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Your dermatologist, aesthetician and neighborhood beauty editor will all tell you that vitamin C serums are one of the most effective products you can add to your daily routine. The hero ingredient boasts impressive brightening and collagen-boosting properties. It’s also a potent source of antioxidants, which help protect your complexion against environmental stressors.
There’s just one catch: Vitamin C breaks down quickly when exposed to light and air, losing its illustrious powers. Aside from storing your bottle in a cool, dark place (and keeping it tightly capped), it pays to select pro-approved formulations that have stood the test of time.
Here are six bottles that will effectively deliver the glow-giving properties you want, down to the last drop.
Considered the gold standard in serums, this patented formula absorbs quickly and remains effective throughout the day. A combination of vitamin C (in L-ascorbic acid form), vitamin E and ferulic acid ensure that your face has maximum protection against free radicals and pollution. Use it daily and you’ll see noticeable increases in firmness and glow—and decreases in fine lines and wrinkles.
While technically a face oil, Sunday Riley’s recent offering delivers as many complexion benefits as your favorite serum. Vitamin C makes an appearance as THD ascorbate here, a lipid-soluble form that remains stable in oxygen and water. Combined with calming botanicals, turmeric and evening primrose oils, it sinks into skin to deliver a lustrous glow.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
The refreshing gel formula from a New York dermatologist pairs ingredients that speed up cell renewal (like lactic acid and carnitine) with a stabilized form of vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) that penetrates deep into skin. A single pump, used regularly, delivers the desired results.
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum
Two of the best skin-care ingredients combine in this fast-acting bottle—the addition of retinol provides a double dose of smoothing, firming effects. To top it off, the brand finishes each serum with additional antioxidant-rich plant extracts. Pat it on before bed to witness the definition of beauty sleep.
Dermalogica always delivers with its highly concentrated formulations, and this one is no exception. The dropper dispenses a stabilized vitamin C complex to strengthen skin defenses and fight oxidative stress. Peptides and AHAs work overtime to gently exfoliate and visibly brighten.
Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Complex
Natura Bissé’s luxe offerings tend to put us in a spa-like state of mind, likely because its signature bottles are often found at resorts around the world. (The pre-Oscars facial I once experienced from the brand remains a top tip for that coveted A-list glow.) Happily, Natura has an entire product range devoted to vitamin C—including this serum to take care of your complexion-perfecting dreams.
