EXFOLIATORS & SCRUBS
MOISTURIZERS
UNDER EYE
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Original article and pictures take okdermo.com site
Since your search for the best vitamin c serum for face reviews brought you here, I assume you know about the multitudes of ant-aging benefits a well-formulated vitamin C serum can do for your skin.
Increased collagen production is one of the most important benefits of using best serums for the face. This will help reduce wrinkles and fine lines while also enabling more even complexion. Your skin will become more tight, elastic and brighter looking.
In short, the best anti-aging serum for face will make you appear and look younger than your true age. A good brand of Vit-C serums are capable of improving the overall texture and appearance of your skin, plus correcting the symptoms of hyperpigmentation.
With so many vitamin C serums available for sale on online, how can one select the most powerful and safest brand? A good tell-tale sign is the percentage of vitamin C that’s included in the product. There are other ingredients included in the serum which helps it to heal the skin of sun damage or aging signs.
The vitamin c serums for the face that’s highly regarded will have vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Both are able to work together with the other ingredients, to deliver one of the most successful anti-aging skin formulas in modern times.
It is always wise to check the basic ingredients of any skincare product to make sure they’re within your expected standards. This is especially true if you’re allergic to some substances that might create skin allergic reaction, even in small amounts.
A good vitamin C serum must not have cheap synthetic fillers, or chemical ingredients that contribute to poor performance results. Poorly sourced ingredients will not only minimize performance but might even damage your skin, instead of helping to regenerate healthy new skin tissue.
After looking at the most active ingredients, do also pay attention to other listed substances in the formula, to make sure you’re not allergic to none of them.
After buying a serum with vitamin C, one of the most important steps you can take to protect its potency, is to make sure it never comes in contact with lots of air. Direct blowing of air into the product will affect its potency in the most negative way, and you do not want that to happen.
Another precaution to take is to make sure the bottle is exposed to as little sunlight as possible while also making sure to keep the cover closed tightly at all times. In fact, when looking through best-rated vitamin c serums, one with a less transparent bottle should always be preferred, as it offers better protection.
So, after an exhaustive research, below are the brands good enough to be included in this best vitamin c serum for face reviews. In making my selection, I looked at the vitamin C and vitamin E portions, plus other effective ingredients.
Lastly, the existing customer’s reviews and ratings played a major role in determining vitamin c serum best brands you find below.
4 Top Vitamin C Serum Best Brands
1 – Serumtologie C Serum 22 Reviews
This is one of the highest rated anti-aging products because it has a good amount of high-grade vitamin C. Serumtologie vitamin c serum comes with a higher percentage of the most active ingredients as compared to other brands.
According to Serumtologie, the Ascorbyl Phosphate in their serum makes it more potent, as it is quickly absorbed by the skin tissue. You can also be sure that this regular vitamin C anti-aging serum will not cause any irritation to the skin, due to its superior formulation.
Notable Features:
This is one of the best skin products for aging skin, and it contains a good amount of highly effective and concentrated bioactive 22% vitamin C serum.
You’ll find within its formula, a synergetic combination of good antioxidants with collagen boosters, like 5% Hyaluronic acid, 22% natural vitamin C, 15% Ferulic acid as well as 1% vitamin E.
Serumtologie c serum ingredients are sourced from the finest natural 100% Vegan products. Meaning this product is completely organic in all its essence!
Serumtologie c serum 22 is completely free of Synthetic Dyes, Aromas, Petrochemicals, Sulfates, Parabens and all types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
On their website, you’ll find a well-deserved doctor trusted certificate.
You get an iron-clad guarantee with your purchase, which means either you’re 100% satisfied or your money back.
What do Existing Users of Serumtologie Vitamin C Serum Have to Say?
It’s rare to find a beauty product with an overwhelming approval from existing users, but the users of this serum gave it over 97% approval rating. Most were pleased with the power of the serum, and how it has changed their complexion for the better.
Some of the reviewers praised its effectiveness at delivering awesome results, after just a few hours of the first application. Most aesthetician’s belonging to this organization; do recommend this vitamin C booster serum for both men and women, because it delivers excellent anti-aging results.
Other users listed the following reasons for loving this skin care product:
It will do wonders for your wrinkles and lines – I have seen great results with reduction of my facial wrinkles, with just a few applications. While some users claimed amazing results with just one application, most saw gradual improvement in skin tone and complexion over time.
Hydration and smoother complexion – Some of the users with dry skin, experienced more hydration and better complexion within a short period of time. I also saw comments from Serumtologie C Serum 22 users complimenting the product for delivering adequate softness and moisturization to their skin.
I found many users with oil skin complimenting the serum for helping to reduce the size of their pores while giving them a firmer and more beautiful skin tone. Other users of this vitamin C product gave it high marks for helping to enable glowing skin.
Some even recommended you can wear it as a primer, and it will moisturize at the same time. Some praised the product for being one of the most affordable luxury serum brands, one can buy online today.
