I was a fan of Trinny London’s original Vitamin C serum, Boost Up (read my review here), but it wasn’t without its quirks. It had a habit of pilling under certain products, and at 30% Vitamin C, it proved a little too enthusiastic for some skins. Mine loved it, but it was not exactly an entry-level active. Trinny London Naked Ambition, launched last year, feels like a thoughtful correction of both those issues. And can I say, it’s a rather good one.
What is it?
A Azelaic Exosome & Vitamin C Serum designed to reduce redness and dark marks, visibly even skin tone, and boost radiance.
What Do I Think?
What drew me in immediately was the inclusion of azelaic acid. It’s one of skincare’s heroes ingredients. It’s brilliant for redness (my cheeks and nose can testify) and equally helpful for skin that flirts with breakouts. In this formula, the azelaic acid is delivered via an exosome system, designed to shepherd the ingredient down through the hair follicle and into the deeper layers of skin.
The Vitamin C itself is slow release, meaning it works steadily throughout the day rather than delivering one big hit and calling it a job done. The supporting cast consists of plankton liposomes and red algae which help tackle uneven tone and lingering dark marks with surprising efficiency.
Texture matters, and Naked Ambition gets it right. It’s a milky gel that slips on easily, leaves a soft sheen, and never feels oily. Boost Up had a balm like richness that my dry skin enjoyed, but I can see why oilier skins might have balked. This newer formula is far more democratic and one that I think people will really enjoy. It layers beautifully, plays nicely with everything I put on top, and mercifully shows no sign of pilling.
Results have been extremely impressive. My skin tone looks more even, the redness across my cheeks has calmed, and breakouts have been kept firmly in check. The red shadows left by old blemishes faded significantly after about four weeks of use. Overall, my skin just looks healthier, calmer, clearer, and more consistent. It’s exactly what you want from a Vitamin C serum.
Would I go back to Boost Up? Probably not. Naked Ambition feels like the more considered version. It’s less temperamental, more refined, and far easier to live with.
Would I recommend?
Yes – absolutely. Especially if your sensitive, or you have concerns with redness on your face. It performs remarkably well. If you’re sensitive to Vitamin C, it may well be worth a try too.
Key Ingredients
- Vitamin C – a slow-release form which promotes a consistently brighter and more even complexion.
- Plankton Liposomes & Red Algae – Helps support the Vitamin C by helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Azelaic Acid Exosome – Azelaic Acid within an exosome delivery system helps deliver azelaic acid deep down into the skin via the hair follicle. Azelaic Acid is great for breakouts and redness.
Brands Product Description
The secret to consistently even, radiant skin. Our global-first innovation combines slow-release vitamin C with azelaic acid exosomes for clinically proven results. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
How I Use It
I use this in my morning routine after cleansing and before moisturiser and sunscreen.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Yes. And luckily, it’s refillable which means I get a little bit of a discount when purchasing the refill.
How Much?
£69.00 for 30ml
£57.00 for 30ml refill
£27.00 for 9.5ml travel mini
