Lighter skin days like this
Ask a beauty expert or dermatologist what the must-have items are in yoursskin care routineand this is what you will hear:sunscreen preparations for the face,Retinoland vitamin C serums.
Why? It's easy. When used together, these three are your skin's best chance at fighting the visible signs of aging. In addition, this holy trinity also promotes happy, healthy, and well-functioning skin. You probably have yoursbest SPF moisturizerready and you will be informedRetinolWhey works best for you, so now is the time to dig a little deeper into vitamin C.
What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C is something of a mega multitasker in the skincare world. It promotes collagen production, helps lighten dark spots and pigmentation, and acts as an antioxidant to protect skin from free radicals (unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress in skin cells, also known as premature aging).
Not only that, it's also a great anti-inflammatory, it smooths out rough skin textures and gives your skin that natural glow from hell (iebest face serums(opens in new tab)with vitamin C you can skip even that very muchtop scorer(opens in new tab)).
How to use vitamin C in your skin care routine
Now, let's get down to business: how do you start using this ingredient in your skincare routine? "You have to pay close attention to the form and concentration that you apply to the skin," says Dermatologist and Mohs MicrographerSt. John's Institute of Dermatology(opens in new tab) Dra Emma Craythorne. “The ideal concentration depends on the formulation.
“In order for a product to be biologically important, it must have a concentration above 8% in most cases. Studies have shown that concentrations above 20% do not increase biological importance but can cause irritation.
"Reliable vitamin C products available today are therefore in the 10-20% range," she continues. “Pure vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid. This is the most effective form of vitamin C on the skin.”
In short, vitamin C is a pretty powerful ingredient, so it's a good idea to get your skin used to it. But don't panic - just introduce it slowly and apply every other day at first and your skin should adjust. You can gradually increase your consumption.
However, vitamin C is notoriously unstable, meaning its effectiveness and potency are affected by factors such as light, air, and heat. It's also a lone wolf and doesn't always work well with some other active ingredients. We do not recommend applying an AHA or BHA toner first (anything withsalicylic acidorglycolic acidin it) because it could destabilize the pH of vitamin C and prevent it from working.
Best Vitamin C Seren
Are you ready to find your new hero serum? Below is our beauty editorial board-approved roundup of the best vitamin C serums on the market. The Marie Claire team has thoroughly conducted the following tests. You've been looking for products that absorb well into the skin, come in smart vitamin C-friendly packaging (to prevent oxidation) and come with an effective formula – is the vitamin C bit the mustard?
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SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, £140| Visually amazing
Bestes Luxus-Vitamin-C-SerumIf you want to use the same vitamin C serum that most beauty editors use, voilà. "When I started out in the beauty industry, everyone told me to get this serum. I wasn't disappointed," explains Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. It contains 15% L-ascorbic acid as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid. It's kind of a cult classic. This is more suitable for people with dry skin. If it's oilier, choose the brand's Phloretin CF serum.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:Very light and the addition of ferulic acid, another antioxidant, provides double protection against free radicals.
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The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum, £8.49 | iconic beauty
Best Affordable Vitamin C SerumFor something more affordable (but by no means less effective) head to cult skincare brand The Inkey List for high-performing ingredients at great prices. The vitamin C serum has a very creamy texture and contains 30% pure L-ascorbic acid to make your skin glow.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:Its seriously bank-friendly pricing.
Garnier Vitamin C Dark Spot and Illuminating Serum, £7.98 | great drug
Best Vitamin C for GlowThis serum is designed to brighten your skin and protect the planet. In addition to a powerful blend of active ingredients, the product is enriched with lemon extract. A superfood that targets dark circles and boosts radiance.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:Vitamin C sits alongside niacinamide and salicylic acid to brighten and even out the complexion.
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Kiehl's Strength Line Reduction Concentrate, £54 | SpaceNK
Best for dry skinA rich formula with 10.5% healthy L-Ascorbic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, perfect for those with dry skin. "The tingling is a mild tingling if it persists, but don't panic as it goes away quickly," observes Katie. Those with oilier complexions might want to give this one a miss.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:A gently plumping formula that also contains moisturizing glycerin.
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Domingo Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, £70 | iconic beauty
Best for older skinSunday Riley is a legend in the beauty world, and her powerful vitamin C serum will have you looking brighter in no time (see what we did there?). The visible signs of aging - wrinkles, fine lines, dehydration, dullness, sensitivity and uneven complexion - cannot stop this powerful formula.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:An effective formula that is easily absorbed, with a complex that reduces skin sensitivity.
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Vichy Liftactiv Vitmain C Skin Lightening Corrector, £38 | Boots
Best Vitamin C Serum for BrighteningThe brand claims that your skin will look much brighter within 10 days of using this serum. And we would like to confirm that. Skin looks more alert, firmer and definitely more radiant. "Be careful when applying it, since it has the same consistency as water, a lot can come out quickly. It's better to blot the skin," says Katie.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:The 10-day treatment time plus the moisturizing formula enriched with hyaluronic acid.
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La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Soro, £38 | fantastic optics
Best for sensitive skinSpecially formulated for sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C 10 formula has a 10% concentration - potent enough to be highly effective without compromising the skin's delicate barrier. This way you get all the brightening benefits of vitamin C without irritating your skin. Check and check.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:Made by a brand loved by dermatologists, plus the addition of exfoliating salicylic acid.
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Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, £74 | iconic beauty
better for smoothingThis powerful serum combines 10% Vitamin C with Glycolic Acid - a wonderful AHA ingredient that boosts cell renewal and sloughs off dead skin cells - to tighten pores, lighten paleness and give your skin a smoother, more even complexion. .Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:Glycolic acid scrub for ultimate shine - not for the faint of heart.
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Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, £49 | iconic beauty
best all-rounderThe 15 in the name represents the 15% power in the formula. That's a pretty good level to start with if you're relatively new to vitamin C. Consider this your introduction to an ingredient you're sure to fall in love with.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:The light texture and the brand's founder, Paula Begoun, who is one of the most hardworking people in the field of beauty.
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Medik8 C Tetra Luxe, £59 | iconic beauty
Best Antioxidant SerumThe Medik8 team firmly believes in the power of our hardworking Trifecta - Vitamin C and SPF by day and Retinol by night, also known as the CSA philosophy. They are also a firm believer in streamlined skin care that will get you the results you want. This serum contains 14% vitamin C as well as vitamin E. The two antioxidants work synergistically to fight free radical damage caused by the environment and the sun. “I have fully transitioned to the CSA approach and can say I have seen a dramatic change in my skin. I also recommend everyone to follow him,” says Katie.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:The straightforward philosophy and the high-performance products of the brand.
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MZ Skin Illumination & Perfection, £250 | John Lewis
Best for dark spotsWhile breaking the bank, you get clinical-grade results in one bottle. Containing 10% stabilized vitamin C, this serum is clinically proven to reduce pigmentation by 39.7% and lighten skin by 29.4% in 30 days.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:The advanced results you would expect from an advanced formula.
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Zelen's Power C Collagen & Brightness Booster, from £47 | iconic beauty
better tightThe doctor. Marko Lens is a leading plastic surgeon and skin aging expert. Her skincare line is respected and trusted. This brightening serum helps with loss of elasticity, improves the appearance of dark spots and is a great daily antioxidant treatment.Why it deserves the Marie Claire seal of approval:It also works to restore your skin's barrier function.