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As a beauty shopping editor, I’ve talked many times with dermatologists and estheticians about skincare routines. What do they always recommend? Vitamin C. The serum’s formula smells like a hot dog, but this antioxidant is almost an all-in-one, targeting hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage. However, there are many things to consider when trying it out. Because no one wants to break down their skin barrier, we reached out to Dr. Angela Lam, Dr. Dusan Sajic, Dr. Loretta Ciraldo of FAAD, and Dr. Ashley Magovern. Help you choose the right vitamin C serum for your face.
Before you fall in love with the cute packaging, you should check the ingredient list. There are many different types of vitamin C, but which one is the most effective? Because L-ascorbic acid is irritating and unstable, L-ascorbic acid, especially between 10 and 20 percent, should not be used. Masu.
Another form of vitamin C is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Ciraldo prefers this because it is more stable and less irritating than L-ascorbic acid. Furthermore, it is effective against fine wrinkles and collagen. She recommends finding a ratio of 2 to 3. Last but not least, we have ascorbyl glucoside. This is another more stable and less irritating form of vitamin C that is easily absorbed into the skin. (Don’t worry about taking notes; we have lots of recommendations below.)
yes. Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so improper packaging can speed up oxidation and reduce its effectiveness. A rule of thumb that our experts agree on is that vitamin C serums should be placed in dark or colored bottles with a dropper to keep out light and air.
Since it is a very sensitive ingredient, it is best to avoid placing it in a beauty cabinet that is exposed to sunlight. (Sorry!) “It’s important to store it in a dark, cool place, away from sunlight and heat,” explains Sajic. If you have a skincare fridge or are looking for an excuse to buy one, that’s also a good option, says Lam, especially if you want to be careful.
Vitamin C does not need to be taken immediately and can be taken daily. Use in the morning (after cleansing and before moisturizing) several times a week, depending on skin tolerance and serum concentration. And as always, be sure to apply sunscreen when you’re done.
The most important question of them all. Everyone wants to get smooth, clear skin quickly, but layering ingredients on top of each other can have the opposite effect. Here is a summary of ingredients to avoid when using vitamin C serums:
– Retinol: If you’re using retinol and vitamin C as part of your nightly routine, Lam recommends alternating your nights or using your vitamin C serum only in the morning.
– Exfoliant: These are alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA). “Avoid combining vitamin C with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, as they can cause irritation,” Sajic explains. For maximum results, simply switch up the days you use the product.
Lam explains that people with sensitive skin may experience irritation from vitamin C serums. So it might be best to approach it with caution.If you don’t want to take the risk If you want to ditch vitamin C serums altogether, Lam says niacinamide is a good alternative. “Vitamin C and niacinamide both reduce damage from environmental factors, but niacinamide is gentler,” she says.
“Vitamin C is a great ingredient for preventing acne and residual blemish marks,” explains Dr. Magovern. “This active ingredient not only reduces inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation, but also helps control sebum production that causes acne.”
If you want to use a vitamin C serum for acne, she recommends starting with 15 percent L-ascorbic acid and increasing it to 20 percent. She also suggests starting with a formula that specifically targets acne, like SkinCeuticals’ Silymarin CF, which contains acne-fighting salicylic acid.
Main ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid for environmental protection, whitening and smoothing
Perfect for: all skin types
This expensive cult-favorite serum is highly recommended by dermatologists, cutting staff, and just about everyone else. This is a powerful combination of ingredients, which is likely a factor in the price. Contains 15 percent L-ascorbic acid and a blend of additional antioxidants to help protect, smooth, and brighten.
Main ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid for environmental protection, whitening and smoothing
Ideal for: all skin types
Another Cut favorite that I’ve raved about before. This has a similar ingredient list to his Skinceuticals product above, including 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, and is a fraction of the price.
Main material: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid for environmental protection, whitening and smoothing
Ideal for: all skin types
This is one of Lamb’s favorites for its combination of opaque packaging and ingredients (15 percent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid). It comes in two separate parts and is mixed before first use to ensure the freshest product and best results every time.
Main ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, and kojic acid for environmental protection and anti-hyperpigmentation
Ideal for: All skin types, hyperpigmentation
As someone who has had a lot of not-so-good experiences with vitamin C serums, this is one of my favorites. In addition to 15 percent vitamin C, it also contains kojic acid, which is popular for lightening dark spots.
