About Vitamin C Solutions

Our Story

Vitamin C Solutions was founded in 2020 by lifelong friends Brian Kirkvold and Jonathan (Jon) Foss, whose deep bond dates back 37 years to 1988. That year, Jon—freshly graduated from St. Olaf College—served as Brian's coach while Brian was an up-and-coming Age Group swimmer preparing to compete at Kenyon College. What began as a coach-athlete relationship quickly grew into a lasting friendship built on shared passion for the sport.

After decades of spending countless hours in chlorinated pools, Brian and Jon noticed a persistent problem: standard soaps and shampoos simply couldn't remove chlorine effectively from skin and hair. The strong bond chlorine forms with the body causes that stubborn "pool smell" to linger long after showering. Through their research, they discovered that Vitamin C (an powerful antioxidant) is uniquely capable of breaking this bond and neutralizing chlorine.

To prove it, Brian and Jon used a colorimetric chemical test—where a reagent turns water pink in the presence of chlorine. When their patented formulas are added, the water clears completely, confirming the conversion of chlorine to harmless chloride ions. Remarkably, no other shampoo or conditioner on the market achieves this same result.

This scientific breakthrough inspired Vita C® After Swim™. Partnering with a Minnesota-based laboratory, they created a patented Vitamin C-based shampoo and body wash that truly neutralizes chlorine on contact. Their products are thoughtfully formulated without sulfates, parabens, or preservatives, making them gentle and safe for all skin types while delivering powerful chlorine removal.

Most recently, they've innovated further with a patented aerosol version of the body wash. It features a higher concentration of Vitamin C, propelled by Honeywell HFO-1234ze in an pressurized chamber containing limited oxygen to maintain stability. This creates a luxurious, whipped-cream-like texture that's both effective and enjoyable to use.

Brian and Jon remain deeply passionate about both science and swimming. As lifelong friends who first connected through the pool 37 years ago, they use these products every day and stand behind them completely—finally offering swimmers, triathletes, parents, and anyone exposed to chlorine a genuine solution to a problem that's plagued the sport for generations.