If no side effects occur, then transition to using the product more broadly a few days per week before progressing to daily use. "Concentrations beyond 20% really don't offer any significant additional benefit and can be more . "Consumers should look for vitamin C concentrations between 10-20%," Casey advised. The lower concentration compared to some competitors is sort of a catch-22: Its less potent than others with higher concentrations of vitamin C, but at the same time it may be better tolerated by new users or those with sensitive skin. 1 Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antioxidant, but interestingly humans lack the enzyme. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dr. Herrmann recommends applying your serum after cleansing. She received a bachelors degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Over time, she noticed a real improvement in the radiance and texture of her skin, even saying that it seemed to blur the look of her pores and uneven texture with continued use. Benefits: Lightens dark spots, calms inflammation | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops morning and night | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes, Makes skin look radiant after each application and over time, Doesnt make a noticeable difference in firmness of the skin. You can start to appreciate the results of a topical vitamin C in as little as a month.. 2016;15(4):476-482. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you may want to opt for a nightly application to both heal and prevent sun damage (but make sure youre wearing a good sunscreen, too). If the specific serum youve been using seems to be causing a reaction or, on the flip side, not having much effect at all, ask your dermatologist if the particular form of vitamin C in your serum has been tested in published clinical trials: This is the true mark of a well-thought out, tested, and formulated vitamin C preparation, she advises. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production, giving skin more support and structure. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. Alyssa joined the Byrdie team in 2022 covering shopping and product content in the beauty and lifestyle categories. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F. $19.80. Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, 1% vitamin E| Usage: Apply one pump face, neck, and chest after cleansing and drying | Scent: Yes, may be unpleasant, Some users dislike the texture upon application, Its 3-month shelf life may be shorter than some would prefer. One fan of the product says, Since adding this vitamin C serum to my morning and evening skincare routine, I have noticed that my complexion appears clearer and brighter. Senior beauty editor Jane Sung has more than a decade of experience covering the beauty industry and conducting product testing and extensive research. Get ready to give your skin the radiance boost it deserves. Seriously, even if you use nothing else besides a cleanser, this stuff truly is the fountain of youth, she says. After six weeks of using it, her skin looked and felt softer and smoother. The airless pump ensures that the vitamin C will not oxidize. Vitamin C can be one of the best weapons against acne, says Michael Somenek, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can accelerate wound healing, [which] will also help to reduce the visible signs of acne.. She explained that the dropper was intuitive, and the formula sunk into her skin quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is infused with 15% pure vitamin C to brighten skin. Because of its plant-based ingredients, this formula is free of GMOs, sulfates, and fragrances, so you can take solace in the fact that this addition to your skin care regimen is all-natural. Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, 0.5% ferulic acid | Usage: Apply four to five drops each morning after cleansing and drying face| Scent: Has a scent, Includes vitamin E, organic aloe vera, and jojoba oil, Lower percentage of vitamin C than other options on our list. This is a BETA experience. If any side effects are noted, use of the product should be stopped, he says. For example, some serums may contain ingredients that irritate the skin, so if you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist to determine the best vitamin C serum for you. 9 best vitamin C serums to fade dark spots and discoloration Dermatologists break down everything worth knowing about vitamin C and share their go-to serums. Dr. Alam explains that you want the vitamin C, which most commonly comes in the form of L-ascorbic acid, within the top five ingredients on the label. A quick look at the best vitamin C serums Best vitamin C serum for dull skin: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Vitamin C Concentrate | Skip to review Best drugstore vitamin C serum: Pixi Vitamin-C Serum | Skip to review Best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation: Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C . The Best Vitamin C Serums, According to Experts and Reviews Beauty The Best Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serums That Will Brighten, Firm, and Protect Skin This superhero ingredient deserves a spot in your skin-care lineup. Similarly, always make sure to store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place. When applied topically, the potent antioxidant neutralizes free radical damage and protects the skin against UV light and other environmental aggressors. Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E| Usage: Apply three to five drops each morning after cleansing and drying face | Scent: None, Quality of the product certainly matters, but price may not necessarily indicate quality. by Alisa Hrustic and Shauna Beni. If you experience a negative reaction, then consider selecting a vitamin C serum with a lower concentration or altering other products in your routine that could be causing the sensitivity. Considering that its effective, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, and doesnt contain harsh acids, we think its a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Benefits: Brightening, firming, texture-smoothing | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes. According to Nazanin Saedi, MD, director of Jefferson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center in Philadelphia, vitamin C is a key ingredient in many skin care products because of its reputation for reducing acne scarring, erasing fine lines, and evening out skin tone. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is plant-based and is a fraction of the price of most vitamin C serums, but we chose this product because it's just as high quality compared to other options. Benefits: Brightening, retexturizing | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: .95 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes. The best vitamin C serum or vitamin C oil for the face reduces discoloration, softens the signs of age, brightens, and Continue reading "21 of the Best Vitamin C Serums for a . How often should you use vitamin C serum? There are always concerns when trying a new product about how it might react with your skin and the other serums and moisturizers in your skincare routine. For even more great deals on skincare products, check out Forbes Coupons. May not reduce the appearance of dark spots as well as other serums on the market. This is an ideal anti-aging, anti-cancer program: retinol or retin-a at night, then vitamin C product underneath sunblock in the am, Dr. Baxt says. This formulation features 10% pure vitamin C in conjunction with hydrating hyaluronic acid. If you use any retinoids or retin-a products, then Dr. Baxt recommends using the vitamin C serum in the morning and the other products in the evening to prevent any reaction between the active ingredients. Active ingredients:Vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium ascorbyl phosphate | Additional benefits:Radiance-boosting, texture smoothing | Consistency:Oil | Cruelty-free: Yes, Resurrect your complexion with this high-performance blendfeaturing vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble form), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). ZO Skin Health C-Bright Serum, 73. My overall complexion is way brighter and smoother, and I love how the product melts into the skin when applied, she shared. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. 2014;4(1):93-101. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0052-3. While vitamin C serums help with a variety of skin conditions, it's important to target a product that fits your specific skin care needs. There has been much debate about whether its better to use the ingredient to protect skin during the day, or replenish it at night, but Dr. Herrmann says you can choose which time of day to apply just be consistent. Key Ingredients: 15% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E| Usage: Apply four drops each morning after cleansing and drying face| Scent: Has a scent, Does not work as well for hyperpigmentation or dark spots. Best budget. Its important to make sure that the manufacturer has clinical data to back up its claims.. By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. One issue with many oils and serums is that they leave behind a greasy residue, but this hydrator seems to absorb in just a few minutes. If you have sensitive skin, then you know how important it is to find products that are gentlebut effective. They work in conjunction to minimizes dark spots, fight future UVA/UVB damage, alleviate inflammation and neutralize free radicals. Weve done extensive research, getting staffer recommendations and sifting through reputable and expert-approved brands. This one is excellent for that because, in addition to containing vitamin C, its also formulated with niacinamide, another ingredient known for its spot-fading capabilities. Active ingredients:Glycolic acid, vitamin C | Additional benefits:Fights signs of aging, minimizes redness, supports natural skin turnover | Consistency:Cream | Cruelty-free:Yes. You also need to be cautious using it with other actives, such as retinol. Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate is stable and fat soluble, so it can be used in oil-based products. We talked to derms and found top picks for all budgets, from L'Oreal, La Roche-Posay, TruSkin and more. Sometimes the most buzz-worthy products dont live up to expectations, but this one does. 229. Luckily, the vitamin C serum category runs the gamut in ingredient concentration, price point and consistency. Separately, vitamin E and ferulic acid are ideal antioxidants to be paired with vitamin C, according to Pritzker. It also contains 0.5% ferulic acid, an ingredient that Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California, says increases the absorption of vitamin C by nearly 90 percentso youll know its really working. 12 Aug. