Vitamin C Guide: Every Vitamin C Serum That I've Tried
Last Updated: October 9, 2023
We all know that vitamin C can be a tricky ingredient. But it’s one that is dear to my heart. It’s often known to oxidize quickly. Once this happens the potency is usually compromised. With that being said Vitamin C products are often recommended to be used right away and not to stockpile. There are multiple types of Vitamin C products on the market and I’ve tried a lot and I’m hoping to try even more in the future.
I thought I would share some of the Vitamin C serums that I have tried and, in the process, further explain some of the common types of Vitamin C on the market. As I try need formula’s and serums, I’ll be sure to update this post.
Vitamin C and The Different Types
-Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid- “also known as “Pure Vitamin C”:
L-Ascorbic Acid is a fat soluble formula and can be dissolved in oil-based products. It’s said to be the only useful form of vitamin c. But unfortunately, the purity comes with a downside. It’s known for being very unstable- especially when mixed with water- When exposed to light and/or air, ascorbic acid not only becomes inactive, but it also oxidizes extremely fast to become dehydro ascorbic acid (DHAA), which further degrades to acids that are very irritating to the skin.
-VITAMIN C DERIVATIVES:(said to be not as potent)
Vitamin C Derivatives are known for not being as potent in comparison to L-Ascorbic Acid . The upside is they are not as sensitive to light and air as ascorbic acid, and so are much more stable. The stability also is less likely to irritate the skin. Listed below are some of the common ones that I’ve used.
-Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate- known to be as much as 50x more powerful than standard L-ascorbic acid.
-Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate- it's a form of vitamin C, that is technically a salt, that is known for being gentler on the skin. It’s known to work well with other ingredients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid (both great brightening) and hydrating options. May be a great option to those that have sensitive skin.
-3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid- a derivative of vitamin c that is a water-soluble formula that is known for being stable and easily absorbed.
-Ascorbyl Palmitate: one the most common vitamin c derivatives on the market that is oil-soluble. It is an ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It’s known for being a powerful antioxidant and but a less potent form of vitamin C. Once absorbed into the skin, it breaks down into l-ascorbic acid, but I’m unable to locate at which rate.
-Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate- known for being a stable Vitamin C derivative that is also known for increasing the skin’s hydration levels. It’s known for converting to L-ascrobic acid to over 60%
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid- known to be highly stable, it’s said to metabolize to pure L-ascorbic acid to over 80%!
Vitamin C Serums/Formulas That I’ve Tried
Price: $50 for 1oz.
Vitamin C and collagen mixture serum (stabilized vitamin C derivates and antioxidants). The Truth Serum is formulated with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate- a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant and is potentially effective for brightening an uneven skin tone.
This was the first Vitamin C serum that I tried several years ago. The texture is a conventional gel/serum texture. I think this is a nice beginner formula. The formula is hydrating and while using it I never felt the need to add an additional hydrating serum.Perhaps starting Vitamin C in their 20’s. At this point, I prefer formulas that are more sophisticated and potent.
15% L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E- One of the best and most potent vitamin c serums that I ever tried. This formula alway gave me an amazing glow. But it comes with a few of the typical L-Ascorbic Acid downsides. With every bottle of this that I had I noticed that the formula oxidized before I could finish it. I stored this one in my fridge to help slow down the process, but I think this only had a minimal effect. As for the overall formula con, many people dislike the scent and finish of it. It can be a little sticky/tacky on the skin.
Price: $80 for 1oz
Further Reading: This or That: C-Firma vs CEO Serum - This post compares my thoughts on both in detail.
15% Vitamin C- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD)
Price: $85 for 1oz
I really loved the texture and overall finish of the CEO serum. The consistency is almost like a light gel based lotion. I really loved the brightening effects of this serum, but I feel like I went through the serum very quickly-like in the matter of 2 months. For that reason I wouldn’t purchase it.
Price: $40 for 0.5oz
THD ascorbate, turmeric, and evening primrose oil
This is said to be an extremely stable form of Vtamin C. Unlike may of the typical serum formulas, this one is an oil based. I typically do not like using oils in my morning skincare routine, so I only used this in my night routine. I really like the overall formula and I think it really helps with brightening the skin.
Price: $118 for 1oz
25% Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and 10% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
This is an oil based formula Vitamin C. I really enjoyed using this one and I think it works well. But as I previously mentioned, I tend to dislike use oils in my routine in the AM as my skin is already on the oily side. I don’t mind face appearing shiny at night, but it’s not a look I like for during the day.
