Best Vitamin C Serums For Men

In the 18th century, sailors realized that if they ate citrus fruits, they could prevent scurvy (a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency). At the time they didn’t know what was helping them, and it wasn’t until the 1930s that they discovered what vitamin C is.

Since then, vitamin C has been heavily researched, and it has been found to have tremendous health benefits , not only for our bodies, but also for our skin.

It is the main water-soluble antioxidant in our tissues, and it plays a very important role in the complicated process in which our skin creates new collagen to firm itself.

So it is really necessary to have a lot of vitamin C, both in our body and in our skin. The bad thing is that our body cannot produce it by itself, we have to take it from external sources.

But beware, eating foods rich in vitamin C does not help our skin have high levels of this vitamin, so it is necessary to apply it directly in the form of a serum, the most concentrated form.

But with so many vitamin C serums on the market, it’s hard to choose the best one for your skin. For this reason, I am going to analyze the best-selling products of the big brands, and the ones that have the best evaluations, paying attention to the only thing that does not lie, the INCI.

I will only analyze each ingredient once , and if it is already analyzed in another article, I will put a link so that you can access the information easily.

And if you are interested in knowing what vitamin C can do for your skin, what types of vitamin C there are, and what to look for when choosing a serum with vitamin C, do not stay alone in the analysis, keep reading.

We are going to start with the complete analysis of the three best products, and of the rest I will make a summary, although I will leave a link so that whoever wants to can see the in-depth analysis, so that the article does not become too long.

Best Vitamin C Serums for Men

  • Nezeni Cosmetics Vitamin C Serum
  • TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
  • Vitamin C serum by ArtNaturals
  • Vitamin C Hyaluron Serum by Dr. Severin
  • It’s Skin VC Effector Serum Vitamin C
  • Liftactiv Vichy Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Dose
  • Isdinceutics Isdin Flavo-C Antioxidant Serum
  • Vitamin C Serum by Mario Badescu
  • Professional Age Defying Vitamin C Serum by Kleem Organics
  • XENSIUM Serum Vitamin C from Laboratorios Rueda Farma
  • Lierac Mésolift Fatigue Correction Serum

Best Vitamin C Serum for Men –  Nezeni Cosmetics Vitamin C Serum

Check price on the laboratory’s websiteIf I had to choose a serum with vitamin C from all those on the market, it would be the one from Nezeni Cosmetics.

Why? To begin with, this Spanish brand includes a derivative of vitamin C that is really stable and efficient , it could be said that it is one of the best types that currently exist.

And it keeps this and other active ingredients in a completely hermetic airless container that preserves its effectiveness throughout the cosmetic’s useful life. It seems to me a more successful container than the typical dropper bottle, since you do not have to open it to remove the dropper and no air enters inside.

The philosophy of the brand is to use only natural ingredients, with active ingredients in high concentrations (at the top of the list), avoid irritants and harmful ingredients and limit preservatives as much as possible .

And this also keeps it in this serum. We will see your INCI to verify it.

This time I am not going to analyze all the ingredients on the list, as you have already explained them in detail in this article , but I do want to highlight several things.

The first is the effect that Ascorbyl Glucoside has on the skin. This derivative of vitamin C acts in 2 ways: on the one hand, it prevents aging by neutralizing the damage caused by free radicals, and thus not showing the signs of aging prematurely; and on the other hand, it evens the tone by blurring the spots and wrinkles.

Its hydration contribution is very successful thanks to the inclusion of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid , which combined will restore the lost splendor to the complexion.

I want to emphasize that according to the brand’s efficacy study, 95% of the people who tried it noticed that the skin was more hydrated, smooth and thin; and 90% said their skin was more elastic, luminous and younger-looking after using it for a couple of weeks.

I also like that it hardly has any preservatives, and the ones that exist are in a very low proportion, at the end of the list. You already know the problem that preservatives have (in addition to silicones, ceramides and alcohols ), that although on the one hand they are necessary so that the formula does not spoil, on the other hand they do not have a joint regulation, but individually.

This means that each product is regulated individually, not the application of several products at the same time. And although these harmful ingredients are allowed in low levels, the accumulation of these small amounts , and the result they may have in the future , is not taken into account .

