Slices of oranges with bottles of vitamin C serum against a white background.

6 Vitamin C Serums to Brighten Your Complexion

Best Vitamin C Serum for Face

Vitamin C has become an important trend in the skincare industry. We all know that vitamin C is an essential item for all skincare routines, so if you are not using vitamin C, then you are missing out. You can buy products infused with vitamin C (such as eye cream) or you can buy vitamin C serum. But what is the best vitamin C serum for your face? What are the benefits of using vitamin C serum? How do you use it? Find out more in this guide.

What is Vitamin C Serum for Your Face?

Vitamin C is an ingredient that is vital for boosting skin health. Vitamin C serum for skincare is a product backed by science and a favorite among dermatologists.

It works to slow down the signs of ageing by improving the appearance of wrinkles and preventing sun damage (but do not forget to use SPF.) Using vitamin C on the skin also helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and inflammation, which is handy if you have acne-prone skin or hyperpigmentation. Plus, vitamin C brightens a dull complexion, giving you a radiant glow!

How to Apply Vitamin C Serum

If you aren’t using vitamin C serum as part of your daily skincare routine, then you should. If you have vitamin C serum as part of your skincare collection but have no idea what to do with it, here are some tips.

A typical skincare routine requires these fundamental products: cleanser, moisturizer and SPF. Depending on your skin type, texture and concerns, you can include specific toners and serums. If you are unsure about this, please consult your dermatologist or speak with a skincare expert.

Before applying vitamin C serum, make sure you cleanse your face first (by using a gentle cleanser) as part of your skincare routine. For the next step, take your vitamin C serum, apply two to three drops in the palm of your hands, rub together, then gently massage all over your face. Afterwards, wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying moisturizer and SPF.

Overall, the best way to apply vitamin C is after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing and using SPF. You can apply it twice a day, in the morning and evening.

What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum?

We all know that consuming vitamin C is good for our bodies, such as boosting and improving the immune system, but what are the benefits of using vitamin C serum on the face? Let’s discuss.

Brightens Complexion and Evens Out Skin Tone

If you are prone to dull skin, using vitamin C on a regular basis can combat this. Dull skin can be caused by numerous factors (such as dryness and environmental pollutants), so using vitamin C can help your complexion look radiant.

Antioxidant Properties

Like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning that it acts as a barrier against sun damage, environmental pollutants and free radicals.

Reduces Inflammation and Aids in Wound Healing

If you have acneic skin or skin that is prone to inflammation, vitamin C serum reduces inflammation, preventing further skin issues.

Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Suffering from acne means you are likely to experience hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C serum gradually decreases the appearance of this.

Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles

It can also help with other signs of ageing, such as fine lines. It can also aid in making your skin look clearer and plumper.

Protects Collagen and Boosts Its Production

As you get older, collagen production decreases, but with a vitamin C serum, you can protect existing collagen and increase production, boosting your skin’s elasticity.

Top Vitamin C Serums

Now that you know of the benefits of using vitamin C serum, you are probably wondering what the best vitamin C serums are. Well, here are the top vitamin C serum brands.

1. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Price: $39.99

From one of the best skincare brands in the beauty industry, this vitamin C serum contains salicylic acid (which keeps breakouts at bay), neurosensine (a peptide) and the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spray Water, which helps to restore the skin’s barrier. At around $40, this serum truly packs a punch and is the perfect solution for those with wrinkles, sensitive skin, dullness and uneven texture and tone.

2. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Price: $78

This serum is perfect for the fresh-faced individual with the desire for a dewy and hydrated look throughout the day. With a supercharged formula consisting of antioxidants and nutrients, this product illuminates, strengthens and protects the skin.

3. Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum

Price: $49

To get the glow, this gentle Pineapple-C Serum combats acne scars, dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. It also provides a glossy and revitalized complexion. Its pineapple-scented formula is lightweight, smooth and rich in antioxidants, giving your face nourishment and radiance. Plus, it is cruelty-free and vegan.

4. Glossier Super Glow Vitamin C Face Serum

Price: $35

Infused with vitamin C, natural oil extracts and magnesium, this serum enhances hydration and improves the appearance of your face by reducing the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It’s a serum that replenishes, moisturizes and provides a glowing look for your complexion, so with this beauty essential, you can get the luminous boost.

5. Paula’s Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster

Price: $52

For many, Paula’s Choice is a firm favorite and one of the go-to brands for resolving skincare issues. With this super booster (which contains vitamins C and E), you can achieve brighter and youthful-looking skin and slow down the signs of ageing over time.

6. The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum

Price: $10.99

The Inkey List is fast becoming a popular skincare brand for many beauty fanatics. Its vitamin C product is more of a cream than a serum, but it works as effectively as a vitamin C serum by dealing with hyperpigmentation, dullness and fine lines. Plus, it acts as a shield against pollution, smoothing the complexion and brightening your face. Use it with hyaluronic acid serum.