Here is a list of the best Vitamin C sera! I have tried out so many and it seems we get every year new formulations on the market (when I search ‘Vitamin C serum‘ on Ulta alone, I get 265 results!).
While marketed as Vitamin C serum, they can contain different ingredients, such as: L-ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate or Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. However, I included in my best list only those, that contain L-Ascorbic Acid because this is the strongest form of Vitamin C- oh and also only the ones and that do not cost an arm an a leg (looking at you Skinceuticals)!
However, I want to mention that L-Ascorbic Acid always smells a bit funny (and totally not like citrus or oranges)- to some it smells like “hot dog water”🌭- personally I find it smells on my skin like metal/coppery (I have also heard people say it smells like cat food or coffee lol). So, do not get turned off by this natural ocurring scent- that is acutally a good sign.
Oh- why do you want to include a Vitamin C serum in your skin care routine? Because it will give you an even skin tone! It will brighten your face and get rid of brown spots. I swear by it for years and use a Vitamin C serum every single day and I think my skin is very even now. 😉
So, here is my list of the best Vitamin C sera out there (in no chronological order! The best one is the one, that you use everyday!).
This Vitamin C serum contains 10% L-Ascorbic Acid- great for beginners with sensitive skin! This is a thin yellowish serum- applies easy peasy. Let it dry before you apply more products.
A great affordable solution that contains 8% Ascorbic Acid! This formulation is a water-free, stable solution, and may feel slightly “oily” for a few seconds after application, despite the fact that it is completely free of oil.
Each capsule contains 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, vitamin C in its pure form! The capsules contain a thin white lotion that is super easy to apply. I would not recommend this for sensitive skin.
I love these capsules that make sure the Ascorbic Acid is always fresh. The consistency is a thin light-yellow lotion that applies very easy. I have not found any info on how much L-Ascorbic Acid it contains. I can tell though it must be a decent amount from using it as I could feel slight tingling. I truly enjoyed these capsules. Not for sensitive skin!
COSRX is a K-Brand that rocks. This serum contains 23% Ascorbic acid, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid. Great combo! This contains also oils, so it is moisturizing as well.
This Vitamin C serum is more of a very lightweight lotion- but I actually happen to like this a lot and I find it super easy to apply. It contains 20% Ascorbic Acid, Squalane and Tartaric Acid. This is STRONG so not for sensitive skin!
I see some people complaining about the pump but I have had not any issues and I am on my second tube already.
Update: Oops! Now it happened to me too, the pump quit working, but I found a solution! I placed the tube upside down and the pump worked the very next day again. I believe there must be air inside!