That is why you have to be careful, and take a good look at the INCI before applying any cosmetic on the skin.

Its texture is very fluid and absorbs quickly; It can also be used by all skin types, as it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

Finally, I want to mention that it is a product with many positive evaluations, and it is at a very good price.

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals is a brand that uses only skin-friendly ingredients for its formulas , because they know they can achieve amazing results without artificial fillers or harmful chemicals.

This philosophy has led them to create a safe and effective vitamin C serum for all skin types, with 72% organic ingredients.

Its ingredients are well protected in an amber glass container, thus avoiding light. It also has a dropper, which allows the product to be in contact with air as little as possible.

The serum contains 20% vitamin C (later in the analysis we will see what type it is), so it is a very concentrated serum.

But not only does it contain this vitamin, I anticipate that it has a generous amount of active ingredients. We are going to see its INCI and analyze it to see why it is chosen as the best serum with vitamin C.

  • Organic Deionized Herbal Infusion : Distilled water infused with botanical herbs. The term “infusion” refers to the process of extracting the essence of a plant, its chemical compounds or flavors by soaking it in a solvent for a period of time.
  • Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe) : Tested in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men as Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice.
  • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) : Analyzed in the restorative serum of Noray Cosméticos .
  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) : Analyzed in the eye contour for men Eye Wonder by Oskia .
  • Botanical Hyaluronic Acid (Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide) : Analyzed in the Revitalift Laser X3 eye contour from L’Oreal . In this case, the hyaluronic acid comes from the polysaccharides in the seeds of the Cassia Angustifolia plant.
  • Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) : Analyzed in the eye contour of Nezeni Cosmetics .
  • Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) : Analyzed in Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum as dl-alpha Tocopherol.
  • Kosher Vegetable Glycerol : Tested in Clarins Men Glycerin Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
  • Carbomer : Tested in Nezeni Cosmetics Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
  • (2s) -2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid : Also known as L-arginine, this amino acid is crucial to maintaining healthy skin that defies the signs of aging. It is one of the most important amino acids for its healing and anti-aging benefits. Research supports L-arginine’s ability not only to heal damaged skin, but also to help reduce symptoms of burns and rashes and potentially reverse environmental damage, including that caused by pollution, cigarettes, and exposure. to UV radiation.
  • Organic Gotu Kola : Analyzed in Mercadona’s Sisbela eye contour .
  • Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) : Horsetail , with saponins, flavonoids, and silica, attributed to the herb’s ability to strengthen and regenerate skin tissue. Thanks to its high levels of silica (which gives it a smoothing and softening effect on the skin) and its diuretic properties, it can be used as an astringent and has also been used to heal wounds and improve circulation. It also contains manganese, magnesium, iron, and copper, all of which are biominerals necessary for the creation of collagen and elastin.
  • Wildcrafted Dandelion : Dandelion is included in skin care products for its soothing and anti-aging benefits. It includes vitamins A, C and E, all of which have powerful antioxidants that protect the skin against free radical damage and the signs of aging by increasing collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains magnesium and zinc to help detoxify the skin, and anti-inflammatory properties to help calm irritation, making it ideal for soothing acne-prone skin.
  • Wildcrafted Organic Geranium: Geranium oil has become a natural remedy for promoting shiny hair and brighter, younger skin. Some studies suggest that geranium oil may even be powerful enough to remove clogged pores, remove excess oil, and heal inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Geranium oil has anti-inflammatory, healing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. The astringent properties of geranium oil are said to help tighten the skin, which can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. It also contains fatty acids, the necessary nutrient to help build healthy skin cells. The healthier the skin cells, the younger the skin will appear.
  • Organic Jojoba Oil (Organic Simmondsia Chinensis) : Analyzed in the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye eye contour .
  • Phenoxyethanol : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
  • Ethyl Hexyl Glycerol : Tested in Nezeni Cosmetics Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men as EthylhexylGlycerin.

We note that its vitamin C is based on Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate , a softer and more stable derivative than ascorbic acid, but with all its properties as a collagen stimulant and depigmenting agent.

