Sunday Riley Ceo Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
This multitasking face oil contains skin-calming turmeric , ginger root to even out discoloration, and a stable form of vitamin C to smooth fine lines. Its standout quality? The gorgeous texture absorbs quickly without the stickiness of many serums. Just be sure to apply as your last step, as thinner products wont be able to penetrate through an oil.
19. Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C
Add a few drops of this fragrance-free vitamin C serum to your moisturizer and slather it on all at the same time, Dr. Chapas says, so its easy to incorporate into your skincare regimen. No need to worry about feeling dry, as it contains hydrating glycerin, dimethicone, and squalane. Thanks to its addition of salicylic acid, those with acne-prone skin will love this option.
How To Use Vitamin C And Introduce It In Your Skincare Routine
When introducing a vitamin C serum in your skincare routine, there are a few general guidelines that you should know. Like with any other active ingredient, its vital to test your product first, then introduce it slowly to your regime.
That can mean alternating days at first and just once a day you can build slowly to every day and even twice a day application. But bear in mind other products that may interfere and that too much too soon can cause irritation.
Always remember that vitamin C serums are not just for the face you can use them anywhere you have uneven skin or spots, like the neck and chest area or on your hands.
Truskin 20% Vitamin C Serum Best Overall
Truskin 20% vitamin C serum is one of the top rated and best vitamin C serums in the market. This well formulated vitamin C combines 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate form of vitamin C, , with vitamin E, aleo vera, MSM, witch hazel, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid and other plant extracts, to get rid of skin aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark aging spots. While it enhances the overall well being of the skin by brightening, firming and glowing the skin.
Pros
- Contains active plant based ingredients.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Comes in a dark or tinted glass bottle.
- Comes with a dropper.
This is a vitamin C serum with class. Radha beauty 20% vitamin C serum has gained the trust and love from so many users. This serums has high positive ratings on Amazon, and rated as one of the best vitamin C serums in the industry. Radha beauty 20% vitamin C serum, combines 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate form of vitamin C together with Aloe vera, Hyaluronic acid, MSM, vitamin E and other plant extract to give your skin the treatment it deserves by fighting skin aging signs reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, brightening and firming your skin.
Pros
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Recommended Reading: What Foods Have Vitamin C And Zinc
What Are The Benefits Of Using Retinol
Retinol supports our bodys cellular turnover .
How is this beneficial?
It rids old, dead skin cells, which cause the skin to look dull, and replaces them with new, healthy cells, reinvigorating the skin and making it appear radiant.
Remember, our skin cells go through a lot with the pollution and dirt they face every day, which makes the skin dry, flaky, dull, and generally undesirable and prescribed retin A or non-prescription retinol can help.
Best For Acne: Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
A similarly high price point to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, Dr. Saedi explains that many of her clients gravitate toward Revision C+ Correcting Complex because it is fragrance free and is more of a lotion in consistency, making it less irritating. This antioxidant blend of 30% THD ascorbate and vitamin E is the perfect weapon for free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots for all skin tones. It is also paraben and sulfate free.
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What Is Vitamin C
Often referred to as the holy grail of skincare, vitamin C is an essential vitamin. This means that its required to make the body function properly. However, it cant be produced it needs to be ingested or applied topically. Its a water-soluble vitamin, which means that your body cant store it, no matter how many leafy greens you eat. In terms of vitamin C for skin, youll need to apply it topically to experience its benefits, which include preventing and treating premature aging.
Dr Dennis Gross C + Collagen Perfect Skin Set & Refresh Mist
Opting for a mist is a great lighter alternative to thicker serums. The blend of vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids help to revive a dull complexionits like an amazing quick-fix vitamin C boost for your skin, says Anne Chapas, M.D. of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. Apply during your typical serum step, or spritz it on whenever your face needs a revive.
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The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Ha Spheres 2%: The Best Vitamin C Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Price: £5 | 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
Are All Vitamin C Serums Created Equal
No, not all vitamin C serums are on the same level of efficacy. This is because vitamin C is labeled as an unstable ingredient, with serums containing L-ascorbic acid being the most active form of the vitamin.
L ascorbic acid is the water-soluble form , Dr. Patel explains. Its most easily absorbed by the skin, unstable in sunlight and air and is tricky in formulation this results in the different qualities of vitamin C serums.
Dr. Patel adds that esterified vitamin C is much more stable in air and sunlight and not as irritating, but not as strong as L ascorbic acid. That said, the difference in serum qualities depends on concentration, formulation and packaging, according to Dr. Patel.
