What to look for in vitamin C creams

Vitamin C creams can brighten your complexion and protect against environmental damage, but not all formulas are created equal. Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best vitamin C cream.

1. Vitamin C Concentration

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Look for products that clearly state the percentage of vitamin C, ideally between10-20% for optimal effectiveness without excessive irritation.

2. Type of Vitamin C

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L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form, but derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate are gentler options for sensitive skin.

3. Packaging

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Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so choose creams in opaque, airtight packaging to maintain potency over time.

4. Additional Ingredients

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Formulas with added antioxidants (like vitamin E or ferulic acid) can boost results, while hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid help soothe and plump skin.

  1. 1

    Natura Bissé

    1 REVIEWS
    Give your skin an antioxidant boost with this fast-absorbing, matte finish moisturizing gel.
  2. 2

    Charlotte Tilbury

    259 REVIEWS
    An age-defying moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamins C and E to even skin tone, and peptides to plump and reduce the look of wrinkles.
  3. 3

    Natura Bissé

    670 REVIEWS
    Firming cream for dry skin
  4. 4

    Natura Bissé

    312 REVIEWS
    Firming cream for excessively dry skin
  5. 5

    Rodial

    2 REVIEWS
    This luxurious Face Soufflé works to hydrate the skin revealing a brightened and renewed complexion
  6. 6
    34 REVIEWS
    This advanced daytime moisturizer is powered by our Rapid Renewal Complex, blending antioxidants, minerals, vitamins C, E and marine adaptogens to help shield skin against environmental aggressors.
  7. 7

    Bobbi Brown

    3,502 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Best-selling primer infused with shea-butter to create the perfect canvas for smooth makeup application. 
  8. 8

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    557 REVIEWS
    Vitamin-enriched and energizing non-oily facial moisturizer.
  9. 9
    164 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Advanced firming, brightening and hydrating 0.7% retinol and antioxidant night cream with vitamin C 
  10. 10
    1,139 REVIEWS
    Reveal your luminosity with Laura Mercier’s secret no makeup, makeup tinted moisturizer with radiant pearls hand selected for each shade.

What to look for in vitamin C creams

Vitamin C creams can brighten your complexion and protect against environmental damage, but not all formulas are created equal. Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best vitamin C cream.

1. Vitamin C Concentration

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for products that clearly state the percentage of vitamin C, ideally between10-20% for optimal effectiveness without excessive irritation.

2. Type of Vitamin C

Citrus catapult arrow

L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form, but derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate are gentler options for sensitive skin.

3. Packaging

Citrus catapult arrow

Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so choose creams in opaque, airtight packaging to maintain potency over time.

4. Additional Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Formulas with added antioxidants (like vitamin E or ferulic acid) can boost results, while hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid help soothe and plump skin.