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“I think it’s the best out there,” declares Dr. Kenneth Howe of the Wexler Dermatology Group. That’s because L-ascorbic acid (which comprises 15 percent of this serum) is water soluble, and in less precisely formulated serums, won’t effectively penetrate skin. As Dr. Julie Russak, founder of the Russak Dermatology Group, puts it, this serum can “deliver vitamin C through the top layer without disrupting the protective barrier of the skin.”
Whatever vitamin C serum you choose, Howe suggests applying it in the morning.
“That way a reservoir of active vitamin C is present in the skin during the daylight hours, when ultraviolet radiation is strongest,” he explain.
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Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index.
Want Brighter, Tighter, And, Overall Better-Looking Skin?
There’s an ingredient for that: vitamin C. The powerhouse skin-care staple is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce skin inflammation and irregular pigmentation while promoting healthy collagen production, explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Unfortunately, very little vitamin C ever makes it to the skin on its own, says board-certified dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty, M.D., which is why it’s so important to topically apply products made with the skin-care ingredient. Read on for the best 24 vitamin C-spiked serums, moisturizers, and eye creams that are sure to leave your skin happy and brigh.
Best Overall:
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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Vitamin C is an ingredient that should be part of everyone’s skincare routine—regardless of age or skin type. It’s known and loved for its brightening and anti-aging abilities, and dermatologists also tout it for being one of the strongest protective antioxidants out there. While budget-friendly vitamin C serums certainly do exist, the majority of formulas skew on the expensive side.
They’re also ideal for brightening and evening out a mottled complexion. “Vitamin C is a multi-tasking brightening agent as its antioxidant properties provide protection from ultraviolet light exposure, and it also inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that fuels melanin pigment production,” explains Dr. Jessie Cheung, a dermatologist. So on that note, airtight, opaque packaging is a must to preserve product potency.
Vitamin C also works well with other antioxidants, so products that combine it with other actives could work double-duty on your skin concerns.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do?
These natural molecules aren’t bad on their own, but they can become a problem when they build up. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, though, keeping everything in balance.
Vitamin C is one such antioxidant. When used on the skin, it can combat signs of aging. It decreases hyperpigmentation, evens out your skin tone, reduces wrinkles, and protects your skin from sun damage.