Glowing skin is on all of our beauty wish lists. And if there’s one thing to add into your skincare routine to get that elusive glow it’s a vitamin C serum. Commonly hailed as one of the few skincare ingredients that can really change how skin looks, vitamin C is widely regarded by dermatologists as one of the best skincare actives in the world. From brightening dull complexions to minimising signs of ageing, vitamin C is a bit of a do-it-all ingredient.
Everyone on the Grazia beauty team are big fans of using vitamin C serums, and we’ve tried, tested and reviewed a lot of them. From the brilliant vitamin C serum from the OG brightening brand Skinceuticals, to the vitamin C serum that’s really good for sensitive skin as well as the best budget vitamin c serum we’ve covered all bases, all skin types and all budgets.
Yes, vitamin C is a gold star ingredient but there is a lot of confusion surrounding it. Its instability is well documented, there are a variety of different strengths on the market and people still don’t know whether they can use it alongside retinol. That’s where we come in. Well, us and some leading dermatologists. We’ve called in the big dogs to help to dispel any myths around the stuff as well as answer all the questions you could possibly have before deciding whether to incorporate vitamin C into your routine. Plus we’ve rounded up our edit of the very best vitamin C serums out there that are suitable whether you’re a vitamin C novice or a veteran. And, as always we've found something to suit all skin types whether you’re dry, oily or sensitive. Behold your ticket to glowing skin. Plus, the best vitamin C serums to buy in 2024.
The Editor's Top Picks: The Best Vitamin C Serums According To Our Beauty Editors
Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Best Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin:La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
Best Budget Vitamin C: Q & A Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum
Best Vitamin C For Hyperpigmentation: Medik8 C-Tetra
Best Vitamin C For Fine Lines: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum
Best Vitamin C For Dull Skin: Caudalie Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Best Vitamin C For Evening Out Skin Texture: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
Best Vitamin C For Instant Brightening: Clinique Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C
First things first let’s delve into why vitamin C is rated so highly. ‘Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant ingredient,’ explains Dr. Ana Mansouri, ‘it actively works on the skin in the form of L-ascorbic acid, which is the most powerful and potent formulation, to improve the skin’s function, slow down ageing and protect from environmental damage.’
So far, so science lesson. What you really want to know is what benefits you can expect to see on your skin, am I right? Well, there are plenty. ‘Vitamin C has been clinically proven to benefit the skin in a multitude of ways including brightening, improving pigmentation, preventing ageing, protecting from UV damage, stimulating collagen, and neutralising free radical damage.’ says Dr Mansouri. That’s all very good news for those in search of a glow.
The Benefits of Vitamin C For Your Skin At A Glance
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Brightens Complexion: The glowing skin vitamin C is famed for giving is thanks to the triple threat of the three As: Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing. Over time, these properties stop reactions in the skin that cause hyperpigmentation, age spots and other signs of skin damage.
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Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C helps to prevent an overproduction of melanin by interrupting the enzyme 'tyrosinase' which is needed to form the melanin which gives our skin colour. Inhibiting this enzyme helps to prevent discolouration from occurring.
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Evens Out Skin Tone and Texture: The powerhouse ingredient is rich in anti-inflammatory properties so any redness is reduced, resulting in a more even looking complexion
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Anti Ageing: Vitamin C helps to preserve collagen which is essential for bouncy, youthful looking skin.
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Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C helps to neutralise free radicals that cause UV damage. The best practise is to use Vitamin C every morning after cleansing and following up with a serum or moisturiser of your choice and finishing with an SPF 30 to 50. The high percentage of antioxidants also work to strengthen the skin barrier and protect your skin from external aggressors like pollution.
The reason that vitamin C has such a good rep amongst dermatologists is that its benefits are backed up by a lot of clinical data to show that it really does work on the skin cells to ignite the changes which will benefit skin.
Meet The Experts:
To find out everything you need to know about vitamin C we spoke with dermatolgoists and skin care experts. Plus we tested multiple formulas to whittle down the final list to give an edit of the very best vitamin C serums available to buy. Get set glow.
Dr. Ana Mansouri award-winning aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Ana The Skin Clinic
Dr Colette Haydon a doctor in dermo-pharmacy
Dr Wassim Taktouk Medical Director of Taktouk Clinic
Is Vitamin C Suitable For All Skin Types?