This vitamin is surrounded by other great assets, such as aloe vera, sulfur, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, amino acids, and other regenerating, antibacterial, and soothing ingredients.

Therefore, the results with this serum are very good, although not as good as the previous product.

Its antioxidant power restores and deeply protects the skin. Its power of transformation lies in its ability to increase collagen and inhibit melanin, achieving a rejuvenated complexion.

Wrinkles and blemishes are the two main problems of aging. Although the active ingredients in the serum also act by reducing free radicals, increasing circulation in the skin, deeply hydrating it, regenerating it and reducing inflammation.

The brand recommends starting the application of the serum using 3 to 5 drops of the product, followed by a moisturizer, once a day.

If to this we add a sun protection when going out, this product is perfect to use during the day.

Vitamin C serum by ArtNaturals

The objective of the ArtNaturals serum is to eliminate wrinkles, sun and age spots, and other signs of aging. To do this, it uses a formula made mainly with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

These ingredients are complemented with aloe vera and jojoba oil (to hydrate and restore the natural radiance of the skin); gotu kola (which reduces the depth of wrinkles and blurs spots); horsetail (antibacterial); dandelion (tones) and wild geranium (to lighten and tighten).

It is specially formulated not to cause irritation, so it can be used on all skin types.

But to check it, let’s analyze your INCI.

If you look at it, this formula is very similar to the previous one, in fact, it has been difficult for me to choose between one formula or another as the best serum with vitamin C.

In the end I have opted for the Nezeni Cosmetics serum as it does not include the alcohol that this formula has, which can cause irritation on sensitive skin.

Although, as the brand mentions, it is formulated not to cause irritation, an alcohol has slipped into them, and not the good ones.

For the rest, it is a highly recommended product at a very good price, with a large amount of active ingredients, and one of the best forms of vitamin C there is (sodium ascorbyl phosphate).

This serum can be effective in solving a good part of aging problems.

Vitamin C Hyaluron Serum by Dr. Severin

A German brand that combines vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and an alpha hydroxy acid in a serum that could have been very good.

It uses a very good and effective derivative of vitamin C, in a high proportion. The pity is that the hyaluronic acid should be higher, with a high concentration; and there are two highly undesirable ingredients: an irritant and sensitizer, and a toxic one.

I am looking for something more natural, without ingredients that pose a risk to my future health, so I would not recommend this product.

If they had replaced these two ingredients with others with the same function, but without risk, it would have been a great product, at a very reasonable price.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Vitamin C Hyaluron Serum by Dr. Severin, Analysis and Alternative.

It’s Skin VC Effector Serum Vitamin C

The description of It’s Skin’s vitamin C serum is accurate, since it only includes two active ingredients, vitamin C and an amino acid. Together they can lighten dark spots on the skin and unify the overall skin tone, as well as minimize large pores, but nothing more.

It is fine that vitamin C is in a high proportion, but it does not seem the most effective derivative for a formula. Perhaps with another type of vitamin C, and the inclusion of other active ingredients, it could have also achieved an anti-aging effect.

And I do not like alcohol, PEG and the irritating and sensitizing ingredient that it has, as well as its amount of preservatives, quite high for the few ingredients it has.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: It’s Skin’s Vitamin C Effector Serum, Analysis and Alternative.

Liftactiv Vichy Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Dose

The assets of the Vichy serum are correct, since in addition to the star, vitamin C, there is a depigmenting agent, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and an antioxidant. Thus the action is global and unified.

What is not correct are the proportions of these active ingredients, which are too low for the skin to benefit from their action.

And irritating (also alcohol) and toxic ingredients are also out of place. As it has various irritants, uses ascorbic acid as vitamin C, and does not include any calming agents, I would not recommend this serum for dry and sensitive skin.

And because of the irritating and toxic ingredients, I wouldn’t recommend it for any skin. Everyone is free to wear what they want on their skin, but the risk of the combined or cocktail effect is a reality, and we should not ignore it.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Liftactiv Antioxidant and anti-fatigue dose of Vichy, Analysis and Alternative.

