Glance over the skincare products on your bathroom shelf and chances are at least one of them contains vitamin C. Known for its skin-brightening benefits, the ingredient has (alongside the likes of retinol and hyaluronic acid) been a staple in our skincare routines for years, and most of the major skincare brands (both high end and affordable) have a vitamin C product within their lineup.
So, what’s all the fuss about? If you’re not already using vitamin C then you may just know it for its immunity-boosting properties, but the ingredient also has a number of skin-specific benefits. As a topical antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect skin from environmental damage, neutralising the free radicals in the environment which cause oxidative stress to cells—leading to skin damage and accelerated signs of ageing. Vitamin C also works to brighten skin by reducing excess melanin production which, in turn, helps to fade the appearance of discolouration and dark spots. Finally, it also helps to maintain and stimulate skin’s natural collagen production, helping to reduce signs of ageing skin like sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
(Image credit: @vikilefevre)
No matter what your skin type, there are multiple benefits to adding a vitamin C product to your routine. I myself use the ingredient daily to help fade the stubborn pigmentation that my breakouts always leave behind. While the ingredient can be found in everything from cleansers and moisturisers to face masks and eye creams, I prefer using a vitamin C serum in order to get maximum benefits from a potent formula. I apply it in the morning so that it can help to provide my skin with antioxidant protection throughout the day, and because it’s best not to layer vitamin C with retinoids (which I use in my evening skincare routine).
Skin in need of a brightening boost? Scroll down to shop my favourite vitamin C skincare products.
1. Dr. Sam's Flawless Vitamin C Nad+ Serum
Dr Sam's
Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
If you have sensitive skin and have previously found that vitamin C can cause tingling and irritation, you’re not alone. Not all formulas are created with reactive skin in mind. This one is, however, so uses a gentle (but still effective) form of vitamin C which fights UV damage and free radicals, reduces pigmentation and fine lines without irritation. In addition, the formula is boosted with 2% ectoin to help strengthen your skin barrier and further reduce sensitivity issues.
2. Dermalogica Biolumin C Serum
Dermalogica
Biolumin C Serum
If there’s one thing more annoying than any breakouts, it’s the red marks they leave behind. I’ve tried many a serum in attempt to fade my stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and this serum was one of the most effective. What’s more, the formula is also super hydrating, so it gives skin an incredible glow.
3. Revolution X Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum
Revolution Skincare
X Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum
Generally, I find that you pay for what you get with vitamin C products, and the best ones tend to requite a little more investment. This affordable vitamin C serum is one of the exceptions to that rule. It’s a great all-rounder which works for all skin types, helping to brighten and protect skin, and delivering a dewy finish with application application. I noticed a difference to my skin before I'd even finished up my first bottle.
4. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Drunk Elephant
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
This is a particularly potent vitamin C serum, and one which I’d recommend to those whose skin is already used to using the ingredient. It combines 15% l-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) with ferulic acid and vitamin E in order to specifically target skin showing signs of ageing—dullness, loose skin, and hyperpigmentation.
5. Medik8 Vitamin C Tetra Serum
Medik8
Vitamin C Tetra Serum
Medik8 is one of my go-to brands for active ingredients—it does retinoids and vitamin C particularly well, and this serum is no exception. Formulated with a stabilised form of vitamin C (7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) the lightweight solution helps to brighten uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines, all while remaining gentle on sensitive skin.
6. Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Paula's Choice
25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Another great option for sensitive skin, this formula is boosted with glutathione, which reduces sensitivity and irritation as well as enhancing the serum’s protection against environmental stress. Skin showing the signs of sun damage or loss of collagen will particularly benefit from this formula.
7. The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and Egf Serum
The INKEY List
15% Vitamin C and Egf Serum
You’ll frequently see vitamin C paired with EGF, as in this serum, because the two ingredients work so well together. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a plant-based peptide which works to visibly regenerate skin’s appearance and improve the feeling of elasticity, resulting in firmer-looking skin.
8. Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
NATURIUM
Vitamin C Complex Serum
I love Naturium’s serums because they’re reasonably priced, but use high quality ingredients so are still really effective. This one combines three types of vitamin C, including high-stability l-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend, and gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate. The result? A non-irritating formula which specifically targets dull skin.
9. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
This may be a more expensive option, but it’s a bestseller for good reason. A quick scan of the reviews will help you to understand just how effective this cult vitamin C serum is, especially when it comes to reinforcing skin's natural protection against environmental aggressors.
10. Vichy Liftactiv Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Vichy
Liftactiv Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
If you’re concerned about the loss of collagen in your skin, a vitamin C serum is probably the first product a dermatologist or esthetician would recommend you start using. This one works fast to help stimulate collagen production while also maintaining skin’s natural reserves.
11. Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley
CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Dullness, dark spots, and discolouration don’t stand a chance against this super-potent vitamin C serum, which addresses hyperpigmentation right from the source. The formula also contains a tiny bit of glycolic acid, which also helps to brighten skin and refine skin texture.
12. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum
Allies of Skin
20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum
Another of my personal favourites, this serum is a strong one (it’s supercharged with 20% ethylated l-ascorbic acid), but it’s also one of the best options for sensitive skin. You’ll notice an immediate brightness, and clearer, healthier skin by the time you finish up the bottle.
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