Best drugstore vitamin C serum for oily skin
The best vitamin C serums are among the most potent skin-care products you can have in your collection for tackling some of the most common skin-care concerns — from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and uneven skin texture. They contain high concentrations of the brightening ingredient (which is why you'll see so many vitamin C products in serum form), but there are plenty of other ways to find it, too: in fruits like oranges and papaya, of course, but also in a slew of other skin-care products like masks and moisturizers. Show
"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that's a key component to many skin-brightening regimens, as it interferes with pigment production and keeps inflammation at bay," explains board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C-enhanced options are also ideal as day serums, since they're well equipped to protect your skin against any environmental aggressors that you'll experience when you step out of the house. Dr. Zeichner says that vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, which are molecules found in external factors like air pollution and sunlight. This may help protect the skin from pre-cancerous changes due to UV light exposure, he explains. And since free radicals can speed up signs of aging, vitamin C helps with fending off fine lines they cause, too. Their help for youthful-looking skin doesn't just stop there though. Because vitamin C is highly acidic, when it's used topically, "the skin is triggered to heal itself by accelerating elastin and collagen production," New York City-based dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, previously explained to us, which helps to plump and firm skin, while preventing premature aging of the skin. Think of it as the ideal daytime counterpart to the retinol or acids you might be using at night to smooth over your skin and speed up cellular turnover. Another reason why it's always used in brightening products is because vitamin C contains a property that inhibits your skin's melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure. Over time, she says that vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place. Now that you know what it does, we've rounded up some of the best topical skin-care products containing vitamin C to help you achieve glowy skin — and all the rest of those feel-good benefits. Read on for the best vitamin C serums (plus a variety of other vitamin C products, from moisturizers and eye creams to masks and oils) that are sure to leave your skin happy and bright. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. From supplements to citrus fruits and selected vegetables, vitamin C has numerous health benefits. It’s necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It assists many body functions, including the immune system, wound healing, iron absorption, and cartilage, bone, and teeth maintenance. While vitamin C aids collagen formation internally, topically, it’s an anti-aging superhero skincare ingredient. In fact, few skincare ingredients have as much solid evidence as to their effectiveness as Vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from elements like the sun (though it is not a replacement for sunscreen), pollution, and cigarette smoke. Vitamin C also discourages melanin production in the skin, which means it helps hyperpigmentation issues (think brown spots), evens skin tone, and increases radiance. C also has a hydrating effect on the skin. It decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to retain moisture better. Related: Best Vitamin C Serums Vitamin C can have a fantastic effect on the skin at any age, and one of the best ways to reap its benefits is with a concentrated vitamin C serum. Considering C has numerous benefits, it’s no surprise that many skincare brands are selling serums at a prime price. But truth be told, several drugstore formulas can significantly improve your complexion but for a fraction of the cost — proof lies ahead. Related: Best Face Serums The ListBEST OVERALL BEST: RoC Multi-Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum, $32.99 Best bet. The Carrot & Stick skincare bundle worth up to $240 for $88. Select 3 products, including our favorite RoC Multi-Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum. Use code DERM20 for 20% off. FULL LIST Best for Anti-Aging: LilyAna Naturals Super C Serum, $28 Best for Evening Out Skin Tone: Olay Tone Perfection Serum, $28 Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid, $40 Best for Oily Skin: Sérumtologié C Serum- 22, $35 Best for Brightening: Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum and Brightening Skin Corrector, $28.50 Best for Plumping: Lumene Valo Light Glow Boost, $24.99 Best French Pharmacy Find: La Roche Posay 10% Vitamin C Serum, $39.99 Best Budget: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone, $8 Best Plant-Based: TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C, $19.99 Best for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, $25 Best Two-Week Treatment: No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence, $20 Best for Hydrating: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, $15.69 Best for Radiance: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum, $18 Best French Pharmacy Find: La Roche Posay 10% Vitamin C Serum, $39.99 Best Natural: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, $33.99 Drugstore Vitamin C Serum Versus Luxury BrandWhile this isn’t a blog article to tell you that luxury vitamin C serums aren’t effective, not everyone can (or is willing) to pay 50-plus dollars for a skincare product — especially when it’s just one of several components to make up an entire routine. However, when shopping for a drugstore vitamin C serum, there are a couple of things to look for to get a quality product at a lower price point. What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2022? For starters, the packaging is vital. To get the best vitamin C serum benefits, the first thing to look for is how the vitamin C serum is packaged. While traditionally, dark glass bottles were the preferred material, companies have made many packaging innovations to keep the C stable. When C is exposed to light, the product turns yellow — you don’t want this to happen because it may darken your skin instead of helping with hyperpigmentation issues. Always store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place. Second, keep an eye out for the concentration level of vitamin C in the serum to ensure its effectiveness. Most experts agree that a level between 10 and 20% is the sweet spot — 8% is too low, whereas going