Vitamin C cleansers and other skin care products that you rinse off are not considered treatments and typically include much lower percentages of active ingredients (as low as 0.01 percent). "Also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C provides antioxidant protection, as it uses electrons to neutralize the free radicals found on skin from environmental stressors like solar radiation and pollution," says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, Best Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation, Best Dermatologist-Recommended Vitamin C Serum, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. It's also an Amazon favorite, can be found in drugstores and costs less than $30. The brand says the serum delivers best results when paired with Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Vitamin C is a sensitive ingredient, so its important youre paying attention to not only the type of bottle the serum comes in, but also where youre storing it daily. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. However, Zeichner advised those with acne-prone skin avoid vitamin C serums paired with vitamin E, a moisturizing ingredient that can cause breakouts. Vitamin C is also a great ingredient for anyone with acne-prone skin for several reasons, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist: It can help neutralize inflation and prevent breakouts, brighten dark spots left behind when pimples heal it can also treat melasma (dark patches on the skin) and can calm rosacea, Campbell added. If you have more sensitive skin and tend to react to skincare products, then it might be best to pick up a serum with a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid, about 10 percent, or a product that contains a derivative of vitamin C that is gentler than L-ascorbic acid, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl-6-palmitate, which have a neutral pH of 7, Dr. Alam says. In addition to vitamin C, it includes botanical hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and is designed to target skin aging issues, such as brightness, firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun spots. Vitamin C is helpful for those with mature skin or looking to reduce signs of aging. 2014;4(1):93-101. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0052-3. For example, SkinCeuticals, a higher-end LOral-owned luxury skin care line, created National Vitamin C Day in 2019 to raise awareness of the importance of vitamin C for health and beauty. This year, it took place on Sunday, April 4. Simply apply 4-5 drops of this concentrated serum onto skin every morning to notice results in as little as 10 days. Not only is it packed with 10% L-ascorbic acid, it also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and ceramides to protect your skins natural barrier. After using it daily for a little over a month, one reviewer shares that her skin looks brighter and feels smoother. 2016;15(4):476-482. However, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, noted those with very sensitive skin should exercise caution since vitamin C may cause redness and dryness. Because of its plant-based ingredients, this formula is free of GMOs, sulfates, and fragrances, so you can take solace in the fact that this addition to your skin care regimen is all-natural. Learn more about Danusia Wnek is a chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. The current thought is that people should be using antioxidants such as vitamin C at night to prevent post-sun damage, he continues. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to be particularly careful when it comes to choosing a vitamin C serum. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you may want to opt for a nightly application to both heal and prevent sun damage (but make sure youre wearing a good sunscreen, too). It is also made with witch hazel to help tighten pores and calm inflammation. It features a unique blend of vitamin C, castor oil and glycerin, all of which help brighten and moisturize the skin. Thanks to its tube-shaped packaging, this vitamin C serum allows you to use it more as a spot treatment, in case you don't want to apply it to your entire face. Dr. Yadav explains that because the vitamin is a water-soluble nutrient, it can be used topically in many different forms, including vitamin C serums. Reviewers rave that "skin looks brighter" and "smoother" after using this serum. Vitamin C can be one of the best weapons against acne, says Michael Somenek, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can accelerate wound healing, [which] will also help to reduce the visible signs of acne.. Vitamin C works best when combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which together improve the antioxidant effects and stability of this ingredient, says Murad Alam, MD, vice-chair and professor of dermatology at Northwestern Medicine. Reviewers agree with its speedy results: "My face is almost clear after 2 weeks of use," shares one. Tip applicator is good for spot-treating marks, Age-defying formula is great for mature skin, Packaging design promotes longer shelf life. The takeaway? The 8 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2022, The 9 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists, The 