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Presenting: The best vitamin C serums, according to dermatologists and beauty experts
Get ready to glow...
Shopping for the best vitamin C serum is about as tricky as finding your soulmate, there are all these rules - is the bottle airtight, will it oxidize, wait three days before texting back... It's stressful. But when you're dealing with such a potent ingredient, it's better to play it safe than waste your money on a formula that does nothing for your skin.
And it’s worth the hunt, trust us. When you find the right one it fits seamlessly into your life and makes everything better - like your skincare soulmate. No wonder so many dermatologists and beauty experts rave about incorporating vitamin C into your regime.
If you've ever questioned how exactly vitamin C fits into your skincare routine, here's the lowdown...
What are the benefits of a vitamin C serum?
Yep, vitamin C is pretty much a magic ingredient – not only does it help strengthen the skin, but it can also help refine texture issues and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Pretty awesome, huh?
"Vitamin C has a multitude of benefits for the skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and works to neutralise skin-damaging free radicals produced by exposure to UV radiation and environmental aggressors such as pollution. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin as well as reduce pigmentation," says Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite.
When should you use a vitamin C serum?
Our skincare regimes are pretty complex as it is, so how do you go about adding a vitamin C serum into a regimented routine?
"I generally recommend applying vitamin C at least once daily in the morning. Depending on skin type and other actives used in your routine, vitamin C can also be applied twice daily," says Dr Granite.
See? Not so hard after all.
Are there any skincare ingredients you shouldn't use at the same time as vitamin C?
Juggling skincare actives can be a puzzle. Some love each other, and some hate each other, so it's important to find out who vitamin C gets along with.
"Vitamin C is an acid (L-ascorbic acid) and can be quite unstable in formulations, so should not be mixed with AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids which can alter skin pH and reduce vitamin C efficacy," says Granite.
A myth that's often circulated is that vitamin C and retinol don't play nice. However, Dr Granite explains that this doesn't have to be the case:
"Retinol may be used with vitamin C, but I tend to recommend not to apply them together, so applying vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening to reduce the risk of dryness and irritation."
Can you use vitamin C on all skin types?
We've established that vitamin C is an important ingredient to add to your routine, but if you have sensitive skin, it might be good to err on the side of caution.
"Very sensitive skin types may have experienced irritation with vitamin C, but generally this is an active that is well tolerated. Look for L-ascorbic acid at concentrations of 15-20% for optimal efficacy. If you do have sensitive or dry skin it is best to start with vitamin C several times weekly and increase as tolerated," says Dr Granite.
The best vitamin C serums
We’ve decided to hit up the people who know skincare better than anyone, the UK's very best dermatologists and beauty experts. Yep, we reached out to a few of the most in-demand skin doctors and journalists, to find out which vitamin C serums they recommend. Here's what they had to say...
"Hyperpigmentation and post-acne scars are something that I have long suffered with and so, a hard-working vitamin C serum is a must in my skincare routine," says Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant.
"Now, while I'd love to say that I can pick and choose any vitamin C product, as slyly mentioned, I also have acne and an oily skin type (gah!!), so, the formula has to be one catered to my many needs... She's a high-maintenance girlie, what can I say?
"Dr Sam Bunting is a brand that I trust with my life face for their non-comedogenic and fragrance-free ingredients. Plus, the founder, herself is a cosmetic dermatologist who specialises in all things skin! I've been using the brand new Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum for a few weeks now and have noticed a somewhat transformative glow. Humble brag.
"The gentle yet powerful 15 per cent blend of vitamin C fights UV damage and reduces pigmentation and fine lines without irritation. And not only that but the 2 per cent inclusion of ectoin helps strengthen a weak and/or compromised skin barrier while also shielding against blue light and pollution."
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
"I always recommend Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. It's a highly potent antioxidant product combining a high strength Vitamin C with additional anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. The formula is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, so it's perfect for layering on over sunscreen and under make-up." Says Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong.
Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
"I genuinely think this is one of the few Vitamin C serums that faded my hyperpigmentation and left my skin looking glowy. I used it religiously throughout the first Covid lockdown and it made such a big difference to my skin," says Hanna Ibraheem, former Deputy Beauty Editor.