Recommended Reading: How Often Do You Use Vitamin C Serum
The Type Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C in its pure form is L-ascorbic acid, but when it comes to topical products it can vary. Some of the most effective ones to look out for are L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 6 palmitate, disodium isostearyl 2-0 L-ascorbyl phosphate, tetris palmitoyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid sulfate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside2.
Some forms are prone to oxidation , so if your product takes on a yellow-ish appearance once opened, chances are its lost its efficacy.
Benefits Of Using A Vitamin C Serum
Here are the benefits of using vitamin C:
- Hydrating: Manganese ascorbyl phosphate, a precursor of vitamin C, hydrates the skin, helping it to maintain its moisture by reducing trans epidermal water loss .
- Brightening: Using vitamin C can help reduce pigmentation and dullness, resulting in a youthful glow.
- Evens skin tone: Vitamin C is known to treat several inflammatory conditions, including redness, leading to an even skin complexion.
- Fades hyperpigmentation: Sometimes, excess melanin is produced in certain skin areas, resulting in dark spots, such as sunspots and melisma. Applying vitamin C in these areas hinders melanin production, removing dark spots much like hydroquinone.
- Promotes collagen production: Over time, collagen depletes, causing fine lines and wrinkles to develop. Vitamin C bolsters collagen production.
- Can help reduce under-eye circles: It plumps and hydrates the area under the eyes, smoothing out the discoloration causing the circles.
- Helps prevent skin sagging: Collagen is tied to skin elasticity and firmness, and when its levels drop, the result is the skin sagging. But when you apply vitamin C serum, it helps boost collagen production, causing overall tightening.
- Protects against sun damage: Because vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, it acts as a barrier against the damaging effect of free radicals.
- Helps soothe sunburns: Vitamin C promotes cellular turnover, enabling the damaged sunburn cells to be replaced with new healthy ones.
Read Also: Should I Take Vitamin C Supplements
Should You Use Vitamin C With Hyaluronic Acid
The simple answer is yes. Its okay to layer the two products but ensure you leave enough time for each of them to dry before applying the next one.
And if youre wondering which one you should apply first, remember the rule of thumb to go from the thinnest to the thickest. So if your HA serum is slightly thicker like mine is, then start with the vitamin C.
The Best Vitamin C Serums To Buy Right Now
PARIS, FRANCE – DECEMBER 07: . A model walks the runway during the Chanel Metiers D’Art 2021-2022 show at Le 19M on December 07, 2021 in Paris, France.
Next to retinol, no ingredient reigns supreme in the skincare world like vitamin C. And its no wonderthe all-star ingredient can do everything from brightening the skin to eliminating dark spots, ultimately making for a clearer, more even-toned complexion. While vitamin C can be found in a range of skincare productsfrom cleansers to moisturizersyoull reap the most benefits from a vitamin C serum.
Thats because serums are highly concentrated and are meant to stay on your skin for a long period of time . Therefore, in an effort to help you on your journey toward brighter and healthier skin, Ive rounded up 12 of the best vitamin C serums on the market right now. Keep reading to learn what they are. – Great Stocking Stuffers….
Vitamin C Serum by Blu Atlas
COURTESY OF Blu Atlas
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic® with 15% L-ascorbic acid
COURTESY OF SkinCeuticals
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
COURTESY OF La Roche-Posay
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
COURTESY OF The Ordinary
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum
COURTESY OF Kiehl’s
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
COURTESY OF Perricone MD
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener
COURTESY OF Peter Thomas
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
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Can I Use A Vitamin C Serum Everyday
Yes, you can use a vitamin C serum everyday. However particularly with serums that have a higher concentration of vitamin C some may find that using a serum with this vitamin everyday may irritate the skin. If youre new to using a vitamin C serum, you may consider applying it every other day to allow your skin to adjust to the ingredient, and then increasing your usage if it seems fit.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do For The Skin
Vitamin C is helpful for those with mature skin or looking to reduce signs of aging. It is an excellent antioxidant because it protects against free radical damage and oxidative stress, Campbell noted.
Think of sun and pollution creating reactive oxygen species in the skin that are breaking up collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles, she explained. Antioxidants like vitamin C chew up these free radicals, which helps protect your skin from damage and makes your sunscreen work better.