I found many reviews from existing users in love with the affordable price for the serum with high-quality ingredients, and power to deliver smoother complexion for the majority of its users.
The most surprising review was from users encouraging people to buy more than one bottle since the item is on sale right now. From most users, all you need is a few drops for each use, which means one bottle will last a long time.
2 – OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Review
OZ naturals – is one of the best vitamin c serum one can buy for less online today. Apart from the cheap price because it’s on sale right now, some of the reviews from existing customers was just too much to ignore.
This product has over 96% approval rating from current users, and some of their enthusiasm translated into comments like “what a miracle in a bottle” or “finally a skin care product that delivers what it promises”. When you find hundreds of comments like that from users of an anti-aging serum, you know the product delivers top-notch results for its users.
Looking through the company website, the sales brochures states one can start seeing results after one application, but the majority of users will witness gradual improvement in skin tone and smoothness. The most amazing skin improvement and advanced benefits will appear within 30 days.
OZ naturals vitamin c serum ingredients include vegan hyaluronic acid with a unique blend of amino acid, all formulated to nourish the skin back to better health. This highly potent 20% organic and natural vitamin C serum will minimize your wrinkles and facial lines while giving a firmer texture to your skin.
OZ naturals serum will help heal the effects of sun damage and many other benefits, as stated by users as we’ll see towards the end of this review.
OZ naturals vitamin c Features:
This best serum for wrinkles contains at least 20% of natural vitamin C.
Included in its formula are 98% natural ingredients, with 72% of them being certified organic.
The most active ingredients in this skin care product include, Vegan hyaluronic acid, organic Jojoba oil, a blend of amino acids and Vitamin C.
OZ naturals were selected by the editors of Allure magazine, as one of the best in beauty vitamin C serum.
It is made using cruelty-free methods. It is free of sulfates, alcohol, and Parabens.
You can take advantage of special pricing packaging, with 100% unconditional money back guarantee.
OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Existing Customers Reviews
This skin care regimen product has a high satisfaction index, due to its effectiveness. Even with over ninety percent approval rating, some users complained it took too long to see improvement in their skin complexion. One, in particular, said it took her about 20 days to see a huge improvement in her skin tone and firmness.
Most people are not aware that leaving the vitamin C serum bottle open, can reduce its potency. Neither should the Vit C serum be left in direct sunlight, as that might also negatively affect performance.
Based on some of the reviews I read, most centered on how long it took the serum to deliver positive results. So if you do buy one, give OZ naturals serum a few days to do its magic!
Some of the customer feedback about this natural vitamin C serum:
Tighter, firmer and younger looking skin – Most of the users agreed that the serum did deliver better skin appearance. Some commended the serum drops for enabling the growth of more elastic, tighter and softer skin tissue.
Reduce wrinkles and fine lines – Because the serum induces collagen, some users claimed it helped reduce wrinkles while in some cases completely eliminating fine lines.
Better skin texture – people that have been using the serum for some time gave it high marks for helping deliver softer and even skin texture.
Power to repair sun-damaged skin, including hyperpigmentation – Since it includes antioxidant vitamin C, users reported rapid improvement in the sun damaged skin areas. The serum is also effective at correcting the symptoms of hyperpigmentation.
It helps to deliver glowing skin – this was the most common compliment from many users. The serum contains light exfoliating properties, which can help make your complexion look brighter. Many users confirmed that it does not clog the pores, and will help those with acne prone skin.
This best vit c serum contains hyaluronic acid and natural vitamin C, which makes it go deeper into your skin tissue to deliver amazingly good results. Many of the users of this product gave it high marks for helping their moisturizer absorb faster and better, especially right after using the Oz Naturals Vitamin C serum.
3 – VoilaVe Vitamin C Serum Reviews
VoilaVe vitamin c serum has a huge following of faithful fans that can testify to the prowess of this product. Despite the stiff competition from other well-formulated vitamin C serums, this brand is holding its own quite well, and even gaining market share.
Triple action vitamin c serum can claim something other brands cannot, the ingredients includes three separate types of vitamin C. Meaning; you get three layers of protection with this serum, along with an advanced premium pump.
Just like the other brands of collagen serums presented above, this brand comes with a generous no questions asked refund policy.
Some features worth mentioning:
This is probably the only best serums for the face that contains three forms of vitamin C, which helps it deliver beautiful results.
This serum is made from undiluted and pure contents, which are certified free of Parabens, fillers, and alcohol.
This is a hyaluronic acid and vitamin c serum, making it easier for your skin to absorb it, and will not clog your pores.
Another notable feature is the advanced bottle design, which makes it easier to protect the potency of the powerful serum. I wish other brands would emulate this design, with its more convenient application.
Not only will you get a detailed instructional manual on how to use the product, but your purchase is fully guaranteed for a whole year. Meaning, you can ask for a full refund within one year of buying the serum.
What are some of the customers saying about the VoilaVe triple action vitamin c serum?
