With all of these different skincare ingredients out there, it can be difficult to choose something that works for you. If you are looking for brighter and better-looking skin, Vitamin C is where it’s at. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production which makes your skin look and feel stronger and healthier. It can even help prevent sun damage from UV rays which is the number one cause of aging in the skin.
If you want to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare regimen, we recommend going with a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C serums brighten up the skin and create a natural, radiant glow.
Our favorite vitamin C serum is the Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. But, if you want a more budget-friendly option, go with the Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Super Serum.
Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Our Pick
This serum not only makes the skin appear brighter, but it also protects the skin by restoring its protective barrier.
Cerave is known for making amazing skincare products that are free from any toxic or harmful ingredients. While their bestsellers include their facial cleansers and moisturizers, their Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is also incredible.
This serum not only makes the skin appear brighter, but it also protects the skin by restoring its protective barrier. This means the skin will retain moisture easier and become less prone to acne flare-ups. This serum also contains hyaluronic acid in it which also helps with moisturizing the skin. This product is non-comedogenic and free from parabens. Also, it is dermatologist tested!
One of the downfalls of this product is the smell. Reviewers find it to be too overpowering and unpleasant. Also, Cerave is not cruelty-free.
Pros:
- Makes the skin appear brighter
- Restores the skin’s protective barrier
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic and paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons:
- Heavily fragranced
- Not cruelty-free
Where to buy it: Amazon
Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Super Serum
Budget Pick
This 12.5% Vitamin C Super Serum gives the skin a youthful and radiant glow while making the skin feel ten times smoother.
We’re not going to lie – good quality Vitamin C serums are definitely on the pricier side. But, this one by Revolution Skincare is relatively very affordable.
The 12.5% Vitamin C Super Serum gives the skin a youthful and radiant glow while making the skin feel ten times smoother. If you’re looking for a vitamin C serum suited towards mature skin, this is the one for you. It absorbs quickly into the skin, so you won’t have that heavy and uncomfortable feeling. It is super lightweight and you can wear it under makeup without feeling a thing. Also, Revolution Skincare is PETA certified cruelty-free.
This is another vitamin C serum that has a very overpowering scent that many users are turned off by.
Pros:
- Gives the skin a radiant glow
- Great for mature skin
- Quickly absorbs into the skin
- Wears great under makeup
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons:
- Heavily fragranced
Where to buy it: Ulta
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
This Vitamin C Serum is rich with vitamins and nutrients that help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Mad Hippie makes one of the most popular Vitamin C serums out there. One of the only factors that turn people away from this product is its relatively high price point.
The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is rich with vitamins and nutrients that help to nourish and moisturize the skin. This serum will make your skin feel brighter and tighter for an overall healthier glow. In addition, it is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, it’s also great for mature skin. This serum is also infused with grapefruit extract which is a natural skin exfoliant. To top it all off, Mad Hippie is cruelty-free and vegan!
The most obvious factor that drives people away from this product is the price. It is simply out of some people’s budget. Also, some people experienced pilling when applying this product. This usually means too much product was used at once.
Pros:
- Makes the skin look brighter and tighter
- Moisturizers the skin
- Great for mature skin
- Naturally exfoliates the skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Highly-priced
- Some users experienced pilling
Where to buy it: Amazon
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
This vitamin c serum helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Mario Badescu is easily one of the most well-known skincare companies in the beauty community. Although they are mostly known for their facial mists, their vitamin C serum is also amazing for the skin!
Like a lot of other vitamin C serums, this one is great for mature skin. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes the skin appear brighter by repairing any discoloration in the skin tone. This serum works on all skin types ranging from oily to dry. Also, Mario Badescu does happen to be completely cruelty-free!
For users with sensitive skin, they noticed that this serum irritated them. Also, this does happen to be one of the more expensive serums on this list.
Pros:
- Great for mature skin
- Works for both oily and dry skin
- Repairs discoloration in the skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Not great for people with sensitive skin
- Relatively highly priced
Where to buy it: Amazon
ArtNaturals Luxe Vitamin C Serum
This serum has jojoba oil in it which helps to nourish and moisturize your skin.
ArtNaturals is known for having natural skin care products that are generally healthier for the skin. Their Vitamin C Serum is one of their bestsellers.
This vitamin C serum is targeted more towards protecting the skin from dangers such as sun damage. Sun damage is the number one factor that ages the skin. With this serum, your skin will look healthier and have a more even complexion. This serum also has jojoba oil in it which helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. Something that users love about this product is that it helps with acne and acne scarring. If you are experiencing any discoloration or acne, this is the product for you! Also, this brand is cruelty-free and vegan!
One thing that turns people away from this product is the scent. It is very heavy and overpowering.
Pros:
- Protects against sun damage
- Great for mature skin
- Evens the skin’s complexion
- Moisturizes the skin
- Great for clearing up acne and acne scarring
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Heavily fragranced
Where to buy it: iHerb
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
This serum gives you a more youthful complexion by brightening up the skin and evening out the skin tone.
Derma E is a popular skincare brand that makes products with natural ingredients that have effective results. Their Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is easily one of their most popular products.
This serum gives you a more youthful complexion by brightening up the skin and evening out the skin tone. It has tons of anti-aging properties like reducing the appearance of wrinkles and diminishing any dark spots you may have. This serum is insanely moisturizing, so it works wonders on dry skin. The formula isn’t very irritating, so it’s great for sensitive skin. In addition, Derma E is both cruelty-free and vegan!
Some users complain that they didn’t see a difference in their skin after using this product.
Pros:
- Has anti-aging properties
- Moisturizes the skin
- Great for dry skin
- Will not irritate sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Some users say they didn’t see any differences in their skin
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for visibly brighter looking skin, look no further. Vitamin C serum is one of the best things you can incorporate into your skincare routine. Our favorite is the Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. But, if you want a more budget-friendly option, go for the Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Super Serum. Regardless, any of the serums on this list will give you that effortless glow we all are looking for!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of vitamin C for the skin?
Vitamin C is arguably one of the best ingredients for skincare. Vitamin C helps to protect the skin from sun damage. Sun damage is one of leading causes of premature aging the skin. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your skin early before you start to see your skin deteriorating. Vitamin C is also great for moisturizing the skin, as it helps the skin retain moisture better.
How do I apply a vitamin C serum?
The best way to apply vitamin C serum to the face is with your fingertips. Any cotton pad or other applicator is going to soak in the serum and ultimately waste a ton of product. Instead, get no more than a dime-sized amount in your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin. To prevent future aging the skin, apply the product in upward circular motions.
Can I use vitamin C serum every day?
Yes! Vitamin C can be applied to the skin daily or even twice a day! Just make sure you are only using a small amount so your face doesn’t feel too oily or greasy.