How to Use Vitamin C Serum Plus 5 of Our Favorite Formulas

Vitamin C is one of the key ingredients to achieve radiant skin, and when combined with ingredients such as retinol, it can also help fight the signs of aging. Even if you prefer minimalist skincare, incorporating vitamin C serum into your skincare routine is an easy step to make your skin glow. Plus, there are plenty of effective options at every price point, from over-the-counter to more expensive formulas. Below you will learn how to use vitamin C serum, as well as five popular formulas from our editors.

Clear your skin

Make sure your skin is clean and towel-dried before applying Vitamin C Serum. This breakdown of cleanser formulas will help you find the formula that works best for your skin type.

Apply Vitamin C Serum

You can apply Vitamin C Serum in the morning or evening according to the product instructions. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it neutralizes free radicalstherefore it is especially useful to apply the serum in the morning. 

Follow with moisturizer and/or broad spectrum sunscreen.

If you apply vitamin C serum in the morning, be sure to apply a moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. If you're applying it at night, skip the SPF and just apply a moisturizer.

Best Vitamin C Serums

CeraVe Skin Vitamin C Renewal Serum

This drugstore antioxidant serum contains 10% Vitamin C to help visibly brighten the complexion, as well as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help soften skin and maintain its moisture barrier. Since it is non-comedogenic and allergy tested, it is suitable for all skin typesincluding sensitive skin.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Acne Serum

Also infused with Vitamin E and Salicylic Acid, this serum combats three signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. It brightens, neutralizes free radicals and improves skin over time for smoother, younger-looking skin.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

Cult Classic Vitamin C Serum is designed to protect your skin from environmental irritants, brighten, firm skin, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formula works with a powerful combination of 15% Vitamin C along with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, a botanical antioxidant that fights free radicals and stabilizes the action of Vitamins C and E.

Kiehl's Powerful Vitamin C Serum

With 12.5% ​​vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this serum promises fast results. In fact, it visibly reduces fine lines in just two weeks and gives skin a firmer appearance over time. However, you will notice a glow upon immediate use. 

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum 

Get rid of dullness and discoloration with this 15% Vitamin C Serum. It provides visible brightening results in just 10 days and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.