After looking at several reviews, most commented on the effectiveness of this serum on different skin conditions. Some were quite happy that this vitamin C serum dries fast and leaves no stickiness residue.
Most were happy that it does not cause rashes or itchiness as well. Most love that it has no smell! Now, let’s see a synopsis of some of the benefits enjoyed by the users.
Delivers faster results – From the hundreds of reviews I looked at, most saw good results after a few applications, some even overnight.
Will reduce wrinkles and fine lines – Some saw a massive reduction in fine lines around the mouth and eyes. Many witnessed the disappearance of wrinkles within a few days of using this vitamin C serum.
Can be used as a moisturizer – Some of the users used the serum as a day moisturizer, and all complimented the product for keeping their skin properly hydrated.
Will deliver good results for acne prone skin – By using this serum, all those dead skin cells will be far easier to remove. It will not clog small or large pores, but its antioxidant and exfoliating properties will enable softer more beautiful skin tone.
Enables more youthful and tighter skin – It contains hyaluronic acid that is combined with the boosting power of 3 forms of vitamin C, to deliver rejuvenated complexion, just like many users experienced.
Will give you improved skin texture – Most of the users of this serum gave it high marks for helping them develop skin that is softer and more even in complexion.
Other notable reviews from current users include the power to give your skin a healthier glow. The serum has the power to make freckles, discoloration and age spot less noticeable, as if by magic.
Let’s not forget the excellent bottle design and great pump. The pump is well sealed to prevent the contents from spilling. All you need is a little VoilaVe triple action vitamin c serum in your hands, and it goes to work once it’s applied.
4 – TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum Reviews
TruSkin naturals is a “new kid on the block” when it comes to manufacturing skin care products, but they’re growing in leaps and bounds with many accolades, in just a few years in business.
TruSkin vitamin c ingredients are not tested on animals, for the company only uses those that have been clinically perfected, and proven to be effective in skin regeneration.
I urge you to pay attention to this fast-growing company, as they make other products that can deliver healthier and younger looking skin.
TruSkin naturals vitamin c serum features:
Each bottle contains at least 20% vitamin C, plus vitamin E
Based on a new anti-aging formula that’s been proven to help reduce or fade away age spots, sun spots. This product will also help improve your skin tone while clearing out acne and other dead skin debris.
TruSkin serum only contains ingredients that were sourced from nature. Not only is this best serum for wrinkles proudly made in the USA, the product is certified free of all genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, fragrances, soft paraffin, Phthalates and artificial colors.
The serum is properly formulated to be pH balanced, which makes it safe to use on your skin. The warranty period is a little short, just 3 months, with no questions asked money back guarantee.
Here are some of the Comments by current users:
After analyzing hundreds of reviews for this product, most praised it for enabling the regeneration of better skin tissue. Most complimented the serum for giving them glowing skin.
Some of the users were gleeful that it helped to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, which other products could not touch. Not only will it help tighten and give you more youthful skin, some users reported the gradual fading of brown spots with each application.
I am glad you stayed till the end, and one can summarize from this vitamin C serum for face reviews that there are good options for dealing with different skin deteriorating factors.
The vitamin c face serums included in this article, all have very high satisfaction ratings from existing customers, so you can buy safely, knowing the product will give you younger and healthier looking skin with just a few applications.
Using pure vitamin c serum on your skin is popular today, simply because it works. Vitamin C in synergy with other ingredients is one of the best anti-aging and skin regeneration formula for better skin tone and complexion.
What It Is
A highly concentrated serum with antioxidants to stop free radicals and visibly correct wrinkles.
What It Does
Brightens Skin and suppresses melanin synthesis.
Helps with collagen production.
Promotes exfoliation and skin renewal.
Provides the skin with exceptional luminosity, firmness & elasticity while restoring suppleness & youthful appearance.
What Else There Is To Know
Our Vitamin C Serum is a Step Beyond the rest. It contains 20% Ascorbic Acid, which is the easiest absorbed form of Vitamin C.
Contains several powerful antioxidants to reverse UV damage and protect.
Pomegranate seed oil promotes cell regeneration, is anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin perhaps best known for its role in immune-system health: it protects you from infection, helps heal wounds and cuts and assists in red blood cell formation and repair. Vitamin C also acts as a factor in the production of collagen, an important connective tissue in the body, and helps the body absorb iron from plants we eat. Additionally, vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can act as a protective antioxidant—meaning it protects body cells and tissues from the damage caused by free radicals.
Most fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C. Fruits that are good sources include cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, papaya and strawberries. Rich vegetable sources include dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and red peppers. Some fruit drinks and juices are also fortified with vitamin C.
Severe vitamin C deficiency is rare in the United States and industrialized countries. Long-term, severe deficiencies could lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include inflamed and bleeding gums, impaired wound healing and excessive bleeding. At one time scurvy was common in sailors on long trips. When its cause was discovered, limes and other citrus foods were packed aboard on long journeys and effectively put an end to the problem. Bringing limes aboard is purported to be the reason sailors came to be called “limeys.”
