Brighter skin days right this way
Ask any beauty expert what their absolute-must-haves are in their skincare routine and this is what you’ll hear: facial sunscreens, retinol and vitamin C serums.
Why? Well that’s simple. When used in conjunction, these three are your best chance at fighting the signs of ageing. Not only that, but this holy trinity promotes happy, healthy and well functioning skin. You’ve probably got your best SPF moisturiser and you’re clued up on which retinol serum best suits your, so let’s look a little closer at vitamin C.
What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C is something of a mega multi-tasker; it encourages collagen production, helps brighten dark spots and pigmentation from sun damage and works as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals (unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress on skin cells a.k.a premature ageing. It’s not just our skin that suffers, our bodies are affected by oxidative damage, which is why vitamin C is so readily used to combat illness.)
Not only that, but it’s also great at reducing inflammation, softening rough skin texture and giving you one hell of a natural glow (meaning the best face serums will allow you to forgo even your very best highlighter).
How to use vitamin C
‘You have to pay a lot of attention to the form and the concentration you use on the skin,’ says Dr Emma Craythorne, a Consultant Dermatologist. ‘The optimal concentration depends on its formulation. In most cases, for a product to be of biological significance, it needs to have a concentration higher than 8%. Studies have shown that a concentration above 20% does not increase its biological significance, but might cause irritation. Reputable products of vitamin C available today are, therefore, in the range of 10 to 20 percent. Pure vitamin C is also known as L-Ascorbic Acid. This is the most effective form of vitamin C on the skin.’
It’s a fairly punchy active ingredient, so it’s a good idea to let your skin get used to it. Don’t worry, introduce it slowly by applying it every couple of days to start with. You can then gradually up your usage. Be sure to use your best SPF moisturiser on top.
Vitamin C is unstable – meaning that its efficacy and strength is affected by light, air and heat exposure. It’s also a bit of a lone wolf and doesn’t like to be paired with certain ingredients. We don’t recommend you apply an AHA/BHA toner beforehand (something with salicylic acid or glycolic acid in it) because it could destabilise the pH level of the vitamin C and stop it from working.
Keep scrolling for our beauty editor-approved round-up of the best vitamin C serums the beauty industry has to offer.
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, £140 | Lookfantastic
If you want to use the same vitamin C serum as most beauty editors, then voilà. This hardworking and efficacious serum is the go-to for beauty experts. It's something of a cult classic.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum, £7.99 | Cult Beauty
For something more affordable (but by no means less effective) look to new cult brand The Inkey List for high performing ingredients at low prices.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, £67 | Cult Beauty
Oh the hype that has surrounded this brand! Luckily, the products are worth it. Despite the sticky texture, you'll love this.
Kiehl’s Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, £54 | SpaceNK
A rich formula that also contains hyaluronic acid, so perfect for those with dry skin but those with oilier complexions might want to give this one a mix.
Sunday Riley C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, £70 | Cult Beauty
Sunday Riley is legendarily famous in the beauty world, and her potent vitamin C serum will have you looking more radiant in a 'rapid flash'.
REN Radiance Perfection Serum, £40 | Cult Beauty
Dull skin will be a thing of the past with regular use of Ren's vitamin C serum.
Dr Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C serum, £110 | Selfridges
Yes, it's on the pricier side of the serum spectrum. Yes, it's pretty amazing. Not satisfied with just one, this lightweight formula is infused with a mix of Vitamin C in three forms – oil-soluble vitamin c THD, stabilized synthetic vitamin c in glucosidic form, and kakadu plum extract. Working to reduce signs of uneven pigmentation and tone, sensitive skin will love this one because it's potent enough to be highly effective, without compromising a fragile skin barrier.
Emma Hardie Vitamin C Intense Daily Serum, £54 | emmahardie.com
This silky serum is a pleasure to use and absorbs quickly. It has vitamin B3, as well as vitamin C, which reduces inflammation so perfect if you have sensitive skin.
Vichy Liftactiv Vitmain C Skin Brightening Corrector, £28 | Lookfantastic
This serum's a bit different to the others. It's a 10-day treatment that at the end will give you a much brighter and even skin tone. Just do it again if you feel things are looking a little lacklustre.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum, £38 | Lookfantastic
Another Vitamin C hero formulated with sensitive skin in mind, La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C 10 has a 10% concentration – so you'll get all the brightening benefits of Vitamin C, without irritating your skin in the process. Check and check.
Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defence Serum, £27 | Lookfantastic
Not just a vitamin C serum, this lightweight skin treat from Avène combines vitamin E with a 15% equivalent of Vitamin C for a daily barrier against pollution and UV rays, all while brightening, evening and smoothing. Plus, it's non-comedogenic, so won't cause acne-prone skin to breakout.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, £72 | Cult Beauty
This potent serum combines vitamin C with glycolic acid – an AHA wonder ingredient that boosts cell turnover and rids the skin of dead cells – to tighten pores, brighten sallowness and give your skin an all-round smoother and more even appearance.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster, £47 | Cult Beauty
The 15 in the name stands for the 15% potency in the formula. That's a really good concentration to start with if you're fairly new to vitamin C. See this as your introduction to an ingredient you are sure to fall in love with.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, £42.40 | Boots
If what you're after is glow, then look no further than this bad boy. It's obviously got vitamin C in it, but it's the added extras of exfoliating acids and banana powder-inspired pigments that are really what you'll love. Inspired by the banana powders on make-up counters, this serum colour corrects dark spots and neutralises redness. So all you're left with is glow.
Medik8 C-Tetra, £35 | Cult Beauty
Medik8 are firm believers in the power of our hardworking trifecta - vitamin C and SPF during the day and retinol at night. They're also firm believers in delivering simplified skincare that brings with it the results you want. This serum has a type of vitamin C that's gentle on the skin. It's paired with vitamin E, which then adds a boost of hydration. Ideal for everyday use and sensitive skin types.
Skinceutcials Phloretin CF Serum, £150 | Lookfantastic
Best Face Serum For Hyperpigmentation
If you're trying to tackle hyperpigmentation, then this is worth the investment. It contains 10% vitamin C, which brightens the skin and phloretin which helps even out skin tone.
MZ Skin Brighten & Perfect, £250 | Feelunique
Whilst on the spenny side, you are getting clinic-worthy results in a bottle. There's 10% stabilised vitamin C in this serum and it is clinically proven to reduce pigmentation by 39.7% and brighten skin by 29.4% over 30 days.
Zelens Power C Collagen-boosting & Brightening, £95 | Cult Beauty
Dr Marko Lens is a leading plastic surgeon and a go-to for skin ageing. His skincare line is well respected and reliable. This brightening serum helps with loss of elasticity, improves the appearance of dark spots and makes on heck of a daily antioxidant.
Bamford Vitamin C Serum, £60 | Bamford
We love the new Bamford skincare range and its vitamin C serum is one of the highlights. A combination of vitamin C and an antioxidant fruit complex brightens and smooths the skin.
Honest Beauty Vitamin C Radiance Serum, £35 | Cult Beauty
This is a mighty all-rounder. It combines the powers of vitamin C to brighten, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and artichoke extract for pore refining. There's also light reflecting pearlescent effect that's incredibly pleasing.
FaceGym Youth Reformer Serum, £80 | FaceGym
This oil-in-serum was designed to tackle the visible signs of ageing and it works beautifully when combined with facial massage at home.
