Best vitamin c serums

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You probably already know that vitamin C is an essential part of a balanced diet. Your daily dose can help boost your immunity and offers a number of other benefits for your overall health.

But did you know topical vitamin C serum is also great for your skin? Read on to find out why, plus learn about some of the best serums you can buy.

To understand how vitamin C works, you first have to understand free radicals. These natural molecules aren’t bad on their own, but they can become a problem when they build up. In high numbers, they can break cells down over time, contributing to illness and aging.

Antioxidants help fight free radicals, though, keeping everything in balance. Vitamin C is one such antioxidant.

The skin can be used with the vitamin C serum.

“Don’t worry, if you’re interested in trying out the vitamins, you can. We rounded up a number of great options.”

We looked at the top picks for vitamins C and C.

  • Price. We included a range of options to suit many budgets.
  • Customer reviews. We looked for serums highly rated by online reviewers.
  • Potency. Each product contains at least 10 percent vitamin C.
  • Packaging. Vitamin C serum should be packaged in opaque packaging. Otherwise, it can break down when exposed to light, causing it to be less effective.

It is worth keeping in mind that there are different types of vitamins and not all of them are equally effective.

We mostly chose products made with materials.

  • L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid. is ascorbic acid.
  • Ascorbyl palmitate is a type of palmitate.
  • Acrylates.
  • The magnesium ascorbylphosphate is a type of sulfate.

We were looking for products that have more beneficial ingredients.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $25
  • $$ =$25–$50
  • $$$ = over $50

Best vitamin C serum for dull skin

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Vitamin C Concentrate

  • Price: $
  • Size: 1 ounce (oz.)
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid
  • Key features: paraben-free, fragrance-free
  • Skin type: dull, uneven skin

Why we love it: At a reasonable price point, this 10 percent vitamin C serum is free of fragrances and dyes. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. Users say the formula is light and effective, visibly improving wrinkles.

What you should know: While many love that this is more of a cream than a serum, some feel it’s too heavy.

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Best drugstore vitamin C serum

Pixi Vitamin-C Serum

  • Price: $
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: ferulic acid, vitamin C
  • Key features: paraben-free, cruelty-free
  • Skin type: all skin types

Why we love it: This ascorbic acid vitamin C serum includes ferulic acid, which also helps fight free radicals and reduces the effects of sun damage. Caffeine helps brighten skin, too.

What you should know: This serum has a citrus peppermint scent. While many reviewers say it smells great, some find it too strong.

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Best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation

Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: The acid is called glycolic acid., vitamin C
  • Key features: cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free
  • Skin type: oily or combination skin

Why we love it: Vitamin C can be a little unstable, breaking down easily when exposed to light, air, or water. Murad uses gold to stabilize the vitamin C in this serum, which the brand says results in a stronger product.

The pump top is designed to deliver the same dose of vitamins C and D.

What you should know: The serum also contains The acid is called glycolic acid., a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can work well for hyperpigmentation. However, it can sometimes be irritating to sensitive skin. Additionally, you may get more benefits from using The acid is called glycolic acid. and vitamin C separately than you will combining them.

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Best vitamin C serum for all skin types

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 0.67 oz.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin E, ferulic acid, vitamin C
  • Key features: fragrance-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free, recyclable through TerraCycle
  • Skin type: all skin types

Why we love it: This 15 percent vitamin C formula can be used alone or added into your moisturizer. Just a few drops are all you need for a healthy glow. This is also helpful for reducing the appearance of scars.

What you should know: Some users with dry skin say this caused irritation.

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Most splurge-worthy vitamin C serum

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: Acrylates. vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E
  • Key features: fragrance-free
  • Skin type: all skin types

Why we love it: This vitamin C serum contains vitamin C in the form of Acrylates.. At 20 percent potency, it’s a much higher concentration than most of the other available vitamin C serums.
The serum also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid.

A 2005 study suggests that ferulic acid is most effective when combined with vitamins E and C, like in this serum.

