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
    Charlotte's Magic Cream

    Charlotte Tilbury

    265 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.
  2. 2
    Moisturizing Renewal Day Cream SPF 30
    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.
  3. 3
    Vit C Face Souffle

    Rodial

    2 REVIEWS
    This luxurious Face Soufflé works to hydrate the skin revealing a brightened and renewed complexion
  4. 4
    Dermal Repair Cream

    SkinMedica

    2 REVIEWS
    Ultra-rich moisturizer with 10% Vitamin C + 8% Vitamin E that helps prevent moisture loss and improves skin smoothness to restore skin's natural beauty.
  5. 5
    Vitamin Enriched Face Base

    Bobbi Brown

    3,525 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Best-selling primer infused with shea-butter to create the perfect canvas for smooth makeup application. 
  6. 6
    Resurfacing Compound

    U Beauty

    505 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A clean, high-performance formula designed to optimize your daily beauty regimen without sacrificing results.

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.