Individuals who smoke require an additional 35 mg of vitamin C daily compared to nonsmokers. Scientists have not been able to identify the specific reason that smokers need more, just that blood levels in smokers are lower than in nonsmokers eating similar amounts of the vitamin and that smokers’ bodies tend to use up and metabolize more vitamin C. Nonsmokers regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are encouraged to ensure they meet the RDA for vitamin C.
Large doses of vitamin C, primarily from supplements, can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea and bloating.
Vitamin C&E Treatment delivers stable vitamin C deep within the skin to fade brown spots and brighten sensitive skin while giving powerful anti-aging protection.
Vitamin C&E Treatment by Renée Rouleau offers 14% stable, no-sting vitamin C with a pH of 6.8 to lighten brown sun spots, prevent blackheads, even out skin tone, lift discoloration from blemish scarring and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while encouraging collagen production. This skin lightening cream uses a powerful time-released delivery system to slowly diffuse the highest concentration of three stabilized forms of antioxidants deep within the skin at a cellular level for maximum age-defying protection. You'll love this 'glow in a bottle' and will see a dramatically noticeable improvement in your skin's appearance with continued use. The result? Fresher, brighter, more even-toned skin by Renée Rouleau. (See this PROOF on an apple that our vitamin C serum really works.)
Size: 1 fl oz
"Bring your dull skin back to life with this incredibly gentle miracle product."
- BYRDIE.COM
Take our Skin Type Quiz to learn which products are recommended for your skin.
NOTE: The results of the quiz recommend this product for specific skin types; however, these recommendations are meant to serve as a guide, not as rules. If this product sounds right for you, we encourage you to try it!
"I love how lightweight and cooling it feels and it definitely brightens up my tired eyes in the morning."
EMMY ROSSUM, ACTRESS
This product is not tested on animals. We are certified with Leaping Bunny as a cruelty-free company.
EXPLORE VITAMIN C TONER
Our Vitamin C Facial Toner is an all-in-one hydration infused toner with age-defying ingredients that will leave the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. The powerful combination of Vitamin C, Witch Hazel and botanical extracts, renews the skin by fighting environmental aggressors and brightening the appearance of skin tone. Daily use of our toner will support the skin's protective barrier, priming it to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively.
Gently mist toner onto cleansed skin and allow to dry. Follow with appropriate serum and moisturizer. For best results, apply twice daily.
Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Methylsulfonylmethane* (MSM), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Glycerin*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Hesperidin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycolic Acid, Bromelain, Papain, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol*, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin *Naturally Derived
Cyclopentasiloxane (Skin Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Cyclohexasiloxane (Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Emulsion Stabilizer), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (Viscosity Increasing Agent), Mica (Opacifying Agent), HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer (Anticaking Agent), Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Glycerin (Humectant), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance Ingredient), Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate (Emollient), Polysilicone-11 (Film Former), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Silica (Absorbent), Benzyl Benzoate (Fragrance Ingredient), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colorant).
As long as your product is unopened you can return your item within 14 days. If your product is opened and unsuitable, you can return your item within 28 days for a full refund.
PREAMBLE
Based on material previously posted on MakeupAlley, in response to questions; plus a few additions for this version. With apologies in advance to non-MUAers: the links will mean that you have an excuse for joining. It’s OK, you don’t need to sell your soul; as with this blog and online identity, you can invent and deploy a separate self (from your real life one), set up a separate email address, sign up to MUA (and whatever else online) as that alter ego. Alas, I’m not affiliated, any more than any other MUAer: sadly members, even long-standing productive ones, get no financial or other benefits. Like I’ve said before on here, this is a flaw. And one reason why I’m doing further comment and expanded fuller versions of MUA stuff off-MUA.
(All product names are linked either to the manufaturer’s website, or to that of one of the standard etailers–dermstore.com, drugstore.com, iherb, luckyvitamin, skincarerx, skinstore, vitacost, etc.; as usual, links open in new tabs.
NB: THIS POST IS FROM 2012
Information here—as on any other blog-post (such being the nature of a blog)—is date-specific. If you are reading this after that date, the information here may have changed: prices, products, etc. It is not being updated regularly. There may be occasional updates, but these will not be systematic. I’m mainly adding products that have caught my eye because they’re cheaper and look good on paper. If you know of a product that you think I should add here, please add a comment further down.
UPDATED 2013-02, to include NuFountain’s new C20+ Lightening serum, and Silk Naturals’ current five vitamin C serums (updated list) plus their product comparison chart.
UPDATED 2013-10, to include ASDM Beverly Hills: not tried/used it myself yet, but on paper, in theory, looks like a winner for ingredients and price.