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9080866, The 13 Best Over-the-Counter Retinols of 2023, Tested & Reviewed, The 12 Best Night Creams of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 11 Best Face Masks of 2023, Tested & Reviewed, The 14 Best Face Oils of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Best Overnight Face Masks of 2023, Tested & Reviewed, The 17 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023, The 14 Best Drugstore Retinol Creams of 2023, The 14 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums of 2023, The 17 Best Collagen Creams of 2023 for Firmer, Plumper Skin. She even noted that she could get away without applying a moisturizer on top of it, and her skin would still feel hydrated. Black-owned brand Hyper Skins Hyper Clear Serum is a vitamin C formula that caters to all skin types and tones, including melanated skin. Formulated with Konjac root, vitamin C, and E, this serum works well to soften, smooth, and soothe skin. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat, and air, so it must be stored in a UV-protected and air-tight bottle in a cool, dark place, Dr. Alam says. Another plus: its a lightweight cream formula, which works well for all skin types, says Pritzker. Read on for our expert-approved picks for vitamin C serums. best in class Updated June 9, 2023 The 11 Very Best Vitamin-C Serums Including specific serums for dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. Not all of them are created equal. Best for mature skin. Drunk Elephant has gained a loyal following for their commitment to using clean ingredients without skimping on effectiveness, which is why we recommend this pick to anyone looking for a clean, natural serum. Active ingredients:15% vitamin C, 5% PHAs, hyaluronic acid | Additional benefits:Brightens skim, smooths texture, improves firmness and elasticity | Consistency:Serum | Cruelty-free: Yes. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Having produced a variety of stories focused on skincare ingredients and topics, we also tapped into our deep market knowledge to highlight products and brands that offer innovative, effective formulas. Reviewers report this was a game changer for improving texture and reducing the appearance of dark patches and acne scars. She also noted that it helped to visibly reduce some of her hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even, less dull-looking skin tone. Additionally, pay attention to the order of the ingredients on the product. Though this brightening serum did a nice job of boosting the radiance of our testers skin, she didnt see an improvement in hyperpigmentation or firmness after the six-week testing period. Unlike some funky vitamin C serums, this one has a subtle, refreshing citrusy scent that users, including myself, love. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C essentially works by neutralizing free radicals from the environment, assisting in the repair of damaged cells, improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging (like pigmentation), and barrier function. Wake up blah skin, achieve a more youthful-looking glow and target uneven texture with this pure 10% vitamin C serum. Like any skincare product, it's important to be wary of mixing ingredients that may cause a reaction. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. As for the results after the testing period, our tester was really pleased with them. Vitamin C is touted as one of the best ingredients on the market for. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Key Ingredients: THD Ascorbate 30%| Usage: Apply one pump evenly to the face, morning and night, after cleansing | Scent: None, Mixed after purchasing for maximum potency and freshness, Powerful trio of vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid| Usage: Apply 3-5 drops to face, neck, and chest after cleansing and drying| Scent: Yes, but mild. But with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which one is best for you. So, after putting dozens of them to the test in our lab and choosing our favorites based on various attributes, we decided to send them home with our testers so that they could gain even more meaningful insights over the course of six weeks. This SPF-meets-serum formulation is, as the name suggests, a combination of powerhouse SPF and toning vitamin C. This two-in-one product works double duty, saving you your beauty budget, time and valuable counter space. Hyaluronic acid and squalane can also be vehicles within various vitamin C serums as well. GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more. We narrowed down our list of best picks based on criteria like price, ingredients, and benefits. Beauty Makeup &. Unlike any other serum on this list, it also includes vitamin B5, which can soothe and hydrate as well as potentially fight acne, according to one 2014 study. March 6, 2023 / Skin Care & Beauty. While our tester has been using vitamin C serums consistently for many years, she explained that when she switched to this one, she noticed a very real improvement in the texture of her skin, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. Its not always the percentage of vitamin C but the form of vitamin C thats most important for tolerance and effect, says Dr. Palm. L-ascorbic acid is 100% pure vitamin C. Its water-soluble, well-researched and effective, but extremely unstable. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. However, if youre new to the vitamin C serum scene, it may be best to start at a lower concentration or apply it less frequently because it can cause irritation. While this might not sound super appealing, it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. One user raves about the product. C E Ferulic should be a staple in everyones skincare regimen. Best for Sensitive Skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus, $95. While our tester appreciated that this liquidy serum absorbed quickly and layered nicely in her skincare routine, she didnt see a noticeable difference in the brightness of her complexion or a reduction in dark spots. While she struggled a bit to set up the dispensing part of the packaging for the initial use, once it was complete, she said the product was easy to use moving forward. Apply vitamin C serum after cleansing (and after applying your toner, if you use one). Over the course of six weeks, each tester incorporated one vitamin C serum into their beauty routine per the directions on the packing of their product. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. You can find big discounts from retailers like Sephora, Ulta and Skinceuticals. These factors include pH, concentration and other ingredients. The LOral Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is our top pick due to its accessibility, functional packaging, and effectiveness at improving skin tone and texture. That said, there are tons of. Vitamin C is a sensitive ingredient, so its important youre paying attention to not only the type of bottle the serum comes in, but also where youre storing it daily. The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is a great option with L-ascorbic acid as is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. Together with vitamin E, this serum is the perfect weapon for free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots for all skin tones. To give your skin an added boost, the apple, tangerine, and orange extracts help prevent any future damage from taking hold. Vitamin C is inherently unstable and quickly broken down when exposed to light and/or oxygen. And with a good vitamin C serum, you can improve your skin complexion, minimize hyperpigmentation, and help improve skin texture. +Retinol Vita C Power Serum. Eventually, you can and should use vitamin C serum every day, but you may not be able to jump right into that daily application as soon as the bottle is in your hands. If you have more sensitive skin and tend to react to skincare products, then it might be best to pick up a serum with a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid, about 10 percent, or a product that contains a derivative of vitamin C that is gentler than L-ascorbic acid, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl-6-palmitate, which have a neutral pH of 7, Dr. Alam says. Vitamin C comes in many forms, but the most common is L-ascorbic acid. Its also important to consider how vitamin C serum fits into the timeline of your skin care regime, especially if you use other products with certain ingredients. While it doesnt have hard claims on firming benefits, we would love it if it provided a bit more of a firming benefit, especially considering that it contains marine peptides. The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews, and videos on Vogue.com. While she didnt see a major difference in the radiance of her skin, the texture and tone improvements are so great that this isnt a deal breaker for us. #1 Best Selling Vitamin C Serum: Special Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Retinol: About this item . Ad Choices. However, its an excellent product overall, and we think its the perfect pick for vitamin C beginners. But newer data, he explains, shows that UV damage remains for hours after a person is no longer exposed to the sun. And while you can count your morning OJ as a good defense for your bod, the best way to. She appreciated that the serum had a lightweight texture that didnt feel greasy on her already oily skin, and she noticed that after a few weeks of using it, her post-acne marks were visibly lightened. Like celebrities, shoppers also can't believe how the serum makes their skin feel. . Vitamin C works best when combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which together improve the antioxidant effects and stability of this ingredient, says Murad Alam, MD, vice-chair and professor of dermatology at Northwestern Medicine. Your precious formula is best stored in a cool, dark environment for best usage. If you have acne, theres a good chance one of the weapons in your cosmetic toolkit is Mario Badescus Drying Lotion, a cult favorite for zapping zits quickly. Other less intense versions include sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. This one is fantastic for beginners because it contains vitamins C and E, as well as marine peptides known for their firming effect. Identifying the right concentration for your skin type will determine how effective your serum will be, and starting slow could help ease your skin into this new regimen. Pullar, Juliet M et al. It is also paraben and sulfate free. Our tester also noted that she appreciated the squeeze-tube packaging, saying it made dispensing the right amount of product easy. Then, we researched the best vitamin C serums on the market today based on our experts' guidance. Choosing the right one can be tricky, says Pritzker. Wave Goodbye to Dark Circles With These Eye Creams, These Are the Best Skin-Care Products, According to, Experts Share the Wrinkle Creams That Actually Work, We Asked Top Dermatologists to Share Their Skin-Care RoutinesPlus, the Products They, 16 Best Collagen Supplements to Transform Your SkinAnd Boost Your Immune System, The Best Acne Treatments and Products, According to Dermatologists. Best smoothing. The formula is also foolproofit absorbs quickly, leaves the skin feeling comfortable, and layers nicely under other makeup and additional skincare products.