One of the best affordable and effective beauty product that most women tend to miss out in their everyday beauty regime is a Vitamin C Serum.
Vitamin C serums can give you radiant, flawless younger looking skin like your favorite celebrities!
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant which can work wonders on the body and skin. It helps reduce and prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Frequent use of Vitamin C can help repair sun damage and boost collagen production.
Vitamin C serum can also be combined with sunscreen to help protect and repair damage caused by ultra violet radiation and environmental toxins.
To give you a better understanding of what Vitamin C serum is, and why it’s very popular recently, we’ve put together its anti-aging benefits and types of serum and what you need to consider before buying them, along with a list of the top 10 best Vitamin C serum for face and why they are the best choice in the market today.
What is Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is an oil or water-based liquid with a high concentration of Vitamin C. Serums are different from cream and other products with Vitamin C because of its high concentrations.
Vitamin C is known to be one of the most effective and active skincare ingredient. It helps improve the appearance of the complexion no matter the type of issues you have with your skin in terms of hyperpigmentation, dullness, redness, lack of firmness, and fine lines.
The Vitamin C in skincare acts as a powerful antioxidant against free radicals in the environment aimed at causing damage on your skin or face.
Do Vitamin C Serums Really Work
Yes they do work as Vitamin C is essential for collagen production that can prevent and reverse signs of aging.
Vitamin C can also neutralize age causing free radicals on the skin, reduce sun spots, dark spots and aid in skin whitening. For this reason, most people use skincare products that contains Vitamin C, such as concentrated Vitamin C serums designed for use on sensitive facial skin.
Applying Vitamin C directly to the skin is around 20 times more effective than oral consumption, to give visible results within a short period of time. The serum gets absorbed by the skin easily to rejuvenate and replenish the skin.
The high concentration of this Vitamin in serums allow people to get the most out of the product with more noticeable results. Topical Vitamin C is preferred to other chemical serums and skincare products because Vitamin C serum is completely natural.
It contains no harsh chemicals and gives the user no concern about skin reaction. They are formulated and infused to be gentle enough for everyday use.
Vitamin C serums are available with different concentration of Vitamin C, and people with sensitive skin should start with a lower concentration because it’s very strong, before advancing to its daily use, otherwise, it may cause skin irritation.
Top 10 Best Vitamin C Face Serum Comparison Table
Image | Model | Vitamin C Derivative | Vitamin C Percentage | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TruSkin Naturals | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 20 | $$ | ||
Skinceuticals | L-Ascorbic acid | 15 | $$$$ | ||
Serumtologie | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 22 | $$$ | ||
LilyAna Naturals | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 20 | $$$ | ||
OZ Naturals | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Not Mentioned | $$ | ||
Mad Hippie | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Not Mentioned | $$$ | ||
Amara Organics | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 20 | $$ | ||
Claireity | L-Ascorbic acid | 25 | $$ | ||
Instanatural | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Not Mentioned | $$ | ||
Timeless | L-Ascorbic acid | 20 | $$ |
Top 10 Best Vitamin C Serum For Face Reviews
Selecting a good Vitamin C Serum that’s right for your skin might still be a problem even with the information provided.
That’s why we have decided to list the reviews of the Best Vitamin C Serums with their benefits and drawbacks to help you pick your best choice.
1. Truskin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face
Truskin Naturals Vitamin C serum is one of the best Vitamin C face serum that is manufactured with vegan hyaluronic acid to provide users with top quality Vitamin C to achieve a nourished, supple and radiant skin.
It also contains 20% of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) which is the ideal percentage of Vitamin C Serum concentration. It contains antioxidants and can eliminate dark spots, discoloration, and also improve skin texture.
The serum helps eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. It’s suitable for all skin types and has a pH value of 6.5 which cannot cause skin irritation. It also contains Vitamin E which gives power and strength to the skin to fight free radicals.
This Vitamin C Serum contains high quality natural and organic ingredients. They don’t contain any additional colors, chemicals, and scents to make them look or smell nicer.
