Companies use various forms of vitamin C in their formulations, and the two most common are L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbate. L-ascorbic acid is 100% pure vitamin C. It’s water-soluble, well-researched and effective, but extremely unstable. It begins to oxidize and change color over time and can be irritating to some people’s skin. Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate is stable and fat soluble, so it can be used in oil-based products. It tends to be well tolerated and permeates the skin easily. This formulation features 10% pure vitamin C in conjunction with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Together, they work to reduce wrinkles, even skin tone and make dark spots and pores less noticeable. While some serums leave behind a greasy feel, this one has a powdery finish, which is similar to that of a primer. The lower vitamin C concentration compared to some competitors’ formulas makes this an ideal option for new users or those with sensitive skin; however, more experienced users may seek out a more potent product. The serum stimulates collagen production in your skin, and collagen keeps your skin full and plump, rather than deflated and sallow. Take Anton Ego, the hard-to-please food critic from Ratatouille, for example. There’s a guy who could use some Vitamin C serum. Water, emollients (oils), and humectants (ingredients that draw moisture into the skin) are only found in low levels in the typical serum, meaning they can work a lot harder to deliver the nutritive benefits of their other ingredients, without causing discomfort or heaviness.

This is why Palm doesn’t recommend introducing multiple new skin care products into your routine at the same time. As seasoned beauty reporters and skincare devotees ourselves, the Forbes Vetted team knows what it takes to find the best vitamin C serums for various skin types. Molly Calhoun, a regular contributor with experience covering a range of beauty topics, enlisted the help of Pritzker, dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, for her take on key formulations, ingredients and the most important things to consider in this category. Senior beauty editor Jane Sung, who oversaw the publishing of this article, has more than a decade of beauty industry experience conducting product testing and extensive research. Having produced a variety of skincare stories, we also tapped into our deep market knowledge to highlight products and brands that offer innovative, effective formulas.When shopping for a vitamin C serum, it’s important to look for a product made of a potent, stable type of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps build collagen and delays skin from losing its structure, which is held in place by collagen. reviewers with mature-looking skin say they love the improvement in their skin’s appearance, but salicylic acid may irritate sensitive skin If you’re looking into incorporating a face serum in your skincare regimen and aren’t sure when exactly to apply one, we’ve got you covered. Because serums are so lightweight, they should be applied to clean and dry skin after you’ve washed your face. Also, if you use any form of moisturizer, you should apply a face serum beforehand since moisturizer creates a protective barrier on the skin and can work on the surface area while your face serum is working its magic in the interior. Long story short, wash your face to get rid of any surface dirt or grime, pat dry, and then apply the face serum of your choice before taking any other steps in your regimen. Active ingredients:Vitamin C, sugarcane-derived squalane | Additional benefits:Hydrating, improves loss of firmness and elasticity | Consistency:Oil | Cruelty-free: Yes

The moment you put them on your skin, they enable pure Vitamin C to be released into your skin cells.Vitamin C: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals from sunlight and even counteract the skin impacts of pollution, which can cause dullness, uneven skin tone, and even skin cancer. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there and is typically the most common antioxidant you’ll see in skincare. 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. It’s free of phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil. Sensitive skin serums: These serums are made with natural and healthy ingredients that can suit all skin types. They also won’t irritate or damage the skin. There are plenty of ways to get your RDA from Vitamin C infused grooming products, such as deluxe home kits, serums, eye gels, sun care and sheet masks– get your fix here. The Booster: Clinique For Men Super Energizer Hyaluronic Acid: Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid which can absorb and hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful ingredient to help maintain healthy moisture levels in your skin. Hyaluronic acid is important for everyone, but especially if you struggle with dry skin issues.

Active ingredients:Vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium ascorbyl phosphate | Additional benefits:Improves skin elasticity, texture smoothing | Consistency:Oil | Cruelty-free: Yes These derivatives are used to create Vitamin C serum, and while they may not be 100% pure sources of Vitamin C, like the examples above are, they’re still capable of pretty powerful, almost mind-blowing stuff.The current thought is that people should be using antioxidants such as vitamin C at night to prevent post-sun damage,” he continues. “When you apply them at night, it still helps to fight sun damage the next day.” For all skin types, it’s gentle enough to be used two-to-three times per week. Whether you’re run down, hungover or have that post-viral look from a recent illness, this is your guaranteed get-out-of-jail-free-card for brighter, clearer and smoother feeling skin. These natural molecules aren’t bad on their own, but they can become a problem when they build up. In high numbers, they can break cells down over time, contributing to illness and aging. Look for a formula with at least 10% vitamin C and a maximum of 20%. Anything less may not be effective. Anything over 20% could lead to irritation, and research says the benefits of vitamin C don’t increase after that threshold anyway. Skin brightening serums: If your skin needs an antioxidant fix, a skin brightening serum is best. They can also help improve uneven skin tone.