Main ingredients: 10.5 percent L-ascorbic acid, 2 percent ascorbyl glucoside, and hyaluronic acid whiten, smooth, and hydrate.
Ideal for: all skin types
Features writer Matthew Schneier’s favorite is in the 12.5% range, which is an uninspiring range. He likes that despite the thick texture and strong formula, it doesn’t irritate his skin or cause breakouts.
Main material: 2Smoothes and brightens skin with 0 percent vitamin C derivative blend and AHA.
Perfect for: all skin types
Junior fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware’s favorite is Tatcha. In addition to being one of the prettiest bottles on this list, she also contains 20% vitamin C, which improves skin texture and pigmentation.
Main material: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, niacinamide, and lactic acid help brighten and tighten skin.
Ideal for: combination skin
Ware also recommends this whitening and firming serum from Dr. Dennis Gross. The active ingredients are stabilized vitamin C, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, amino acids that provide elasticity, and niacinamide that aids in skin whitening.
Main ingredients: Whitening and smoothing with ascorbyl glucoside
Perfect for: all skin typess
Ascorbyl glucoside is a favorite key ingredient in lamb meat. “This formula is infused with Sun Lily extract, which protects skin from UV rays and blue light, and also contains hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates for glowing, glowing skin,” she explains. Masu. “It does not contain any endocrine disrupting ingredients, so it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.”
Main material: 1Contains 0% L-ascorbic acid and peptides for whitening and smoothing.
Ideal for: sensitive skin
Characteristic that it is low but not so too much This recommendation from Sajic is on the gentler side due to its low content of L-ascorbic acid (10 percent), but reviewers also like the skin-smoothing collagen-boosting peptides.
Main ingredients: 10 percent ascorbic acid, squalane, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate whiten and smooth.
Perfect for: all skin types
This pick from Sajic contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and additional antioxidants for skin protection, and also includes squalane.
Main ingredients: TEtrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and algae extract brightens, moisturizes, and smoothes
Perfect for: mature skin
Featuring Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, this recommendation from Silaldo is perfect for those with mature skin as it contains ingredients like marine algae extract that supports skin hydration and elasticity. .
Main ingredients: 5 percent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, aloe, and hyaluronic acid whiten, smooth, and hydrate.n
Perfect for: sensitive skin
Former beauty director Maya Allen loves this gentle formula with 5 percent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, aloe and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Main ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate for moisturizing, Babu oil and Marula oil for skin whitening
Perfect for: Sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation
If you’re looking to really pamper yourself, Allen recommends this serum, which has been admired by facialists and stars alike. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate formula has an oily texture with lots of anti-inflammatory ingredients and hemp seed-like oils to help keep skin hydrated.
Main ingredients: 20 percent L-ascorbic acid brightens and smoothes
Ideal for: experienced skin
Containing 20% L-ascorbic acid, this serum is not for beginners, but is recommended by Dr. Magovern. While she doesn’t typically recommend taking high percentages of this powerful ingredient, she says that this formula “offers all the great benefits of a vitamin C serum, but with less dryness that you might experience due to the powerful ingredients.” It also contains hyaluronic acid to deal with the problem.” ”
Main ingredients: 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, squalane, and tartaric acid whiten and moisturize
Ideal for: all skin types
A similar lek by Dr. Magovern is by BeautyStat. The gel-cream formula is lightweight and has long-lasting benefits from L-ascorbic acid-balancing ingredients, including squalane to moisturize and tartaric acid, which provides optimal pH levels for skin absorption.
Main ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid for environmental protection, whitening, and smoothing
Perfect for: all skin types
Paula’s Choice is popular for its high-quality formulas, and this product chosen by Dr. Magovern is no exception. “It brightens dull skin and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The concentrated formula is made for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin,” explains Magovern.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist, Mount Sinai Associate Professor of Dermatology
- Dr. Dusan Sajic, MD, Ph.D., dual board certified dermatologist in dermatology and anti-aging medicine
- Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, FAAD, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist, Founder of Dr. Loretta Skin Care
- Dr. Ashley Magovern, Board Certified Dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Advisor
