Why You Should Probably Be Using a Vitamin C Serum, According to Dermatologists

Sabina Wizemann, senior chemist in the GH Beauty Lab, loves this serum for its gentle yet effective performance. “Even with a high concentration of 15% of L-Ascorbic acid — an outstanding and proven form of vitamin C — this serum doesn’t irritate my skin like other products I’ve tried,” she says. “It firms and brightens skin, and leaves it supple and glowy,” thanks to the conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties of added vitamin E.

This Olay serum is like radiance bottled, with concentrated skin tone-evening ingredients such as niacinamide. A study of 144 women showed that it reduced dark spots and uneven tone after two weeks. 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.

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. Our Lab experts think it’s especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) since you can use the precise, pointed applicator to spot-treat problem areas.

The Mary Kay TimeWise line is nothing new to the Good Housekeeping Institute team: For years, our Beauty Lab experts have been recommending TimeWise products for various skincare concerns. This replenishing serum contains vitamin C and E for an age-defying combination. Clinical studies have shown the serum is generally mild and does not bother testers with sensitive skin.  

“This serum has the right amount of vitamin C and brightens, plumps and hydrates,” says Dr. Marmur. The product contains additional products such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and fruit enzymes that help brighten and buff the skin’s texture. Keep in mind that some reviewers complained about the formula being too sticky, but others say it’s lightweight and sinks into the skin.

If you’re looking to avoid irritation, this serum holds a relatively lower level of vitamin C at 10%, and it contains ceramides that help protect and maintain the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient in the formula that helps moisturize the skin and retain moisture.

This variation on SkinCeuticals’ popular CE Ferulic serum contains salicylic acid and is specially formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. One online reviewer says that after a month’s use, she’s noticed a reduction in oiliness and breakouts on her skin. 

To keep the vitamin C potent and fresh, this product keeps it isolated. To use, press the button to release the vitamin C powder into an emulsion serum, ensuring optimal efficiency and a strong, potent product to perfect your skin. Reviewers say they saw acne scarring go away within a week — but a couple note that overuse can cause mild redness or dryness. 

This is formulated with a newer form of vitamin C called 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, which is thought to be less irritating without sacrificing efficacy. The formula is collagen-protecting and brightening to fade dark spots, firm skin and improve texture. The brand claims the formula is ultra-stable, so it can live right in your medicine cabinet or vanity. “I love its fresh — not cloying! — citrus scent, and that it’s dye, paraben and cruelty-free,” says editor Jessica Teich.

If you suffer from dry skin, this serum from La Roche-Posay has a creamier formula that contains 10% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which is great for hydrating and plumping the skin. The brand also claims it helps to fill lines and fight wrinkles. La Roche-Posay thermal spring water is also said to “repel free radicals and soothe skin.“ 

This C15 Super Booster contains the trifecta of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid that has been shown to have synergistic benefits and help protect vitamin C formulas from losing efficaciousness quickly. The container is not clear so it protects it from sunlight, which degrades vitamin C formulas. Thus, this shelf-stable product will last and last, even if you don’t use it every day.

With 15% pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and jasmonate deritives, Lancôme’s vitamin C serum will help even your skin tone and protect the skin barrier from free radicals with continued use. Simply apply 4-5 drops of this concentrated serum onto skin every morning to notice results in as little as 10 days. Make sure to let it sit for a few moments before applying your usual cream, and don’t use more than once a day.

While our Lab experts haven’t put this formula to the test yet, Amazon reviewers cannot get enough of the hyaluronic acid and vitamin E formula to the tune of over 13,000 reviews. Reviewers say that skin is noticeably brighter and smoother, and a slew of before and after photos showcase fading acne scars and dark spots on a range of skin tones. 

This oil formula is great for hydration, and uses vitamin C to boost radiance and reduce discoloration. Other key ingredients include jojoba seed oil to retain moisture and rosehip oil to to help cell generation, plus vitamin E and green tea to protect the skin from aging and environmental stressors.

This potent serum contains microscopically encapsulated vitamin C to prevent degradation from light and air. According to the brand, stabilization and efficacy were of the utmost importance in the development of this formula, which was created by a cosmetic chemist. In a special study, they found that consumers saw significant improvement in crow’s feet and skin firmness.  

If you’re new to vitamin C and are worried about the concentration strength, our Lab experts recommend this light moisturizer that contains SPF 15. It has a derivative of vitamin C called ascorbyl glucoside, along with salicylic acid, which is a great exfoliating ingredient. Reviewers say they love the fresh scent and saw dark spots fade with use. 

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Using Salicylic Acid on Your Skin

In clinical studies, users saw that their skin looked plumper after one week of application. They also reported that the serum was lightweight and absorbed quickly. Online reviewers agree saying it’s super hydrating, but some noted that it left a slight greasy feeling on the skin. 

Several online reviewers admit that this serum is a tad overpriced, but most agree that it really works. It contains 15% antioxidant vitamin C to help lighten dark spots, smooth fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores.

This lightweight cream formula uses 10% vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside and hyaluronic acid to help brighten your skin and improve your skin texture’s appearance. The brand claims to even reduce the look of deep-set wrinkles and pores over time with continued use. 

A K-beauty favorite and Amazon best-seller, this daily serum is gentle enough to be used everyday. It has a smaller concentration of 5% vitamin C, and the brand claims that it can help clear irritation, fade scars and dark spots and protect the skin from hyperpigmentation.

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