What to Look for in a Vitamin C Face Serum

Choosing the right vitamin C serum can enhance your skincare routine and help you achieve a brighter, more even complexion.

1. Vitamin C Concentration

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Look for serums with a concentration of vitamin C between10-20% for optimal effectiveness without causing irritation. Lower concentrations may be suitable for sensitive skin, while higher concentrations offer more potent results.

2. Form of Vitamin C

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L-ascorbic acid is the most researched and effective form of vitamin C, but gentler derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are ideal for sensitive skin.

3. Stability and Packaging

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Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so choose serums packaged in dark, airtight bottles to maintain potency. Look for products that mention stabilized formulas on their packaging.

4. Additional Ingredients

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Serums with added antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid can boost the effectiveness of vitamin C. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can also help soothe and plump the skin.

  1. 1
    CandE Strength Max

    PCA Skin

    56 REVIEWS
    This antioxidant formulation combines maximum strength pure vitamin C and pure vitamin E to strengthen ski.
  2. 2
    Biolumin-C Serum

    Dermalogica

    163 REVIEWS
    High-performance lactic acid and vitamin c serum. This AHA serum brightens, exfoliates firms and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  3. 3
    C+C Vitamin Antiox Solution

    Natura Bissé

    9 REVIEWS
    A lightweight concentrate formulated with a 20% powerful antioxidant cocktail, including 12% pure vitamin C
  4. 4
    An Autumn On The World

    Odacité

    7 REVIEWS
    An intensive age-defying and illuminating facial serum provides the skin with the nourishment it needs to appear firm, bright, and youthful.
  5. 5
    Buriti Lime Serum Concentrate
    1 REVIEWS
    Specific Skin Concern: Sagging Skin High-performance serum that helps to provide the skin with the support it needs to stay firm and youthful.
  6. 6
    Biolumin C Night Restore

    Dermalogica

    1 REVIEWS
    Overnight serum to restore moisture barrier for long-lasting radiance and hydration.
  7. 7
    Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
    478 REVIEWS
    Treat skin with a dual-use, supercharged treatment for the face and eye area that absorbs in a flash for an instant glowing transformation.
  8. 8
    Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum with Niacinamide
    213 REVIEWS
    Smoothing serum and glow essence.
  9. 9
    CandE Advanced

    PCA Skin

    118 REVIEWS
    Our most advanced antioxidant formula diminishes dark spots, soothes irritated skin and reduces signs of aging.
  10. 10
    Brightening Serum

    RéVive

    22 REVIEWS
    Innovative Brightening Serum significantly enhances radiance, refines skin tone and texture, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 

What to Look for in a Vitamin C Face Serum

Choosing the right vitamin C serum can enhance your skincare routine and help you achieve a brighter, more even complexion.

1. Vitamin C Concentration

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for serums with a concentration of vitamin C between10-20% for optimal effectiveness without causing irritation. Lower concentrations may be suitable for sensitive skin, while higher concentrations offer more potent results.

2. Form of Vitamin C

Citrus catapult arrow

L-ascorbic acid is the most researched and effective form of vitamin C, but gentler derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are ideal for sensitive skin.

3. Stability and Packaging

Citrus catapult arrow

Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so choose serums packaged in dark, airtight bottles to maintain potency. Look for products that mention stabilized formulas on their packaging.

4. Additional Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Serums with added antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid can boost the effectiveness of vitamin C. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can also help soothe and plump the skin.