8 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea of 2022, The 10 Best Products for Thinning Hair of 2022, The 10 Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions of 2022. Once you settle on a vitamin C serum, patch test it on your body before applying the serum to your face. One Amazon reviewer with sensitive skin shares that "it nourishes my face and helps to maintain the right balance my face requires.". Think of sun and pollution (stressors) creating reactive oxygen species (tiny particles bouncing around) in the skin that are breaking up collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles, she explained. It earned a 4.6-star average from more than 60 reviews on Peach & Lily. In addition to being an affordable vitamin C serum, this one also boasts sodium hyaluronate and collagen, a concoction of ingredients that will target signs of aging while simultaneously promoting moisture and smoothing your skin. If you're looking on a budget, TruSkin Vitamin C Serum (view at Amazon) is an affordable way to get the benefits of a vitamin C serum at a fraction of the cost. "From the first night, I saw, and felt, a difference in my skin," shares one reviewer. Since joining the team in 2014, she has been developing and overseeing the testing of anti-aging serums, eye creams, flat irons, hairdryer brushes, moisturizing creams and more utilizing both lab instrumentation and consumer feedback to recommend the best products on the market. He also reminds users that it will probably take many weeks to see a positive difference in skin tone, and that much of what vitamin C does is preventive (so no instant gratification here!). Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain. Common medical knowledge has recommended vitamin C serum for use in the morning to ward off damage during the day, because it helps to protect the skin from free radicals, says Dr. Somenek. A lightweight vitamin C serum could help you meet your skin care goals before the summer season kicks off on June 20, experts told us. But newer data, he explains, shows that UV damage remains for hours after a person is no longer exposed to the sun. If youre interested in trying a vitamin C serum but have sensitive skin, your safest bet is consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. She has a B.S. The product contains additional products such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and fruit enzymes that help brighten and buff the skin's texture. Almost anyone can incorporate a vitamin C serum into their skincare routine. Its free of phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Products that incorporate benzoyl peroxide, Dr. Alam warns, could also react negatively with vitamin C. Individuals should speak with their dermatologists about how to safely and effectively incorporate vitamin C in their skincare regimen, he says. Tatcha's serum boasts 20 percent vitamin C and is made with 10 percent Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, which help buff away dead skin cells. If you have dry or mature skin, vitamin E is a great ingredient to look out for in your vitamin C serum. It received a 4.4-star average rating from more than 20 reviews on The Detox Market. The Good Housekeeping Institute regularly tests skincare products to find the best ones on the market. Formulated for optimal skin absorption, the airtight packaging on this standout L'Oreal product helps ensure that the vitamin C inside stays stable and therefore effective. Medical experts arent the only ones emphasizing vitamin C brands have been especially pushing vitamin C products lately. When used on a daily basis, a vitamin C serum can help brighten dull skin, diminish acne scars, even out skin tone, hydrate skin and protect it from pollution. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you experience a negative reaction, then consider selecting a vitamin C serum with a lower concentration or altering other products in your routine that could be causing the sensitivity. This vitamin C serum boasts a 4.3-star average rating from more than 67,200 reviews on Amazon. A cult beauty favorite, the Maelove Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum frequently sells out of stockbut if you can, we highly recommend getting your hands on it. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. She has written for publications like Women's Health, Healthline, and Parents. She recommended the Phloretin CF serum for those with oily skin while the C E Ferulic serum is the "best option for all skin types," especially those with dry and combination skin. Nicole Saunders is a former associate commerce editor for Select on NBC News, covering wellness and lifestyle. Drunk Elephant cuts out essential oils, alcohols, fragrances and dyes, and chemical sunscreen to prevent skin irritation, leaving you with a serum thats simply packed with the potent antioxidant cocktail of 15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E. As a total bonus, it also includes fruit extracts, like pumpkin and pomegranate, to remove dead skin cells, brighten your skin, and leave it glowing. One reviewer shares that it "feels like a very light gel moisturizer" and "if you wear makeup, this is an excellent primer, too.". Its also important to consider how vitamin C serum