There are many types of beauty serums. But if we had to choose just one, it would be Vitamin C. Vitamin C serums are effective in treating a wide variety of skin problems, from aging to sun damage.
Since serums penetrate deeply into the skin, they can help recharge any beauty regimen. According to Jana Blankenship, founder of the organic beauty line Captain Blankenship, vitamin C serums are particularly important as they tighten the skin, improve texture and tone, and combat the signs of aging. Elizabeth Jones, advanced instructor for Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, adds that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens and protects against free radical damage.
Because vitamin C is so versatile, it is suitable for all skin types. Vitamin C serums have strengths of only 1 to 20 percent. People with sensitive skin are better off starting low until they build tolerance, explains Dr. Eva Simmons-O’Brien, FAAD. She also points out that serums that mix vitamins C and E are great options for reactive skin.
While vitamin C is definitely a hero ingredient, it can also be very unstable. In other words, it breaks down quickly and becomes less effective. For this reason, many vitamin C products are stored in dark bottles or special packaging to prevent oxidation. Vitamin C is also soluble in water. This means that it can be difficult for the product to penetrate layers of the skin.
The beauty industry has worked to stabilize the notoriously difficult vitamin. Now there are lots of fantastic vitamin C serums out there. Read on to discover the best.
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SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $ 166 at SkinCeuticals
This serum contains a powerful combination of 15 percent pure vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid), 1 percent vitamin E and 0.5 percent ferulic acid. Together, they provide advanced environmental protection, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the complexion. The serum is also clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative free radical damage.
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Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum, $ 62 at Farmacy
Farmacy’s serum gets its vitamin C along with three other forms from tropical acerola cherries. This makes it lighter while reducing the appearance of dullness, dark spots, and fine lines. There’s also moisturizing hyaluronic acid, not to mention soothing botanicals and peptides to help prevent irritation.
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Will beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum, $ 42 at Sephora
The brand’s lightening serum contains vitamin C from strawberries, which was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s beauty hack of rubbing strawberries onto her skin. It promises a noticeably radiant and even complexion. There is also cockatoo plum for luminescence and hyaluronic acid for plump, hydrated skin.
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Derma E. Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, $ 24.50 at Derma E.
Antioxidants are essential for younger, more glowing skin, and this affordable concentrated serum is full of them. The stable form of vitamin C does not evaporate before it is absorbed, so skin can enjoy its full antiaging and whitening benefits.
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DR. Brandt Power Dose Age Fighter Vitamin C 20%, $ 69 at Macy’s
Calling this a heavy dose of vitamin C is not an exaggeration. The serum contains 20 percent of the antioxidant, the highest concentration of stable vitamin C skin that can be absorbed. It’s also blended with Ascorbosilane C, Silicium, and Kakadu-Plum to help increase skin elasticity, maintain plump facial contours, and revitalize dull, tired-looking skin.
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Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum, $ 25.99 at Walgreens
Say goodbye to bumps, pigmentation and fine lines with the help of this vegan serum. Vitamin C is combined with organic white tea, rose hip oil, seaweed extract and lemon bioflavonoids to make the skin clearer and more radiant. The plant-based emollients also help the formula penetrate deep into your pores for noticeable results.
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Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum, $ 69 at Ulta Beauty
Straighten this multitasking serum before moisturizing for glowing, glowing skin in just seven days. It contains vitamin C esters, a fat-soluble form of vitamin C, as well as antioxidant-rich ferulic acid and tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E.
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Drunk elephant C-Company Day Serum, $ 80 at Sephora
The hero vitamin C in this firming serum is 15 percent L-ascorbic acid. It is mixed with vitamin E, ferulic acid, pumpkin ferment extract, pomegranate enzyme, and chronocycline to tighten, re-texturize, and lighten the skin. The multi-purpose serum also protects against pollution, aging and other environmental stressors.
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Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, $ 78 at Nordstrom
It only takes one or two pumps of this serum to transform the skin. It combines vitamin C with a proprietary energy complex to revitalize the skin. CoQ10, niacinamide, carnitine and superoxide dismutase stimulate collagen production and over time ensure a more even, blemish-free complexion.
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Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Lightening Serum, $ 85 at Sephora
Take control of your skin with this serum infused with 15 percent THD ascorbate, a highly stable form of vitamin C that is quickly absorbed into the skin and brightens, tightens and minimizes dullness. The potent serum also contains phytosterols to minimize the appearance of redness and reduce skin sensitivity.
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No. 7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence, $ 19.99 at destination
No7 Serum is a miracle in a bottle that delivers dramatic results in two weeks. What sets it apart from other formulas is that it activates the first time you use it, so the 5 percent pure vitamin C formula remains effective.
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Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drops, $ 23 at Macy’s
People with sensitive skin needn’t fear vitamin C. This gentle serum contains 5 percent of the antioxidant-rich vitamin and is therefore suitable for people with reactive skin. It evens out the skin by fading brown spots and preventing pigment from developing. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum, $ 33.75 at Ulta Beauty
This green bottle contains a vitamin C serum that increases collagen production and renews the skin for a more radiant, even appearance. It contains 7.5 percent ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid to increase the moisture content.
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Algae GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C + Serum, $ 118 at Sephora
Antiaging is just one of the many benefits of this magnificent serum. It fades spots, retextures and gives dull skin tones luminosity. And it even fights deeper, clearer wrinkles. The formula is also non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested, and hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate the skin.