Vitamin C is also a great ingredient for anyone with acne-prone skin for several reasons, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist: It can help neutralize inflation and prevent breakouts, brighten dark spots left behind when pimples heal it can also treat melasma and can calm rosacea, Campbell added. However, Zeichner advised those with acne-prone skin avoid vitamin C serums paired with vitamin E, a moisturizing ingredient that can cause breakouts. If you have dry or mature skin, vitamin E is a great ingredient to look out for in your vitamin C serum.
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Who Should Use Vitamin C Serum
Treat yourself to a vitamin C serum if:
- You spend a lot of time in the sun: If you live in a sunny area or spend most of your time outside, consider using vitamin C serum on your face to protect it from the suns damaging rays.
- Your skin is showing signs of aging: Even if youre young, you should start using a vitamin C serum if you notice fine lines, wrinkles or any signs of aging on your face.
- You want to incorporate anti-aging products into your daily routine: By adding a vitamin C serum into your daily routine, youll be protecting your skin while reaping the benefits of an anti-aging product at the same time.
Best Vitamin C Serums
Best Overall: Carrot & Stick The Defense Serum, $60Why settle for just one type of vitamin C? The best vitamin C serum is this potent formula from Carrot & Stick. Its packed with three vitamin C derivatives which work together to promote collagen and visibly brighten the skin. The daily dose of vitamin C also helps fight free radical damage and enhance cellular longevity. Apply in the morning and evening to clean skin.
Best Multi-C:Formulyst Active Serum Vitamin B, C, E, Ferulic + Niacinamide, $60This effective vitamin C serum from Formulyst contains the highest concentration of pure vitamins C , B, and E, ferulic acid , and niacinamide one of two primary forms of vitamin B3 that helps manage acne, rosacea, and pigmentation issues while softening wrinkles. With that said, this is a vitamin C serum almost everyone can benefit from.
Best Dermatologist Pick:SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $166The best vitamin C serum recommended by a dermatologist has won copious awards, features patented ingredients and continues to be a consumer favorite all over the world. Developed by SkinCeuticals, this product is the brands best-seller.
While the medicinal smell puts some off, it dissipates almost instantaneously. The scent is telling you that youre applying pure vitamin C , vitamin E , and ferulic acid This trio works hard to neutralize free radicals in just 4-5 drops each morning.
Related:Best Anti Aging Face Serums
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Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum
This has a bouquet of antioxidantsincluding 12% ascorbyl glucosideas well as kakadu plum, acerola cherry, orange peel, lemon peel, and noni fruit. Translation? This is like a morning superfruit smoothie for your skin. But it doesn’t stop there. It has the humectant sodium hyaluronate to help skin hold on to water and olive leaf extract to soothe irritation.
Should I Apply Vitamin C Serum During The Day Or At Night
Vitamin C serum is said to be safe to apply up to twice a day in conjunction with your regular skin care routine. Serums are typically fast-absorbing, making them ideal for applying underneath your other skin care products like moisturizer and under your make-up. Some dermatologists recommend applying vitamin C during the day to help protect your skin from free radicals throughout the day. It is not, however, considered adequate sun protection. You still need sunscreen for that.
Personally, I recommend applying at night only. If you have sensitive skin, definitely avoid using vitamin C during the day altogether and just use it at night instead. At night, your skin undergoes repair and recovery, which is why your vitamin C serum can definitely come in handy at night. Apply it after youve thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated.
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The Best Budget Vitamin C Serum: Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum $2499
- Pros: Dermatologist-approved skincare brand, has a fresh scent, brightens problem areas and hydrates the skin
- Cons: Impractical packaging
Oh, CeraVe, how I love you so. Ive been using the brands cleanser for years and wasnt surprised at the slightest when its Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum was one of the ones to come up on top.
Notably, its fresh scent just makes you want to use it every day and it effectively brightened and nourished my skin. For $25, you cant go wrong.
- Pros: Amazing at brightening the skin, has a pump dispenser, great for waking your skin up in the morning, has a pump protector for no spills
- Cons: None to speak of
When I first came across Farmacys Very Cherry Bright Serum, I knew I was going to like it. A serum that includes vitamin C and sweet cherries? Sounds like facial heaven.
As someone with dry skin, this is the best for this skin type because it includes ascorbic acid, acerola cherry and other derivatives of vitamin C that nourished my skin to the T. Though its not the only serum in this edit that works well on dry skin, its a thirst-quenching one I kept resorting back to.
- Pros: Akin to a moisturizer, fresh scent, made my entire skin glow
- Cons: None to speak of
There are many great vitamin C serums in this roundup but Garniers formulation was too good, I just kept thinking about it.