over 20% could cause irritation and isn’t any more effective. Note that L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are vitamin C derivatives designed to retain potency for longer. Lastly, you should also make sure that the product has a water-free formulation. When to Start Using a Vitamin C SerumIt’s never too late to start using vitamin C because it has the power to suppress skin damage by increasing the protein synthesis of collagen. Not to mention, prevention is probably the best anti-aging arsenal there is. From younger individuals who are starting to see the first signs of aging in their 20s to more mature skin types with or without the visible effects of sun damage, everyone can benefit from using a vitamin C serum. How to Use a Vitamin C SerumIf you’re crafting the ultimate anti-aging skincare routine, vitamin C and retinol go hand-in-hand. With that said, apply your C serum during the day and your retinol serum or cream at night. If you’re not using a retinol product, you can apply your C serum day and night, providing you’re not using a different serum in the P.M. to target other skin concerns. You only need a few drops — serums are concentrated, so you don’t need the same amount of product as you would a moisturizer. Gently pat, don’t rub the serum onto your face and neck. Precautions When Using a Vitamin C SerumWhile vitamin C is generally considered safe for most skin types and has an excellent safety profile, it does have the slight potential to irritate certain skin types or conditions (or cause an allergic reaction), so always conduct a patch test first. Select a small area of your skin on your forearm and apply a small amount of product. Make sure not to wash it off for at least 24 hours. If you don’t experience any side effects such as redness, hives, or a rash, you can continue to use it on your face. And remember, always apply sun protection (a minimum SPF of 30) during the day. The Best Drugstore Vitamin C SerumsBest Overall:
RoC Multi-Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum, $32.99 Best for Anti-Aging: LilyAna Naturals Super C Serum, $28 Related:Best Hydrating Serums Best for Evening Out Skin Tone: Olay Tone Perfection Serum, $28 Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid, $40 Best for Oily Skin: Sérumtologié C Serum- 22, $35 Best for Brightening:
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum and Brightening Skin Corrector, $28.50 Related:Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums Best for Plumping:
Lumene Valo Light Glow Boost, $24.99 Best French Pharmacy Find: La Roche Posay 10% Vitamin C Serum, $39.99 Unfortunately, this serum contains a high concentration of denatured alcohol (it is the fifth highest concentration ingredient). Alcohol gives products a quick-drying finish, immediately degreases the skin, and imparts a weightless feel. However, these short term benefits can lead to long term problems. The major problem with using high concentrations of denatured alcohol is that this ingredient is well known to cause skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier. Best Budget:
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone, $8 Related:Best Niacinamide Serums Best Plant-Based:TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C, $19.99 TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C also includes several botanical extracts to improve skin hydration, such as organic aloe vera leaf extract and botanical hyaluronic acid. The final key ingredient in this serum is MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that has the ability to strengthen skin by boosting collagen production. The result is smoother, firmer skin. Best for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, $25 Best Two-Week Treatment: No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh
Radiance Essence, $20 Related:Best Retinol Serum Best for Hydrating: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum,
$15.69 Best for Radiance: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum,
$18 Best French Pharmacy Find: La Roche Posay 10% Vitamin C Serum, $39.99 Best Natural: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, Related:Best Anti Aging Face Serums Drugstore Vitamin C Serums: The Final WordWhile vitamin C aids collagen formation internally, topically, it’s an anti-aging superhero skincare ingredient. In fact, few skincare ingredients have as much solid evidence as to their effectiveness as Vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from elements like the sun (though it is not a replacement for sunscreen), pollution, and cigarette smoke. Vitamin C also discourages melanin production in the skin, which means it helps hyperpigmentation issues (think brown spots), evens skin tone, and increases radiance. C also has a hydrating effect on the skin. It decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to retain moisture better. Vitamin C can have a fantastic effect on the skin at any age, and one of the best ways to reap its benefits is with a concentrated vitamin C serum. Considering C has numerous benefits, it’s no surprise that many skincare brands are selling serums at a prime price. But truth be told, several drugstore formulas can significantly improve your complexion but for a fraction of the cost. Try a clinical retinol alternative. We recommend Carrot & Stick Defense Serum. Sources: “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health,” US National Library of Medicine Which vitamin C serum is best for oily skin?What vitamin C is best for oily skin? Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid may be the best option for oily skin, because it's both lightweight and water-soluble.
Can vitamin C serum be used on oily skin?Yes, vitamin C face serum is good for oily skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help loads with the treatment of acne and damaged skin.
Which vitamin C serum is best and affordable?Best Budget: Lumene Valo Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence
This glow-giving serum uses ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble form of vitamin C that's thought to be gentler and more stable than its pure form, so it's a nice option if you're new to antioxidants.
Which type serum is best for oily skin?Healthline's picks of the best serums for oily skin. Primally Pure Clarifying Serum. ... . Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum. ... . BeTheSkin Botanical Pore Serum. ... . Cocokind Vitamin C Serum with Sea Grape Caviar. ... . The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum. ... . The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ... . Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum.. |