The Truskin Naturals Vitamin C Serum is 72% organic, 98% natural, 100% vegetarian. Though its color sometimes vary because they don’t use any added stabilizer or color, but the quality of the product remains the same.
Other beneficial additions are Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, as well as organic aloe vera, organic Gotu Kola, witch hazel, organic jojoba oil, wild crafted dandelion and geranium. It is packaged in an amber glass bottle with a dropper and has no color.
Pros
- 20% of Vitamin C concentration to fight aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines , dark spots and sun spots
- Natural ingredients, Organic
- Not tested on animals, 100% vegetarian
- Ingredients include Vitamin E , Aloe Vera, Jojoba oil , Witch hazel and Hyaluronic acid
- No harsh chemicals, colors or artificial scents
- Affordable
- Offers a 3-months, 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- May have varied scent and color from batch to batch
- The plant-based ingredients may cause allergic rash or small bumps reaction in some people.
2 . Skinceuticals Vitamin C Serum CE Ferulic
The Skinceuticals brand is one of the leading company in the production of Vitamin C Serum, and they use a specialized formula in their products which is widely accepted as one of the most effective brands in the market.
The Skinceuticals Vitamin C serum has a high concentration of Vitamin C of 15 % in L-Ascorbic acid form. It works best on oily and normal skin but it’s very expensive.
The CE Ferulic serum is smooth and light in terms of texture and it’s packaged in an amber glass bottle with a dropper for convenient application.
It contains ascorbic acid as the main ingredient, with Vitamin E and Ferulic acid present in minute quantities.
The Skinceuticals CE ferulic Vitamin C serum is good for all skin type and has a low pH of 2.5. It’s packed with helpful antioxidants and can be used safely with sunscreen or other facial products.
This serum has built-in UVA and UVB protection of its own and is another best Vitamin C face serum in the market. It is packaged in an amber glass bottle with a dropper and has a high absorption rate though it’s a bit watery with a weird smell. Sometimes it comes in a gold color or transparent at times.
Pros
- Brightens skin complexion and improves firmness of skin
- Eliminates wrinkles and fine lines
- Paraben/cruelty free and Dermatologists tested
- Suitable for all skin types
- Built in UVA and UVB sun protection
- Contains 15% Vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E
- 30-days money back guarantee
Cons
- It’s quite expensive
- Color can vary from yellow to transparent
3 . Vitamin C Serum 22 by Serumtologie
This serum has one of the highest concentration of Vitamin C and it's quite popular. With a pH level of 6.5 and 22% of Vitamin C, it is one of the strongest serums available.
It is suitable for all skin types and contains certain ingredients such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and Vitamin E.
It also contains no synthetic dyes, harmful chemicals, artificial aromas, or genetically-modified ingredients, and also never tested on animals during the production process.
The highest percentage of Vitamin C is found in this brand of serum, as the higher the quantity of this Vitamin, the quicker the result. It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as the most active and potent ingredient which makes it stable with minimal irritation.
To prevent oxidation, it is packaged in a blue glass bottle with dropper and it is designed for all skin types.
The ingredients contained in this serum are naturally sourced and thus may cause its color to vary because of the climate of the country of origin of the ingredients and the corresponding time of the year.
Pros
- Helps boost collagen production and skin repair
- Contains no synthetic ingredients
- Contains 22% Vitamin C
- Made up of all-natural and organic ingredients
- Provides maximum skin hydration
- Relieves itchiness and irritations
- 100% Vegan Skincare products
- Treats skin dryness and retains moisture
- Comes with unconditional money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
- Causes skin dryness
4. LilyAna Naturals
The LilyAna Naturals face serum uses premium ingredients and contains no harsh chemicals to make it more poignant.
Its spa-like aroma is due to the light rose and pomegranate scent. It is also antioxidant enriched, with anti-aging qualities which helps improve skin discoloration.
