It Reduces The Appearance Of Under
Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area.
Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.
According to a small 2009 study , vitamin C in the form of 10 percent sodium ascorbate was found to improve dark circles of the lower eyelid after 6 months of use by thickening the eyelid dermis and concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.
Some other ways to help get rid of under-eye bags include using a cold compress and adding retinol to your skin care routine.
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicles from breaking down collagen and elastin, Dr. Patel explains. You can tell if your serum is working after a week of using.
She adds that your skin should be smoother, softer and more glowy and maybe a few dark spots lighter, as if you have had an exfoliation upon consistent use.
Over months there should be a decrease in dark spots and a thickening of the skin, she adds. There may be fewer breakouts as well.
The Best Refreshing Vitamin C Serum: Tula Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum $48
- Pros: Consistent at brightening and hydrating, works well on sensitive skin, smooth and refreshing
- Cons: None to speak of
Tulas Brightening Treatment Drops are literal drops of ocean-cool refreshment onto your skin. Its the serum I would choose if I need to really wake up in the morning and over time, gives some of the best, glowy results.
- Pros: Has the best consistency we tested good at giving an all-around, sweet glow
- Cons: Has a slightly strong floral scent, but nothing unusable
Rose Inc. shocked me with its ability to produce a natural-looking glow. Seriously, if you happen to skip your cleanser and moisturizer one day and just use the brands Radiant Reveal Clean Brightening Vitamin C Serum, youll be A-OK.
Its not too thick and not too runny, so its the Goldilocks winner of serums. Plus, its packaging is minimal and sealed, anti-bacteria safe.
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How Is Vitamin C Derived
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is majorly derived from fruits and vegetables. It can be found in many foods including oranges, broccoli, and potatoes, its not hard to get enough. Some experts have stated that vitamin C can also be derived from glucose or sugar.
Though, there is no clear evidence and explanation to back it up. We only know that they both have the same chemical structure.
How We Chose The Best Vitamin C Serums Of 2022
Weve done extensive research, digging through honest reviews from professional testers and consumers. Weve also tested many of these vitamin C serums ourselves.
This article is routinely updated so that availability, prices, reviewer ratings and quotes stay relevant and up to date. We also re-evaluate our product picks to ensure that theyre still some of the best choices in their categories. This story was last updated in June 2022.
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Obagi Clinical Vitamin C + Arbutin Brightening Serum
Love recommends Obagi Clinical’s Vitamin C + Arbutin Brightening Serum since “it contains 10% l-ascorbic acid but is formulated to be gentle on the skin. Although it has a nice slip texture to it, it is also oil-free and non-comedogenic,” says Love, who works with Obaji as an opinion leader and dermatologist source.
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
| Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum.
Are you hyper? Yeah, us too. Are you full of energy, but your face is drained? Yep, same here. Are you . . . well, you get the picture. For real, though, nothing is quite such a downer as being wide awake while your face looks as tired as someone whos been up for 36 hours. If that sounds like you, we feel you, and thankfully Hypers Skin Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Serum is the energizer skincare solution your face needs.
This hardworking hyperpigmentation treatment works overtime to fight dark spots for a more even and radiant tone. Hyper achieves this by using a powerful trio of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and kojic acid to nourish and moisturize your skin to never-before-seen hydration levels. If you have dark spots, uneven texture, dullness or all of the above, then this serum suitable for all skin types is for you.
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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.
It Protects Against Sun Damage
Excessive exposure to oxidant stress via pollutants or UV irradiation is associated with depleted vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C levels are also lower in aged or photodamaged skin, though researchers are unsure whether this is a cause or effect.
Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals search for other atoms from which they can steal an electron and this can lead to significant damage to the skin.
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect healthy skin cells by giving these free radicals an electron, rendering them harmless.
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C E Ferulic With 15% L
SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum for Anti-aging and brightening
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
This brightening and anti-aging vitamin C serum is often considered one of the best of the best. It helps improve signs of aging while fighting environmental aggressors.
