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On the road to clearer, brighter skin, you have to make a few stops at some pretty important ingredients. If you want to increase cell turnover and address signs of aging quickly, skin experts might recommend the best retinol serums. Perhaps your skin is in dire need of hydration, then a hyaluronic acid serum is your best friend. However, vitamin C is the one to call upon if you want brighter, clearer, more radiant skin.
“Vitamin C is an active ingredient that serves as an antioxidant that helps the skin protect against free radical buildup and damage throughout the day. It can be helpful for sensitive skin if used properly and with products designed for sensitive skin, but often, vitamin C causes irritation and reactivity in sensitive skin types. However, many people with sensitive skin cannot tolerate a vitamin C product,” explains Dr. Nava Greenfield, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Because it is such a potent ingredient, the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin typically have a few cushion ingredients to minimize any irritation or discomfort, such as vitamin E, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.
Above all else, always wear your facial sunscreen no matter what. “It is important to be proactive and protect your skin against more than only UV damage, which is the job of sunscreen. Other environmental exposures can cause DNA damage, premature aging, discoloration, and other negative outcomes. Using an antioxidant [like vitamin C] can prevent the accumulation of damage and its negative effects on the skin,” Dr. Greenfield adds.
Vitamin C is a trendy ingredient in skin care, and with many options on the market, it can be pretty intimidating to find the right formula. Thankfully, we scoured the internet and our personal skin care collections and polled skin experts on the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin. Scroll through our discoveries below.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Judging by the name, you can guess the two powerhouses working their magic in this compact jar: vitamins C and E. With a high dose of vitamin C, this serum evens and corrects your skin tone, while vitamin E provides nourishment. However, we can’t look past the other potent ingredient in this mix: ferulic acid, another antioxidant that supports the performance of the two main stars.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “During the pandemic, my skin was at its worst. This serum is what revived and refreshed my skin to make it look its best. Over time, my dark spots became lighter, but the real indicator this serum worked was how much brighter and plump my skin appeared.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Pros
- Revives dull skin
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
If vitamin C does the brightening, caffeine handles the awakening. This serum is basically a splash of water on your face after a long day outside. Vitamin C reduces the look of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, while yerba mate and guayusa extracts (the caffeine portion of the formula) reverse dullness to reveal radiant, brighter-looking skin.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is the Best vitamin C serum. It’s expensive but worth it. I’ve bought it twice already. I really see the difference, using it every morning.”
AziMD Skincare Glow Serum
Pros
- Imparts a subtle glow
Cons
- Results take time
Everything in this serum works towards a common goal: radiance. The star of the show is its vitamin C complex, which also includes THD ascorbate, a vitamin C alternative, to encourage collagen production and boost the skin’s glow.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, THD ascorbate, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl oz
AziMD Skincare rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “Using a 20% Vitamin C complex (L-ascorbic acid + Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) with a powerful mix of antioxidants, it’s very effective at protecting the skin, lightening discoloration and boosting collagen even for the most sensitive skin types. The formulation is very stable with long-lasting efficacy and designed to support the skin’s microbiome and moisture barrier, making it suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin.”—Dr. Azadeh Shirazi
Vichy Liftactiv Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Address loss of elasticity
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
As time passes, our skin loses its youthfulness and is easily susceptible to dullness and loss of elasticity. Incorporating a vitamin C serum, like this one from Vichy, can help gradually restore what’s lost. While this serum is a corrective treatment, it’s also hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid, to firm and address dullness over time.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.67 fl. oz
Dermstore rating: 4.3/5 stars
Our expert says: “The Vichy Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum is a product that uses hyaluronic acid with vitamin C for hydration, which helps sensitive skin types avoid reactions by strengthening the skin barrier.”—Dr. Nava Greenfield
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
Pros
- Smooths texture
Cons
- Can be too potent for some skin types
Here’s a serum that combats dullness and rough texture using an effective yet gentle formula to correct skin. If frequent breakouts are a major pain for you, the salicylic acid in this mixture exfoliates and refines the skin; vitamin C addresses uneven texture so your skin appears smoother and clearer.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, thermal spring water
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
Our expert says: “A serum formulated with as few active ingredients as possible makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. At the concentration of 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, this serum is effective without being sensitizing. The formula also has neurosensine, a soothing ingredient that helps to calm sensitized skin, and glycerin to help hydrate and support the skin barrier. It’s also at an affordable price point and sold at most major retailers.”—Dr. Azadeh Shirazi
Pros
- Corrects tone and smoothness
Cons
- Can be too strong for some
Ask any skin expert you know, and they’ll agree: using retinol and vitamin C together is typically frowned upon. However, the two potent anti-aging ingredients can work seamlessly when formulated correctly. Since vitamin C can be unstable, Symphonic MD’s iteration uses BioA complex to ensure vitamin C’s stability and support the performance of the two powerhouses, which exfoliate and reduce signs of aging over time.