With this being such a pricey serum and knowing that I use Vitamin C daily, I don’t think I would be able to keep up with the price of this serum. I do appreciate that the serum is housed in a dark glass packaging. This helps not letting light in and slowing down oxidation.
Further Reading: Allies of Skin Steps 1-4
Price: $80
20% pure Vitamin C (L ASCORBIC ACID)
This has to be one of the most unique Vitamin C textures that I ever tried. This formula is known for being the highest percentage of Vitamin C that is allowed on the market. The patent, encapsulated delivery system makes it unique as it helps to prevent oxidation.
The texture of the serum feels almost like a velvet primer. I had some issues with the texture of this one as it’s meant to applied on dry skin. I typically apply serums-especially vitamin c on damp skin. When I tried applying the Skin Refiner on damp skin, it often caused piling.
If your morning skincare routine is on the minimal side and you have normal to oily skin, I think you would really enjoy this one. I do think the formula is great for brightening the skin.
Price: $98 for 1oz
The PTR Potent C Vitamin C serum is a 20% serum that is formulated with one of the most stable forms, THD, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate. I really like that this formula also contains Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. This serum is described as being powerful and potent and I agree with that claim. Vitamin C is a staple in my routine and finding a routine that fits my exact needs has been difficult.
I have to say I really enjoy the texture and the consistency of this serum. The consistency is a light weight serum. I found that it absorbed into the skin very well and once it did my skin didn’t feel oily or greasy. With this being a 20% potent formula, I wasn’t sure how my skin would react. My skin loved this serum and while using it I my face appeared brighter with a great glow. The only CON I would say is the price. $100 for a 1 oz is very expensive that lasted me a little over 2 months. I only used this serum in my morning routine. I’m not opposed to revisiting this in the future, but it would have to be on sale.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
Price: $20 for 1oz
-stabilized l-ascorbic acid encapsulation, sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Vitamin C formulas containing L-Ascorbic Acid are known for being potent, which is great. But this formula also has a negative view for oxidizing quickly. The Naturium formula is said to be a very stable formula and I do believe this is true. It’s said to be formulated with an encapsulation form of L-Ascorbic Acid. Throughout my time of usage with the serum, the texture and consistency didn’t change.
The Vitamin C Complex Serum is also formulated with sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is known for being vitamin c in the form of a salt. Even with this potent mixture I didn’t experience any sensitivity to my skin. I really love that the mixture contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E. I think these two ingredients helped to maintain my moisture levels in my skin. I do think this serum helped to brighten my skin at a moderate rate.
What does encapsulation mean?
This is sometimes found with active ingredients. It’s the physical-chemical process of protecting and surrounding an ingredient with a polymer or liposome to protect it from its environment and to increase stability.
Overall, I did enjoy using this serum. I found that using 1-2 pumps daily the serum lasted my roughly around 4 months. I love that this serum does not have a scent or added fragrance. This is the most affordable vitamin c formula that I have tried this far, being $20 per ounce. I know many people tend to have sensitivity when it comes to using a potent vitamin c formula, but I do think this one would work well for all skin type - even with sensitive skin types. I do think I would revisit this serum in the future.
Price: $65
15 percent vitamin C, five percent PHAs, and hyaluronic acid. (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) 15%: A potent next-generation vitamin C derivative with superior stability and antioxidant capacity versus traditional vitamin C.
In the past I’ve tried other forms of Vitamin C Serums that contain 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, but this one also contains PHA, which I think makes for an interesting formula and conversation.
Polyhydroxy Acids also known as PHA’s are said to be a more gentle form of exfoliation. They work by exfoliating dead skin cells of the surface of the skin and gentle enough to be used every day for MOST skin types.
I can see why Ole Henriksen decided to add PHA to their Vitamin C formula. The result should be – brighter, even skin with the mixture of vitamin c and the 5% of PHA.
As I used the serum, I found the texture to work well. It didn’t leave my skin looking too shiny or even cause the remainder of my skin to pill, when the products ball up after applying. But as the weeks went by I noticed that my skin started peeling. As someone one has been on Tretintion (retinol) for almost 6 months, I’ve become accustomed to a little peeling here and there. But over the course of using the Banana Bright Serum, it became worse. I believe the mixture of the Banana Bright Serum + the other actives in my routine (tretinon, lactic acid) was just too much for my skin. I also realized one of the toners that I used occasionally in the mornings was a gentle PHA + BHA (Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner). I decided to stop using the Banana Bright Serum for a few weeks and I noticed that problem resolved and my skin stopped peeling.