Isdinceutics Isdin Flavo-C Antioxidant Serum

The Flavo-C formula has changed over time, for the worse. Now it only includes vitamin C, ginkgo biloba and lactic acid (AHA) to fight against aging.

And worst of all is that the rest of the ingredients that surround them are all irritating, sensitizing, and potentially toxic, not recommended to apply on the skin, much less if it is sensitive skin.

And even if the product itself does not cause irritation, you are exposing yourself to it causing health problems in the future, always thinking about the combined effect of these types of ingredients.

It may be one of the worst (if not the worst) serum with vitamin C that we have analyzed in this article. Read the article with the analysis and judge for yourself.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Isdinceutics Isdin Flavo-C Antioxidant Serum, Analysis and Alternative.

Vitamin C Serum by Mario Badescu

We are talking about a brand with more than 50 years of experience that has beauty salons throughout New York. This is not to say that their products are of good quality, in fact, this serum is not an option that I would recommend.

The actives are good and in good proportion, although I would not have chosen pure vitamin C due to its problems with stability. But the irritating, sensitizing, and toxic ingredients put me off.

I do not want a cream that solves some problems for me and causes others, and even if it is a prestigious brand, we must remember the problem with the combined effect, something that is never studied and that is very important for our health.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Vitamin C Serum by Mario Badescu, Analysis and Alternative.

Professional Age Defying Vitamin C Serum by Kleem Organics

A clear example of a serum that claims to be one thing, and is quite another. As a vitamin C serum, it does not contain vitamin C, in any of its forms.

And also, the company mentions that it has the philosophy of not adding irritating or harmful ingredients to the skin, and in the formula I have found irritating and harmful ingredients.

This is misleading the consumer, who is generally not analyzing the INCI of every product they buy, but what they should start doing if they don’t want to be fooled.

Of course, it would not be a product to recommend to anyone who wants a vitamin C serum.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Professional Age Defying Vitamin C Serum by Kleem Organics, Analysis and Alternative.

XENSIUM Serum Vitamin C from Laboratorios Rueda Farma

One of the cheapest serums on the list, but also one of the worst, both in the lack of active ingredients and in the rest of the non-recommended ingredients it includes.

As an active ingredient it only includes one form of ascorbic acid, and the rest are ingredients that can be classified as irritants, sensitizers and toxic, many of them in a high proportion.

It would be an option to avoid, rather than to recommend; whatever the price, and whatever brand it is. You can see it in the analysis and judge for yourself.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: XENSIUM Serum Vitamin C from Laboratorios Rueda Farma.

Lierac Mésolift Fatigue Correction Serum

A little better than the previous serum, but with many of its flaws; in fact, the formula looks very similar.

The source of vitamin C is not a derivative of those we usually see, but orange juice, which obviously does not have the same effect.

The amount of hyaluronic acid is negligible, as is that of vitamin E and A. And except for the odd mineral, the rest of the list is to discard.

Preservatives are very present, irritants the same, and I have counted up to 6 potentially toxic ingredients. Before applying this serum, think about your future health, and the combined effect of all these components.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: De Lierac Mésolift Fatigue Correction Serum, Analysis and Alternative.

Do men need to apply vitamin C to their face?

As I mentioned at the beginning, vitamin C is an essential compound for our skin , but since our body cannot produce it, it must be applied topically.

This is the same for everyone, both men and women . So a good serum with vitamin C should be present in any man’s toiletry bag.

Looking for the serums to analyze, I have realized that the brands do not have a specific serum with vitamin C for men. Although really all the formulas can be used interchangeably for both sexes .

Using vitamin C is more important than ever when you are going to be in the sun, or when you are going to face environmental pollution, since these factors reduce the levels of the vitamin in our skin.

Environmental pollutants such as solar radiation, free radicals and smoke, break down collagen, stress the skin and accelerate the aging process. An increase in vitamin C helps counteract this process, and it can be used to treat a wide variety of problems.

Vitamin C can be incorporated into your skincare routine at any age , in fact, the sooner the better .
Although the signs of aging and hyperpigmentation do not usually appear until the age of thirty, it is good to start using vitamin C from the age of 20.

So you have no excuse! If you have not started yet, start using a serum with vitamin C.