Yes! That’s one of the reasons it’s such a popular ingredient. “As a whole, it is suitable for everyone and all skin types,” notes Dr Mansouri. However she points out that it’s important to use a vitamin C product that is a suitable formulation for your particular skin type. Brands take vitamin C formulations seriously. Skinceuticals, one of our vit C go to’s are a good place to start if you are trying to find a vitamin C that is specifically formulated to your needs. For example, if you’re tackling discoloration try the Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum, if you have acne or oily prone skin then the Silymarin CF has been formualted with salicylic acid to help mop up excess sebum as well as do the good brightening work you want, and expect from an efficacious vitamin C.
How To Choose A Vitamin C
Choosing your vitamin C serum can be a minefield. There are different strengths to decipher, different types of vitamin C on the market and a range of textures to choose from. So, where to start?
First up it’s a good idea to get to grips with the different forms. The purest and most effective (according to research) is ascorbic acid but it’s also the least stable – which means that it oxidises when exposed to light and air which can cause more damage to skin (the process of oxidation creates skin-damaging free radicals). 'There are a number of vitamin C derivatives, too,' says dermo-pharmacist Dr Colette Haydon, 'magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are two more stable ones but they are less effective than Ascorbic Acid.' As a rule of thumb, L-ascrobic acid at 10-20% is the most effective form of vitamin C to see skincare benefits. Due to its propensity for instability it’s important to use products that are (ideally) in air-tight packaging or those that are designed to be used only once, like capsules. Also, look out for powder formulations like Clinique's Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C, £69, as powdered vitamin C is thought to retain more of its benefits than liquid forms.
Let’s move onto strength percentages. When it comes to vitamin C bigger doesn’t always mean better. Although you will see vitamin c serums with percentages ranging from (usually) 10-20% don’t be fooled into thinking that the higher the number the more effective it will be. “There is a limit in terms of effectiveness,” says Dr Mansouri, “some serums come in a lower percentage that are more suitable for sensitive skin types but are still just as effective.” Dr Wassim Taktouk also points out that ‘it’s not only the percentage of Vitamin C it’s also what ingredients it sits alongside.’ According to Mansouri, ‘when you combine different antioxidants together in a very specific way you can expect better results.’ Case in point, the combination of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid has been found to give eight times better results than vitamin C on its own. Impressive.
Shop: Our Picks Of The Best Vitamin C Serums
Best overall
www.lookfantastic.com
A true triple threat thanks to the killer combination of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid. Designed to offer advanced protection against environmental aggressors the hardworking serum promotes a brighter and more evenly-toned complexion, within just a few uses. It is eye-wateringly expensive but trust us when we say that a little goes a long way. Allow the slightly oily texture to sink in – it’s not sticky or uncomfortable- before following with moisturiser and SPF.
Rachael Martin, Grazia's Beauty Editor says: 'I’ve been reaching for this one for around a year now and although it's expensive, it's one of the only products that truly transforms my skin when it's in need of some extra TLC. While there's no denying it's a splurge (it comes in at a hefty £165) when I see tangible results so quickly it's worth saving my pennies for - especially when I can forgo regular facials as a result. One bottle lasts around six months and reveals brighter and more radiant skin - making it a must for this time of year. Would recommend.'
Pros
- 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin E
- Ferulic Acid
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive but does last a long time
- The orange smell won't be everyone
Best budget option
Made with 10% active ingredients, it's fair to say this serum is a do-it-all treat. Expect Vitamin C to brighten and bolster, Vitamin F to moisturise and strengthen and Vitamin E to soothe and calm. The reviews are glowing - quite literally.
Rachael Martin, Grazia's Beauty Editor says: 'If I'm my spending money on only one beauty product? It's always going to be a serum. I want a hardworking formula that reveal results fast, so I don't mind setting aside a few extra pennies to achieve this. But Simple's Booster Serum with 10% Vitamin C+E+F? Wow! Cheap as chips yet a total treat. Any trace of a dull pallor is whipped away in an instant replaced with a subtle glow that gives off that elusive "well-rested" look. Would recommend.'
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sinks into skin beautifully
Cons
- Sells out often
Best For Hyperpigmentation
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Backed by serious science, skincare brand Medik8 are renowned for producing top notch formulations and this high concentration vitamin C serum is no exception. Packed with squalene and vitamin F this stuff helps to nourish the skin barrier and keep faces hydrated throughout the day.