UPDATED 2013-11, to include Garden of Wisdom Majik C Serum, Malibu C serums, updated the information on NuFountain and Silk Naturals serums
UPDATED 2014-05, to reinstate NuFountain’s MAP serum (CelSignal), which had been discontinued but has now been recontinued for some months (sorry, that was slow of me)
UPDATED 2017-07, to add The Ordinary and Timeless serums
I’m looking for a vit C serum and many of the natural options I’ve seen don’t list ascorbic acid in the ingredients; instead they have mostly plant/ fruit oils and extracts. I assume that since some of these are rich in Vit. C they would also have benefits, but will they be comparable to ascorbic acid serums? I don’t want something really strong anyway…
But what ingredients should I be looking for? Rosehip?
I would also consider a facial oil or even a toner, if it was effective.the jason c-effects looks pretty good, no?
Aqua (Purified Water), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Isostearyl Isostearate, Cyclomethicone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Polysorbate 60, Silica Silylate, Ascorbic Acid, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) Hip Oil, Ethyl Macadamiate, Fragrance Oil Blend, Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate, Ester C Sorbitol (and) Glycerine (and) Calcium Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid) Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract Gel*, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui Nut) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Alcohol, Annatto.
Jason C-Effects Hyper-C Serum—$34.98 / 30 ml (1 oz), $21.00 to $25.00 elsewhere online—is a good serum that contains some vitamin C; but probably not much. Entirely different from a vitamin C serum.
Ingredient list from manufacturers:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sorbitol, Calcium Ascorbate, Polysorbate 20, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Scleroglucan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (1), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes , Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract (1), Opuntia Coccinellifera, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol (1), Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional , Coumarin, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)
It’s a jolly decent nice antioxidant serum, at a decent price, and at least as good (for most people, better) than the million and one overpriced antioxidant serums out there. If the “ascorbic acid” is the l-form (= almost certainly, and almost certainly just sloppy labelling), there might be nearly enough here (generally, at least 10% to be useful, more are in the 15-20% range). Ester-C is great when ingested, and slow release; but it’s not one of the most usable bioavailable forms when applied to skin. And there will be some more (and usable) vitamin C from the rosehip seed oil. Some further antioxidant boost from the green tea extract (depending on how much is there, and how much EGCG). Fatty acids and more vitamin E from the almond and kukui nut oils.
Rosehip seed oil contains some vitamin C, but not as much as an actual vitamin C serum (nor as bioavailable). On the other hand, it contains other things too (retinol, essential fatty acids, etc.). Same thing goes for assorted other skincare things containing vitamin C: little impact (other than possibly a little antioxidant effect, but the jury’s still out on whether that does anything other than sit on the skin) unless you’re applying at least 10% vitamin C, stable form, at the right pH, directly to bare skin.
If you’ve got dry sensitive skin and you’re OK with the fragrance, essential oils, and other potential irritants (all very individual, but I couldn’t use this stuff myself), this serum would be a good idea: enough slip and moisture, compared to vitamin C serums proper which (with few exceptions) will feel very dry on the skin, may indeed be too dry. I’ve had that issue. You apply the stuff to bare skin. Skin feels sucked dry and sore before you’ve even finished spreading the stuff on it.
And if you can’t use (or indeed afford) a vitamin C serum that you can use, on your skin: some antioxidants on the skin are better than none, so the Jason could still be a very good choice. Or indeed antioxidant toners rather than serums: there may be little to no difference between a toner, a water, and a serum: the most basic DIY vitamin C is just LAA dispersed in water. Or oils: the Jason will feel much like an oil, given the base is a mix of oils and silicones (and the ethyl macadamiate, which feels very like silicone).
That’s compared to MAP serums (the cheapest of which are in the $15.00 – 20.00 range + shipping), or LAA serums. For LAA, prices vary: this is actually the cheapest kind of vitamin C serum if you make your own, but not all skins can tolerate LAA. In which case, we’re back round to balancing what your skin can tolerate + what you can afford. Another reason that Jason one (and other cheaper antioxidant serums) could be brilliant and the best thing possible. For you and your skin: better in practice/reality, rather than better in theory. On MAP vs. LAA, see for example this essentialdayspa thread and smartskincare.com
BUT: So long as your skin is OK with it, you’ll be better off with a vitamin C serum. And, as you’ll see below, they don’t necessarily have to break the bank: those I’m suggesting are in the same price-bracket at Jason C-Effects, or cheaper.
You can tell the difference between “a serum containing vitamin C” and “a vitamin C serum” from the ingredient list. In an actual vitamin C serum, you’ll see vitamin C (the commonest forms being l-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) around about no. 2 in the ingredient list (there should be at least 10% for LAA; for MAP, around 3 – 5%). Water or other base no. 1. The list should be very short, about half the length of that Jason one, max. Most I’ve seen are under two lines long.
—Reasonable decent price-range: same price-point as Jason C-Effects; ranging from pennies up to $35.00 for 1 oz, mostly in the $15.00 – 25.00 area.