This face cream moisturizer is animal cruelty free with improved packaging. It has 20% Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) along with Vitamin E, botanical Hyaluronic acid, Gotu Kola extract, Aloe Vera, Jojoba oil and Geranium extract as other ingredients. It comes in a milky white color with a dropper in white glass bottle
Pros
- Has good Anti-aging benefits and reduce dark spots well
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
- Contains gentle premium ingredients
- No artificial colors or fragrance
- Full refund guarantee
Cons
- Small bottle
- The scent isn’t liked by everybody
- Milky white color
5. OZ Naturals Face Serum
OZ Naturals is a professional skin strengthening serum which contains powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin to give effects in just 3 weeks. Vitamin E, green tea extracts, rose hips and Hyaluronic acid are the other ingredients.
It helps rejuvenate the skin by using these natural components to heal and repair the damage caused by the sun.
This unique serum uses cold pressing technology that retains the freshness and potency of the added ingredients. This helps fight the common signs of aging to give a healthy and soft skin, and also prevent the breakdown of healthy skin cells.
This type of Vitamin C serum has Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate along with powerful ingredients that boost cellular repair while preventing the adverse effects of free radicals on the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and enhances the skin health at first application.
The OZ Naturals serum also helps hydrate the skin by improving its ability to retain water. To prevent oxidation, it is packaged in an amber bottle and it’s not thick or watery. It has light orange color and comes in an amber bottle with a dropper.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Helps eliminate wrinkles and fine lines
- Uses cold pressing technology for maximum benefit
- Contains powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin
- Replenish the skin with Vitamin C and E
- 30 days money back guarantee
Cons
- Smell may not suit all users
- Watery feel
- Orange color
6. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is one of the popular brands which has a cult status when it comes to Vitamin C serums.
This serum contains natural organic nutrients with several skin benefits and no side effects. It helps brighten the skin when used regularly and also prevents premature signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
It contains Konjac root, grapefruit, chamomile extract, Ferulic acid, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic acid along with Vitamin C in Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate derivative form.
The Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum is designed and packaged in a tamper proof amber bottle and it's odorless. It helps keep the skin soft and fresh due to the hyaluronic acid present in it.
Pros
- Brightening effect on skin
- Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben/cruelty-free
- Dermatologists tested
- 100% vegetarian
- Contains natural organic ingredients
- Contains Vitamin C and E
- Affordable price and money back guarantee
Cons
- Has yellowish tint
- Not good for oily skin
- Smell may not suit all users
7. Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum
Amara organics Vitamin C serum helps keep the face and skin hydrated with a silky smooth texture. Its anti-aging properties gives a radiant glow to the skin and fill up fine lines.
Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum is manufactured without any harsh chemical and they are paraben free. It has no fragrance nor artificial coloring, and it’s gentle on every skin type though it has great effect on sensitive and dry skin.
It contains 20% Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and E which protects the skin from radicals and can be used at any time because it penetrates the skin quickly. It is clear liquid and comes in a glass amber bottle with a dropper.
Pros
- Gives a youthful skin with daily use
- Non-greasy formula
- Cruelty free and has natural organic ingredients
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Does not give results for some skin types
- Smell may not suit all users
8. Claireity Vitamin C Serum
The Claireity Vitamin C Serum is formulated professionally, using high-end components such as Vitamin C and E, Hyaluronic acid. It is highly effective but budget-friendly.
The Claireity Vitamin C serum is designed and packaged in a tamper proof amber bottle and it's odorless. It has a high amount of Vitamin C (25%) in L-ascorbic acid form. It helps keep the skin soft and fresh due to the hyaluronic acid present in it.
It replenishes the skin on every use to give a clear, younger looking face by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. The use of this Vitamin C serum also protects the skin from environmental damage like UV rays and helps increase skin elasticity.
Pros
- Gives a bright and smooth face texture
- High potency of 25% Vitamin C in ascorbic acid form
- Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid fights tough signs of aging.
- 90 days money back guarantee
Cons
- Can be too strong for some users as it has strong ascorbic acid
- Has no effect on baggy eyes
- Does not lighten dark spots
9. InstaNatural
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum has been proven to be effective, safe, and consist of powerful natural ingredients that helps fight the root cause of sin problems to give a healthier and more beautiful skin.
This serum doesn’t contain any harsh chemical which may cause skin irritation, and it is most effective in eliminating blemish.