Non-member price: £100
Member price: £16.50
"I've got very sensitive skin and have always struggled to find a vitamin C product that didn't cause irritation, or worse, a rash. This lightweight non-sticky serum didn't cause any of that, in fact, it was the opposite. Thanks to the star antioxidant ingredient being mixed with tranexamic acid, I noticed a huge difference in the appearance of post-acne scars and was left with a super glowy complexion," Charlotte Bitmead, Senior Beauty Writer.
Pure Vitamin C10 Serum for Sensitive Skin
“I love Vitamin C10 from La Roche-Posay as it is so easily tolerated by so many. It is created with sensitive skin in mind, the 10% concentration means you’ll reap all of the rewards from Vitamin C with downtime that you may get with stronger formulas. Vitamin C10 also has a small amount of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to soothe,” says Dr Justine Hextall.
Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defence Serum
“This lightweight serum, which combines vitamin E and the equivalent of 15% vitamin C, acts as a barrier to daily skin insults such as UV rays and city pollution. It brightens the skin and reduces the onset of dark spots and wrinkles, even better, it’s non-comedogenic so doesn’t increase the risk of breakouts,” says Dr Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist.
VICHY Liftactiv Vitamin C Skin Brightening Corrector
"Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Skin Brightening Corrector contains L-Ascorbic Acid which is a pure form of vitamin C. L-Ascorbic acid has been shown to improve pigmentation as well as acting as an effective antioxidant. With good clinical data and a decent price point it’s a great addition to an anti-ageing skincare routine," explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
“Before I tried this, I wasn’t on the vitamin C bandwagon. Loads of products I tried had the super-ingredient in it but I just didn’t see how it enhanced my skin. But after using this gel cream for a few months I noticed how much my skin was glowing before I’d even put on makeup. It was the product that made me feel more confident to go out sans base product,” says Keeks Reid, Contributing Beauty Director.
“Vitamin C serums can be irritating and clinical-strength serums may not be suitable for those clients I see who present with very sensitive skin, who may suffer with eczema, psoriasis, inflammation or dermatitis," says Emma Coleman, dermatology & aesthetic RGN.
"It’s always good to have options for different patient groups. I like this natural serum by John Masters.”
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum for Discolouration
"I'm a big fan of the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF serum. It contains 10% l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c), 2% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid and this combination makes for brilliant antioxidant protection. It also has an excellent track record and you will find many Dermatologists globally citing it as their favourite," says Dr Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist.
"Vitamin C is an important ingredient for women to look out for in their 20s. Not only does it help protect the skin from sun damage which can cause premature wrinkles, but it also promotes collagen production and evens out the skin tone, so it's great for keeping your complexion looking younger for longer," says Dr Preema Vig of the Dr Preema London Clinic.
"I use the iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum Advance+ which features scientifically advanced Vitamin C time-release technology in a 15% concentration - it delivers anti-oxidant protection and exceptional healing properties," Dr Preema explains.
"Pure Vitamin C is oxidised when in contact with air or moisture. Once vitamin C is oxidised, it turns a darker yellow or brown. This means it is no longer active or effective. Therefore the best vitamin C is one that is formulated and stored properly to keep it’s potency. It must be dry and in a vacuum-sealed bottle or tube. I’m a big fan of ZO C-Bright for these reasons. It provides a potent dose of pure vitamin C that is stabilised to brighten and re-texturise the skin," says Dr Tatiana Lapa, founder and medical director of the Dr Tatiana Clinic.
"AlumierMD EverActive C&E, is a high strength Vitamin C (15%) and E Serum. This is a highly potent antioxidant serum that works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles revealing revitalised skin. It contains the highest grade of Vitamin C available, and the antioxidants neutralise free radicals and protect against UV damage, whilst also strengthening and brightening the skin," explains Dr Pamela Benito.
"Many Vitamin C serums oxidize in their bottles, turning into a brownish colour when they are on the shelf or at home. When oxidized, the Vitamin C is no longer beneficial for the skin. EverActive C&E stays fresh and active because you only mix the Vitamin C into the serum when you are ready to use it."
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
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