Updated: Oct-12-2021

Vitamin C Serums and Their Benefits to Your Skin

Medically reviewed by Paula Simpson
Looking for the best vitamin C serums for brighter, tighter skin? Learn what to look for in an effective product.
Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C serums have brightening and anti-aging benefits. Image via Shutterstock

Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and we all know how beneficial they are for health. They boost immunity, clear up skin, and fight cancer among others. Could serums infused with the very same vitamin provide those benefits too?

What are Vitamin C Serums?

A vitamin C serum pertains to any product packed with vitamin C as the key ingredient. It is a topical product with a consistency that's halfway between a liquid and a gel. They have it in almost every store that carries beauty and wellness products - pharmacies, cosmetic stores, department stores, etc.

Regular use of vitamin C serum is said to produce skin that's healthier, more glowing, and youthful-looking.

Reasons You Need Vitamin C Serum in Your Skincare Routine

Recently, vitamin C serums have turned into a holy grail skincare item especially for females who are obsessed with taking care of their skin. Their popularity stems from the fact that their benefits are well-supported by studies.

Among these most prized benefits include:

  • Antioxidant - is a well-known antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that protects the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It also shields the skin against harmful UV rays.
  • Anti-inflammatory - prevents inflammation by reducing the release of inflammatory compounds called cytokines.
  • Anti-Aging - cannot reverse the actual aging process, but it can slow down the effect of sun-induced aging on the skin. It does so by stimulating the body to produce more collagen (source). Collagen, a structural protein, is what makes the skin soft, smooth, elastic, plump, and wrinkle free. Increased collagen thickens the skin, and thick skin is said to be less prone to wrinkling than thin skin.
  • Exfoliating and Depigmenting - may help get rid of dark spots and other skin discolorations by peeling the top layer of the skin and suppressing the production of melanin. It also helps improve and even out overall skin tone.

All these benefits are important not just in the prevention and treatment of various skin issues, but in the maintenance of healthy skin as well.

Our Recommended Vitamin C Serum

Our Recommended Rejuvenating Serum SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic5 Stars

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a product of SkinCeuticals, a multinational skincare company founded in 1994 and now that caters to millions of customers around the world.

To make an order, visit the product's Official WebsiteRead Full Review

Latest Vitamin C Serums

The Secret Ingredients Behind Vitamin C Serums

Aside from vitamin C, vitamin C serums also features additional ingredients that manufacturers think would work best with the vitamin. Among them are:

  • Vitamin E - Like vitamin C, this nourishing vitamin also possesses some potent antioxidant effects (source). It also helps deliver vitamin C more effectively, thus maximizing its effects on the skin.
  • Ferulic Acid - Another good addition to vitamin C serums, its main function is to stabilize vitamin C, especially since it can easily break down and lose its effects in the presence of heat, light, and air. Like vitamin E, ferulic acid ensures that the maximum benefits from vitamin C can be obtained. It also has its own set of beneficial properties which include, but not limited to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even antidiabetic and anticancer properties.

Do Vitamin C Serums Actually Work, and Are They Worth It?

Vitamin C serums are generally very effective as long as they contain the right amounts of vitamin C. They help aid in managing and treating various skin concerns such as (but not limited to) sun-induced aging, premature aging, sunburns, discolorations, uneven skin tone, sagging skin, and dry skin.

Even if these skin issues aren't present yet, it's also a good idea to get started with vitamin C serums as early as now.

How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serums?

There are different forms of vitamin C incorporated in serums, but the ones you should pick are those which contain L-ascorbic acid.

According to experts, L-ascorbic acid is the most biologically-active form and therefore the most effective. As for the concentration levels, look for one with at least 8% concentration, but not higher than 20%. Eight percent is the minimum amount that's proven to produce the desired benefits, while 20% is the concentration where the vitamin c's activity maxes out.

Lastly, and probably needless to say, choose a trusted brand that's made by a reputable manufacturer.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin C serums, when used properly, has the great ability to improve not just the appearance of the skin but its health as well. Picking the right product is the key, and you can do so, preferably with the help of your trusted skincare specialist.

Once you've determined the right product for you, always remember that as with any other skincare products, it requires time, patience, and consistent use for the expected benefits to show up. Furthermore, to get the most out of your vitamin C serum, be sure to combine it with a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle.

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or have a history of heart conditions we suggest consulting with a physician before using any supplement. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as a medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any supplements.

Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are "associate sales links." This means if you can click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive a commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."

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