Studies have proven there are benefits to applying it topically too; it can leave skin looking visibly brighter by helping to control the overproduction of melanin and strengthening the skin's barrier. But which one is right for your skin? Read on to discover the best facial serums, whatever your budget. Note, vitamin C can cause a light tingling upon application. It’s also recommended you use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection in your morning routine. How we test Vitamin C has been found to promote collagen production, plump fine lines, firm the skin tissue, brighten skin and give an overall youthful texture,” says Bolder. “As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to use it in your skincare routine, this super-effective ingredient carries powerful antioxidant properties to help ward off free radical damage, which can push our skin tissue into a premature ageing process.” Those with scarring, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone should also see an improvement, leaving skin looking smoother and more hydrated. When should you use a vitamin C serum?

Pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): As the purest form of vitamin C, this ingredient helps visibly brighten and even skin tone It can do, yes. As mentioned, when your skin isn’t used to retinol, you may find you suffer redness, flaking, dryness and/or irritation. As well as finding the right retinoid for your skin type, it’s also key to build up usage, which in turn improves the skin’s tolerance levels. What age should you start using retinol? Bolder says: “For best results, use in the morning (before your moisturiser), as this will help to protect against UV irritants and give your skin its morning radiance boost.” WATER, ASCORBIC ACID, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, ALCOHOL DENAT., SODIUM HYDROXIDE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, PANTHENOL, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERINBasically, there’s a very good reason why vitamin C is among the most searched-for skincare ingredients of all time – and while you can get your fill of vitamin C through topical skincare products like moisturisers and toners, dermatology experts agree that vitamin C serums reign supreme as the most effective. Vitamin C is available in a number of concentrations, from 5% through to 30%, and it depends on your skin type as to the potency you should go for. Generally speaking, we'd recommend products that contain between 10-15% potency as being the most universal.

Genifique suits all skin types – from oily to dry – and while the soothing and hydrating formula particularly suits dry and mature skins, the serum is suitable for all ages. Apply twice a day, and follow with your favourite moisturiser, and you’ll soon notice a more even-toned, firmer complexion. A patented delivery technology - Multi-Vesicular Emulsion (MVE) - to slowly release hydration throughout the day, for instant & long-lasting hydrationCeraVe boasts expert recommended, non-greasy and fragrance-free skincare that respects the skin’s natural barrier. The brand’s skincare range offers products for normal to dry skin types, as well as skincare suitable for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. The CeraVe formulas contain a unique blend of ingredients, such as: An effective dose can range from 7% to 20%, depending on the condition of your skin. Those with sensitive and drier skin might want to begin with a lower percentage two to three days a week, building up to a more regular dose. Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C isn’t naturally produced or stored in your body but is found in food such as lemons, oranges and red peppers. This powerful antioxidant works to protect cells from damage and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Applying one of the best vitamin C serums as part of your daily skincare routine can benefit your skin for a number of reasons. First of all, vitamin C is an incredibly potent ingredient that can not only aid in skin brightening but also help minimise inflammation, dryness, the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Oh, and it has antioxidant properties that make it effective for fighting the effects of pollution and other environmental aggressors that your delicate skin has to face every single day.With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work. A good skincare routine starts with cleansing, toning and moisturising. For an added boost to your daily regimen, a facial serum is the best way to give your skin a concentrated burst of any skincare ingredient. We asked 270 beauty testers to test 18 different vitamin C serums. Using each for a four-week period, they rated the scent and texture, as well as reporting on any differences in the brightness, pigmentation, radiance, smoothness and hydration of their skin. The best facial serums you can buy in 2023 1. Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum: Best luxury facial serum Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps defend against free radicals. When used consistently, a face serum with vitamin C can play a powerful role in your anti-aging skincare regimen by delivering skin-brightening benefits and improving the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) to help visibly brighten your complexion and support soft, radiant, and healthy-looking skin.

Of course, there are several types of vitamin C – from tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbyl to ascorbyl glucoside – and many vitamin C face serums also contain a mix of other helpful ingredients such as vitamin E, glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and retinol. It can be a tad confusing. But fret not: below is everything you need to know, plus an edit of tried and tested vitamin C serums by the likes of La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Drunk Elephant, L'Oreal and The Inkey List. Brighter skin, incoming. Amongst the many options created by CeraVe is Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. Lighter than a customary cream for everyday use, a serum offers a higher amount of active components. For the greatest impact, use it in combination with your favourite cream. Application CeraVe is a dermatologist-developed cult skincare brand which hails from the US. The CeraVe story began in 2005 after experts noticed that many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin all had one thing in common: a compromised skin barrier. Some products, such as retinol and vitamin C in higher concentrations, can cause mild irritation at first and should be used every other day to begin with until your skin builds up tolerance. If your skincare routine includes both vitamin C and retinol, it’s best to use vitamin C products in the morning and retinol products at night – retinol helps cells rebuild overnight but can cause sun sensitivity, whereas vitamin C helps protect from environmental damage so is a good choice for daytime. Salicylic acid can also cause mild irritation so is best used at night; hyaluronic acid can be used at any time of day What should I use after a serum?

Product Features & Benefits

Popular ingredients in facial serums include hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol, and exfoliators such as salicylic acid. These ingredients often pop up in moisturisers, but a serum will deliver them in a much more concentrated form, allowing them to penetrate deep into the skin to produce more noticeable benefits. Serums work hand in hand with the rest of your skincare products, enhancing the effects of your favourite cleanser and moisturiser.