Vitamin C derivative for skin brightening and antioxidant benefits | ❌ Not as potent as pure vitamin C |
| ✅ Contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and fruit extracts | ❌ Light citrusy fragrance, which might not be suitable for all users |
| ✅ Lightweight texture, easily absorbed | ❌ May be too rich for combination or oily skin |
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a vitamin C derivative with brightening, collagen boosting, and antioxidant benefits.
Additional ingredients include:
- Polygonum Aviculare Extract is a plant extract rich in antioxidants. Per the manufacturer, this gel-cream is supposed to help protect the skin from UV and infrared damage.
- Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract is another antioxidant that is supposed to help to protect skin against UV sunlight, per the manufacturer.
- Lentil extract moisturizes
- Apple fruit extract is a gentle exfoliant that has antibacterial and brightening benefits.
- Shea butter has moisturizing and soothing benefits.
This gel-cream has a light citrusy fragrance. The first thing that I noticed about this gel-cream was the light orange shade.
I was a little skeptical at the unnatural orange shade but was pleasantly surprised at the lightweight texture. It sinks in easily and leaves my skin feeling very moisturized. It’s the perfect product to pair with RoC’s Revive + Glow Daily Serum.
NOTE: If you have dry skin, this vitamin C gel cream will provide moisture and glow during the day.
If you have combination or oily skin and prefer a matte finish, it might be best to use this cream at night, as it was a little rich for my combination skin under makeup during the day.
Related Post: A Guide to Drugstore Retinol
Roc Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Night Serum Capsules
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High concentration of Vitamin C (20% pure ascorbic acid) | ❌ High potency may irritate sensitive skin |
| ✅ Formulated to resurface skin and reduce discoloration | ❌ Conflicts with other potent active ingredients |
| ✅ Convenient single-dose capsules, ideal for travel | |
| ✅ Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic |
Roc Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Night Serum Capsules are formulated with RoC’s highest dose of vitamin C: 20% pure ascorbic acid.
These night capsules are formulated to resurface the skin, reduce discoloration, and give the skin a more lifted look over time.
The capsules also contain antioxidants in the form of
- Vitamin E
- Polygonum Aviculare Extract
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
The bottle comes with 30 vegetal-based, 100% biodegradable single-dose capsules, which make it easy to use when traveling. Simply twist the capsule to break it open.
The capsules are paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, which means that they won’t clog your pores.
If you have normal or non-sensitive skin, these night capsules may be just what you need for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening and evening out your skin tone.
These little capsules have just the right amount of creamy serum.
Don’t be mistaken. These vitamin C capsules are POTENT. At a 20% ascorbic acid concentration, they caused a little too much tingling for my somewhat sensitive skin.
I wasn’t surprised because I couldn’t tolerate The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, which contains 23% ascorbic acid, or The Inkey List Vitamin C, which contains 30% ascorbic acid.
NOTE: RoC does not recommend using vitamin C and retinol at the same time. If you want the benefits of both vitamin C and retinol, your best bet would be to use them on alternate evenings.
RoC offers night retinol capsules, too, and they have one of my current favorite drugstore retinol products: RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules.
Related Post: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Eye Balm
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Contains a stable form of Vitamin C and peptides for under-eye nourishment | ❌ May not be sufficiently hydrating for very dry skin types |
| ✅ Oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C | |
| ✅ Quick and easy application, perfect for travel | |
| ✅ Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin |
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Eye Balm combines a stable form of vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, with a blend of peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators to help reduce the look of under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
- Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is an oil-soluble, less-irritating, stable form of vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection, boosts collagen production, and brightens your skin.
- The solid balm stick also contains Haematococcus pluvialis extract, a microalgae that contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental aggressors for smoother skin around the eyes.
Together these ingredients create a silky balm that hydrates without leaving an oily residue. RoC notes that in 4 weeks, eyes appear brighter with dark circles and puffiness visibly reduced.
The nourishing balm applies easily with its touchless application: just swipe around your eye area in your morning and/or evening skincare routines.
The cooling stick is fragrance-free, invisible on all skin tones, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
This is the first vitamin C eye balm I’ve tried, and I’m really enjoying using it in my morning skincare routine.