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, BioA
Size: 1 fl oz
Our expert says: “This is a brand new product that uniquely combines vitamin C and retinol product with a new technology, BioA3, that makes it not only safe to use together but also can be applied twice daily, even for sensitive skin.” —Dr. Azadeh Shirazi
sunday riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
Sunday Riley’s cult-favorite serum is basically skin gold in a bottle. It treats and nourishes the skin simultaneously, using vitamin C to firm and improve dullness and a blend of oils (evening primrose and pomegranate) to protect the skin.
Key ingredients: Turmeric, vitamin C, evening primrose oil, pomegranate oil
Size: 1.18 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “My first product I tried from Sunday Riley is this face oil. I can’t say enough about how good it feels on your skin. My face feels so hydrated. I love this product and can’t wait to add more.”
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Barrier support
Cons
- Can feel sticky
TruSkin created a serum to gradually restore any collagen lost over the years. Thanks to a mighty blend of restorative vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and MSM to boost collagen and vitamin C for radiance, youthful-looking skin is within reach.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Target rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Target reviewer says: “This product gives me a great glow. I just put it on my face and neck after cleanser and toner, and I put it on before moisturizer and SPF. It gives me an all day glow. I also notice that it’s evening out my skin tone or my hyperpigmentation around my mouth.”
summer fridays CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
Cons
- Can pill under makeup
In addition to visibly brightening your complexion, Summer Fridays’ vitamin C is packed with hydrating squalane and nourishing niacinamide to ensure any fine lines or wrinkles stay away for as long as possible.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, niacinamide
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I finally found it! I found what clears up my skin. I have a lot of acne scars, and this is the only product that has helped fade them. Within a few days, I noticed that they had faded. I will forever use this.”
L’Oréal Paris 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
This powerful serum can be found in the aisle of your favorite drugstore. It uses a high dose of 10 percent vitamin C to boost radiance and has a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and fast-absorbing texture, perfect for acne-prone skin types.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using this vitamin C product for a while. It helps the appearance of my skin and prepares it for any makeup that I apply.”
CERAVE Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Gentle, effective formula
Cons
- Results take time
This vitamin C serum is crafted with skin-loving ingredients, including ceramides—which are found in every CeraVe product—vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to build a strong defense against signs of aging and dullness.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this product. My skin was missing something and felt dry. I started using this vitamin C, and I am hooked. For me, it also acts as a day cream. Very soft and gentle. I will keep using this product from now on. I use retinol at night and this vitamin C during the day. My skin seems to be doing great as I have a combined skin, and suffer from some dryness, usually. I am getting older, and collagen production is something I need to take more seriously. Vitamin C is great for helping your skin produce collagen.”
Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Results take time
This serum attacks dark spots and hyperpigmentation head-on using turmeric, vitamin C, kojic acid, and fruit enzymes. With each use, you’ll notice how brighter your skin looks, and with close examination, how much lighter your dark spots are.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, fruit enzymes, turmeric, kojic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Revolve rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Because my skin is so sensitive, the gentler a product, the better. I love this serum because it’s weightless, hydrating, and does a good job of lightening the evidence of my former pimple-picking days.”—Nerisha Penrose
Is vitamin C suitable for sensitive skin?
Since vitamin C is an unstable ingredient, meaning it loses its strength each time it’s exposed to air, heat, or light, it’s a tricky one to deal with. However, vitamin C serums for sensitive skin types are available; it just all depends on the formula. According to Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, “L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, is highly acidic, which can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. The higher the concentration, the greater the potential for irritation. It’s also difficult to formulate, so choosing the right formula with an optimal concentration is important when selecting the right product.”
Dr. Shirazi recommends Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD ascorbate) if you want something gentler. “It’s a new vitamin C analog that’s more suitable for sensitive skin, as it’s highly effective but much less irritating. It’s also highly stable, ensuring the product remains effective for a longer period of time. Unlike L-ascorbic acid, its lipid-soluble nature allows it to penetrate the skin’s lipid barrier more effectively, allowing it to deliver its benefits deeper into the skin,” she adds.
How should sensitive skin incorporate it into their routine?
As with any potent skin care ingredient, titrating is your best bet. “Start low and go slow. Avoid starting vitamin C at the same time as other potent actives, like retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acid. Keep your skin care regimen simple and avoid using too many products, such as unnecessary toners and serums. Start with a lower concentration [of vitamin C], less than 10 percent, and increase gradually. You may also start every other day and increase to daily as tolerated. Formulation is key when it comes to vitamin C, and I consider it the investment piece in your regimen,” Dr. Shirazi explains.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor polled skin experts to find the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin types.
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