VITAMIN C has become a staple in the skincare A.B.C. It is so essential that Vitamin C Day, which takes place on April 4, is celebrated every year. Vitamin C promises glowing skin, anti-aging properties, and additional environmental protection.
Why can’t we drink orange juice in liters? A balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins and foods is an excellent way to promote healthy skin. However, only a fraction of the vitamins ingested are delivered directly to the skin. Applying vitamin C topically, that is, now to the skin, allows you to target problem areas safely and effectively.
Vitamin C, like most active ingredients, is commonly found in serums. This allows the ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin. We’ve chosen the best players from the many options to help you decide. Melanie Grant, CHANEL skincare expert, will give you some handy tips.
What is the effect of vitamin C on your skin?
Vitamin C serums reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation and protect the skin from signs of aging. Let’s hear from an expert:
Vitamin C, unlike hyaluronic Acid and Collagen, is not produced by the human body. It is, therefore, beneficial to source it externally by eating foods such as berries, oranges, and green leafy veggies. Also, high-performance creams and serums directly delivering vitamin C to the skin are highly beneficial. What are the benefits of applying it topically to your skin?
She tells Bazaar that vitamin C is an antioxidant with a high potency. It is also one of the ingredients most studied for preserving and promoting collagen and shielding your complexion from free radicals, which accelerate aging.
What should you be looking for in a serum containing vitamin C?
Grant says that different vitamin serums are best for different skin types. While you can only find out which one suits you by trying them all, there are some things you should look for.
“I always recommend a gradual approach to adding a new activity into your daily routine, and this is no exception. She says most skin types can use Vitamin C, but if yours is sensitive, you should start with alternate days before working up to the daily application.
If your skin is normal to oily, you should look for serums containing l-ascorbic acids, the most potent vitamin C. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is the best choice for dry or sensitive skin. It’s a water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is more gentle and stable.
SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic Serum 30ml
SkinCeuticals Ferulic C Serum has achieved cult status. It is often referred to as the Vitamin C Serum. It contains 15 percent L-ascorbic and 0.55 percent ferulic acids, antioxidants that increase vitamin C and E benefits.
BIOSSANCE Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum 30ml
Biossance’s Vitamin C serum, unlike others, is a unique product. Combining a water-soluble 10% vitamin C derivative with white shiitake mushrooms brightens and fades dark spots, while sugarcane-derived squalane provides weightless moisture.
ULTRACEUTICALS Microfoliant Ultragranule-C 75ml
The Ultraceuticals ultra Granule C is a unique formula containing micro-fine, pure vitamin C granules (in ascorbic acid), which refine and brighten the complexion while exfoliating the skin. Ultra Granule C transforms from a cream into a serum when it melts on the skin. It also contains vitamin E in tocopherol to support the barrier function, bromelain to exfoliate, and jojoba to nourish the skin.
ALPHA H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic acid 25ml
This lightweight serum from Alpha-H contains ethyl ascorbic acid, the active ingredient. It is one of my favorites. This serum improves pigmentation, texture, and tone. It also contains orange oil, Tazman Pepper, and hyaluronic acids for soothing hydration. It’s also made of 30 percent post-consumer plastic and is 100% recyclable.
OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Serum contains a 15 percent vitamin C serum that promises brighter, more bouncy skin. The serum also contains exfoliating P.H.A.s, banana-inspired pigments, and polyhydroxy acids for a brightening and nourishing effect.
PAULA’S CHOICE C15 Super Booster 20ml
Paula’s Choice’s Vitamin C contains a highly concentrated form of l-ascorbic acids and various skin-stabilizing antioxidants and replenishing ingredients. It aims to improve skin texture and tone. Ferulic and peptides improve skin integrity, while vitamin C protects against environmental aggressors.
KORA ORGANICS Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Miranda Kerr, the Australian beauty queen, uses a serum each morning. And why not? It’s from her best-selling skincare line KORA Organics. It’s a lightweight product contains a blend of botanicals, including olive leaf to soothe and red pepper to smooth. Customers love it for its firming and brightening effects. It has ascorbyl-glucoside (12%), a skin-friendly and stable form of vitamin C, along with Kakadu plums, the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C.
SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 30ml
The Brightening serum is part of Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. vitamin C range, a favorite amongst skincare experts. The serum uses the powerful but gentle T.H.D. ascorbate vitamin C form to fight aging free radicals while strengthening collagen and smoothing skin texture. Glycolic Acid is also present to lift dulling dead cells and increase cellular turnover. C.E.O. Serum has been a staple in my current routine. I love the cream-like formula that hydrates the skin while it does its magic. The hint of orange scent is a great mood booster for me in the morning.
