Looking to level up your skincare routine? Adding a vitamin C serum into the mix is a great way to unlock new skincare benefits. It’s also one of the most accessible ‘actives’ (a.k.a. active ingredients that are potent enough to make visible changes to the skin over time) out there.
But what does it actually do and which one should you pick up?
What does vitamin C serum do to the face?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, offers lots of benefits to the skin! It’s more popularly known for brightening and giving the skin a more radiant look. But it also helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation or dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
It also promotes collagen production, keeping your skin looking supple and youthful. It protects against the sun’s harmful rays too!
Can we apply vitamin C serum everyday?
The good news is you can use one everyday! Being consistent with applying it also gives you a better chance at seeing results.
Should you use it in the morning or the evening though? While there’s no right or wrong way to use one, most dermatologists recommend incorporating it into your daytime routine. This is because it’ll work in tandem with your sunscreen in protecting your skin against sun-caused damage.
Apply your chosen serum after your cleanser (or toner) and before you moisturizer. Seal the deal with your sunscreen and you’re good to go.
Which vitamin C serum is the best?
This depends on what you need and how your skin reacts to the product, of course! But there are lots of really good options on the market to test out right now. Here are some of the best vitamin C serums you can buy in the Philippines.
1. Luxe Organix Power Glow Serum Vitamin C 20%
This serum contains not only vitamin C but also galactomyces, which has antioxidant properties that combat skin stressors. Did you know that the famed SK-II Essence is said to have galactomyces (they call it Pitera) as its star ingredient?
2. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
Got sensitive skin? Start with this serum. It has 5% vitamin C, which is powerful enough to provide skin-caring benefits but also gentle enough for those who can’t handle more potent stuff. This one’s also fragrance-free! (Pro tip: Keep this in the fridge so the serum doesn’t oxidize and lose its brightening power.)
3. Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum
Want to ease your way into the serum world with something that’s a bit more affordable? Try this one from Garnier. This lightweight serum promises to lighten dark spots in only three days! (Pro tip: If you’re a bit particular about scents, you may want to skip this because this has a pretty strong fragrance.)
4. COSRX The Vitamin C 13 Serum
This serum from K-beauty brand COSRX is made with 13% vitamin C, hence its name. But it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-smoothing vitamin E, and soothing and protecting allantoin.
5. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum
Get the goodness of 12% vitamin C from this serum that promises to correct signs of skin aging including enlarged pores and fine lines. It’s also enriched with vitamin E, which is great against fine lines, and salicylic acid, which works well against acne.
6. By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum
Talk about topnotch! This serum has 21.5% vitamin C that promises to give concentrated effects on the skin. It’s also made with 70% vitamin tree water, which moisturizers the skin effectively.
7. Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
This serum from Naturium is packed with l-ascorbic acid (said to be the gold standard for vitamin C), sodium ascorbyl phosphate (another form of vitamin C), and a bioactive fruit blend that promises to deliver results in just four weeks. Oh, and it has gold too.
8. ELLANA Glass-C Skin+ Brightening Serum
This one from local brand Ellana is great for beginners too. It has 5% vitamin C to give radiance without irritation. And it also has 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
9. Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate – Brightening Vitamin C Serum
If you want something that really concentrated (and you’re sure that your skin can handle it), this serum from Kiehl’s is the way to go. This has a water-free formula, so what you’re gonna get is as potent as it can be. It promises to diminish your dark spots and improve your skin in just two weeks.
10. Dr. Dennis Gross 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
On top of 15% l-ascorbic acid, this serum also has lactic acid that helps increase absorption, and licorice that reduces hyperpigmentation. It’s said to work in improving your fine lines and other effects of sun damage in just four weeks.
11. Herbivore Botanicals Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum
Turmeric has been a trusted brightening ingredient in Ayurveda (or the ancient Indian medical system) for thousands of years. Coupled with the power vitamin C, this serum promises to give your skin an instant radiance boost and a significant improvement in just seven days!
Which of these will you be trying?
Looking for more skincare products to try? Check out our guide to which ones to use based on your skin type.