GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

What's the Right Vitamin C Serum for Me?

Find the perfect vitamin C serum for your skin type.
Photo 1/4
Vitamin C is a skin care must for so many reasons: it's anti-aging and boosts collagen production, it protects the skin from free radicals, it's a skin brightener that helps fade hyperpigmentation and it strengthens the skin barrier. Suffice it to say, it's a powerhouse ingredient... but it can also be a little bit tricky to use, depending on your skin type.

Vitamin C can be fickle — for instance, it doesn't generally mix well with other acids (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, etc), and it can also cause skin sensitivity and irritation. But don't let that scare you off! Not all vitamin C products are created equal; there are different kinds that have varying concentration of vitamin C and others that add on soothing, boosting and hydrating benefits too.

In other words? There's a vitamin C out there for everyone — and one that will work great, just for you! Here are some suggestions for your skin type.

Image via Imaxtree

Photo 2/4
Vitamin C for Sensitive/Dry Skin
For sensitive skin, you might want to try a vitamin C with a lighter concentration, and one that can soothe. A great one to try is Femmue's Lumiere Vital C, $88. It is formulated with 2 percent ascorbic glucocide (which is a stabilized version of vitamin C) and has hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica for moisture and to help soothe the skin.

A bonus: this serum has niacinamide! When paired together, these ingredients give you an extra boost of benefits for more radiant-looking skin.

Tip: when looking for a vitamin C for sensitive skin aim for a product with less than 20 percent L-ascorbic acid.

Buy now

Photo 3/4
Vitamin C for Normal Skin
Lucky you, with your normal skin! The skin care world is your oyster, and you can pretty much use whatever you want. But here's a highly-praised-and-potent product for you: BeautyStat Cosmetics' Universal C Skin Refiner, $80. With 20 percent pure vitamin C it works full strength to give your skin the full benefits of vitamin C.

Buy now

Photo 4/4
Vitamin C for Oily/Combination Skin
If you've got oily skin then you've probably got the acne scars to prove it. But thank god for vitamin C, because it does wonders for us (yes, this is me too). Not only does vitamin C help fade hyperpigmentation and aid in skin brightening, it can also help clear up redness, destroy acne-causing bacteria and prevent acne scars.

My personal favorite is Cosrx's Triple C Lightning Liquid, $27. With 20.5 percent pure vitamin C it works hard to reverse hyperpigmentation and lighten brown spots and acne scars. It's a simple yet powerful formula with added black chokeberry and licorice root that helps bring radiance back to your skin.

Tip: be careful when mixing vitamin C with exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol. Using these together can lead to skin irritation. Instead try switching off days that you use each product. Or use you vitamin C in your morning routine — especially since it can fight against environmental damage and UV rays (still, make sure to use your SPF!).

Buy now

BY NICHOLAS PILAPIL | FEB 26, 2020 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.