Acting Beauty Director, Verity Clark Says: I have long been a fan of Medik8's brilliant retinol range and i've recently introduced this vit C into my morning routine and boy am I glad I did. I usually like my serums to feel quite thick and hefty so the almost watery consistency took a little getting used to, it takes a moment to absorb but once it has you're left with a gorgeous almost silky veil that adds a lovely glow to my pallid post-snooze button complexion. And it even smells faintly of oranges which is a plus point for me!
Pros
- More affordable than most of the range
- hydrating
- works well under moisturiser and spf
Cons
- thin consistency
Best For Sensitive Skin
www.sephora.co.uk
La Roche-Posay is heavily rated in the beauty game, particularly for sensitive skin types, and this serum is testament to this. It's infused with Hyaluronic Acid which plumps skin, Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin and a dose of Thermal Water, with mineral diversity which has restorative benefits. Fast absorbing, non-irritating and you can layer it with most other products.
One trusted reviewer said: 'I'm absolutely over the moon with this La Roche Posay vit C10, the dropper can be a bit messy when you put it back the bottle but apart from that it's perfect. The serum is quite thick but glides over your skin like silk beautifully, it feels amazing and soaks in with no stickiness. The smell is wonderful. Its a very gentle vitamin c as I've had reactions with other brands but not with this one.My skin is looking more even toned and has a lovely glow. I will be keeping this in my routine as I'm really happy with it.'
Pros
- Warming glow
- Works well under makeup
- Nice texture
Cons
- Fragranced which some reviewers don't like
- Applicator can be messy
Best For All Skin Types
www.renskincare.co.uk
A facial in two minutes? Yes, please. This triple action exfoliator buffs, brightens and polishes all skin, including eczema prone. Poly-hydroxy Acids have similar benefits to AHAs, in that they exfoliate, - but they can be tolerated better. Why? Their larger molecule doesn't penetrate as deeply, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Medical and Cosmetic Doctor Ewoma Ukeleghe confirms this: 'Because PHAs are so gentle they can be used on pretty much any skin type to get smoother, brighter, and tighter skin’. REN's clean formulations use a stabilised vitamin C that doesn't degrade once opened.
Verity Clark, Grazia's Acting Health & Beauty Director Says: 'This had me at two-minutes. Vitamin C products are often overlooked as exfoliators but they shouldn't be and this is a brilliant example of why not. I've been using this as super speedy face mask once a week or when my skin is looking particularly dull - after travelling, or a late night - it doesn't have that usualy uncomfortable tingle associated with a lot of strong vitamin C products and it strips away dead skin cells, dirt and grime and leaves my skin Glowing with a capital G.'
Pros
- Over 80% saw an improvement in skin tone and texture
- Powered by a blend of chemical, enzymatic and physical exfoliants
- naturally derived PHA, Pomegranate Enzymes and
Pomegranate Powder – the non-stripping formula is proven to
instantly brighten, smooth and refine skin texture
Cons
- slightly gritty texture
Best For Mature Skin
drsambunting.com
With 1500 people on the wait list this reached super serum status even before it hit shelves. NAD+ is the current buzzword in beauty. Think of it as a skin cell tease. It works by restoring cellular energy to encouraging cells to behaviour more youthfully - read: radiant complexion. Sunflower Shoot Extract is the hero ingredient in Dr Sam's much loved flawless moisturiserand the dermatologist has harnessed it in this serum. SSE boosts the antioxidant and brightening benefits of the 15% vitamin C and 2% ectoin. The result? Serious defence against common ageing factors including UV, pollution and blue light.
Cassie Steer, Grazia's Acting Head Of Beauty Says: Think of this as the Duracell of vitamin C serums. Having discovered that reserves of NAD+ (a coenzyme that keeps our cells' batteries working) drop by a depressing 50% after the age of 40, my (presbyopic) eyes lit up when I saw the press release for this new serum land in my inbox. I use a vitamin C serum every morning and knowing that Dr Sam and her eponymous skincare line are industry insider favourites ensured a seamless segue into my skincare routine. Two weeks in and my complexion looks suitably recharged.