The regular use of this product restores the skin healthy glow, fight imperfections, strengthens skin barrier and repair any existing skin damage.
The effectiveness of InstaNatural Vitamin C serum is due to its ingredients which include Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, sea buckthorn oil, plant stem cells, salicylic acid, and bentonite clay as a detoxifying agent. It comes in a glass bottle in light yellow color.
Pros
- Contains all natural ingredients
- Has good anti-aging benefits
- Contains no artificial ingredients
- Provides quick overnight solution against blemish
- Helps improve skin firmness and elasticity
- Helps fight skin problems like acne
- Strengthens skin barrier against UV and pollution
- It is fast-absorbing
- Promotes skin repair and prevents further skin damage
- Suitable for all skin types and color
Cons
- Light yellow or milky color
- Percentage of Vitamin C not specified
10. Timeless Skincare
Timeless Skincare Serum is a pure L-ascorbic acid (20%) and hyaluronic acid which helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and also stimulate collagen production.
The production of this collagen helps the skin to look more hydrated and younger.
Its frequent use helps reduce dark circles under the eye, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
Pros
- Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Stimulates collagen production
- Improves skin texture
- Best for oily skin
- Paraben free , high potent ascorbic acid
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types as it has stronger ascorbic acid
- Causes dryness of the skin
- It’s watery
Vitamin C Serum Benefits
There are several benefits of using Vitamin C serum and it is ideal for people of all ages and skin types. The most popular of its benefits is to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The major Vitamin C serum benefits are
- Promotes collagen Production – The high concentration of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C help boost collagen production thereby filling in the fine lines and wrinkles to give a more youthful appearance. Collagen gives elasticity and firmness to the skin.
- Protects skin from sun damage – Topical Vitamin C helps protect the skin from sun damage and UV rays. As an antioxidant, it helps strengthen the skin naturally and repel things that could damage it.
It helps supplement your UV protection but not a substitute for a sunscreen, although it can really work wonders for your skin when combined with regular sunscreen application.
- Quickens Healing Process – Applying this serum to small cuts, scars, and other blemishes can help quicken the healing process and can also help the skin to retain moisture and stay soft.
- Reduces under-eye Circles – Dark circles under the eye can be eliminated by the application of Vitamin C serum to give a more youthful, bright appearance.
- Reduces Discoloration of the Skin – A better complexion and more uniform skin tone can be achieved by using a good quality Vitamin C serum. It also helps reduce redness on people suffering from it and other skin discoloration.
- Gives Younger Skin – Signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines can be evened out with this product. It stimulates collagen production, brightens the complexion, and maintain the appearance of the skin for a longtime.
- Improves Hydration and Moisture – Vitamin C is useful for those suffering from dry skin especially if moisturizers and creams are not effective. A high concentration of Vitamins needed by the body is contained in topical Vitamin C products and helps improve moisture content and hydration.
- Brighter, healthier skin – Strong concentration of Vitamin C helps replenish and revitalize the skin. It also brightens dull skin, making it to look more vibrant and healthier.
- Inflammation Reduction – High concentration of Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and unsightly puffiness around the eyes or other areas of the face/skin.
- Quickens the Healing of Sunburns – Vitamin C is effective in helping to speed up healing of sunburns. It promotes faster healing and gets rid of redness and relief from itching, burning, and other sunburn symptoms.
Things To Consider Before Buying Vitamin C Serum
1. Vitamin C Derivatives
Natural sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and in fruits like kiwi, strawberry, and guava. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, capsicum and leafy greens like spinach, cabbage etc.
Dietary Vitamin C will also provide the skin benefits mentioned before, but even better results are achieved by directly applying it as a serum on your skin.
Pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is highly unstable and breaks down when exposed to oxygen and water. What it means is that the shelf life is very less and expires fast if exposed to air or sunlight. If it degrades, it will not be effective and can cause skin irritation. To overcome this, manufacturers use derivatives or synthetic forms of Vitamin C.