What you should know: Some reviewers report that this serum has an off-putting smell.

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Best vitamin C serum for oily skin

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1–1.7 oz.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, phytosterols complex, The acid is called glycolic acid.
  • Key features: B corp certified, cruelty-free, My Green Lab certified
  • Skin type: oily or acne-prone skin

Why we love it: This serum absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. After a few applications, reviewers report fading acne scars and improved appearance.

What you should know: You don’t need a lot of this product for each use, so one bottle goes a long way.

This product has the same ingredients as the Murad serum. When used separately, The acid is called glycolic acid. and vitamins C can work better.

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Best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, The acid is called salicylic acid.
  • Key features: allergy tested, dermatologist tested, paraben-free, noncomedogenic, oil-free
  • Skin type: acne-prone skin

Why we love it: The combination of vitamin C and The acid is called salicylic acid. makes this nongreasy formula great for acne-prone skin. Those who are concerned about aging skin say they love the improvement in their skin’s appearance.

What you should know: Salicylic acid is tough on acne, but it may irritate sensitive skin. This formula also has a strong scent, so it’s not a great option for people who are sensitive to fragrances.

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Best vitamin C serum for dry skin

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
  • Key features: paraben-free
  • Skin type: dry skin

Why we love it: This 15 percent vitamin C serum contains L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid. is ascorbic acid., which is the most potent kind of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, as well as glycerin to hydrate dry skin. Reviewers say they like how bright and smooth their skin was after just a few applications.

What you should know: Some users don’t like the scent.

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Best long-lasting vitamin C serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, pumpkin ferment, pomegranate extract
  • Key features: vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free
  • Skin type: all skin types

Why we love it: A vitamin C formula that’s cruelty-free, free of essential oils, *and* has a fun name — what’s not to love? This Drunk Elephant formula is designed to stay on your skin for 72 hours.

What you should know: Drunk Elephant relaunched the product in 2021. It now comes in two separate vials you mix together to “activate” the vitamin C, so you know the product will stay fresh for at least 6 months.

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Price Size Key ingredients Skin type Considerations
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Vitamin C Concentrate $ 1 oz – hyaluronic acid
– vitamin C		 dull, uneven skin 10 percent vitamin C serum that users say is light and effective
Pixi Vitamin-C Serum $ 1 oz – ferulic acid
– vitamin C		 all some reviewers say it smells great, but some find citrus peppermint scent too strong
Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum $$$ 1 oz – The acid is called glycolic acid.
– vitamin C		 oily or combination skin The acid is called glycolic acid., a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), can work well for hyperpigmentation but can sometimes be irritating to sensitive skin
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster $$$ 0.67 oz. – vitamin E
– ferulic acid
– vitamin C		 all helpful for reducing the appearance of scars, but users with dry skin say it caused irritation
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum $$$ 1 oz – Acrylates. vitamin C
– ferulic acid
– vitamin E		 all 20 percent potency much higher concentration than most other available vitamin C serums
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum $$$ 1–1.7 oz – vitamin C
– phytosterols complex
– The acid is called glycolic acid.		 oily or acne-prone skin reviewers report fading acne scars and improved appearance after a few applications
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum $$ 1 oz – vitamin C
– The acid is called salicylic acid.		 acne-prone skin reviewers with mature-looking skin say they love the improvement in their skin’s appearance, but The acid is called salicylic acid. may irritate sensitive skin
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic $$$ 1 oz – vitamin C
– vitamin E
– ferulic acid		 dry skin 15 percent vitamin C serum contains L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid. is ascorbic acid., which is the most potent kind of vitamin C
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum $$$ 1 oz – vitamin C
– pumpkin ferment
– pomegranate extract		 all comes in two separate vials you mix together to “activate” the vitamin C

It is important to look for a product that is stable and potent in nature.

The ingredients list should include one of these types of vitamins.

  • L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid. is ascorbic acid.
  • Ascorbyl palmitate is a type of palmitate.
  • Acrylates.
  • The magnesium ascorbylphosphate is a type of sulfate.