Pros
- NAD+
- 15% vitamin C
- Ectoin
Cons
- Targeted for older skin
Best For Eyes
www.beautypie.com
Japanese skin care technology is world class Beautypie have used a next-gen formulation in this firming, smooth and brightening serum. Infused with pinaretinol (a low-irritation vitamin A that smooths and tones), niacinamide (strengthes the skin barrier) , vitamin C (brightens, strengthens and protects) and eyeliss (reduces puffiness), this serum is packed with seriously impressive molecules that promise well rested looking eyes in just two weeks.
One trusted reviewer said: I was a little nervous about this as I have never got on very well with retinol eye creams - they have always led to irritation and dryness for me. This however, has been amazing! I’m using it nightly and have had no irritation at all. My under eyes look smoother and brighter and less puffy when I wake. I can see a visible improvement after a week or so of using it (should have done before and after photos). The hardest thing is resisting the temptation to use it in the morning too.
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Visible improvement in 2 weeks
Cons
- Can only use at night
Best For Dull Skin
www.lookfantastic.com
This formula is powered with Caudalie's signature Viniferine, which boasts an efficacy rate that’s 62 times greater than ordinary vitamin C, which will work harder at evening your complexion. The serum is nicely topped off with a delicate aroma consisting of Mint, Watermelon, Orange Tree Leaves and Citrus Blossom.
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One trusted reviewer said:** 'It lives up to the hype. Skin has never felt so soft and hydrated and I have noticed that my skin looks brighter. Must have in my skincare routine now, also a little goes a long way.'
Pros
- 97% ingredients of natural origin.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Viniferine, which boasts an efficacy rate that’s 62 times greater than ordinary Vitamin C.
- Free from oil, parabens, phthalates and mineral oils. Non photo-sensitising.
Cons
- Some reviews do not like the fragrance.
- Can be greasy.
Best For Fine Lines
www.thebodyshop.com
If you love a lightweight, refreshing, gel-based daily cream – this has your name on it. As well as boosting radiance consistent application helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines thanks to the natural occurring antioxidant, Bakuchiol. Touted as having similar skin benefits as retinol - decreasing appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and minimising signs of hyperpigmentation - but without any of the associated flaking, this is a good all-in one option for retinophobes.
One trusted reviewer said: 'I love all body shop products as they work well with my combination skin, I use this as well as the edelweiss serum. The cream is lovely and melts into my skin and great pre make up!'
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling smoother and noticeably softer
- Made with 96% natural origin ingredients, including bakuchiol extract.
- Certified by The Vegan Society
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- If you have drier skin it needs to be layered.
Best For Evening Out Skin Tone And Texture
www.lookfantastic.com
Murad skincare is loved by beauty buffs. This one-of-a-kind vita-C serum is a two in one glow giver with both brightening and exfoliating benefits. Glycolic acid helps to buff away dead skin cells and dry skin plus it's rated for its ability to fade sun damage, dark spots, age spots and acne scars. After 2 Weeks Murad reported, 91% saw brighter, smoother skin with more glow and 94% agreed skin feels softer and more hydrated.
One trusted reviewer said: 'The difference this one product has made to my skin is unbelievable. Skin tone has been evened out, skin has brightened and looks dewy and healthy. Love it!'
Pros
- Glycolic acid
- Gold-stabilised Vitamin C
- Phyto-Luminescent Extract
Cons
- Price point.
Best For Smoothing Complexions
www.sephora.co.uk
Inspired by the green tea ingredient used in Korean dermatology, natural beauty brand Innisfree have added a green tea enzyme to vitamin C capsules to yes, help brighten dark spots and dull but also to even out ski tone. A powerful antioxidant, green tea helps fight the signs of skin damage from uv rays as well as helping to bring down any redness.
One trusted reviewer said: 'I love that this serum doesn’t seem to be scented and the consistency is nice, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling supple. I’ve been using this serum for just over two weeks and while I don’t see a huge change this soon, I’m impressed with the feel of my skin and I look forward to using this consistently over the next few weeks/months and will report back.'
Pros
- Gentle, non-irritating
- Doesn't pile under makeup
Cons
- watery consistency
Best For Dehydrated Skin
www.boots.com
The Ordinary is a good place to start if you don't want to splurge on skincare but still want dependable results.This product uses direct vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and balance out an uneven skin tone. Super fast absorbing but leaves skin feeling dewy all day.This water-free formula provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. It's recommended to dilute this formula with a cream or serum.