—I’m including ingredient lists, type of vitamin C, and percentage: so you can see what I mean by “an actual vitamin C serum”
—ideally, stabilised by also including vitamin E or coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) for MAP serums, and/or ferulic acid for LAA serums
—Cruelty-free
Comparison:
—Both serums have 15% vitamin C (LAA), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), 0.5% ferulic acid, in a water-silicone base with glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.
—Difference between the two: three of the inactive base ingredients are in a different order, and CSI has zinc sulfate too, which is a nice useful skin soother.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum (RRP $146.00 / 1 oz)
✻ Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Alpha Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Two more, on DIY formulation:
QUESTION ONE
(Lolly)
How do you naturally preserve vitamin C serum? Would essential oils like lemon or tea tree do it?
(Ginger)
No:
1. also, lemon oil would not be a good idea: photosensitizing, high probability of phototoxicity, YMMV but very common irritant. The former two would make it a bizarre choice for a vitamin C serum if you’re using it during the day for one of its main purposes, as a sun protection booster.
2. tea tree: no. For both that and lemon, the main reason is–oversimplifying massively–that Vitamin C serums go off when they oxidise. Neither of these EOs (nor lavender, oops but also photosensitizing etc…) is any use for preventing that. What *would* work: antioxidants (see 4. below) and a delivery system that minimises (small-apperture pump) or removes (ex. the Avène patented ETS delivery system) contact with air.
3. So how would you preserve it? Well, many C serums [see examples above] contain preservatives. Most of the ones that actually do the job properly won’t count as “naturally preserve” (ex. phenoxyethanol). These serums usually contain other ingredients that could spoil, in the bacterial and fungal way.
4. One “natural” option: Some use added vitamin E, as an antioxidant (see 2. above). But watch out on formulation re. fat-soluble vs. water-soluble ingredients in your C serum, if making it yourself–otherwise you risk making something that’s inherently unstable from the start, and might also end up lumpy or worse. […]
5. There’s a reason why decently-formulated vitamin C serums are sold in small quantities (typically around a month’s supply) and why DIY recipes refer to making up small batches. For most, your best option is just to keep the stuff in a cool dark place and use within a month.
QUESTION TWO
This is very exciting, depending on how easy it is for someone to find MAP powder and how expensive it turns out to be:
(Ursula)
DIY MAP serum – can this simply be made by adding MAP powder to an existing hyaluronic serum? Just concerned about losing the effectiveness of the MAP. Thanks for any advice!
(Cecilia)
That’s fine. Just try small batches first. MAP has tendency to go off fast even tho it’s very stable.
Plus some information too; shipping prices are for the cheapest available method to Canada; for other countries, see the website:
NEXT UP, TOMORROW: some near-misses that nearly made it onto the list above…
Do not risk the health & appearance of your skin with cheap, sticky, or water based serums.
Young skin is full of Vitamin C. As we age, skin naturally loses this nutrient over time.
Exposure to UV light, free radicals & pollutants destroy the skin's supply of Vitamin C.
Applying Sano Naturals Vitamin C Serum to the skin can be 20 times more effective than taking Vitamin C orally.
Replenish your skin's Vitamin C levels to:
- Stimulate collagen production
- Dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging, fine lines & wrinkles
- Provide UV protection
- Neutralize free radicals
Vitamin C Serums are not created equal.
Vitamin C Serum oxidizes in the presence of oxygen. The oxygen in water can destabilize the Vitamin C compound, making it harmful & ineffective.Unlike other Vitamin C Serums, our stable Vitamin C compound is delivered to your skin via an Organic Herbal Infusion. This ensures the most efficient delivery of the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C. All Sano Naturals products are proudly made in the USA in an FDA Registered, GMP Compliant facility.
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase and skin care experience, we will refund your entire purchase price, no questions asked.
To preserve the Serum's potency,we pack small batches at a time. Sano's Formulation contains 20% Vitamin C. Click "Add to Cart" now.X
I-006644 Vitamin C Serum Mario Badescu Improve skin's radiance and hydration levels with Mario Badescu's Vitamin C serum.
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I-006644 Vitamin C Serum Mario Badescu Improve skin's radiance and hydration levels with Mario Badescu's Vitamin C serum.
Rating Snapshot
| Average Customer Ratings
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1- Anti wrinkle: Diminishing lines and wrinkles
2- Anti aging: Firming and lifting skin
3- Clear Complexion: Reducing dark spots and evening skin tone
4- Glowing Skin: Improving radiance and texture
INGREDIENTS:
Aqua (Water), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Ascorbic Acid (L), Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil,
Santalum Austrocaledonicum (Sandalwood) Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol *Certified Organic Ingredient
DIRECTIONS:
Cleanse face thoroughly and pat dry. Apply 3-4 drops on face and neck and let dry. You can then follow
with a moisturizer. Can be used once or twice a day (morning and night) and can be used under makeup.
If used in the morning, use a moisturizer with SPF.
