It takes about three months to really see the effects, so be patient,” Dr. Piliang advises. “I suggest taking a picture of yourself with no makeup or anything on your face, and then photograph yourself once a month to see the effects.” The Ole Henriksen serum has a refreshing citrus scent that makes putting it on the face a real treat. It comes in a slightly opaque glass bottle with a pump for easy dispensing. Application is a breeze and there are no pesky waiting periods.

Our kind to skin promise. This product is PETA vegan approved and contains no harsh chemicals, no alcohol, no mineral oils, no artificial colour or perfume- The best skincare for sensitive skin Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum isn’t a harsh formula that contains potentially irritating acids; rather, it’s a gentle product that actually makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin. I recommend derivatives only to people who can’t tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid. So, apart from one exception, I won’t recommend them here. The best serums with Vitamin C contain L-Ascorbic Acid. Period. What To Look For In Vitamin C SerumsShannon says: "This is, without question, one of my favourite vitamin C serums out there. With both ferulic and tranexamic acid, it works wonders on dark spots and pigmentation all while delivering antioxidant protection and boosting skin's luminosity." What does vitamin C do? Tags: antiaging skincare, best skincare products, drunk elephant, mad hippie, paula's choice, skinceuticals

Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C | Additional benefits:Hydrating, wrinkle-reducing | Consistency:Gel | Cruelty-free: No When testing a new serum, Dr. Alam recommends first applying the product to a small area of the skin. “If no side effects occur, then transition to using the product more broadly a few days per week before progressing to daily use. If any side effects are noted, use of the product should be stopped,” he says. This is a great all-rounder for anyone in need of a radiance boost, though it’s best for those with a bit of patience, as results may take time. In one study, 73% of participants saw an improvement in their hyperpigmentation while using topical vitamin C, though the effects seem to be temporary. Once you stop applying the ingredient, the effects will start to fade. 5. Reduces dark under-eye circles

How to Use a Vitamin C Serum

Danial Steve, Tracy Maleski and Amanda Kor. The Anti-Aging Effects of Marine Peptides on The Improvement of Facial Skin: A Mechanistic Study and A Pilot-Scale Study. Am J Biomed Sci & Res. 2023 18(1) AJBSR.MS.ID.002430, DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2023.18.002430 OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum is our fave for brightening because it leaves the skin with a glow right after application and it helps to improve the skin’s radiance over time with consistent use. As far as how long it takes to see a noticeable change in your complexion, “You can start to appreciate the results of a topical vitamin C in as little as a month,” says Pritzker. It can be used daily, “as long as it is tolerated well and not irritating the skin or causing an adverse reaction,” says Pritzker. However, if you’re new to the vitamin C serum scene, it may be best to start at a lower concentration or apply it less frequently because it can cause irritation. “You should not use vitamin C on compromised skin,” she says. You also need to be cautious using it with other actives, such as retinol. The main ingredient is 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, which is an anti-ageing workhorse. It brightens, firms and protects the skin. Working together with vitamin C is pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract, which refine pores and slough off dead skin cells so you get a more even skin tone. Those with sensitive skin may want to start with a 10 per cent concentration or lower. If you’re the type of person who likes to go hard on their skincare, keep in mind that a 20% concentration will not necessarily mean more efficacy and has the potential to irritate your skin. Supporting Ingredients

Pure Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, is the purest most active form of Vitamin C, unlike Vitamin C derivatives it delivers its benefits instantly and directly to the skin. It’s key to maintaining visibly smooth, even and glowing skin. There are two schools of thought here, though they both come to the same conclusion: the time of day you apply vitamin C serum is important. However, there’s one caveat that you should keep in mind while selecting a vitamin C serum for yourself. Some vitamin C serums are quite potent due to high concentration levels, so it’s essential to pay attention to this. ““Vitamin C can be irritating at concentrations at or above 20 percent,” says Dr. Lal. Especially if you’re new to the vitamin C world, Dr. Lal recommends choosing a serum which includes a 10 percent concentration level. Overall though, no matter your tolerance, Dr. Ibrahimi says to look for vitamin C formulas with L-ascorbic acid, the true active form of vitamin C. “L-ascorbic acid is the best option for most, as it is the most bioactive vitamin C compound,” he says. The takeaway? It’s not always the percentage of vitamin C but the form of vitamin C that’s most important for tolerance and effect, says Dr. Palm. If the specific serum you’ve been using seems to be causing a reaction or, on the flip side, not having much effect at all, ask your dermatologist if the particular form of vitamin C in your serum has been tested in published clinical trials: “This is the true mark of a well-thought out, tested, and formulated vitamin C preparation,” she advises. To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, you should apply it daily as part of your morning skin care routine,” Palm says. “Applying vitamin C in the morning allows us to optimize its ability to reduce free radicals during the day from UV exposure.” What percentage of vitamin C is best for the face?Vitamin E is an antioxidant that stabilises vitamin C and fortifies the skin barrier. While ferulic acid, helps lower the pH level of the ingredient meaning your skin can better absorb it. While this isn’t as pricey as the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, it’s still quite a steep investment. You should also take note that this serum has a divisive scent. It doesn’t smell like a fragrant or perfumey serum so it might irritate a sensitive nose. Though this brightening serum did a nice job of boosting the radiance of our tester’s skin, she didn’t see an improvement in hyperpigmentation or firmness after the six-week testing period. 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.