What are the characteristics of an effective vitamin C serum? (2024)

FAQs

What are the characteristics of an effective vitamin C serum? ›

For a vitamin C serum to be effective, it should ideally have a concentration between eight and 20 percent. The higher the concentration, the more potent it is. Serums with vitamin C concentrations below eight percent are ineffective, while above 20 percent, their effectiveness tapers off.

For a vitamin C serum to be effective, it should ideally have a concentration between eight and 20 percent. The higher the concentration, the more potent it is. Serums with vitamin C concentrations below eight percent are ineffective, while above 20 percent, their effectiveness tapers off.

Concentration: The ideal level of concentration you want of L-Ascorbic Acid is between 10 and 20 percent. The higher the concentration of Vitamin C is, the more potent it is, but also more difficult to stabilize. Going over 20 percent can lead to irritation and won't increase the benefits for your skin.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, antioxidant, and essential co-factor for collagen biosynthesis, carnitine and catecholamine metabolism, and dietary iron absorption. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C, so it is strictly obtained through the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables.

A thoughtful brand will include label instructions on how to store their serums. Many serums are yellow, but if your product takes on a brown or dark orange hue, it's time to toss because it's gone bad. If your serum starts out clear and turns yellow, that's also a sign it's oxidizing and will be less effective.

A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. Be sure to apply skin care products with clean hands. It can be safely used with other active ingredients, although using alongside products containing niacinamide may make vitamin C less effective.

The ingredient L-ascorbic acid (also referred to simply as ascorbic acid) is one of the most common forms you'll find in vitamin C products and present in the famed SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum, $182. This form is fine and similar to ascorbic acid sulfate, Dr. Lipner says.

Alpha Arbutin

4 Like vitamin C, it's an effective brightening agent, but because it has a sustained release, it's much gentler on the skin and doesn't present as high of a risk of irritation. 5 In The Ordinary's iteration, the alpha arbutin is supported with a form of hyaluronic acid for enhanced delivery and efficacy.

Most vitamin C derivatives like ascorbyl glucoside, THD ascorbate, and 3-o ethyl ascorbic acid are primarily tested for skin brightening benefits. If you're looking for antioxidant protective powers, sodium ascorbyl phosphate seems to be the best bet of the bunch followed by ascorbyl glucoside.

Might Lighten Dark Spots

Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.

What is the best way to absorb vitamin C? ›

Vitamin C is best consumed in a raw state. The best way to consume vitamin C for optimum absorption is to supplement it together with iron. This is why it is commonplace to drink orange juice with your cereal. The iron in the cereal helps you to better absorb the vitamin C in the orange juice.

Liposomal vitamin C. This form is best because there is almost always a gut malabsorption problem underneath a severe deficiency.

Vitamin C serum can lose its potency over time, especially when exposed to air, heat, and light. If your serum has changed color or has a foul smell, it's a sign that it has oxidized and is no longer effective.

Vitamin C serum is effective in addressing skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars. It helps even out skin tone. Hyaluronic Acid serum primarily focuses on hydration and moisturization. It reduces dryness, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, and improves the overall texture of the skin.

There are two factors to consider in determining when to use vitamin C serum — what time of day and at what point in your routine. Nearly across the board, dermatologists recommend incorporating vitamin C serum into your morning routine (as opposed to using it at night).

While most people can tolerate daily use of vitamin C serum, some people may experience redness, irritation, or even breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to start slowly when using a vitamin C serum. Begin by using it every other day, and gradually increase to daily use if your skin can tolerate it.

Vitamin C is best consumed in a raw state. The best way to consume vitamin C for optimum absorption is to supplement it together with iron. This is why it is commonplace to drink orange juice with your cereal. The iron in the cereal helps you to better absorb the vitamin C in the orange juice.

Vitamin C can also stimulate the skin's production of collagen, a protein that increases skin firmness and elasticity and helps keep it plump and hydrated. Because of this, “using a powerful, stable vitamin C serum consistently over time can help smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Bowe said.