Benefits of vitamin C on the skin

Vitamin C is one of the most effective and complete active ingredients in skin care. Regardless of the type of skin problems you have (dullness, hyperpigmentation, redness, fine lines, lack of firmness, etc.), vitamin C will help improve the appearance of your complexion.

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant and enhances protection against UV rays . Multiple studies show that skin treated with topical ascorbic acid has less redness (erythema), fewer sunburned cells, and less tumor formation after UV exposure.

This means that it is a great idea to use a vitamin C serum in the morning, under sunscreen, not instead!

If you want more protection, choose a serum that also contains Vitamin E, which doubles the photoprotective properties of Vitamin C. And ferulic acid doubles even more the photoprotection of Vitamin C + E.

So the trio vitamin C + E + ferulic acid is really effective. If you like to protect your skin from UV rays, you should try a product that contains the magic trio.

Another of its great benefits is that it helps increase the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen helps keep our skin firm and wrinkle-free, but just adding this compound to a product is not enough (to be frank, it has some moisturizing properties, but it doesn’t erase wrinkles).

What you need to do is increase your skin’s collagen production, and vitamin C can do this. Studies show it, the continuous application of vitamin C reduces wrinkles and improves the density of the skin thanks to the increase in the production of collagen in the skin.

And as if this were not enough, vitamin C also reduces blemishes or hyperpigmentation, a problem that is very difficult to solve.

For brown spots to form, the body needs an enzyme called tyrosinase. Vitamin C works by inhibiting this enzyme so that brown spots cannot form effectively.

Different types of vitamin C

Not all vitamin C products are formulated with the same form of vitamin C.

The first difference is the use of natural or synthetic vitamin C:

  • The natural vitamin C comes from berries, citrus fruits, peppers and other natural foods. This type of vitamin C also contains additional phytonutrients from the source. Natural vitamin C is vulnerable to heat, so if it gets hot, it is destroyed.
  • The synthetic vitamins are produced entirely in the laboratory, usually from ingredients such as corn syrup and acetone. They do not include flavonoids or other phytonutrients, but can be combined with other synthetic ingredients to promote absorption. This vitamin C is more profitable and less vulnerable to light and temperature.

All types of vitamin C act in a similar way, but which is the most stable and the one that can best penetrate the skin?

Ascorbic acid

L-ascorbic acid is the form of vitamin C in its simplest form. The downside is that it is very unstable, it rusts very easily .

If you have ever used a pure vitamin C serum, and you have not used it for a month or two, you will have noticed a change in its color, turning brown. The oxidation process has started.

The unstable vitamin C can promote the formation of free radicals, causing more harm than good.

Also, L-ascorbic acid has to be formulated with the correct pH level (3.5 or less) to be absorbed through the skin. And those formulas that contain too high a concentration can potentially irritate the skin, but if the formula is weak and unstable, there will be no benefit.

These are the problems with the pure form of vitamin C, which is why laboratories often use derivatives in their products.

Mineral ascorbates

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate or Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate are natural derivatives of vitamin C soluble in water.
It is the most stable form of vitamin C , which means that it will not oxidize and spoil as easily as ascorbic acid.

This makes them a much better option to use in cosmetic formulations. They are more stable and bioavailable than ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbic acid (among other derivatives of vitamin C).

Unlike ascorbic acid, they require a pH of around 6-7.

And when well formulated, it has the ability to penetrate the epidermis (outer layer of the skin where the stratum corneum and the acid mantle meet) without causing irritation.

Ascorbyl Palmitate

It is slightly more stable than Ascorbic Acid, but less than Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

It has the advantage of being soluble in lipids (fat), to penetrate the skin more quickly than the water-soluble forms of vitamin C. But this does not mean that ascorbyl palmitate can be converted into pure vitamin C in the skin.

Even if it can be converted, the palmitate part of the molecule is more than half of it, so the efficiency will not be the same.

Overall, ascorbyl palmitate is my least favorite vitamin C derivative.

Retinol ascorbate

It is an ester of vitamin A (retinoic acid) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that appears to have a particular affinity for skin and its lipids, making it an effective topical option for enhancing the skin’s defense against environmental damage. .

