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
    C + Aha

    SkinCeuticals

    C + Aha

    $145
    281 REVIEWS
    Dual-action anti-aging treatment and skin protector that improves the appearance of maturing skin both inside and out.
  2. 2
    CandE Strength Max

    PCA Skin

    56 REVIEWS
    This antioxidant formulation combines maximum strength pure vitamin C and pure vitamin E to strengthen ski.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum
    4 REVIEWS
    A triple-action flash radiance serum enriched with diamond powder, Chroma bright and lifting actives to help boost skin's natural luminosity for a smoother complexion.
  5. 5
    Oasis Bright Multi Brightening Serum
    3 REVIEWS
    Our triple-active Vitamin C Serum, that brightens, fades pigmentation and hydrates, for a more radiant, even complexion across all skin types and tones.
  6. 6
    Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum
    2 REVIEWS
    A liquid serum to enhance, rebalance, and brighten skin.
  7. 7
    Retinol Overnight Gel Deluxe
    1 REVIEWS
    Your night-time must-have to reinvigorate dull, lacklustre complexions, powered by a combination of ingredients including retinol, vitamin c and niacinamide. 
  8. 8
    Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum with Niacinamide
    187 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
    Tulip Dew Drops

    Bloomeffects

    7 REVIEWS
    A multivitamin enriched plumping daily serum with an immediate dewy finish, that hydrates and protects against free radicals and pollution.

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.