It never fails that I am in a rush in the morning, so the quick application makes this my current go-to morning eye product. The balm feels cooling upon application, absorbs quickly, and works well under concealer.
While I haven’t seen noticeable brightening results, my skin feels much smoother, less puffy, and more hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy.
If you are looking for an easy-to-apply, hydrating eye product that also offers antioxidant protection, then this RoC skincare product is a great option and a nice alternative to eye cream. It would be great for travel, too.
RoC Vitamin C Serum Alternatives
If RoC’s vitamin C serum doesn’t fit your needs, many other affordable vitamin C serums are available, including these from The Ordinary:
The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution contains 15% ethylated ascorbic acid and only one other ingredient: propanediol, a solvent, and natural moisturizing agent.
This The Ordinary vitamin C serum contains the same form of vitamin C as RoC’s vitamin C serum: ethyl ascorbic acid (also called 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid or ethylated ascorbic acid).
Ethyl ascorbic acid is more stable and is less likely to cause irritation than pure vitamin C.
This serum helps reduce the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone and improves skin texture for brighter, more youthful-looking skin.
The serum has a lightweight, slippery texture that feels slightly oily upon application, even though there is no oil in the serum. This is due to the ingredient propanediol, which gives it a temporary oily texture.
Once the serum absorbs, it leaves a smooth and slightly tacky finish on the skin: perfect for layering other skincare products.
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is a vitamin C derivative serum with a comfortable water-based texture.
The serum contains 12% ascorbyl glucoside, a derivative of vitamin C that offers antioxidant support and similar anti-aging and brightening benefits as pure vitamin C, like skin brightening and smoothing.
Ascorbyl glucoside converts to ascorbic acid once it absorbs into your skin, although it is less potent than pure vitamin C.
This brightening serum is formulated at a pH of 6.00 – 7.00, which is much closer to our skin’s natural pH than ascorbic acid, so it’s much less likely to cause irritation than pure vitamin C.
The water-based formula is lightweight, non-sticky, and quickly absorbed, making it great for combination and oily skin types.
For more details on this vitamin C serum, see my The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% review.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid or l-ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant. One significant benefit is that it can help protect against harmful free radicals caused by UV rays in sunlight that damage skin cells.
Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production. This is where vitamin C really helps to improve the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines.
Vitamin C also helps to brighten the skin as it acts as a depigmenting agent. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production.
Melanin is the main pigment in human eyes, skin, and hair. Because vitamin C is unstable, it may sometimes be combined with other actives when treating such issues as hyperpigmentation.
A good example is this serum from The Ordinary. It combines pure vitamin C with alpha arbutin to brighten the skin and target dark spots.
Drawbacks of Vitamin C
With all of these benefits, there are some drawbacks. Pure vitamin C can irritate the skin at higher concentrations. Research has shown that ascorbic acid at concentrations greater than 20% can irritate the skin and that these higher concentrations generally do not increase effectiveness.
Another drawback of pure vitamin C is that it is very unstable. When exposed to air, it starts degrading, darkens, becomes brown, and eventually loses its effectiveness.
Enter vitamin C derivatives. Several vitamin C derivatives are available today that are both stable in cosmetic formulations and retain the effectiveness of pure vitamin C.
Related Posts on Vitamin C:
About RoC
RoC was founded in 1957 when French pharmacist Dr. Jean-Charles Lissarrague created the first hypoallergenic skincare products. RoC’s series of “firsts” continued.
RoC claims to have the first SPF sunscreen to prevent the signs of aging and the first company to stabilize retinol in an over-the-counter product. The research continues today to create new and innovative products.
RoC continues to work to create high-quality, safe, and effective skincare products that are rigorously tested.
RoC Vitamin C Skincare Products
If you are looking for inexpensive skincare products that are formulated with a vitamin C derivative or capsules formulated with pure vitamin C, RoC’s Multi Correxion Revive + Glow line is worth considering.
All of the products, with the exception of the night capsules, are ideal to use during the day, as the scent of the cleanser really helps to wake me up in the morning!
These products are a great option if you want to get the benefits of vitamin C without the instability and potential irritation that may come along with it. If you are ready to try pure vitamin C, consider the vitamin C night capsules.
Thanks for reading!
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Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!