Vitamin C Serums are without a doubt one of the most effective serums available and on top of that, you’ll find that they are a popular cosmetic purchase too. In fact, studies have shown that they are one of the most-bought cosmetics on the market.
The fact is, vitamin C comes with a lot of skin benefits and is a unique ingredient in its own. We all know what a fantastic antiaging solution it is, but it can also be incredibly useful for acne prone skins as it has shown significant results in reducing the risk of acne outbreaks from spreading, reducing redness and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, acne scars and acne marks.
Contents
If you are a reader of myawesomebeauty.com, you know we refuse to pay a fortune to get effective products…. We don’t want to pay for all the marketing and endorsement or for the fancy packaging. We want effective products that deliver results. So, don’t bother to buy those $100 vitamin C serums; you can find products which are as good or even better for a fraction of the price.
For example, here is our current best vitamin C serum for acne prone skin, that we tested. We love the percentage of actives
Yeah, we love this one here as this serum has everything you should expect if you have acne. Keep in mind that vitamin C alone is not enough… You need specific actives for acne. That is the case with this serum here. 2 members of our review team got awesome results with it. They were not a big fan of the smell though but it was bearable.
We will update this with another serum if we find a better one.
The second serum here is an example of what acne prone skins should avoid: this is a serum with only vitamin C (15%) without other actives that could help with your acne. The other thing that bothers us is the presence of alcohol which will dry out your skin and makes your oily or combination skin worse in the long run with an increase in bumps and larger pores. And on top of that it is way too expensive. (about $80 )
Note: we wrote an extensive guide about how to choose the best vitamin C serum here, but keep in mind it was mainly written with the antiaging action in mind. If you suffer from acne you will have to make sure the serum has some additional actives such as the ones we mention down below.
Ok, let’s focus on how Vitamin C Serums can be beneficial to anyone who suffers from Acne.
According to a study that was recently published by “The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology”, acne can be caused by something else which has only just been discovered. This new cause is “Free Radicals” – a type of molecule that you probably already know, which can produced as a result of either air pollution or sunlight.
In the past, free radicals have been known to be the cause of dark skin pigment, destroying collagen, and even causing damage to our DNA and as of recently, it’s known to cause acne.
Yeah Vitamin C is one of the most recommended antioxidants because there are many studies showing that applying it topically to your skin can protect it from uv damage and pollution, by neutralizing free radicals and reducing the formation of new free radicals, which as a result, means less pimples and breakouts in the long run.
When your skin is damaged, it begins to inflame or become irritated and because of that, further damage is caused by us scratching and touching this irritation (sometimes we can’t help it – there’s a reason it’s called “irritation”). This can make the inflammed area become incredibly painful and look a lot worse than it is.
In order to help reduce and manage any irritation and inflammation which you experience, you could use Vitamin C.
Studies have indeed shown that when used appropriately, and if it is a high concentration, Vitamin C can help to reduce inflammation.
Indeed, vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to even advanced inflammation such as rosacea and acne scars.
There are also other studies which further show that Vitamin C can be beneficial to your skin. Not only can it be used to strengthen your blood vessels, but it can also improve the damage done to red skin prone to broken capillaries and substantially improve their appearance.
Vitamin C can help to prevent your body from producing more skin pigment melanin than it should be. When used, Vitamin C will prevent the melanin from being produced which will help to improve the natural pigmentation of your skin.
It’s also worth noting that this impacts all existing dark spots on your skin, as well as preventing any future dark spots from breaking out. All in all, by continuously using Vitamin C you’ll be able to significantly reduce hyperpigmentation and prevent it from occurring in the future.
From this benefit alone, there’s no doubting that a Vitamin C Serum could really improve your skin. Better skin complexion, brightened skin, what’s not to love?
The thing is, in order to achieve these things, you must be using a Vitamin C Serum on a consistent basis. Our suggestion would be to use a serum once in the morning, and once in the evening to see the best results possible.
This is something which bothers most people who experience acne – the horrible acne scars which are left behind which make them self-conscious. Fortunately, this is one of the biggest benefits to using a Vitamin C Serum.
The most commonly produced protein in our bodies is collagen – a massive 70% of the protein that is found in your skin cells is collagen! This protein is produced by your body and is designed to keep your skin looking plump and young.
Over the past decade or so there have been many studies conducted which have all shown that Vitamin C can significantly increase the production of collagen in not only young people’s skin but older people’s too. Regardless of what age you are, it’s never too late to check out a Vitamin C Serum for acne scars or hyperpigmentation.
The short answer to this is no. If you’re trying to treat your acne and you’re looking to reap the benefits that come with using a Vitamin C Serum then you have to put in a lot more than only vitamin C. Yep, using Vitamin C will only do so much.
Vitamin C will only deal with one player in the acne game, there are so many other players or factors that you need to take into account. That is why if you are looking for a good vitamin C serum for acne, then you will have to make sure it has some additional ingredients in it as well that will target the other acne causes. This is what we will cover in the next paragraph.