One trusted reviewer said: 'I absolutely love this product! For its price it work wonders. When i was using it regularly it made my skin brighter. Have started using it again and plan to never leave it. I hope ordinary keep up the good quality.'
Pros
- Ascorbic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate
Cons
- Some complain about the 'after feel' and texture.
Best For Instant Brightening
www.sephora.co.uk
Technically this is a powder serum hybrid, and the individual foil packets are designed to keep the vitamin C stable , or fresh, until it's opened. Clever. With 10% ascrobic acid it's on the more gentle side and it's a good choice for vitamin c newbies because you mix it with a moistuirser to further saturate the potency. To use: Mix 2 drops of Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C with a moisturiser of your choice day and night to boost regular routine, for full potency, its recommended you use within 7 days.
One trusted reviewer said: 'This product is amazing!! I wasn't sure how to use it initially because it's completely different than anything else I have ever tried. You first begin by taking off the foil on the top, then press down two times and shake for about 15 seconds. Afterward, you press down again and it releases a serum. I have used it alone and also mixed it in the palm of my hand with my moisturiser. It has definitely brightened up my skin and has helped correct redness. I have also noticed some fine lines look a little more filled. I definitely recommend this product and I will definitely be ordering more of this in the future.'
Pros
- Contains: 4 x 10ml Boosters
Cons
- Need to be used fast
Best For Midlife Skin
www.balanceme.com
Mature skin rejoice this trusted serum targets brightening and evening skin tone and boosting glow.
The highly-stable, slow-release form of Vitamin C called AA2G that's used here has been proven to be as effective as a higher % vitamin C. Good quality ingredients, in a formula with other proven actives at optimum levels, creates happy, balanced skin and the results speak for themselves. According to the new Balance Me Beauty Panel results users saw glowier skin in just 3 days. Phwoar!
What the reviewers think: A bestselling vitamin C serum for a reason, this has been getting 5* reviews and winning awards for 5 years.
Pros
- Highly stable vitamin C
- Good value
- Lightweight
Cons
- Strong scent of citrus may not please everyone
Best for reducing redness
www.lookfantastic.com
111K Skin is a celebrity favourite, we always spy their signature black under eye masks backstage. This serum is a beastly 2 in 1. It works by promoting collagen production thanks to glutathione while liquorice root extract helps to curb the production of hyperpigmentation, minimise dark marks, and simultaneously reduces flushing and redness.
One trusted reviewer said: 'I suffer from uneven texture, dullness & skin redness and I am beyond happy about how my skin looks like after using this Vitamin C Serum consistently for 4 weeks! I noticed that the redness on my cheek area has reduced and my texture has definitely improved.'
Pros
- Liquorice root
- Collagen boosting
Cons
- Price point
Best For Deeper Skin Tones
www.paulaschoice.co.uk
This lightweight and revitalising serum is formulated with a potent combination of ingredients to address various skin concerns. It has the tried, tested and adored combination of stabilised vitamin c , vitamin e and ferulic acid for maximum brightening power. The inclusion of peptides and hyaluronic acid also works together to provide hydration and visibly improve skin firmness, leaving you with a more rejuvenated appearance.
Beauty Writer Renee Washington Says: : ‘I admit I don’t use it as much as I should, but I love the results I get when I use the Paula’s choice C15 Super Booster. My skin always looks brighter, and the my hyperpigmentation is not as obvious. The serum is lightweight and refreshing, and mixes well with my other products. I always recommend introducing brightening products into your nighttime routine first, especially if you have a deeper complexion like myself.’
Pros
- Peptides
- Amino Acids
Cons
- Best to use at night
Best Budget Vitamin C
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Our beauty journalist said: 'I’ve been using the Q+A Vitamin C Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m genuinely impressed. I probably don’t use it as much as I should, but the results so far are good. My face looks brighter, and the puffiness reduces after applying in the morning. The cream is lightweight and refreshing, making it perfect for my morning routine. It’s become a must-have in my skincare arsenal for achieving a fresher face.'
