17 Vitamin C Serums That Will Give You Instant Glow—and Longterm Results
- 1/18
17 Vitamin C Serums That Will Give You Instant Glow—and Longterm Results
Whether you are in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, there are few products as universally effective as vitamin C. A skincare favorite among derms and plastic surgeons, the active ingredient is best described as a starter treatment for bouncy, bright skin and a do-it-all anti-ager for fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots. And now that serums packed with the antioxidant are available from nearly every major beauty brand—and at every price point—you have no excuse not to use one to care for your face in your skincare routine.
“Vitamin C is one of the greatest anti-agers nature has produced,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. “After you apply a vitamin C treatment product, such as a serum, you’ll see a radiant sheen to the skin. And with long term use, it helps to build collagen and firmness in the skin on the face.”
Some more benefits of the potent active ingredient are that it helps with the synthesis of collagen, speeds up cell turnover, and reduces hyperpigmentation, which ultimately could improve the appearance of your skin's texture, tone, and radiance. It's also important to note that most users will find that the ingredient leads to both instantaneous and long-term effects. “Serums contain the most potent dose of ingredients to tackle your skincare concern," says Dr. Gross. "You would be doing your skin a disservice not to use one."
But it must be noted, though incredibly effective, vitamin C does oxidize, so it's crucial you keep it out of the light and use the product up within a few months, or its efficacy will degrade. Given that the powerhouse ingredient produces such visible results so quickly, we doubt that would be an issue.Here, are editor-approved vitamin C serums to add to your beauty stash now.
Designed by Michael Stillwell - 2/18
C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals
dermstore.com
$169.00
This SkinCeuticals serum has been around since long before vitamin C serums became a must-have for every product line. According to its many devotees, there's a reason it hasn't gone out of style—its blend of 15 percent vitamin C, with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which work together to fend off free radical damage.
Bonus: The brand also offers two additional Vitamin C formulations: one that emphasizes preventing environmental damage, and an oil-free one for acne-prone types.
Courtesy - 3/18
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Kiehls
kiehls.com
$69.00
With 12% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, you'll get the powerful brightening benefits of the antioxidant with added hydration—which is helpful for those who find the ingredient can make them a smidge dry.
kiehls.com - 4/18
Anti-Aging Repair Serum
Dr. Loretta
dermstore.com
$110.00
Vitamin C is only one of the major ingredients in this formulation, which is aimed at defending skin from environmental damage and improving hydration levels. It's a great all-rounder, thanks to a blend of algae extracts, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, plant stem cells and vitamin E.
dermstore.com - 5/18
Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid
La Roche-Posay
dermstore.com
$39.99
When in doubt, go with a French pharmacy brand. Glycerin, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and of course the brand's trademark thermal water, make for a softening and hydrating blend, that does double duty when it comes to busting uneven texture.
dermstore.com - 6/18
35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
Allies of Skin
dermstore.com
$118.00
This serum is very potent and waterless—which means you don't have to worry about oxidization. With daily use it will pack a serious punch in fighting wrinkles, dark spots, and pigmentation.
dermstore.com - 7/18
Universal C Skin Refiner
BeautyStat Cosmetics
dermstore.com
$80.00
Loved by just about every beauty editor you know, and for good reason, BeautyStat's 20% Vitamin C formulation is shelf stable, and ultra-effective. With such a high concentration of vitamin C in airtight packaging, you'll notice fine lines seem to vanish along side your hyperpigmentation with only a few days use. Bonus: unlike most formulations, this drys somewhat matte, so it's great for summertime when we all have a little more sheen.
dermstore.com - 8/18
Vitamin C Serum
Common Heir
commonheir.com
$88.00
For the environmentally conscious, behold a totally plastic-free and biodegradable way to introduce Vitamin C into your skincare routine. Potent capsules filled with 10% vitamin C give an other-worldly glow instantly, and are clinically proven to brighten skin in 4 weeks. Bonus: these are incredibly convenient for travel.
commonheir.com - 9/18
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Biossance
biossance.com
$74.00
Dryer skintypes will love Biossance's shelf-stable vitamin C formulation which is made with squalane to ensure optimal moisture for the face. No dryness or irritation here.
biossance.com - 10/18
Sunnyside C Glow Serum
Holifrog
holifrog.com
$68.00
A potent blend of antioxidants, acids, adaptogens and plant-based actives that work together to oh-so gently make a repairing and revitalizing vehicle for your skin. Bonus points: it works to reinforce a health skin barrier, which means no extra sensitivity for you.
holifrog.com - 11/18
C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
Drunk Elephant
sephora.com
$80.00
Drunk Elephant reformulated their iconic C-Firma day serum to ensure that the l-ascorbic acid could be in its most stable and potent form. Now the user is a mixologist, to ensure maximum freshness of their antioxidants (using its unique blend of 15% l-ascorbic acid, .5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E) and thus efficacy. They'll have you toasting to brighter days ahead in no time.
sephora.com - 12/18
Violet-C Brightening Serum
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Women's Ancient Vine Vitality Serum
saksfifthavenue.com - 16/18
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