It is best to look for a product that is sold in opaque packaging, as it is possible for vitamins C and E to break down when exposed to sunlight.

You can also check out the other ingredients, especially if you’re looking to help several skin concerns at once. For example, hyaluronic acid or glycerin are good additions for dry skin, while AHAs can help slough off dead skin. Some products may also be formulated with retinol to help lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

Many products are made with 10 to 20 percent vitamin C, and that’s usually potent enough. Older studies show that maximum absorption is achieved at 20 percent.

Considerations by skin type

Vitamin C is safe to use for most skin types, but it’s still a good idea to do a patch test before applying serum all over your face.

You can apply a small amount of product to your wrist. Wait 24 hours for any signs of irritation.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, like rosacea, you might want to stick to serums with lower concentrations of vitamin C. That’s because concentrations higher than 20 percent may cause irritation.

Oily skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a noncomedogenic skin care product.

Dry skin

If your skin tends to be dry, look for hydrating products, like hyaluronic acid.

Higher concentrations of vitamin C may cause irritation in some people. But most people tolerate it pretty well.

And while mixing vitamin C with other ingredients won’t necessarily cause side effects, it can render the vitamin inactive. Board certified dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans cautions against mixing vitamin C with the following:

You can apply vitamin C serum both in the morning and at night, following your cleansing and toning routine. One study suggested applying a vitamin C serum every 8 hours, but twice daily will suffice.

Since ultraviolet (UV) light lowers the skin’s vitamin C levels, research from 2013 shows it’s best to apply topical vitamin C after being exposed to UV light, not before. So if you’re spending time in the sun, slather on the SPF beforehand and plan to apply your vitamin C serum after.

“To make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively to the product, you’ll want to test it. The three step process is listed here.”

  1. The inside of your wrist is a good location for small areas of skin that are easy to conceal.
  2. Wait 24 hours after applying a small amount of product.
  3. “The product is safe to apply to your face if you don’t notice any side effects. If you develop a rash, redness, or hives, do not use it.”

The product label has detailed instructions. After cleansing and toning, you should apply a Moisturizer over theRetinol and theRetinol A.

There are a number of tools you can use.

  • Gua sha tool. This ancient Chinese technique is used to stimulate the facial fascia to increase skin circulation, remove blockages, and increase blood flow. Gua sha tools can be paired with any serum to help the tool glide more effectively over the skin and make absorption more effective.
  • Jade roller. Like gua sha tools, jade rollers can help increase circulation, depuff skin, reduce inflammation, and expedite product absorption.
  • Ionic wand for face. Using ionic technology, an ionic wand opens up the pores to help “push” active ingredients within a serum deep into the skin for better penetration and absorption.

What does vitamin C serum do?

It is possible to reduce the signs of aging with the help of the vitamins C and E.

Is vitamin C serum really worth it?

“It is possible that the use of the ingredient, vitamins C and C7, can improve your skin’s appearance. It depends on your skin care needs and budget.”

How often should I use vitamin C serum?

You can apply it once a day. You can apply twice daily, once in the morning and again at night.

What percentage of vitamin C is best for the face?

Look for a formula with at least 10 percent vitamin C and a maximum of 20 percent. Anything less may not be effective. Anything over 20 percent could lead to irritation — and research says the benefits of vitamin C don’t increase after that threshold anyway.

What vitamin C is best for oily skin?

Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid. is ascorbic acid. may be the best option for oily skin, because it’s both lightweight and water-soluble.

What vitamin C is best for combination skin?

It is possible that magnesium ascorbyl phosphate can work for combination skin. It has hydrating properties, and is known for being able to prevent oxidation that causes blackheads.

“Adding a vitamins C and C enriched product to your daily regimen will help you improve your skin’s glow while reducing the harmful effects of the environment and the sun. The more you use a vitamin C serum the more you will see the difference.”

If the product irritates your skin, stop using it.