This fragrance-free vitamin C serum contains a potent 15% concentration of l-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C that helps neutralize free radicals, defend against oxidative stress, and brighten and fight signs of aging. It is formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and ferulic acid, which both further protect against environmental stressors. These ingredients have also been shown to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
- Some reviewers complain about the smell
This anti-aging serum remains effective for at least 72 hours after being absorbed into the skin. It also contains additional ingredients that help hydrate the skin, including glycerin and sodium hyaluronate.
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Alpha Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
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Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
In addition to its antioxidant properties, CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum contains three essential ceramides , hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. The ceramides will help to replenish and maintain a healthy skin barrier, says Atlanta dermatologist Tiffany L. Clay, MD. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin that protects it from irritants in the environment. Plus, the hyaluronic acid will help hydrate the skin, while vitamin B5 has anti-inflammatory properties, Dr. Clay adds. Apply this serum once daily, preferably in the morning after cleansing, and follow with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Pros:
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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.
It May Help Prevent Skin Sagging
Collagen production is tied to skin elasticity and firmness. When your collagen levels begin to drop, your skin may begin to sag.
Applying a vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect, reports a 2017 review . This is true for sagging due to natural aging, oxidative stress damage, or extreme weight loss.
This means it can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin, making your skin look firmer and more toned.
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The Value: The Price Cant Be Beat
At $6 per fluid ounce, you really cant go wrong here. I wouldnt consider this the *best* vitamin C product Ive ever used, mostly because I wasnt a fan of the texture and how much it stings, but it still gets the job done. If youre new to vitamin C, this is a great product to start out with considering its price point.
What To Look Out For:
- Type: whether you chose to apply it topically with a serum, or as a multi-use moisturiser, or something more targeting like an eye cream, make sure you choose the right type of product for your skin type or according to your skin needs.)
- Form: within the different types of vitamin C they are formulated in different forms. The most potent form of vitamin C for oily or normal skin, L-ascorbic acid, while for dry and sensitive skin, its best to go for a more gentle magnesium ascorbyl phosphate which is a water-soluble form of vitamin C
- Concentration: When starting out with vitamin C the experts advice starting out with the lowest concentration like 10% or 15% and working your way up the potencies.
- pH: absorption of a vitamin C can be dependent to its pH level. For normal skin, a low pH of approximately 3.5 is most optimal. For sensitive skin, you should use a formula with a pH of 5 to 6.
- Storage: Whether you opt for water-based vitamin C which are usually more unstable and light sensitive or anhydrous which tends to be more stable, even in the presence of sunlight you should make sure your vitamin C is stabilised and kept airtight in a dark, cool space.
Vitamin C can be taken orally or it can be very effective in topical applications. So weve rounded up the best vitamin C products, from the most gentle to the most potent for every need and every skin type, to stock-up your bathroom cabinet!
- Native Share
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Why We Like It:
- Contains mineral glowing particles
- Infused with Amazonian Camu Camu betties help to invigorate the skin and protect against damaging environmental elements
- Can be used alone or with a moisturizer
Oily skin needs love too, so if youre looking for an option that will rejuvenate skin without adding shine, The Body Shops vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother just may become your new favorite. A best-seller, this silky-smooth serum comes infused with the power of the super-charged Amazonian Camu Camu berry, which is known to contain 30 to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange. Talk about packing a punch!
Happy customer:This stuff is amazing! After just ONE use, my skin felt silky smooth. Normally Vitamin C products dry out my skin but this one has a really good balance. Keeps me skin looking fresh and healthy while also providing moisture and helping keep away blemishes. Immediately became an essential part of my skin care routine.
- Contains featuring 8 peptides, 5 forms of vitamin C, and cucumber extract
- Nourishes thin under-eye skin
- Firms and strengthens skin
Zo Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self
The silky serum boasts 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, the best type of vitamin C serum for your skin, plus other potent antioxidants including vitamin E and co-enzyme Q10, says Troy Pitman, MD, a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. It brightens and hydrates skin and can also diminish discoloration and age spots with continuous use, he adds. Our patients love the texture on their skin. Theres just one con: These products are only available in select doctors offices or ZOs website.
