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If you are searching for the best vitamin C serum that will make your skin brighter and smoother, then my best bet is that you already know the skincare benefits of vitamin c serum. Vitamin C not only provides extraordinary antioxidant protection from free radicals caused by the sun, pollution, and stress, it also improves the appearance of your skin tone, texture, and firmness.
To choose the best vitamin C serum for your skin, there are certain criteria to look out for to achieve the maximum benefits of vitamin C. The issue with vitamin C is that it comes in many forms and is also very unstable when exposed to air. Some of these forms are ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, and much more. Therefore, to get maximum results, these criteria should be followed
Table of Contents
Why Use a Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. It also promotes collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation, and improves skin texture. Regular use of a vitamin C serum can help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and give your skin a youthful glow.
What to Look for in a Vitamin C Serum
Concentration
Studies have shown that daily application of vitamin C serum within the ranges of 5 to 20% offers significant benefits to the skin. Look for serums with a vitamin C concentration between 10-20%. Lower concentrations may not be as effective, while higher concentrations can be too harsh for sensitive skin.
Form of Vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid is the most potent and effective form of vitamin C, but it can be unstable. Other forms like sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are more stable and gentler on the skin
Packaging
Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so choose a serum that comes in a dark, airtight bottle to preserve its potency.
PH Level
As I mentioned earlier, vitamin C serum is highly unstable. For example, take a drop of vitamin C serum and expose it to air or light, within minutes, it becomes oxidized. Meaning, it goes bad and changes colour immediately. Although this depends on the derivative of vitamin C. If you are going for the active form of vitamin C serum, the PH level has to be less than 3.5.
Combination
For vitamin C serum to be highly effective, it has to be combined with other antioxidants especially Vitamin E (tocopherol). By combining vitamin C Serum with vitamin E, it increases the regeneration of vitamin E to offer its antioxidant protection. Also, the combination of vitamin C with vitamin E and Ferulic Acid is double protection.
Best Vitamin C Serum For Brighter And Smoother Skin
Following through with these criteria will help choose the best vitamin C serum that is right for you. It will also help increase the maximum effectiveness of vitamin C serum to achieve the best results. With this in mind, here is my best vitamin C serum.
1. Glossier Super Glow Vitamin C + Magnesium Serum
Glossier really did something spectacular with this formulation by adding 5% vitamin c to improve discolouration, dull skin and improve skin tone.
Not only that, it is a mixture of vitamin c + magnesium to enhance skin hydration for healthier-looking skin.
It is packaged in a frosted light bottle with a dropper to dispense on your face. Great for all skin types.
2. Serumtologie Vitamin C Serum
This brand is a powerhouse vitamin c serum with a mixture of 22% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E with 1% Ferulic acid and 5% hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines/ wrinkles and hydrate the skin.
It is such a superior vitamin c serum that got everyone talking about it on Amazon.
3. CeraVe Vitamin C Serum
It contains 10% pure vitamin c with ceramides, the almighty hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to improve the skin barrier, hydrate and even out the skin tone.
It is suitable for all skin types.
4. Hyper Clear Brightening Vitamin C Serum
This is an excellent serum that checks all the boxes of what an excellent serum should contain.
It is lightweight that sinks instantly into the skin and for all skin types.
It contains 15% vitamin c serum with Kojic acid, bearberry, liquorice and Tumeric to improve the skin tone and skin barrier. This is definitely a great product worth the price!
5. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is a fan-favorite for its brightening and firming effects. This serum contains a stabilized form of vitamin C, along with collagen, to help plump and firm the skin. It also has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that makes it easy to layer with other products.
Best for normal to combination skin type
6. Beautystat Universal C Skin Refiner
Amazing product to start with.
The packaging ensures vitamin c is stable and always potent.
It comes with 20% vitamin c with squalene and green tea for healthier-looking skin. Well suited for fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
7. Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
This product contains glycolic acid – an AHA, and vitamin C serum to fade dark spots and brighten the skin.
Vitamin C and AHA in this product are both low in PH ensuring a nice environment for both ingredients.
In addition, this product contains hydrators and potent antioxidants.
8. Kiehl’s Powerful Strenght Vitamin C Serum
If you have concerns like uneven skin tone, dull skin, wrinkles and dehydration, you should add this to your skincare regimen.
It is a powerful combination of 12.5% vitamin c serum and hyaluronic acid. It has a silky texture that spreads nicely on the face. Great for all skin types.
9. L’Oreal Revitalift Vitamin C Serum
Amazing product by L’oreal. It is a fragrance-free and gel-like product that spreads nicely on the skin. To give your skin that radiance and smoothness.
The presence of amino acids and hyaluronic acid provides additional benefits and the packaging is well done.
10. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is often regarded as the gold standard in vitamin C serums. It combines 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid, enhancing the serum’s stability and antioxidant benefits. This serum is known for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and brighten the complexion.
It is best for all skin types, especially those concerned with anti-aging
How to Use Vitamin C Serum for Best Results
To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, follow these tips:
- Apply in the Morning: Vitamin C serums are best used in the morning because they help protect the skin from free radical damage throughout the day.
- Use on Clean Skin: Apply your vitamin C serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. If you use a toner, apply the serum after toning.
- Follow with Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen after using a vitamin C serum. This not only protects your skin from UV damage but also enhances the effectiveness of the vitamin C.
- Start Slow: If you’re new to vitamin C, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
Conclusion
Incorporating a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine is a powerful way to achieve brighter, smoother skin. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, uneven skin tone, or early signs of aging, there’s a vitamin C serum out there for you. The key is to choose one that suits your skin type and needs, and to use it consistently for the best results.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who are looking to brighten and smooth their skin with the power of vitamin C. And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite vitamin C serum or tips for using this amazing skincare ingredient!
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Thank you for putting together this list – I hate doing it myself but really appreciate someone doing the “work” of it for me so I can benefit from it. Thank you !!
Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate this 💜
At the moment, I am using Pixi’s vitamin C serum and it is really good! My skin definitely feels more healthy and glowy. Thank you for sharing these recommendations, I love the sound of the Youth to the People brand, especially as all the ingredients are so natural and good for you. Fab post! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thank you so much 💜
I always learn so much when I read your posts! Thank you | lanalikes.com
Awww… thank you so much, I’m glad to hear that💜
I take all the vitamin supplements but I never do it for my skincare!
Rosie
I use a Vitamin C serum in my routine! I love it and it smells amazing too! It’s running out so I’ll need to stock up again soon though. Fab post! 💛
Thank you💜❤️
I don’t use serums very often f at all so this was a super useful post for me! Thanks for sharing x
Thank you, pleased you found the post helpful 💜
I love your reviews of each of these products, especially since you go into little details, like the bottle being see through. I would never have thought light would effect the serum and would have been likely to leave it out on my dresser! Right now, Paula’s Choice is looking pretty good to me.
Thank you for sharing!
I used to use a vitamin c serum in my routine but haven’t for a while! This inspired me to get back into it.
Fantastic post Rayo, well researched. I’m a big devotee of Vitamin C serum. You feaured some great brands.
I don’t use a serum but after reading your post I will try. It inspires to me
I’ve really enjoyed reading through some of your skincare blogs. Very informative!
Thank you Molly
I am just starting out with my Vitamic C journey, guess will start with something that is less concentrated