Best Vitamin C Serum 2020

The Packaging: Product Too Runny For A Squeeze Tube

The majority of the vitamin C serums Ive tried are packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper, but this formula is packaged in a squeezable tubesomething I normally would prefer. However, for how runny this cream formula is, I found that if I opened the tube upside down, the product would begin to drip out . I think I would actually have preferred this formula to be packaged as a dropper bottle.

What To Look For In A Vitamin C Product

When searching for a product that you can be sure will do its job properly, derms suggest looking for products that pair vitamin C with a supplemental ingredient. Top contenders include vitamin E or ferulic acid, which will help amp up its efficacy and stabilize the molecules. Since vitamin C is sun sensitive , you should also opt for something in an opaque bottle that won’t let light in.

Best For Hyperpigmentation: Beautystat Universal C Skin Refiner

• Highest concentration of vitamin C available

• Addition of squalane and green tea accelerates cellular turnover without irritation

• Expensive

• Slightly gritty

BeautyStat’s skin-refining formula contains 20 percent pure vitamin C, the highest concentration available over the counter, to address dullness, fade dark spots, and correct discoloration. The formula also contains calming ingredients like squalane and green tea, which improve cellular turnover without irritation.

Benefits: Radiance-boosting, retexturizing, hydrating, pH-balancing, tone-evening | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops twice daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes

Price at time of publish: $30

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Best For Sensitive Skin

Drunk Elephant is famous for creating clean formulas that work, which are completely free of essential oils, silicones and fragrance, making this the best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin. Packed with powerhouse ingredients such as 15 percent L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, 1 percent vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer it brightens, firms, evens tone and hydrates. Pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extracts dissolve dead skin cells to gently exfoliate and shrink the appearance of pores. The serum stays active on skin for up to a whopping 72 hours, lasting even through washing your face. Bonus: The opaque, airtight packaging is ideal for preserving the serum and its efficacy.

We Sorted Through Hundreds Of Vitamin C Serum Products To Narrow Down The Top Ones To Test These Are The Best Vitamin C Serums To Try Now

Vitamin C serums are seemingly everywhere and for good reasonthis powerhouse antioxidant and skin brightener is one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there. But vitamin C is notoriously fickle. It can degrade and lose its potency over time or when exposed to light and heat.

Our team of researchers and testers researched and tried hundreds of vitamin C serums on the market to find the best of the best. Testers looked at various factors, including company ethics, quality, efficacy, results and value. They also looked for the most effective forms of vitamin C and other anti-aging ingredients. These Top 5 best vitamin C serums stood out.

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Should You Use Vitamin C Every Day

Vitamin C can be used every day, as long as it is tolerated well and not irritating the skin or causing an adverse reaction, says Pritzker. 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.

Best For Fine Lines: Kiehl’s Powerful

• Potent blend of vitamin C and Cg

• Hyaluronic acid and delivers lightweight moisture and plumps skin

• Expensive

Scoring a 4.5 out of 5 overall score from our at-home tester, this serum delivers noticeable results when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines. In addition to pure vitamin C, the formula contains vitamin Cg, scorbyl glucoside and hyaluronic acid to add volume and plump fine lines.

Benefits: Plumping, smoothing, radiance-boosting, hydrating | Skin Type: Mature, balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1.7 ounces or 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | No

Price at time of publish: $60

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Matter Of Fact Ascorbic Acid 20 Brightening Serum

Matter of Facts vitamin C serum is a game changer, says Dr. Garner. This serum is an astonishing six times more stable than other leading products in the category, he says. This means that it is not only highly effective as demonstrated by clinical studies, but it will also remain that way for longer than other products on the market. But it comes at a price, and the serums cost may be a deterrent for some. However, the long shelf life means you wont be wasting it if you cant use it by the expiration date.

Pros:

Natures Bounty Vitamin C Caplets

If you want a more traditional vitamin C capsule supplement than the Natures Bounty tablets above, then Natures Bounty also makes its vitamin C caplets. The companys caplets come in 500mg of 1,000mg options, including a time release capsule that may be absorbed by your body more quickly.

The vitamin C caplets, like the Natures Bounty tablets above, contain added ingredients to bind the formula together, including calcium silicate, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate, and vegetable stearic acid.

However, if youre looking for an affordable vitamin C supplement from a trusted, New York-based brand, then the Natures Bounty vitamin C caplets may be the right choice for you.

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What Can Vitamin C Do For Your Skin

In skin care, a great vitamin C tip is that it can do a few really helpful things if you know its use. First, vitamin C can actually inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment in the skin, which makes it a crucial ingredient for managing hyperpigmentation and generally evening out skin tone.