This mixture also shows greater stability on the skin than when retinol or vitamin C are used separately , so it is perfect if you want to benefit from the effects of these two vitamins.

Tetra-hexyldcecyl ascorbate

An oil soluble derivative of vitamin C, which gives the skin all the benefits of vitamin C, without the negative side effects. One of the best options.

It is a milder version than ascorbic acid, which means that it does not cause irritation , redness, dryness, stinging, or burning. But do not confuse soft with weak, as it is a fairly powerful derivative.

As it is soluble in oil , it not only reaches the epidermis (the top layer of the skin), but also penetrates the dermis, the deepest layer (where vitamin C needs to reach to transform the skin).

Also, it is not like Ascorbyl Palmitate, as it has a higher conversion of vitamin C within the dermis.

It is more stable, both in water and in the air, and lasts up to 18 months in the container and all day on the skin to provide an uninterrupted antioxidant action.

How to use a vitamin C serum

Environmental aggressors that generate free radicals are generally found during the day, so it is advisable to incorporate vitamin C into your morning routine.

You can also use the serum at night, but it will likely interact negatively with other active ingredients that are normally used at night, such as retinol or AHAs. It is not necessary to apply the vitamin C product twice a day.

After cleansing and toning , apply a few drops of vitamin C. As a concentrated product with powerful ingredients, less is definitely more.

A few drops of serum are enough to get the job done. Therefore, to get the most out of a serum, use a small amount (smaller than the size of a pea) and rub it between your fingertips.

Then spread it evenly over the entire face and neck. Serums are best applied to clean, fresh skin (they’re especially effective if you’ve used a facial scrub as it helps with penetration) and should be used every morning before moisturizing and sunscreen .

There are many reasons to use UVA / UVB protection every day, but in combination with vitamin C, they work to lessen the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. So never go outside without sunscreen.

Ingredients that combine well with vitamin C

All the benefits that we have seen from vitamin C can be enhanced thanks to the inclusion of other active ingredients, such as other antioxidants, retinol, stem cell extracts, growth factors, peptides, ingredients to repair DNA, etc.

Advanced vitamin C formulations always include more actives to offer more than just vitamin C.

Antioxidants often work in tandem. So vitamin C with other antioxidants will provide longer lasting protection.

For example, it can be combined with vitamin E to fight UV damage, or with ferulic acid , another powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals in the skin.

Or with hyaluronic acid , which penetrates the dermis, increasing the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, giving the skin a youthful appearance.

Just as vitamin C has some related ingredients, it also has certain incompatible ingredients , which can cause adverse reactions such as itching and redness of the skin.

The active ingredients in a formula serve different purposes, and using them together with vitamin C in high concentrations can cause irritation.

It is better to avoid retinol , the glycolic acid , the salicylic acid and lactic when vitamin C is used, or gradually implementing these assets to minimize irritation.

In addition to acids, problems can also occur with other ingredient combinations. For example, some vitamin C serums may have silicones or other inactive ingredients (to help keep vitamin C stable for longer) that can be problematic for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How to choose a vitamin C serum

When choosing a serum with vitamin C, it is important to pay attention to these aspects:

Container

Vitamin C is surprisingly complicated to formulate in a way that ensures its effectiveness. The active ingredients needed to make a powerful serum are extremely sensitive to oxidation and exposure to light, which is why the packaging of vitamin C products is as important as the formula itself .

Ideally, it should be packaged in an air-tight container, and opaque or amber in color , to avoid oxidation and exposure to light. In addition, it must be kept in a dark environment.

Avoid jars, they are not hygienic and the product spoils much sooner.

The vast majority of serums have a dropper applicator. Although this format is not ideal, since when you open it the product is exposed to the air, it does not necessarily mean that it is a bad product.

Date of expiry

In addition to the packaging, you have to look at the expiration date of the product when opening it, and respect that date.
Once the serum changes color, texture, smell, or becomes cloudy, stop using it immediately, as it means that it has oxidized, and therefore no longer works.

Serums with vitamin C usually have a shelf life of between six months and a year once opened. To avoid wasting money, it is best to use it daily.

