“It has a satiny, matte texture that blends in simply,” Merciless says, including that it really works greatest on darkish spots and discoloration. “It could depart a little bit of a tingle, so I all the time advocate that you just apply it to utterly dry pores and skin and keep away from under-eyes.”
Pores and skin sort: Regular, mixture | Dimension: 1 fl oz | Different notable substances: Inexperienced tea extract (an antioxidant), moisturizing squalane, hyaluronic acid
Finest for Exfoliating: Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum
This Tata Harper serum derives its vitamin C from kakadu plum and contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids, Dr. Sawaya says. These substances could also be particularly useful for these with cussed scarring and darkish spots, since they promote mobile turnover.
“This can be a distinctive serum as a result of it’s not solely a vitamin C antioxidant serum, nevertheless it’s additionally an exfoliating one,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, tells SELF. “The mix of 5 AHAs and a couple of BHAs slough off floor lifeless pores and skin cells to optimize gentle reflection for the final word glow and collagen enhance, whereas the vitamin C element protects that glow from free radical injury. The final word marriage of deal with and shield!”
Pores and skin sort: Oily, mixture | Dimension: 1 fl oz | Different notable substances: Glycerin, squalane
Finest for Irritation: SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Advanced
SkinMedica
Vitamin C + E Advanced
Dr. Potozkin recommends this serum from SkinMedica, which incorporates the skin-brightening one-two punch of vitamin C and vitamin E. We’re additionally glad to see bisabolol—a anti-inflammatory ingredient that’ll calm irritation—on the label, an enormous win for delicate or reactive pores and skin. What you gained’t discover on this serum is perfume, parabens, sulfates, or different potential irritants.
Pores and skin sort: Regular, mixture, dry | Dimension: 1 fl oz | Different notable substances: Phytantriol (a humectant)
Finest for Hydration: Olay Tremendous Serum
This do-it-all serum gained our Wholesome Magnificence Award tester over with its spectacular, multitasking components. “If I may solely have one skincare product on a abandoned island, it might be this,” they mentioned. “Becuase it’s made with a ton of my favourite substances, it’s my go-to each time I journey and might’t deliver all of my skincare necessities in a tiny make-up bag.”
Just a few standout substances price mentioning: vitamin C ( the deal); hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide (all tremendous hydrators); plumping peptides; and exfoliating lactic acid.
Pores and skin sort: Regular, mixture, dry | Dimension: 0.4 fl oz | Different notable substances: Vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone
How we picked these vitamin C serums
First, we requested dermatologists what to search for in a vitamin C serum. With their recommendation in thoughts, we sorted by way of previous SELF Wholesome Magnificence Award winners to search out merchandise that match the invoice. And our listing wouldn’t be full with out recs from seasoned SELF editors, who’ve examined their fair proportion of skincare. They shared the choices that’ve been lining their drugs cupboards.
What to search for when selecting a vitamin C serum
Right here’s what to contemplate when you’re wanting so as to add one to your skincare routine.
Vitamin C merchandise could comprise completely different quantities of the star ingredient. In case your pigmentation is delicate or you have got dry or delicate pores and skin, undoubtedly begin on the decrease finish (round 5%) as a result of vitamin C merchandise could be irritating at increased concentrations, Sara Hogan, MD, a dermatologist at UCLA Medical Middle, Santa Monica, beforehand advised SELF. In case your points are extra reasonable to extreme or when you’ve been utilizing vitamin C merchandise for some time with none sensitivity issues, you may go all the best way as much as 20%.
The results you’ll get from vitamin C merchandise plateau after 20%, so there’s no purpose to pay extra for something above that focus. Sadly, not all firms clearly label how a lot vitamin C their merchandise comprise, so it’s a good suggestion to learn the specs on a producer’s web site or seek the advice of your dermatologist earlier than shopping for.
Subsequent, take into account the type of vitamin C within the product you’re . Some merchandise comprise L-ascorbic acid (the OG), whereas others comprise chemically modified derivatives of vitamin C. These substances could be extremely unstable, since they’re usually delicate to each oxygen and lightweight, so that you’ll need to be looking out for merchandise that use extra secure and efficient kinds.
Some kinds are additionally higher suited to sure pores and skin varieties. As an example, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is water-soluble, so that you’ll normally discover it in lighter, water-based merchandise which are nice for shiny pores and skin. However ascorbyl palmitate, one other kind, is lipid-soluble—you’ll usually see it in oil-based serums and moisturizing formulation which are higher for mature or dry pores and skin.
Lastly, take note of how the product is designed and saved. As a result of vitamin C is such a temperamental ingredient that may oxidize and lose effectiveness shortly, go for merchandise that are available darkish or opaque packaging that blocks gentle. One other plus? Merchandise with an airless pump, fairly than a dropper—this design prevents the contents from being uncovered to oxygen.
How do you have to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine?
Dr. Hogan beforehand advised SELF that it is dependent upon what sort of product you’re contemplating including to your routine. Serums are greatest utilized instantly after cleaning your pores and skin however earlier than moisturizing it (ideally within the morning, since vitamin C may help shield towards free radicals all through the day).