What Is the Most Effective Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serums are skincare products that contain L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Effective vitamin C products contain between an eight and 20 percent concentration of vitamin C. They may also contain tyrosine, zinc, and vitamin E and be in an opaque bottle.

With many of the benefits of vitamin C backed by science, it is not surprising to see the market flooded with vitamin C serums. While you decide which vitamin C serum will make way into your skincare routine, here are few factors that can help you choose one.

Vitamin C concentration

For a vitamin C serum to be effective, it should ideally have a concentration between eight and 20 percent. The higher the concentration, the more potent it is. Serums with vitamin C concentrations below eight percent are ineffective, while above 20 percent, their effectiveness tapers off. 

Form of vitamin C

Available vitamin C serums usually contain vitamin C in forms such as

• L-ascorbic acid
• Ascorbyl-6-palmitate
• Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate

Though all are potent forms of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid appears to be the most biologically active form.

Presence of other ingredients

The addition of other ingredients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid helps stabilize vitamin C in the serum. The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E offers a stronger antioxidant action. Vitamin E also makes vitamin C less irritating to the skin, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Ingredients such as tyrosine and zinc increase the bioavailability of vitamin C by 20 times.

Packaging

The vitamin C serum bottle should be dark or opaque and with a tight cap (vitamin C breaks down when exposed to air and light).

Be willing to experiment. You may have to try a few brands of vitamin C serum until you find the most effective one for yourself. If you are confused about which brand to choose, you should ask a board-certified dermatologist. They can guide you in choosing the right serum based on your skin type.

A vitamin C serum contains vitamin C in concentrated form and penetrates the skin faster than creams and moisturizers. Hence, apply it after you have cleansed and applied a skin toner on your face. Then layer it with a moisturizer. If you venture out during the day, make sure to apply a sunscreen lotion/gel after you apply moisturizer. Alternatively, you can apply a sunscreen-based moisturizer after you apply vitamin C serum. Moisturizer helps seal the serum in your skin.

You can also apply vitamin C at night after cleansing and applying a toner to your skin.

Always follow the instructions on the product’s label before using vitamin C serum.

Most vitamin C serums should be used within six months of opening them. Make sure you store them in a place away from sunlight, preferably in a dark room. Exposure to sunlight oxidizes the vitamin C, rendering the serum ineffective. If the serum has turned dark or black, it means it has oxidized. Throw it away.

Vitamin C serums are most often skin-friendly and do not cause problems in most people. Rarely, they may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to some ingredients. Hence, make sure you do a skin patch test before you use them. If after 24 hours, you develop redness, itching or a rash on your face, discontinue using that particular vitamin C serum.

If you have highly sensitive skin, choose a vitamin C serum that contains vitamin C in the form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate instead of L-ascorbic acid.

A study has shown that vitamin C can cause stinging, redness, dryness and yellowish staining of skin in some people. If you have hypersensitive skin, you may feel minor irritation. But that is OK. Layering it with a moisturizer can help resolve the dryness, redness, minor irritation and stinging. If these symptoms are extremely troublesome for you, discontinue using vitamin C serum.

Consult a skin specialist who will suggest the right vitamin C serum or maybe some other skincare product for you.

Vitamin C serums are popular for their anti-aging benefits and for promoting youthful, bright and glowing skin.

Once you start using vitamin C serum, you may notice the following effects on your skin

• Brighter or lighter skin (fading of hyperpigmentation or dark spots)
• Reduced appearance of fine wrinkles and dark spots
• A more even skin tone
• Improved skin elasticity and firmness
• Reduced skin damage from the sun

If you do not notice any improvement in your skin condition after using vitamin C serum within a month or two, visit a skin specialist (or dermatologist). They will analyze your skin and examine you to see if you have any nutritional deficiency. They will put you on a customized skincare regimen that suits your skin type for improved results.