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.

  1. 1
    Charlotte's Magic Cream

    Charlotte Tilbury

    270 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

    3,528 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Best-selling primer infused with shea-butter to create the perfect canvas for smooth makeup application. 
  6. 6
    Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Natural Skin Illuminator Broad Spectrum SPF 25
    1,172 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Reveal your luminosity with Laura Mercier’s secret no makeup, makeup tinted moisturizer with radiant pearls hand selected for each shade.
  7. 7
    Facial Fuel

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    580 REVIEWS
    Vitamin-enriched and energizing non-oily facial moisturizer.
  8. 8
    Resurfacing Compound

    U Beauty

    510 REVIEWS
    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.