The popular forms of Vitamin C derivatives are
L-Ascorbic Acid
The most potent form of natural Vitamin C which is water soluble and readily absorbed by our skin but is not very stable and can cause skin irritations. It can get oxidized fast due to which it has very low shelf life. Also it is recommended to use these at low concentrations.
Magnesium or Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Water soluble synthetic form of Vitamin C that is more stable and gentle on skin and popularly used in most skin care products. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is considered as one of the most stable derivatives.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Form used for oil soluble products which is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid form.
Latest derivative which is oil soluble that can penetrate skin faster and reach deeper than other forms of Vitamin C. But its effectiveness is still not well verified as other popular forms above.
2. Skin Type
If you have normal, oily or combination skin types you can start with the lower forms first and move on to higher forms like L-Ascorbic acid.
Sodium or magnesium Ascorbyl phosphate is suitable for all skin types. Ascorbyl Palmitate which is oil soluble will work well for dry and sensitive skin. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate works for all skin types including sensitive skin.
3. Added Ingredients
The most important factor to consider when buying Vitamin C Serum is the oils and chemicals it contains.
A good quality Vitamin C serum must contain ascorbic acid along with added ingredients like ferulic acid and hyaluronic acids, essential oils, antioxidants rich items like green tea that contain Vitamins A or E.
The bad ingredients to avoid are propylene glycol, parabens, pthalates, phenoxyethanol which can irritate skin and cause serious health issues in the long run.
4. pH Level
For a serum with ascorbic acid, lower pH level of 3.5 and below is ideal depending on skin sensitivity and preference. The higher the pH level of serum containing ascorbic acid in particular, the more unstable it will become. In the case of derivatives pH values of 5 to 7 is considered normal and even neutral pH levels are fine.
5. Potency
The higher the concentration of Vitamin C in a serum, the more effective it will be. A serum with 20% concentration of Vitamin C will give a faster result than the one with a lesser percentage concentration.
Always consider your skin type when trying to figure out the potency of a serum, as a less intense serum will be gentler on a sensitive skin. If you use Ascorbic acid products then look for 5% to 10% concentration.
Derivatives like Sodium or Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate you can use from 5% to 20% concentration. Always start with lower concentrations before moving to higher ones.
5. Packaging
Vitamin C serum should be stored in dark and airtight container, otherwise, exposure to light and air will render it ineffective after sometime. In that case, purchasing a serum packaged in a substandard container is a waste of money.
Look for those which come in dark airtight pump glass containers. Also the serum should be white or colorless so that if it gets yellow or brown tinted, it is a sign of oxidation and will be ineffective. Some products have synthetic color which makes it difficult to look for any signs of oxidation.
6. Price
The best Vitamin C serum may not necessarily be the most expensive one as there are a number of effective ones you can purchase without spending too much. Though the price is also an important factor to consider, ingredients, pH level, and potency are the most important factors.
How to Use a Best Vitamin C Face Serum
Vitamin C serums can be applied once or twice a day to dry clean skin depending on your skin type and requirement.
It is better to start with lower concentration of 1% to 5%, once a day to see if any irritations occur before moving to higher dosages. You should apply it to dry skin every morning after cleaning your face with a toner or cleanser and before putting any makeup
You need to apply it daily for at least 3 to 4 weeks for the serum to give any noticeable results. You can also apply it at night before using your moisturizer for maximum benefit.
Take one pump of serum and spread the lotion evenly across your face in upward motion and massage it slowly into your skin.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to consider when thinking about purchasing a best Vitamin C Serum for face, and a wide variety of options are available for purchase.
Though it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices, if you try to keep the basic information and advice provided here, you should be able to choose the best.
These products listed here have been classified according to five key factors which include quality of active ingredients, correction and prevention of aging, skin texture improvement, collagen production stimulation, and skin moisturizing.
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum is our top pick in this list. It is very effective and extremely affordable. Given these factors, we believe that it is well worth a try.
I use a different InstaNatural. I can’t remember the specific kind it is but I do like it. I have been considering getting the one with vitamin C though as a lot of women rave about using topical C for skin care. I think I will just order it. If I like it more than the one I have now, I will just switch to it.