Vitamin C Serums, According to Dermatologists

In fact, the ten dermatologists we spoke to all agreed that, because vitamin C is an unstable ingredient, finding properly formulated serums is paramount to reaping all the benefits of the antioxidant. Our experts generally recommend looking for serums that contain ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid the most active form of vitamin C and to store whichever one you buy away from sunlight to prevent oxidation. Below, their favorite vitamin C serums for every skin type.

Best overall vitamin C serum

Four of our dermatologists recommend Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, which they (and our editors) hail as the gold-standard vitamin C serum, and is suitable for all skin types. I think it's the best out there, declares Dr. Kenneth Howe of the Wexler Dermatology Group. He says it has a light, non-greasy feel, while still delivering the maximum amount of its active ingredients to the skin. It is expensive, but worth the price due to its super-stable, patented formula, according to our experts. That's because L-ascorbic acid (which comprises 15 percent of this serum) is water soluble, and in less precisely formulated serums, won't effectively penetrate skin. A product must be formulated carefully to enable sufficient delivery to the skin, Howe explains. Part of this serum's patented formula includes a pH level higher than those of its competitors, meaning it won't cause the redness and sensitivity that serums with lower pH can. As Dr. Julie Russak, founder of the Russak Dermatology Group, puts it, this serum can deliver vitamin C through the top layer without disrupting the protective barrier of the skin.

Whatever vitamin C serum you choose, Howe suggests applying it in the morning. That way a reservoir of active vitamin C is present in the skin during the daylight hours, when ultraviolet radiation is strongest, he explains.

Best less-expensive vitamin C serum

For a more budget-friendly option, Russak recommends Maelove Glow Maker. Created by MIT scientists, the antioxidant serum contains a straightforward formula which has been proven to protect, hydrate, and nourish the skin. In addition to skin brightening L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, the serum also has a soothing botanical blend of aloe, grape, magnolia, and orange peel to give the skin an added dose of nourishment. The formula is also designed to serve as a makeup primer, so there's no need to worry about your products pilling under your foundation in the morning.

Best (even-less-expensive) drugstore vitamin C serum

An even more budget-friendly option is this effective vitamin C serum from L'Oral Paris, which is formulated with 10 percent ascorbic acid. It comes recommended by dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, who says it has been clinically studied and is available at your local drugstore at a very reasonable price. It's also free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes, so it won't irritate your skin or cause unwanted breakouts.

Best cruelty-free vitamin C serum

Another effective, affordable serum is Drunk Elephant's Day Serum. Because it contains a similar formula to the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, you get all the skin brightening benefits at half the cost, according to Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, a dermatology specialist at Mount Sinai Health System. But unlike Skinceuticals, Drunk Elephant's serum is also cruelty free. Its formula contains L-ascorbic acid, as well as pumpkin-ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme, which attack dead surface skin cells and help to exfoliate, explains Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut and skin- care company PURE BioDerm. Plus, the serum's packaging is both airtight and completely opaque things Gonzalez says you should look for when choosing a serum, because packaging like this helps to keep the vitamin C from exposure to water, light, or oxygen (all of which degrade it).

Best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin

If you're worried about your vitamin C degrading, Gonzalez also suggests trying a powdered version of it, like the one in this two-product set from Clinique. Vitamin C is more stable as a powder, she explains, and less likely to be degraded by light or oxygen. This set contains two 10 percent L-ascorbic acid- infused products: The first is a powder cleanser that you combine with water, gently massage onto the skin, and then rinse off. The second is a serum designed to be mixed with whatever daily moisturizer you use. The Clinique serum also contains the common acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid, so it's great for acne-prone skin, says Gonzalez.

Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin

Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi loves the PCA Skin C&E Advanced Serum, formulated with 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, because the lightweight serum can easily integrate into a skin-care regimen and doesn't cause irritation, making it a safe bet if you've got sensitive skin.

Best vitamin C serum for oily skin

If you've got oily skin, Russak recommends trying this often-overlooked sister product of our best-overall serum. Its formula is similar to that of CE Ferulic and contains L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, but does not contain pore- clogging vitamin E, making Phloretin CF the better choice for oily skin types. Phloretin CF is also an ideal choice for those with melasma, a common skin pigmentation disorder, because the light serum is especially effective at combating increased pigment production, which usually occurs due to UV exposure, according to Russak.

Best vitamin C serum for mature skin

For mature skin, Russak suggests opting for this vitamin C lotion instead of a serum. Because mature skin tends to be drier, this will give it some much-needed moisture in addition to delivering a superior amount of vitamin C to the skin to fight wrinkles and fine lines, she explains. Unlike the other products on this list that contain L-ascorbic acid, this one contains THD ascorbic acid, a fat-soluble form of vitamin C.

Best less-expensive vitamin C serum for mature skin

According to dermatologist Dr. Keira Barr, aging is unavoidable, but protecting your skin against environmental stressors that accelerate the aging process is totally in your control. Collagen, the most essential structural element in your skin, is what helps keep your complexion youthful and firm, she explains. While it naturally decreases with age, UV damage and air pollution can accelerate its breakdown and interfere with production, Barr explains. To bolster mature skin's protection against the elements, she suggests applying a topical vitamin C serum like Marie Veronique's Vitamin C+E+Ferulic. Its combination of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid work together synergistically to fight free radicals, DNA damage, and increase penetration into the skin cells, Barr says, noting Marie Veronique's serum has both L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbic acid to effectively penetrate the skin.

Best vitamin C serum for dry skin

Dr. Rhonda Klein, the other half of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut and PURE BioDerm, suggests the Obagi Professional-C Serum if you've got dry skin, as it is formulated with hyaluronic acid to treat and prevent dryness. Its formula also includes 20 percent L-ascorbic acid making it among the more potent serums on this list which allows it to penetrate deeply and provide antioxidant protection from UV damage while brightening areas of hyperpigmentation, she says.

Best individually packaged vitamin C serum

What sets this vitamin Cinfused serum apart from all others on this list is the clever packaging: The product is separated into 30 sealed vials that each contain two milliliters of serum, a design meant to protect the finicky vitamin C inside from both air and light exposure. In addition to brightening vitamin C, the serum is formulated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid. It comes recommended by Dr. Hadley King, who adds that the texture is light and the subtle fragrance is clean and refreshing.