I do think the overall Vitamin C helped with brightening my skin and helping to fade some of the dark spots that I have. But I also think the mixture of this serum along with the other products in my routine was too much for my skin to handle during my time of usage. I’ve been using Tretinion since September. Throughout this process I’ve opted for more gentle forms of exfoliating acids in my routine along with longer percentages. I find that the Tretinion is working hard, therefore adding anything too potent to the mix can actually cause an adverse reaction.
At this point, I don’t think this Vitamin C suits the needs of my skin at the moment. Perhaps, if you have oily skin and is not already using very potent actives in your routine, this would suit you better.
Price: $88
This 20% formula is said to brighten the skin with 3 different types of antioxidants. It’s fragrance free and formulated with highly stable vitamin C Derivatives- Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione. Using these forms are less likely to cause irritation to the skin and the chance of them oxidizing quickly, like l-ascorbic acid. This 20% formula is potent and really helped to fade the dark spots that I had fairly quickly.
I typically used 1-2 pumps in my morning routine. Even with that usage I found the 1 oz size to last a fairly decent amount of time (about 5 months). I can say this is a serum that is better suited for my skin during the cooler and dry months due to the overall consistency of being a thick oil type serum. When using this serum, I often opted to not use a moisturizer due to the heavy consistency. Last year I tried out the Allies of Skin Vitamin C 35% Perfecting Serum and as much as I liked it, I really didn’t enjoy the texture of the serum. The same can be said for this 20% formula.
As someone who has combination skin (normal-oily), I prefer my skincare products in my morning routine to be light weight and absorb quickly. The texture of the 20% serum is similar to the 35% that they’re both oil like serums.
I found the texture of this a little lighter, but still very much too heavy for my skin. If you have combination skin like myself, there’s a chance you will not get along with the texture of this serum. If you have normal to dry skin, you’ll likely enjoy this one. Other than that I really did enjoy the effects the serum had on my skin and the way it made it feel.
Ingredients: Propanediol, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Polyglyceryl-10 Tristearate, Ethoxydiglycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Aqua (Water), Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract, Glutathione, Acetyl Cysteine, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ergothioneine, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Xanthan Gum, Silica
Youth to the People -15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Price: $68 for 1oz
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
Scent: smells like ginger
The Clean Caffeine Energy Serum is a mixture of three different vitamin c derivatives. Vitamin C derivatives are known to be more stable, as they do not oxidize very quickly thus leading to the formula being compromised. They are also known for being great for those that do not tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid (true vitamin c) well. The serum itself is lightweight and absorbs into the skin well. Once absorbed into my skin, it felt hydrated, plump and importantly not tacky or sticky on the skin. The light weight formula was perfect for my normal-oily skin type- especially during the warmer and humid temperatures. I think it also layered well under my sunscreen. The packaging of the serum was well thought out with the serum being housed in a dark glass bottle and with a pump. I think the 1 oz size lasted a decent amount of time and I like that the top could be unscrewed, allowing you to get every bit of product in the bottle.
As for results? I do think my skin appeared more glowy and this definitely helped to lighten some of the hyperpigmentation that I have from past breakouts. But I do wish it did more to help with these dark spots. This serum retails for $68, which is a pretty standard mid-range price. I personally think $68 is a little too high based on the results that I received from it. As someone who has used and enjoyed vitamin c serums that contained L-Ascorbic Acid, I find the Youth to the People formula to be a nice medium ground. I think it would be best for those that have had some experience with mild vitamin c formulas and are looking to gradually increase to something a little more potent.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum
Price: $166 for 1oz
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C is made with L-Ascorbic Acid, which is also known as true vitamin c and not a derivative. I had the opportunity to test out this serum without being obligated to review it.
As per the directions, 4-5 drops are to be used after cleansing and toning on dry skin. In my opnion this has to be the strongest vitamin C serum that I’ve tried in a very long time. After about a month into using it I started to realize it didn’t mix well with my Tretinoin usage. I typically use vitamin c every morning and Tretinoin (prescription-based retinol) 2-3 nights per week.