Second, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which means it can help neutralize free radicals. These are unstable atoms that form as a result of exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Over time, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can harm the skin and cause premature signs of aging. Using sunscreen daily along with a potent antioxidant like vitamin C is the best way to protect yourself from damage due to free radicals.

Beautystat Universal C Skin Refiner

This potent serum packs 20% vitamin C, moisturizing squalane , and tartaric acid to stabilize the skins pH and help unclog pores for top-notch penetration of the product. Together, these ingredients work to boost collagen production, even tone, soothe inflammation, and leave the skin looking plump and radiant. The formula is also great for mature skin types, as it works to boost collagen to tighten and firm the skin.

I love this stuff and the ascorbic acid is the second ingredient listed, added another reviewer. Plus, it has a fairly short list of ingredients that Im satisfied with. It’s one of the few products that I feel makes my pores appear a little smaller when its applied (I have very large pores on my nose. It helps to balance my skin tone and makes my skin look a bit more firm, too.

Olay Regenerist Max Tone Serum

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Nourishmax Vitamin C B And E Serum

Out of all the products researched and tested, NourishMax vitamin C, B, E and ferulic acid serum impressed our experts with its innovative ingredient complex. In addition to vitamin C, this potent serum contains vitamins B and E, botanical antioxidants. This custom blend of ingredients fights wrinkles, sagging, lost firmness and more to support the appearance of younger-looking skin.

Our testers and researchers also loved the multi-antioxidant benefits of NourishMax. It helps to ward off free radicals and protect against the damaging effects of daily exposure to pollutants and UV radiation. Its beautiful, lightweight texture layers smoothly under sunscreen, making it easy to add an antioxidant boost every day.

Plus, NourishMax vitamin C serum contains a highly potent, 20 percent concentration of ascorbic acid . This unique form of vitamin C is further stabilized by the addition of ferulic acid, so the serum stays fresh and active.

Testers also appreciated that NourishMax combines clinical ingredients like vitamin C with botanical extracts known to brighten and protect the skin. It offers the best of both worlds for users looking for an effective vitamin C serum with natural ingredients.

What Does Vitamin C Do

Vitamin C is something of a mega multitasker in the skincare world. It encourages collagen production, helps to brighten dark spots and pigmentation, and works as an antioxidant to protect the skin against free radicals .

Not only that, but its also a great anti-inflammatory agent, softens rough skin texture and gives your skin one hell of a natural glow .

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Can Vitamin C Hurt Your Kidneys

Excess vitamin C is excreted from the body through urine in the form of oxalate, which is an organic acid .

High amounts of oxalate can build up in your kidneys, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation .

For this reason, people who are prone to kidney stones are advised not to take high dose vitamin C supplements (

Water Based Serum Or Oil Based Serum

If your read carefully our previous paragraph, you should be able to answer this question.

As you obviously want the most potent vitamin C serum, you will choose the most effective vitamin C forms : the oil soluble vitamin C derivative is not as effective as the water soluble ones, so you should stick with a water based vitamin C serum.

You can also notice that all our top 3 vitC serums are water based because they definitely gave us better results. That is also why most vitaminC serums in the market are water based.

The other advantage?

These serums are much lighter and will be much easier to add in your skincare routine.

As a reminder, apply the serum right after washing your face so to let the serum sink in and give you optimum results.

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Loral Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum

At just around $30, LOréals Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C serum is a great product at a great drugstore price. Its nice to know that there are good choices across the board at all price points, says Dr. Day. This serum contains 10 percent pure vitamin C serum with another anti-aging big wig, hyaluronic acid, to visibly brighten skin and reduce wrinkles, she adds. The hyaluronic acid also brings moisture back to your skin. While the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive, some users report breakouts with this serum. If your skin reacts well to it, follow up with the right anti-aging cream for your skin type.

Pros:

How To Use Vitamin C In Your Skincare Routine

Now lets get down to the good stuff: how do you go about starting to use this ingredient in your skin regimen? You have to pay a lot of attention to the form and the concentration you use on the skin, says consultant dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon at the St Johns Institute of DermatologyDr Emma Craythorne. The optimal concentration depends on its formulation.

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How Do I Take Vitamin C

There is no such complex procedure in taking vitamin C on your part. It is safe to take in the safe amounts. you can take it at any time of the day. Whether it is before your meal, after a meal, etc. But health experts suggest that taking vitamin C early in the morning can make your body more prepared for the rest of the days activity. You must also take vitamin C on a daily basis if youre an active person. While taking the supplements is enough to fulfill your vitamin C needs, you might want to add fruits or veggies to reap the benefits of fiber, other vitamins, and nutrients.