If the expiration date is longer, it means that the formula is riddled with preservatives, and I have already mentioned the danger of the combined effect of preservatives before.

In fact, I leave you this photo with the percentage of products with harmful substances that the big brands have.

Concentration

When looking for a product with vitamin C, it is important to choose the right concentration . A potency of 10-20 percent means that results for the skin will appear faster and with better results.

The way in which vitamin C is produced is a key factor in the effectiveness of its effects on the skin. A concentration of between 3 and 10 percent will remain effective in the form of L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid.

Increasing the concentration beyond this limit does not result in increased skin absorption. What’s more, at concentrations of 10-15% in ascorbic acid, they are likely to cause skin irritation.

Most of the time, the percentage is not listed, so you will have to see where the vitamin C is in the ingredient list, which brings us to the next point.

Position of vitamin C in the list of ingredients

Identifying vitamin C in its many forms, and where it is found on a product’s ingredient list, will help you differentiate the great vitamin C products from the imposters.

That is why it is so important to look at the INCI of any cosmetic .

If when reading the list none of the types of vitamin C mentioned above are listed in the first three ingredients, the product is not powerful enough to deliver results.

Sometimes vitamin C is obtained from botanical extracts. So instead of looking at the chemical names above, you will see the name of the plant. For example, Mésolift De Lierac Serum obtains vitamin C from orange juice, and is indicated by the name Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Juice.

Like synthetics, natural forms of vitamin C have to rank high on the list.

Type of skin

How sensitive or reactive is your skin? This must be taken into account, as a high amount of vitamin C can irritate sensitive skin , and may not be recommended for sensitive, dry or young skin.

A slight tingling is normal, but if your skin is super sensitive, a very strong concentration (more than 10%) may not be for you.

In this case, opt for milder forms, with a more basic pH, that produce minimal irritation. It is advisable to test the serum on a small area first, to see how your skin reacts.

Stability

When buying products with ascorbic acid, it is very important to check if it is stabilized. Ascorbic acid is a highly unstable ingredient, and most manufacturers using this ingredient are not properly stabilizing it.

It is impossible to know if it is stabilized by reading the list of ingredients, as it is not explicitly stated. That information (if it is provided) is only found in the package insert, box or in the product description on the brand’s website.

If it’s not provided, the only way to find out is to ask the company.

Texture

Texture is very important to many people. There are men who prefer a light and fluid product , while others look for a creamier or thicker texture .

There are even people who some days prefer one texture, and other days another. Therefore, if your budget allows it, you can have more than one serum. After all, the skin changes all the time. So there may be days when you want to change your routine.

Or you may like to have a vitamin C serum during the summer, and another, with a different texture, in winter.

A more fluid texture is quicker to apply and easier to spread than a lotion or cream, so it is best if you are looking for a serum for the whole face.

Aroma and color

Scent plays a small role in a cosmetic, but it can make a difference when it comes to choosing it or not. Strong or unpleasant smells are not usually liked.

The scent is as personal as the texture. So my advice is to trust your own tastes. But keep in mind that if the formula has fragrance or perfumes, it will be more irritating .

The color of a serum with vitamin C is usually colorless or white. Many brands use colorants to tint the serum light brown, so that you cannot tell when it oxidizes.

That it is brown does not mean that it is worse, but it will cost you more to distinguish when the product is no longer efficient, and you will have to be more aware.

Price

And finally, the price. You will find serums in all price ranges. More expensive does not necessarily mean better.

Skincare is an imperfect market. Sometimes you will find amazing products at reasonable prices , and very often you will find mediocre products at very high prices.

But high quality is never cheap. In skincare treatments, more advanced ingredients or more sophisticated formulas often cost more.

This may be because the ingredients are more expensive. Either the manufacturing process is more difficult, time consuming or time consuming. Or perhaps because the investment in research and development that went into creating the product was high.

My advice, always stay within budget. Buy only what you can afford. We are fortunate to live in an age where many options and therefore a lot of competition. You will most likely find something decent that fits your budget.

Also remember, good habits, like wearing sunscreen (which is cheap) and staying out of the sun, will go a long way toward maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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