The texture of the serum is very light weight and absorbs well into my combo skin without making it look or feel oily. After a couple of months into usage I noticed that my skin was very dry. I also experienced dry patches and sensitivity on and off. I decided to cut back on my Tretinion usage from 3 day to 2 days a week and this helped a little. Besides these complications, I really liked the serum and thought it worked well to brighten my skin. I think it gave my skin a beautiful glow and really helped with fading dark spots.
My only con about the serum is the packaging. The serum is housed in a dark glass bottle, but I feel like it could be in darker packaging. Instead of it being in a dropper, I think a pump packaging would be more helpful in terms of not letting air and sunlight get into every time it was opened. I had a fear that the bottle was going to overturn and the serum would be wasted. Being that this is L-Ascorbic Acid (true vitamin c), it does oxidize over time and I noticed this towards the end of my usage.
Ingredients: aqua / water / eau, ethoxydiglycol, ascorbic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, laureth-23, phenoxyethanol, tocopherol, triethanolamine, ferulic acid, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate
Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster
Price: $52 for 0.67 oz/ 20 mL
The Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster is formulated with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, which is also viewed as a “True Vitamin C” and not a derivative. The formula also includes key ingredients like Ferulic Acid (known for brightening the skin) and nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. The serum is housed in white opaque glass packaging. Overall, I enjoyed using this serum, but a few key negatives stood out to me.
Pro’s
-Texture- many vitamin C serums tend to be sticky or feel very heavy on the skin. Thankfully this one is very light weight and almost watery. It absorbed well into my skin and never felt heavy or made my skin feel heavy.
-No Irritation- with this being a vitamin c formulated with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid I was happy that I didn’t experience any skin irritation or sensitivity.
Con’s
-Lack of Instructions- There was no clear instructions regarding how much should be used per application. I asked the reps from the brand along with other people that have used the serum and was always given different instructions on how much to use at a time. One person advised me to use one dropperful at a time. So this is how I used the serum. Under these directions I went through the serum at a fairly decent rate.
-Oxidation- As mentioned before, this serum is formulated with L-Ascorbic Acid, which is known for being unstable. I experienced my serum starting off as a pale orange shade and then it slowly oxidized to a deep orange shade as I got to the halfway point of the bottle. It’s pretty much known that oxidizations tends to occur when the serum is exposed to light, heat and air and these factors can cause the product to lose its potency.
Besides the cons mentioned, I did enjoy using the C15 Booster overall. I think it helped to provide a nice glow and provide a subtle amount of brightness to my skin. Maybe I received a bottle that was on its way out in terms of it oxidizing so quickly. But based on my cons and the price per oz, I wouldn’t repurchase this one on my own.
La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
Price: $42 for 1oz
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ascorbic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Potassium Hydroxide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Adenosine, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Poloxamer 338, Salicylic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Toluene Sulfonic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta, Bht, Laureth-7, Parfum/Fragrance.
The La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum is a 10% vitamin c serum formulated with Salicylic Acid. This particular serum formula claims to gently exfoliate, provide antioxidant benefits and hydrate the skin. I wasn’t sure how my skin would take to this combination of pure vitamin c mixed with Salicylic Acid, but it actually worked out well for me. I wasn’t able to find out exactly how much Salicylic Acid is in the formula, my guess is the percentage is very low. I found the serum to be hydrating in my summer morning routine.
As much as I enjoyed the Vitamin C Serum, there was a few things that stood out to me that I disliked- like the packaging. The serum is housed in a clear glass container, which I consider to be a no-no when dealing with pure vitamin c as the formulas tend to be very unstable. With exposure to sun and air, they tend to oxidize. The serum started off a very pale orange shade and quickly turned into a deep orange shade. LRP says that “Pure vitamin c can react on contact with the air, causing it to turn yellow. But it’s still effective.” I beg to differ. I noticed that as the serum oxidized, it also became a lot thicker in consistency. Lastly, the dropper and cap became extremely messy and would sometimes leak.
Overall: I like the serum formulation and consistency- but hated the packing and the fact that it oxidized before I could finish it. This is one of the reasons why I’m moving towards more vitamin c derivate products. I really hope the LRP makes some changes to the packaging. I think this would do a lot to protect the integrity of the vitamin s and the stabilization.
