Do you use Vitamin C serums? If not, I hope I convince you to add it to your daily skincare routine. Vitamin C serum is a top three holy-grail skincare product in my book. The benefits are huge and it’s super easy to incorporate into your daily skincare regimen.
Why use Vitamin C serum? Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which when used on the skin helps to fight and prevent free radicals (UV rays and pollution), brighten dark spots and smooths fine lines. Over time, free radicals can cause damage to the skin and create premature signs of aging. So pairing Vitamin C serum with a daily face SPF is truly an unstoppable duo in your skincare routine.
Applying Vitamin C serum every morning, is a ritual in my skincare routine. I apply it after I wash my face and before I apply my sunscreen. Just keep in mind that Vitamin C serum can oxidize easily (meaning it’ll be rendered less-potent or useless), so be sure to store it in a cool and dark environment.
I’ve tried a bevy of Vitamin C serums, and there are some worthwhile formulations, but there are also a handful that miss the mark. Personally I like the liquid Vitamin C formulations best, as they’re easy to apply and soak into the skin. However, I don’t have complaints about a serum/gel type formula either. Truly just depends on the user.
Read on to learn more about a handful of Vitamin C serums I’ve tested, at a variety of price points.
Vitamin C Serums Review
SkinCeuticals CE Feurlic
Worth every penny and more. This was one of the first brands of Vitamin C serum I’d tried years ago, and it still is my absolute favorite (although my bank account hates that it is!). Dermatologist-grade ingredients, Skinceuticals brand is pricey, but worth it for the results.
Why is it my favorite you ask? Well, after just a few weeks of daily use, I saw a visible difference in the brightness of my skin and fading of dark sun spots. Honestly, I felt like regular use of this serum did more for my skin then a bi-monthly facial. My skin looked brighter, clearer and plumper with C E Ferulic.
Some might say the smell is strong, but I don’t mind it. If you can afford to take the plunge on this product, your skin will thank you! Truly, I feel like using C E Ferulic regularly, will keep other issues at bay, that may cost money to remedy down the road (such as laser or peels).
If you’re looking for a clean beauty option, this is not it. While C E Ferulic is Paraben-free, it has acids and other dermatologist-grade ingredients within the formulation.
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Inkeylist 15% Vitamin C AND EGF Brightening serum
While I preach that C E Ferulic is the best, I wouldn’t be doing y’all a service if I didn’t try out some budget-friendly options, too.
This is the Vitamin C serum I’m currently using in my daily skincare routine. I’d never heard of the Inkeylist brand before, but came across it on Sephora a few months ago. The price couldn’t be overlooked – $15 for a clean beauty, Vitamin C serum that’s clean(er) beauty.
15% Vitamin C and 1% EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) that’s plant derived to support natural elasticity and skin health. Listed as ‘Clean at Sephora’, this Vitamin C serum is formulated without sulfates, phthalates and parabens.
The lightweight, gel-ish texture (not sticky), serum is easy to apply and wears well under sunscreen and makeup. It’s lightweight without a strong fragrance.
Do I see the same results as C E Ferulic? No. However, I do feel like it’s brightened my skin a touch and it’s ultra-lightweight, so for the benefits and price, it works.
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Beautybio The Daily Intensive Vitamin Cocktail Serum
I’m a big fan of the BeautyBio brand, and previously reviewed one of their amazing eye creams on the blog. So of course I had high expectations for this serum, and it definitely is a winner. The price point is higher, but still decently under $100. I personally feel like it’s very much worth it, too.
BeautyBio is a line of performance skincare, and this serum does just that – performs. It’s lightweight, a little goes a long way and immediately soaks into the skin. I totally saw a difference in my skin tone (for the better) with daily use of this serum in the mornings and underneath my SPF.
I also really appreciate that this serum is made in the USA and free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone and talc. While this isn’t a total clean beauty item, I’d say it’s dermatologist-type grade without all the ingredients you can’t possibly pronounce.
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SEPHORA Ultra Glow Vitamin c Serum
In my hunt to find something similar to C E Ferulic, I came across the Sephora brand Vitamin C serum. I was intrigued by this product thanks to the low-price and the ‘cleaner’ ingredient list.
With a similar packaging and applicator to my favorite Vitamin C serum, this one sinks into the skin nicely and feels lightweight.
For the price, if you’re looking simply to prevent free radicals, then this serum is a must purchase. I would suggest it especially to teenage girls or early 20-somethings who want to take a first step in taking care of their skin.
I didn’t really feel like it did anything in terms of plumping or glowing and any other visible anti-aging attributes. However, I used this bottle fully and would purchase again to keep on hand for travel.
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