How Much Vitamin C Should I Take

The Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for adult men and 75 milligrams for adult women. For pregnant women above the age of 19, the RDA is 85 milligrams and for lactating women, its 125 milligrams. Notably, smokers need an extra 35 milligrams of vitamin C a day, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Most people get the RDA of vitamin C through their diet, however, vitamin C deficiency is not completely unheard of. Vitamin C deficiency may also show up in people who smoke, have gastrointestinal disorders that prevent vitamin C absorption, certain types of cancer and have a poor diet, says Dr. Shafipour. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor about proper vitamin C supplementation.

Not having enough vitamin C in your diet can lead to conditions such as scurvy, anemia, bleeding gums, bruising and poor wound healing.

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Topical Vs Oral Vitamin C

So, we know that topical vitamin C can do amazing things for your skin, but you can also take vitamin C orally with supplements. How do the benefits differ?

Research shows that supplementing with vitamin C gives you access to super similar skin benefits as topical vitamin C, including increased collagen production, reduced dark spots, and improved skin hydration and texture. It also helps speed up wound healing. But so far, it looks like UV protection and wrinkle reduction are only found when used topically.

When it comes to your general health, antioxidants like vitamin C might help reduce your chances of developing certain chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress, like cardiovasculardisease, certain cancers, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Lastly, some research has found that vitamin C supplementation can help some peeps get the common cold less often, including people who engage in extreme physical exercise, those exposed to cold for long durations of time, and people with lower levels of vitamin C . It *might* reduce the duration of the common cold for adults that take it regularly, but it wont do squat if you dont take it until after your symptoms start.

Peach & Lily Transparen

Aesthetician Lily Njoroge recommends this serum for acne-prone clients and those for whom irritation is a concern. Its the first vitamin C serum Ive found that I would recommend for acneic skin, she says, because it has oils high in linoleic acid such as sunflower seed oil, and this makes it helpful at reducing inflammation.

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Best For Oily Skin: Pca Skin C

• Skin type: oily
• Main ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, botanical actives, and stem cells actives
• Size: 29.5ml
• Price: $120

The manufacturer, PCA Skin, claims this serum hydrates and strengthens the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The product is free of:

• parabens

• Skin type: all skin types
• Main ingredients: stabilized vitamin C, vitamin C salt, botanical ferulic acid, and hydrolyzed botanical hyaluronic acid
• Size: 30ml
• Price: $110

The manufacturer claims this vitamin C serum brightens and firms the skin while minimizing redness and signs of aging, such as wrinkles.

Its ingredients include stabilized vitamin C, plant-sourced ferulic acid, and natural antioxidants.

Éminence states that its:

• manufacturing process is in line with sustainable practices
• products are free from parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and propylene glycol
• products are also cruelty-free

The serum is suitable for all skin types, and people can use it once or twice a day.

Individuals interested in buying vitamin C serums can have a look at the FAQs below:

Best For Acne: Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

• Does not work as well for hyperpigmentation or dark spots

• Packaging can leak when shipped

If you have acne, theres a good chance one of the weapons in your cosmetic toolkit is , a cult favorite for zapping zits quickly. If youre looking to add a vitamin C serum into your beauty regimebut worrying about how it will affect your acnewe recommend the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum, which many users claim actually helps clear up their breakouts and reduces acne scarring on top of all the usual C serum benefits.

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, will also help to reduce the visible signs of acne.

In addition to being an affordable vitamin C serum, this one also boasts sodium hyaluronate and collagen, a concoction of ingredients that will target signs of aging while simultaneously promoting moisture and smoothing your skin. Its free of phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, sodium hyaluronate | Usage: Apply three to four drops each morning after cleansing and drying face | Scent: Lavender

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The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Ha Spheres 2%: The Best Vitamin C Serum For Hyperpigmentation

Price: £6 | Buy now from Cult Beauty

The Ordinary is known for no-frills packaging and a no-nonsense approach to the science of skincare. The strong concentration of vitamin C makes this an effective serum for tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation, as well as improving overall skin tone and texture.

The powerful formula feels a little heavier and stickier than some of the formulas above, and you can expect to feel a moderate tingling-to-stinging sensation when starting to use the product. The Ordinarys unpretentious formula certainly packs a punch, however, and you should expect to see results within two weeks. A silicon-based version in the same range contains a 30% concentration in a smoother cream base.

Key specs Bottle size: 30ml Vitamin C concentration: 23% Vitamin C type: Ascorbic acid

Price: £129 |

If price isnt a consideration, this luxury serum inspires something close to devotion among its users. Active ingredients include vitamin C at a 15% concentration, pure vitamin E to promote healing and repair, and the antioxidant ferulic acid to reduce fine lines. We cant quite promise this high-end product is the fountain of youth in a bottle, but fans swear its something very close. Expect improved skin texture and brightness almost immediately, combined with softening of fine lines after a few weeks.

Key specs Bottle size: 30ml Vitamin C concentration: 15% Vitamin C type: L-ascorbic acid