8 Best Vitamin C Serums
Incorporating a Vitamin C serum into your daily skincare routine works to prevent hyperpigmentation leaving skin brighter and firmer with a more even skin tone.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and when used in skincare offers a multitude of benefits. It brightens the skin and boosts the production of collagen. It fights free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution.
I’ve been using Vitamin C serums for nearly fifteen years now. These are some of the best I’ve discovered to date. The percentages range from 10% – 30% L-Ascorbic acid. A higher percentage doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. The benefit comes from consistent use. I like to mix it up and try different formulations. Many Vitamin C serums over 20% will tingle at first but the sensation dissipates soon after. I love the tingle and take it as a sign that the ingredients are active and working.
10% Vitamin C
La Roche-Posay Redermic C Anti-Wrinkle Firming Concentrate – This is a Vitamin C 10% + moisturizer and is very hydrating. It’s $50 yet convenient for two products in one. Available at Walgreens.
15% Vitamin C
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum – This serum contains 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E. Ferulic acid acts as a stabilizer for ascorbic acid. You’ll see it often in products containing Vitamin C. It’s soft and moisturizing on the skin and works like a dream under makeup. It contains exfoliating properties as well. $80 at Sephora.
20% + Vitamin C
Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid – Garden of Wisdom is a sensational budget beauty brand and this product, in particular, is an affordable dupe for SkinCeuticals Vitamin C + Ferulic serum which costs quite a bit more. Available at Victoria Health for about $13.00 plus shipping.
Indeed Labs Vitamin C24 – This is the Vitamin C cream that I have used most frequently over the years. It’s potent, giving a slight tingle, and very affordable. It contains 22% Vitamin C + 2% hyaluronic acid and works as a moisturizer as well. $25 and available online.
Dr. Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream – This is a 20% Vitamin C in powder form that turns into a cream when applied. I love this product for the purpose of combining it with other serums by shaking a little powder into the palm of my hand and mixing them together. $88 for five vials. Available online from London dermatologist, Dr. Sebagh.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% – I have used this Vitamin C many times over the years. It contains a high percentage of Vitamin C at a budget-friendly price of only $5.80. It’s gritty when you first apply it but absorbs into the skin after a few minutes. Available online. The Ordinary Vitamin C 30% in Silicone is less gritty and costs $6.80 online.
30% Vitamin C
DCL C Scape High Potency Night Booster 30% – DCL is a Connecticut-based high tech skincare company. This high potency Vitamin C is a nighttime treatment and is also formulated with Coenzyme Q10, another antioxidant. It’s luscious and I use it on nights when I’m not using retinol. It comes with an eye-watering price tag of $120 but it’s a workhorse of a product. It tingles a lot. Available online.
The Inkey List Vitamin C – Affordable and prepared to give The Ordinary a run for its money is the British brand, The Inkey List. They offer straightforward active ingredients in modest packaging at a budget-friendly price. This is a whopping 30% Vitamin C for $10. It really tingles. I love this product. Available at Sephora.
Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite Vitamin C serum to recommend.
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