Pros:
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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:
What To Look For
You can maximize the benefits of vitamin C by combining it with other antioxidants. This works best with vitamin E and ferulic acid, says Chapas. Together, they have optimal absorption benefits when it comes to anti-aging, skin brightening, and protection against free radical damage.
It also plays well with vitamin B and hyaluronic acid. However, do not mix vitamin C with a retinol or niacinamide, because the pH levels are incompatible, says Wexler. If you want to use both, she suggests waiting half an hour between applications.
Also worth noting: Vitamin C is notoriously prone to oxidizing. It can break down when its exposed to light or air, says Chapas. Always check expiration dates on your products, and if you notice a sour smell or discoloration, its most likely breaking down.
Here are some of our favorite products for getting vitamin C into your skin care routine.
BeautyRx Skincare Triple Vitamin C Serum
With three different forms of vitamin C, the formula delivers major brightening and anti-aging benefits. Plus, it feels weightless on skin.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
One of the most affordable serums on the market, this formula includes vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid offering you the most brightness for your buck.
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum
This lightweight, natural serum delivers vitamin C derived from cherries, sinks in fast, and even smells like its namesake fruit.
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
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| 18 Best Vitamin C Serums for Face in 2022.
Vitamin C is something we all need. It keeps us healthy and boosts our immune systems. Whether it is from orange juice, peppers, berries, tomatoes or melons, we have a lot of options when it comes to getting vitamin C from the things we eat. However, vitamin C is also extremely beneficial for the skin, adding all kinds of rich antioxidants that help brighten, tone, hydrate and clear your complexion.
But while eating fruits and veggies may get you the vitamin C your body needs, it isnt the most efficient way to get vitamin C to your skin. Enter vitamin C serums, the best thing ever. Not all Vitamin C serums are created equally, though. There are plenty out there that dont actually work, but that doesnt mean you should write them off entirely. Dont worryweve got you covered. Here are 18 of the best vitamin C serums for the face in 2022.
Roc Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum
RoC may be known for its quality OTC retinol, but its vitamin C serum lives up to the hype, too. The 10% vitamin C blend firms, brightens, and evens out the skin with little to no irritation. Reviewers swear they can see the difference in skin luminosity for a fraction of the price of its high-end competitors.
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Expert Tips For Choosing A High
Youll find vitamin C in a few different forms, including L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, according to a 2017 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. L-ascorbic acid is the most researched and the most biologically active, according to the study authors.
The price of these serums can vary greatly, from about $10 to $250 for 1 ounce. How do you choose? Pay attention to the vitamin C concentration levels . Some may have 10 percent, while others may have 15 or 20 percent. Look for one with a concentration higher than 8 percent, which The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology study says is the minimum amount thats shown to be biologically significant. The higher the concentration, the stronger the serum, though the benefits taper off at 20 percent, according to a study published in April-June 2013 in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Twenty percent is where it maxes out youre not going to get anything more powerful than that, Saedi says.
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Sponsored: There Are Plenty Out There That Dont Actually Work But That Doesnt Mean You Should Write Them Off Entirely Dont Worryweve Got You Covered
| 18 Best Vitamin C Serums for Face in 2022.
Vitamin C is something we all need. It keeps us healthy and boosts our immune systems. Whether it is from orange juice, peppers, berries, tomatoes or melons, we have a lot of options when it comes to getting vitamin C from the things we eat. However, vitamin C is also extremely beneficial for the skin, adding all kinds of rich antioxidants that help brighten, tone, hydrate and clear your complexion.
But while eating fruits and veggies may get you the vitamin C your body needs, it isnt the most efficient way to get vitamin C to your skin. Enter vitamin C serums, the best thing ever. Not all Vitamin C serums are created equally, though. There are plenty out there that dont actually work, but that doesnt mean you should write them off entirely. Dont worryweve got you covered. Here are 18 of the best vitamin C serums for the face in 2022.
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