Price: $50 for 1oz
Key Ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid 10%, Alpha Arbutin 1% and Ferulic Acid, Upcycled Tangerine Peel and Sugar Beet
On my quest to find some great vitamin c options, I recently tried out the Farmacy Beauty 10% Waterless Vitamin C serum. This vitamin c is formulated with 10% of L-Ascorbic Acid also known as “pure vitamin C”.
This is also known for being the most potent form of Vitamin C. This particular Vitamin C formula also contains brightening ingredients like Alpha Arbutin 1% and Ferulic Acid. I’ve tried many vitamin c serums over the years and the majority are usually somewhat of light weight serum consistency. The Farmacy Waterless vitamin c serum is obviously waterless and more of an oil like texture formulation. I don’t believe this is marketed as an oil, but as someone with normal to oily skin- this feels a little heavy on my skin as most oils do.
I really enjoyed the formulation of this one and thought it worked well with helping my skin maintain a nice glow and even provided some brightening to my skin. But I noticed that it really made my skin appear to “glowy” or shiny for my liking with the exception of those days when my skin was more on the normal/ dry side. Being that this vitamin c was more of an oil based consistency, I opted to use lighter sunscreens with it. Using this plus a sunscreen that was not lightweight often made my face look oily. L-Ascorbic Acid known for oxidizing quickly when in a water based formulas, but being that the Farmacy Vitamin C is a waterless formula this helps to maintain the integrity of the vitamin c and keeping the formula stable. Throughout my usage the serum remained a pale orange color and didn’t develop a weird scent, which tends to be some of the indicators of Vitamin C oxidizing .
Overall, this is not a product I would particularly seek out to use again just for the fact that I didn’t like the consistency of the formula being almost like an oil on the skin. However, I do think this would be a great option for those that have dry and normal skin types.
Ingredients: Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Betaine, Alpha-Arbutin, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Sinensis Peel Extract, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.
Price: $45 for 1oz
Formulation: Lightweight Serum
Scent: Guava
I’ve tried so many different vitamin c serums over the years and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the Glow Recipe one. The first claim that caught my attention about this serum is that it contain 5 different forms of vitamin c (listed below). From my understanding all of these forms of vitamin c are known to be Derivatives. In the past I use to shy away from Vitamin C Derivatives as I thought they were not potent enough, but as I try out different formulas and combinations, I’ve really grown to love them.
Being on Tretinoin my skin doesn’t respond particularly well to high forms of L-Ascorbic Acid. I also love that Vitamin C derivatives are known for having a better stability and shelf life.
Five Forms of Vitamin C:
1- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
2- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
3- Ascorbyl Glucoside
4- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
5- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
The serum itself is really light weight and moisturizing. It feels almost like a gel and absorbs into the skin beautifully! Unlike other Vitamin C serums that I’ve tried, I don’t find this one to make me look oily or feel heavy on my skin. I typically would apply 1-2 pumps per application for my entire face and I feel like this provided an adequate amount of coverage along with incorporating a good amount of moisture. I think this serum helped my skin to have a really nice overall glow and to help lighten up a few dark spots. Overall, I enjoyed this serum and I think it worked well work for normal-oily skin type. Based on the consistency and the way it performed, I think it would be suitable for all skin types- even those that lean more to the oily side. Those that are sensitive to scents, I would lead with caution as the serum has a scent to it.
The only con I would say is the packaging. The serum is housed in a cute pinkish jar with a pump, but as I got towards the end of usage I couldn’t get the very last bit of product that was left in the jar. I also feel like I went through this serum at very quick speed of only 2 months! I’m not sure if the 2 pumps per application is too much or if I’m just missing out on a lot of extra serum at the bottle of the jar. Even with these cons I would likely repurchase and this serum again because overall I like how well it performed.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Psidium Guajava Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Betaine, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol.
Price: $65 for 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: THD Vitamin C 15%, Turmeric and Arbutin
The Herbivore Nova Vitamin C serum is formulated with 15% vitamin by the usage of Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. THD is known for being a highly stable form of vitamin c. This type of vitamin c derivative is especially great for those that cannot tolerate pure vitamin c (ascorbic acid) and being that this ingredient is known for being more on the stable side, there’s a lesser chance of the serum going bad quickly. The packaging of the Nova serum is in airtight container with a pump, which is great as it doesn’t allow air into the packaging affecting the serum. The serum also contains turmeric and arbutin, which are known for their brightening properties.
