Cleansing, moisturising, and daily SPF protection unequivocally form the foundation of a good skincare routine, but to really take it up a notch you need to be using a good vitamin C serum. A powerhouse skincare ingredient, vitamin C is an antioxidant that has the ability to prevent free radical damage, soothe inflammation, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and brighten skin tone. The latter is what vitamin C is particularly renowned for, aiding in achieving that oh so covetable glow factor.
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However, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. A notoriously unstable ingredient, vitamin C serums are prone to oxidising – rendering the serum ineffective – and can be irritating for some, which can result in breakouts and other skin reactions. Hence, it’s crucial to find an elegantly formulated serum that suits your skin type if you’re keen to reap the transformative benefits of vitamin C.
Fortunately, amongst the veritable slew of vitamin C serums available on the market, there are a few that stand out from the rest. For that true lit-from-within glow, these are the best vitamin C serums for every skin type.
1. The Acne-friendly One: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum
If you’re even somewhat well-versed in the world of skincare, you’re bound to have heard of the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum. Widely regarded as the gold standard when it comes to vitamin C serums due to its highly potent yet stable formula. Now, there’s a new kid on the block, with the launch of the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum; in addition to the 15% l-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid in the original iteration, Silymarin CF contains silymarin – an antioxidant derived from the milk thistle plant – which aids in preventing oil oxidation and salicylic acid to unclog pores and prevent the formation of acne breakouts and blemishes. A vitamin C serum designed specifically for acne-prone skin, the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum works to refine the skin, moderate sebum production, and target blemishes while minimising visible signs of ageing and brightening skin tone.
2. The One That Turns You Into A Mixologist: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Working to tackle the troublesome issue of oxidation, Drunk Elephant has given their highly-potent antioxidant serum a makeover. Combining 15% vitamin C in the form of l-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid, vitamin E, and pumpkin ferment enzymes (to gently resurface the skin), the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is designed to be mixed by you prior to first use, ensuring the serum stays fresh and potent. Boasting the same antioxidant benefits as its predecessor with a more lightweight feel, the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is the ideal daytime serum to protect from pollution and free radical damage (in conjunction with daily sunscreen use, of course). Plus, the opaque packaging and airtight dispenser prevents oxidation as a result of exposure to light.
3. The One For Dry Skin: Medik8 C-Tetra
When it comes to dry skin, opting for lipid-based (rather than water-based) products can go a long way. An antioxidant serum with a jojoba oil base, Medik8 C-Tetra is ideally suited for dry skin. Made with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stablised lipid-soluble form of vitamin C, this low-irritation formula is suitable for both dry and sensitive skin. Its jojoba oil base means it nourishes the skin while it brightens, with the formula rapidly absorbing upon application and sitting well under sunscreen and makeup.
4. The All-rounder: Go-To Skincare Much Brighter Skin
An exciting launch from a homegrown favourite, the Go-To Skincare Much Brighter Skin is a multitasking antioxidant serum that works to hydrate, brighten, and protect the skin. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C (derived from kakadu plum) come together in a non-irritating, shelf-stable formula that’s suitable for all skin types (including acne-prone skin). With a pleasant smell and a creamy, milky consistency, it’s easy to wear and makes for the ultimate one-and-done serum.
5. The One For Post-acne Marks: Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
This vitamin C serum by K-beauty favourite Innisfree is designed to brighten and clarify the skin. Oil- and water-soluble vitamin C derivatives work to even out skin tone, while green tea enzymes provide irritation-free exfoliation, to improve skin texture and reduce the occurrence of blemishes.
6. The Superfood Powered One: Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Combining three sources of vitamin C with caffeine extracted from yerba mate and guarana, the Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum is a shelf-stable formula that not only works to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, but also firms and depuffs the skin. The addition of squalane locks in moisture while still being suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
7. The One With The Mushrooms: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Hear us out. White shiitake mushroom and liquorice root extract work synergistically with the 10% vitamin C to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and stop new dark spots from forming. Naturally, Biossance’s signature sugar cane-derived squalane features in the serum, working to imbue the skin with lasting moisture.
FAQ
Vitamin C serums are best used in your morning skincare routine, in conjunction with daily SPF protection. Apply your vitamin C serum to freshly cleansed and toned skin, then follow with moisturiser and sunscreen.
To prevent oxidation and keep your serum fresher for longer, store vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
The right packaging is crucial when it comes to vitamin C serum. Look for products with dark or opaque packaging; those stored in clear bottles will oxidise faster.
Words by John Deckard & Arabella Johnson
