Topical vitamin C, also referred to as L-ascorbic acid, is a topical antioxidant that has been shown to increase collagen production, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin discoloration, according to Skin & Aging magazine. The most important thing to look for when choosing skin serums containing vitamin C is the concentration. The serum must contain at least a 10 to 15 percent concentration of vitamin C to be deemed effective, according to Skin Care Guide. Vitamin C is an unstable compound, and when exposed to air it becomes ineffective and potentially harmful, because it may increase the production of free radicals, according to Smart Skincare. Skin care companies have introduced stabilized forms of vitamin C, but these serums can be costly. Companies may also advertise that a serum contains vitamin C, but it's important to make sure the concentration is at least 10 percent. Vitamin C skin serums, because of the high concentration necessary to be effective, are most often sold at department and specialty stores.
There are some vitamin C serums available at drugstores, as well as natural and organic formulas that are sold at specialty health stores. Stabilized vitamin C serums with at least 10 percent concentration typically range from $15 for a drugstore serum, to $50 and upwards of $200 for high-end department and specialty store serums. As a rule of thumb, the higher the concentration of vitamin C and stabilization typically increase the price of a vitamin C serum. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week How to Use Vitamin C Serum Topical Vitamin C Serum Benefits & Concerns Vitamin C Face Treatment Vitamin C Serum Products The Benefits of Vitamin C on the Face Most Popular Antioxidant Supplements Effective for Anti-Aging Skin Care How to Make Vitamin C Serum at Home
The Best Antioxidant Skin Serums Can You Apply Vitamin C Serum on Your Eyes? Homemade Vitamin C Face Cream Food Sources of Superoxide Dismutase The Best Facial Serums You Can Get at Drug Stores Benefits of Vitamin E Oil for Skin What Are the Health Benefits of Superoxide Dismutase? The Best Antioxidants For the Face How to Improve Crepey Neck Skin How to Take Vitamins C & E for Skin What Does Cooking Do to Vitamin C? Benefits of Vitamin C for Even Skin Tone 9 Vitamin C Serums That Are Worth the Splurge If you’ve ever wondered why you should invest in a vitamin C serum, take it from board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Linder, M.D., founder of Linder Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. “Vitamin C performs a variety of functions within the skin, including stimulating new collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, protecting the skin from environmental pollutants with its antioxidant properties, helping reduce visible discolorations on the skin and providing enhanced protection against UV exposure,” she says.
Plus, since your skin doesn’t produce vitamin C on its own, you’ll need a topically applied method of delivery for optimal skin health. So how do you know which one to choose? “When selecting a vitamin C serum, patients should look for products containing pure L-ascorbic acid, the most bioavailable form of vitamin C, in higher percentages, such as 15 or 20 percent,” Dr. Linder says. And to optimize the benefits of the vitamin C, the product should also be formulated with 5 percent pure vitamin E. For optimal benefits, stay away from products with ascorbyl palmitate, recommends Dr. Linder, which is an ester of vitamin C, but doesn’t offer the unique benefits and potency that pure L-ascorbic acid does. Make sure to apply every morning to get the best level of protection against oxidative damage from sun exposure during the day. And if the product is turning brown or looking darker, it’s likely not at full potency—it’s time to toss it. Ready to boost your antioxidant intake?
Here are nine vitamin C serums that are actually worth every penny: 1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Aside from 15 percent pure L-ascorbic acid, this Dermstore bestseller also features vitamin E and ferulic acid, which makes this serum an antioxidant powerhouse, providing as much as 8x the skin’s natural protection! It has all the typical benefits of vitamin C—neutralizes free radicals, enhances collagen production and brightens complexion—plus, its super-concentrated formula makes it effective up to 72 hours. That gives you more bang for your buck! 2. SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex This serum also combines the age-reversing, UV damage-fighting powers of two potent antioxidants: vitamins C and E. But what makes this serum special is its time-release delivery system, which releases the formula gradually so you get all-day protection from free radicals and premature aging. 3. Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum This professional-strength anti-aging serum combines vitamin C with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing vitamins, which makes it soothing and compatible with a wide range of other skin care products like glycolic acid treatments, tretinoin and other topical medications.
4. PCA Skin A and C Synergy Serum This astringent serum is specially formulated with active botanicals, vitamins and exfoliants that work together to brighten and even skin tone while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal for oily, breakout-prone skin. 5. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum Possibly the most buzzed-about vitamin C right now! Enriched with clinically effective vitamin C and ferulic acid, this gel-like serum is cool to the touch and encased in an airless pump packaging, which prevents it from losing its efficacy. It’s also complete with moisture-replenishing botanicals and peptides to nourish and repair your skin. 6. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus If you’re struggling with acne, rosacea or just have sensitive or compromised skin, this vitamin C serum is designed for you. It offers iS Clinical’s highest levels of antioxidant protection against free radical damage, plus a blend of soothing botanicals such as olive leaf extract, zinc sulfate, kojic acid and vitamins E and A to calm inflamed or easily irritated skin.
7. Cellex-C High-Potency Serum With only six ingredients, it’s a wonder how much power this serum has. It does exactly what every high-profile vitamin C serum out there does: brighten skin, enhance collagen synthesis and slows down the aging process. It also features hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture longer. If you want a no-frills product that works, this is for you. 8. Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% Another shopper and dermatologist favorite! This serum offers the highest concentration of L-ascorbic acid and said to deliver significantly better penetration into the epidermis and dermis than most vitamin C serums. And the fact that it’s from Obagi—a world-leader in professional skin care—makes it a no-brainer. 9. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster Aside from vitamins C and E, this serum is packed with good-for-you ingredients like grapefruit, orange, green tea and rosehip. Most shoppers agree that it smells so good—almost like OJ—that you’ll be tempted enough to take a sip!