fits into the timeline of your skin care regime, especially if you use other products with certain ingredients. Maelove The Glow Maker. "It firms and brightens skin, and leaves it supple and glowy," thanks to the conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties of added vitamin E. This is also Dr. Yadav's top pick. One Sephora reviewer shares "In three weeks, I have seen a huge change in my skin," shares one Sephora reviewer. The Sephora Clean-approved formula also features Japanese angelica root extract to reduce discoloration. But because it also has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, it wont dry out your skin in the process. Our Lab experts think it's especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. Antioxidants like vitamin C chew up these free radicals, which helps protect your skin from damage and makes your sunscreen (the ultimate anti-aging protector) work better.. The San Francisco-based doctor called vitamin C invaluable and vital in any skin care routine. Since there are benefits to applying the serum in the morning and at night, we recommend thinking about when you can maximize benefits the most based on your daily activities. Learn more about our, 18 Best Brightening Vitamin C Serums for Glowy, Radiant Skin, Danusia Wnek, Good Housekeeping Institute, Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum, Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Collagen Serum, Lancome Visionnaire Vitamin C Serum 0.67 oz, Universal C Skin Refiner Vitamin C Treatment, Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. Several online reviewers admit that this serum is a tad overpriced, but most agree that it really works. A dermatologist can be your best source for why your skins reacting and what steps you can take to prevent future reactions. Dr. Alam explains that you want the vitamin C, which most commonly comes in the form of L-ascorbic acid, within the top five ingredients on the label. According to Wnek, vitamin C is highly effective in its pure form, but it is a tricky ingredient to formulate with because it is very unstable and can degrade with exposure to oxygen, light, water and high pH. Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid| Usage: Apply 3-5 drops to face, neck, and chest after cleansing and drying| Scent: Yes, but mild. Beyond shopping at the usual beauty retailers Sephora, Ulta and Dermstore you can order vitamin C serums directly from brands like Ghost Democracy, INNBeauty PROJECTS and Maya Chia. How often should you use vitamin C serum? Experts consider vitamin C to be excellent when it comes to skin care given both its functional and aesthetic benefits. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Once you find the most effective vitamin C product for your skin type (more on that below), simply apply the vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin twice a day in the morning and at night for best results, and follow with your favorite face moisturizer to seal in the serum and further hydrate skin. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex, Best Clean Beauty: Additionally, pay attention to the order of the ingredients on the product. TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum, Best for Hyperpigmentation: "I love this serum!". One online reviewer says that after a month's use, she's noticed a reduction in oiliness and breakouts on her skin. Dori Price is a Boston-born, New York City-based freelance writer, editor and beauty, style, and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Womans Day as a freelance beauty editor. You can start three times a week and build up to daily use.. "Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C has shown to improve dull skin texture and tone, fight free radical damage, reduce signs of aging, dark spots and hyperpigmentation, hydrate, increase collagen production, brighten and provide anti-inflammatory effects," says Geeta Yadav, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Science Dermatology. Campbell called SkinCeuticals "the gold standard" of topical vitamin C serums. Can vitamin C serum cause irritation or acne? This cruelty-free Paula's Choice vitamin C serum received a 4.4-star average from more than 670 reviews on Amazon. If any side effects are noted, use of the product should be stopped, he says. Unlike any other serum on this list, it also includes vitamin B5, which can soothe and hydrate as well as potentially fight acne, according to one 2014 study. This vitamin C serum boasts a 4.1-star average from more than 12,260 reviews on Google Shopping. Which under eye patches do derms recommend? The below picks reflect our Lab picks, Good Housekeeping Seal-holders and top-rated items from our favorite trusted brands, plus favorites from consumers and dermatologist recommendations. That means its less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin, and since the Vichy serum also includes hyaluronic acid, is made with clean ingredients, and is paraben-, fragrance-, and oil-free, its worth giving it a try if youve got sensitive skin. However, Ellen Marmur, M.D., a New York based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare, cautions that too much vitamin C can potentially irritate skin.
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