With so much hype surrounding vitamin-C-infused skincare, I was on the hunt for affordable products packed with the topical version of the vitamin. With a beauty editor following, and science-backed products, it was Image Skincare — more specifically the brand’s vitamin C products — that initially caught my eye. Applied to skin, the immune-boosting vitamin C supposedly brightens complexions — and I am definitely searching for a summer glow. Image Skincare, a spa favorite, has serums, moisturizers, and even drinks that fit the bill. The Florida-based line also offers anything from makeup (think volumizing lip balm or lash-lengthening serum) to body (exfoliating scrubs and subtle self-tanner). Another plus: Many of the brand’s products cost between $25 and $50. The star of the show is Image Skincare’s vitamin C-packed product. It’s what gave this clinical skincare line a cult following. Founded by husband-wife time aesthetician-turned-wellness entrepreneur Janna Ronert and plastic surgeon Marc Ronert, many of the brand’s skincare finds incorporate high percentages of active ingredients without the price. (Its employees famously get free skincare regimen starter kits for some on-the-job education.) When considering products, I was eager to find something that was effective and easy to use — as well as easy on the wallet. In some instances, Image Skincare’s serums had the same active ingredients (vitamins C and E, for example) without the price tag of costlier med spa brands. I was specifically searching for products that could give my skin a glow without layering on makeup. I was also eager to try out their ever-expanding line of beauty ingestibles. Last but not least, I wanted to see whether their SPF products could stay put. I used a handful of their products for a week and followed packaging directions. (Click here to learn more about the Everyday Health Wellness Code used for all products and services reviews.)
How It Helps Boost Wellness
Without over-the-top packaging (or unpronounceable ingredients), I loved the focus on affordability meets quality. And with makeup and ingestible products, the brand is branching out into new frontiers. But my favorites were definitely the simple, vitamin-focused serums, which gave a healthy glow without the gimmicks and an easy-to-apply tinted moisturizing sunscreen that I can easily stash in my purse. There are some downsides: The company doesn’t list some of its ingredients and it’s tough to figure out what makes the products unique. While serums and other skincare are affordable for the budget savvy shoppers, purchasing the makeup and beauty drinks can add up.
How it Helps Make Wellness Possible
Image Skincare has a wide selection of anti-aging and skin-balancing products, but these are the ones that worked for me.
Yana Daily Collagen Shots
Vital-C Hydrating Serum
Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder
Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer
How Much Does it Cost?
Yana Daily Collagen Shots: Available from Image Skincare starting at $65 for 14-day supply Vital-C Hydrating Serum: Available from Walmart starting at $30 Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder: Available from Image Skincare starting at $32
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for skincare solutions to improve signs of aging or brighten dull skin, Image Skincare is a line worth considering. Its products are packed with smart botanicals and have no chemical preservatives like parabens. Their Vital-C line is especially good for sensitive skin.
The Competition
These are just some brands making it work with natural ingredients.
Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty offers organic skincare and beauty products. Some of their best-sellers include anti-aging products, including moisturizer, serum, eye treatment and CC cream, from their STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle line.
Indeed Labs
The Canadian-based skincare company is known for products such as the hyaluronic acid-packed Hydraluron Moisture Booster and the brightening serum Vitamin C24 Vitamin Cream.
Philosophy
Offering skincare, beauty, bath and body, and fragrance products, Philosophy combines natural ingredients and dermatological science with best-sellers such as Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser and Miracle Worker line of anti-aging serums and creams.