I used this serum daily and it lasted me about 3 months, which is pretty typical for a serum of this size used at this rate. I used 2-3 pumps per application. The overall finish once applied was more a satin finish and I also found it to be more on the moisturizing side. I found the serum to be moderately effective. I do think it helped to keep my skin looking bright and glowy, but it didn’t do much to rapidly fade dark spots. Not to say it didn’t help, but I didn’t notice drastic results. Even with that, I enjoyed this serum and would definitely use it again.
The serum itself smells like a turmeric/ginger mix and I actually really liked. But it you have sensitivity to this scent range, then you may want to sample this prior to purchasing.
Full Ingredients: Aqua/water/eau, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Juice*, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid.
Price: $45 for 1 ounce
Key Ingredient: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
The Kinship Brightwave vitamin c serum is said to help brighten, fade dark spots, firm the skin, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines in as little as 14 days. It formulated with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is a vitamin c derivative that is known for being a stable oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. I go back and forth with using Pure Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid. As with all of my vitamin c products, I like to use them from beginning to end and not trying out any other vitamin c based serums in the process. I used the Brightwave Serum daily with an application of 1-1.5 pumps. The product consistency reminds me almost of a light-weight lotion. I found the serum to be very moisturizing, but not to the point it made my skin feel oily or looked shiny.
With usage every day the Brightwave serum lasted me 3 months [July’23- September ‘23]. While using it I think it did a good job at keeping my skin looking bright and glowy. During this time frame I didn’t experience any breakouts that left behind any marks, so it’s hard to correlate how this serum would function with fading dark spots. While using the serum I didn’t experience any sensitivity or interactions, which I have in the past with other vitamin c serums due to tends to happen due to my Tretinoin usage. Using Tretinoin in my nightly routine usually means sometimes my skin cannot handle the powerful combination of Tretinoin and vitamin c serums that contain L-ascorbic acid. This serum is also known for containing peptides, which are known for stimulating the skin to make collagen. I do think the incorporation helped with making my skin feel smoother and boosted elasticity. As for the peptides helping with fine lines, I can’t say as I really don’t have any fine lines. Being that this serum is more on hydrating side, those with dry skin or dehydrated skin like mine would probably really enjoy it, but I do think overall it would be suited for most skin types.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isoamyl Laurate, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sorbitan Olivate, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopherol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Impatiens Balsamina Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool.
Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Price: $62 for 1oz
At this point of trying and reviewing different vitamin c serums throughout the years, there’s quite a few that I like- but few make it to the love category but this one certainly did! This Paula’s Choice vitamin C serum is formulated is highly stable as its formulated with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate along with Glutathione, which is known for helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
I have normal to oily combination skin and many vitamin c formulas can be a little heavy on my skin. This one is an oil and water based – with water being the first ingredient and it applies and blends in like a dream. I never experienced any issues of piling while using and my sunscreen/makeup layered over top of it extremely well.
I typically used 1-2 pumps daily over my entire face and the bottle has lasted me several months. Throughout the months that I’ve been using it I can easily say that it has helped my skin to maintain a really nice even tone and glow. The serum is housed in opaque package with an airless pump. Throughout the duration of the serum being opened (Oct-Jan), the serum has changed in color or consistency, and I don’t notice a scent to it. So based on these factors, I do believe it lives up to its claim of being stable. The serum lasted me about 4 months, which Is a bit longer than many of the others that I’ve tried.
In the past I tried the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster and I really wasn’t a big fan of it. I find the 25% Vitamin C serum to be more stable and the booster ended up oxidizing on me as it’s made with pure vitamin c (15% L-ascorbic acid). The booster also has a dropper that has to go in and out of the bottle whereas the 25% Vitamin C serum as an airless pump, so it deals with less environmental factors. I can see why so many people enjoy the C15 Booster but the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione is my new favorite!
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Silica, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate, Coco Caprylate/Caprate, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Seed Extract, Urea, Mannitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium PCA, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trehalose, Ascorbic Acid, Glucose, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Ergothioneine, Triacetin, Phenoxyethanol
Just remember that after Vitamin C, it’s best to follow-up with SPF. If you’re interested in reading about some of my favorite sunscreens, please check out my post, Sunscreens for Combo Skin!
If you’re using a Vitamin C serum, which one are you using?
Please let me know if have any Vitamin C related questions!
Remember after using Vitamin C, it’s best to follow-up with a good SPF. If you’re interested in some of my favorite Sunscreens for Combo Skin, please check out the post below.