There are other ingredients which on top of Vitamin C, you should be looking out for in a Vitamin C Serum, such as :
Salicylic Acid (Beta hydroxy acid)
It is one of my favorite cosmetic ingredient (that is often prefered to benzoyl peroxyde in many acne treatments because it is less drying and irritating)
An added benefit to using a product that contains salicylic acid is that it can also help prevent blackheads (or whiteheads). It’s not difficult to find this product as it’s a key ingredient in most skin care products. The usual strength is 0.5% to 3%.
Retinol ( Vitamin A derivative)
This vitamin A derivative is another interesting cosmetic ingredient for acne.
What does this ingredient bring to the table?
Retinol is very effective at speeding up skin cell turnover, and resurfacing the skin.
Of course, as always, if you want to get noticeable results, you will have to use the product consistently. That is the price to pay to improve your skin texture and skin tone as a whole.
Note that retinol may (this only occurs for some people) increase how sensitive your skin is to sunlight (or UV rays in general) so of course, make sure that you use plenty of sunsceen on sunny days. That is why, retinol products are mostly used atr night before heading to bed so that there is plenty of time for it to be absorbed and less damage will be inflicted by sunlight.
Niacinamide (otherwise known as Vitamin B3)
This is one of the most recent ingredients which have been discovered to be very effective in dealing with acne. There have been several studies produced which show the effectiveness of Vitamin B3 and how it can be used for healing acne damage. As a matter of fact, most of these studies have also called out prescription drugs (including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and even antibiotics) and have stated that Vitamin B3 is more effective than all of these. The reason for this is that while very effective, there are also less side effects to it, such as irritation or redness.
On top of these benefits, Vitamin B3 has a slightly different approach to dealing with bacteria that causes acne. Rather than target the harmful bacteria itself, it targets sebum oxidisation (the initial stage of acne) in order to prevent any pimple outbreaks from occurring.
Another benefit to the Vitamin B3 ingredient is that it can even out your skin tone and lighten the general pigmentation of your skin, which is great for acne marks.
After an acne breakout occurs you’ll notice that your skin is a lot redder or that there are red marks where the breakout was. This is because your skin melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) have been overactive.
Sulfur and Resorcinol
When you purchase a product, which is specifically meant for helping to treat acne, you’ll find that both sulphur and resorcinol are common ingredients and are often found together.
With both of these ingredients, they can also work together to effectively reduce the natural oils from the surface of your skin. The resorcinol dosage is usually about 2% strength while sulphur is between 5% and 8%.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
If you believe in natural remedies being effective then looking for a product that uses tea tree essential oils will be right up your alley.
The main component of tea tree essential oil is terpinene-4-ol, although there are several other active ingredients like alpha-terpineol.
I personally always have one bottle of tea tree essential oil with me. Everytime I have a pimple I would apply one drop of essential oil directly to the pimple, at night before heading to bed. The pesky pimple would then be gone the next morning. It really works like magic
If you want to get the most out of your vitamin C serum, you got to make sure to exfoliate your skin first so to allow better penetration of the serum for the following days. I usually exfoliate at least once a week, to remove the dead skin cells.
When it comes to acne and vitamin C, my experience shows that topical vitamin C with the use of vitamin C serums is more effective that taking vitamin C orally.
We understand that for a lot of people, oral administration is a lot more convenient and that there are a few additional benefits, but when you’re looking to improve the health of your skin and make it look a lot better (if you have experienced bad acne then this will be the case), then using a serum is a must.
When it comes to choosing a serum over a supplement, there’s no doubting that the serum is more effective in boosting collagen production, battling against free radicals, and making your skin healthier.
But, don’t completely disregard the supplement just yet. If you’re willing to go all in and you want to achieve the best results possible, use both ! Yeah, you can do that. The thing is if you’re going to be taking supplements then as was the was with the serum, search for supplements which also have ingredients for detoxification and clearing the skin such as the one we reviewed here ( the derma cleanse capsules).
Note that this is not compulsary, if you can drink more green juices, smoothies. That can work too.
We have discussed a lot in this article – all of which you can use to support your battle against acne and getting rid of it for good.
Skin exfoliation, skin repair, boosting your collagen production. With all of this help, you’ll have a much easier time eradicating your acne and repairing the damage that it’s time. That being said, there’s one last thing that we want to quickly discuss: controlling skin oil production
To do so, my all time favorite skin care product is using bentonite clay mask every week (or twice a week if your skin is really oily)
Bentonite Clay Masks really help to absorb excess skin sebum and reduce inflammation. They also deep cleanse by removing toxins, impurities and unblock pores if need be.
Ingredients:
Directions:
We hope that this guide helped you understand that vitamin C alone alone is not enough for acne, if you want to benefit from the properties of vit C we recommend you to use a vitamin C serum for acne that has some of the actives we mentionned above.
Further reading :