Vitamin C Serum For Dry Sensitive Skin – We independently evaluate all our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Emily Algar is an Australia-based journalist and beauty expert specializing in product reviews. Her work has been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, and POPSUGAR. She is currently beauty editor at Grazia Australia.
Vitamin C Serum For Dry Sensitive Skin
Alyssa is an associate commerce editor covering makeup, skin care, fragrance, hair care, and more. She consistently researches the market and spends hours testing products to find customized recommendations for readers. Although she loves all things beauty, she has a special affinity for makeup and finds immense joy in discovering high-performance, confidence-boosting products.
Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum For Clear Glowing Skin
Onyeka Obioha, MD is an LA-based board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as a member of the Skin of Color Society.
Our favorite drugstore vitamin C serum is the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum, thanks to its non-greasy texture and how well it smoothes and brightens the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, we recommend the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum as it helps lighten post-acne marks.
Anyone interested in skin care has no doubt heard of the benefits of vitamin C serums. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals from the environment, helping to repair damaged cells, while improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging from sun damage (such as pigmentation) and barrier function. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant, but interestingly, humans lack the enzyme needed for its synthesis, which is why we rely on food and topical products to reap the benefits.
Serums are generally thinner and more concentrated when it comes to skin care products, which is why they make an excellent vehicle for vitamin C. But we get that the price of potent serums can sometimes be off-putting, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite drugstore vitamin C- serums that deliver all the glowing skin goodness minus the price tag. We combined our research with testing in the world to recommend the best options. We evaluated each product based on ease of use, absorption and effectiveness in delivering promised results. Finally, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Ashley Magovern and Dr. Whitney Bowe, and Samantha Appel, one of Australia’s leading aestheticians, for key advice on the effective use of vitamin C serums.
The 13 Best Vitamin C Serums Of 2022
This popular drugstore serum was created with dermatologists to deliver the best possible results quickly. The formula contains 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), an active concentration thought to help produce a noticeable difference in skin texture. “One of the biggest disadvantages of L-ascorbic acid is that it is very unstable and can break down easily,” says Dr. Bow. “Heat, high pH, air and sunlight can all contribute to the breakdown of L-ascorbic acid.” Because of this, the formula is stored in an airtight metal tube to protect its effectiveness (but keep an eye out for any color changes). The consistency is a bit paste-like, but it’s a nice change from watery serums, especially if you have dry or mature skin.
Despite the slight bit of grittiness in the formula, it absorbed easily into the skin and left it feeling smooth and non-greasy. After using it consistently, we noticed a real improvement in brightness and texture; the skin generally looked smoother and more radiant.
With only 0.5% vitamin C (in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate), this gentle serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or those who find vitamin C irritating. Apple suggests pairing vitamin C with niacinamide (which also has brightening capabilities), so we love that this formula is boosted with the ingredient to help soothe and calm skin, plus hydrating sodium hyaluronate and brightening licorice root. We’re also big fans of the light, bouncy texture.
In addition to vitamin C, this top-rated serum contains a bunch of all-star ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and soothing aloe vera, so it covers all the bases. Its host of hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for drier complexions or those looking to restore skin’s youthful glow. We also appreciate that the texture is lightweight and non-greasy, and it’s gentle enough to apply twice a day as part of your skincare routine. However, it may be too gentle for oily skin.
Vitamin C Skin Brightening Serum
This intensely hydrating serum from Cocokind is another great choice for dry skin. It is packed with nourishing ingredients to hydrate the complexion, including hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar – a natural algae that stimulates water retention in the skin. Made with gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate, it lightens and fades dark spots over time without irritating the skin. We also appreciate that it does not contain synthetic fragrance, which can irritate reactive skin.
Benefits: Contains botanical extracts, enhances radiance, refines | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This serum is designed to balance, refine and clarify for blemishes or oily skin. In addition to vitamin C, it also contains clary sage, grapefruit, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile, which provide benefits such as increasing hydration, boosting antioxidants, protecting and soothing the skin. Try applying a few drops to clean skin after cleansing and before you moisturize in the morning – over time you should see an improvement in the smoothness and clarity of your skin. However, we wish the product would disclose the exact percentage of vitamin C included.
Benefits: soothes with vitamin B5 and ceramides, allergy tested Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Amazon.com: Natural Firm & Glow Skincare Set Of 3 Serums
Formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides, this wallet-friendly serum is a great buy for all skin types, although we found it to be particularly effective for those with acne-prone skin during our test. One tester who deals with acne and struggles to find products that don’t cause flare-ups shared that this serum didn’t — rather, it helped improve the appearance of her acne scars and even smoothed fine lines around her mouth after the product consistently for a few weeks. We also appreciate that the formula is fragrance-free and non-greasy. It also boosted our skin’s radiance, as any good vitamin C serum should.
Benefits: Refine, enhance radiance, and clarify | Skin Type: Oily and congested | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This multi-tasking serum claims to boost radiance and clarify skin at the same time, and we found it to be accurate during our testing. Enriched with 10% L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, the bouncy texture sinks in quickly and helps smooth the texture over time. We also noticed a slight improvement in the appearance of dark spots, although the gentle exfoliation and brightening benefits impressed us the most. If youare dealing with lumps or rough texture and are looking for a lightweight product to smooth your skin while increasing your radiance, we recommend trying this serum.
Benefits: Brightens, hydrates, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Vitamin C Serums For Sensitive Skin: Tried And Tested
This heavy-hitting serum from Naturium will improve the overall appearance and texture of mature skin in one step. It’s formulated with three vitamin C compounds (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a naturally brightening fruit mix) to keep skin radiant. The combination also protects the skin from free radicals from the environment. During a clinical study of 32 subjects, the brand found that 100% of participants saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after eight weeks of daily use. We love that it can be used daily and comes in multiple sizes.
Benefits: Lightens, exfoliates, evens skin tone | Skin Type: Balanced, Oily, Dry | Size: 0.95 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Vitamin C serums can offer many benefits; one of the big ones is that they can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and even out overall skin tone. This one did an excellent job of fading dark spots and reducing redness with consistent use, leading to a more even, even complexion. We also love that the formula contains 5% polyhydroxy acid to smooth the skin. The texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and not sticky at all, making it easy to layer within your skincare routine. We were incredibly impressed with how well this pick performed, and for just $15, we think it’s worth your money.
The Ordinary is arguably one of the best drugstore brands around, so it would be rude of us not to include this product, especially since it’s a great starting point for those new to vitamin C serums. The water-soluble form of vitamin C is less intense than L-ascorbic acid, so you can experience subtle but noticeable skin lightening and smoothness with a lower risk of irritation. The sweet price is also a nice touch. We just wish it came in a more airtight container, as vitamin C can easily oxidize (however, the brand says this formula is “highly stable”).
Amazon.com: Vitamin C Serum, Anti Aging Serum For Face, Face Serums With Hyaluronic Acid, Suitable For All Skin Types
Alyssa Kaplanis an associate commerce editor at , and an experienced writer and product tester in the beauty industry specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as marketing for fashion companies.
Also interviewed New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, board-certified
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