There’s been a lot of hype around this vitamin C serum and the fact that it’s under a tenner has a lot to do with it. Is it any good? Well, it’s certainly a dependable, solid quality offering. It’s not going to change your skin overnight, not much does, but it has a fairly hefty amount of the brightening stuff (given the price point) and over time you’ll start to notice it doing its thing. It works really well alongside other products in your skincare arsenal too.
Pros
- Travel size
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little goes a long way, can be greasy.
Best dermatologist approved
www.dermatica.co.uk
Freshness is key when it comes to vitamin C, to ensure the effectiveness of this cream, Dermatica have taken extra measures to protect it from light and air, which can degrade its key ingredient, ascorbic acid. You only need a small amount of this powerful formula to see it work to brighten your skin, stimulate collagen production, and provide protection against UV rays and free radical damage. The best part? One bottle contains an entire month's supply.
Verity Clark, Grazia's Acting Beauty Director Says: 'I've been reaching for this when my skin is in a serious need of a pick me up. It's more of a lotion than your typical serum but it's lovely and hydrating and seems to layer well under my other skincare products, plus it doesn't pile under makeup. It does a good job of ironing out surface lines and making my skin texture look more uniform - I'm impressed.'
Pros
- Triple antioxidant protection
- Amazing package to help maintain quality.
- Produced in small, precision batches and shipped quickly for optimal freshness.
- 15% potency is verified through clinical assays.
- Optimal ascorbic acid strength is assured from the first application to the very last.
Cons
- The bottle lasting a month means you have to buy a new one each month
How To Introduce A Vitamin C Serum Into Your Routine
The experts are all in agreement that prevention is better than cure and starting a good skincare routine as early as possible will help slow down the damage of cells – it is the best thing you can do for healthy skin. “In our thirties and forties, we are almost catching up on sun damage and changes that we could have protected earlier on,” says Dr Taktouk, who recommends incorporating a vitamin C serum in your twenties “when skin changes start to happen.”
In terms of how to apply vitamin c follow Mansouri’s advice: ‘The best practise is to use Vitamin C every morning after cleansing and following up with a serum or moisturiser of your choice and finishing with an SPF 30 to 50.’
Does that mean I can’t apply vitamin C at night?
You’re very welcome to. However, it’s recommended during the day due to its UV protecting properties. Plus, if you’re using retinol at night, it allows you to keep doing so. In fact, vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night is considered a bit of glow holy grail.
How Long Does Vitamin C Last For?
'Once a product is opened, you usually have around six months to use it,' says Dr Haydon, 'and if it turns a very orangey brown, bin it.'
Does Vitamin C Protect Against Sun Damage?
Sort of. Vitamin C has been praised for its UV damage fighting properties and, yes, it has been proven to neutralise free radicals that cause UV damage, but that does not mean you can use it as a substitute for SPF. ‘The message should not be that vitamin C is a substitute for sun cream it must be complimented with topical SPF 50,’ advises Dr Taktouk. Tempted to skip SPF? Know this. ‘It’s been shown that if you use an efficacious Vitamin C product underneath your SPF, you can improve the UV protection by up to 60%,’ reveals Dr Mansouri. Go forth and wear SPF every day.
Are There Downsides To Using A Vitamin C Serum?
On application it can feel a little bit tingly or stingy but over time your skin will adjust and get used to it. If it's too much the slight discomfort can usually be mitigated by choosing a formula that is more suited to your skin type.
The Final Word: The Benefits Of Vitamin C For Your Skin
Is vitamin C good for your skin? In a word, yes. If there’s one ingredient that’s going to get you that elusive glow, it’s vitamin C: 'If you regularly apply it, it boosts collagen, regulates melanin production and scavenges free-radicals, making skin brighter and more evenly toned,' says Dr Haydon. The more collagen you have, the more plump your skin will be (and the fewer fine lines you’ll see) and likewise when melanin production is regulated, you’ll be less likely to succumb to hyperpigmentation and dark spots will be faded, too.
Add to that the fact it’s a highly potent antioxidant, which means it defends skin against external aggressors like pollution and helps speed up cell turnover (to help skin function healthier), and you’ve got a pretty impressive ingredient.
The experts recommend it across the board. All skins can benefit from it, particularly if your skin is tired, radiance is dulled and it’s looking a little lacklustre.
Verity Clark is Grazia's Acting Health & Beauty Director using her decade of industry experience to champion honest conversations within the beauty space