The Best Vitamin C Serum 2024: The Complete Buying Guide

Vitamin C is known as one of the naturally produced nutrients in the body, it helps in the breaking down of collagen which in turn gives the skin a youthful glow. Vitamin C also serves as an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals in the body.

When you have a cold, the first thing you probably reach for is vitamin C or food that contains a high amount of vitamin C, like orange, pineapple, broccoli, etc.

This is fine because your main source of nutrients should be your diet. but what if we told you vitamin C can also perform other functions that you may not be aware of before, like giving you a glowing complexion, No, we are not talking about the collagen process.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamin C, however, simply increasing the amount of vitamin C in your diet does not suffice, this is due to the lack of blood vessels that send nutrients to the skin cells in the epidermis.

What Is Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serum is a skincare product that is packed with vitamin C, it comes in either liquid or gel and is applied to the skin for a lot of people who may not be used to this new way of getting vitamin C to work for you, it’s only normal that you will have questions regarding the benefits of using the vitamin C serum and how to use it. Read on to get answers to your questions.

The serum is also known to hydrate the skin, hence, allowing the skin to retain moisture. It also works well in treating anti-inflammatory skin conditions. A major benefit of the vitamin C serum is that it enhances the production of collagen in the body, which makes the skin glow.

What can you not mix with the vitamin C serum?

While the vitamin C serum can be paired with a range of other products, there are some products that you cannot pair the serum with. Although these products, individually work wonders, mixing them can be a disaster.

1. Vitamin C and Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is used for treating acne, this ingredient is known for reducing the acne-causing bacteria and preventing the face from becoming dry, however, when mixed with vitamin C, it may not produce the result that you want, instead, it may cause more harm.

2. Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs

Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants. They are used to remove dead cells and excess sebum that are deep in the pores. Using these ingredients with vitamin C for your skin can irritate.

This is because they’re all acids. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot use them separately, in short, you can alternate them, but never, use them together. 

3. Vitamin C and niacinamide (vitamin B)

Vitamin B is known for aiding the building of protein in the skin, preventing wrinkles, even skin, etc. Combining vitamins B and C will make them work against each other. It can also lead to irritation in the skin. 

4. Vitamin C and retinol

Retinol contains anti-aging properties, and thus boosts the production of collagen, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the face. Mixing vitamin C with retinol will lead to redness and irritation. However, you can alternate the use of both.

Do you need vitamin C serum?

Regardless of where you are, you must have been exposed to some environmental free radicals; free radicals are molecules that can damage the cell, when exposed to it, causing different diseases and aging.

Some of the causes of free radicals in the environment are air pollution, cigarette smoke, dirt, vehicle emissions, etc. A lack of vitamin C in the body will make the effect of these radicals obvious in the body, resulting in wrinkles, dull skin tone, and unhealthy skin.

Vitamin C is known as one of the potent antioxidants to combat the damage caused by these radicals in the body. Yes, you need the vitamin C serum if you are exposed to these environmental free radicals, it can help.

The Best Vitamin C Serum In 2024

There are a whole lot of vitamin C serums out there however it is important to choose the right one as the wrong vitamin C serum can cause your skin to react, causing you irritation or sunburn.

Vitamin C serum is an antioxidant powerhouse although not all serums are created equal. Vitamin C serum deserves a place in your skincare products hence we have compiled a list of serums based on recommendations and reviews online.

1. Best Overall- Skinceuticals C_E Ferulic Skincare


Can you use vitamin C serum by itself?

Although the vitamin C serum can be paired alongside other skincare routines, it can also be used alone. The most important thing to note when you are using the vitamin C serum for the first time is to first conduct a patch test, you can conduct a patch test by applying the serum on a small part of your skin and watch for reactions. If you have no reactions, you can continue with the use on other parts of your skin. 

Can you use the serum every day?

There is a limit to the amount of vitamin C that the body can take in a day, this is why it is best to read the label of the vitamin C serum that you are purchasing. A serum with a high concentration of vitamin C can be applied just once a day, if it has a lower concentration of vitamin C serum, then it can be applied twice daily. In the morning and at night.

What is the best time to use your vitamin C serum?

Although, some dermatologists will recommend the use of your serum in the morning, due to the free radicals and pollution that you may encounter during the day, however, if you’ll be using the serum in the morning, you may need to apply some sunscreen on your skin. for a person with sensitive skin, you may not want to use your serum during the day.

What does vitamin C serum do for your skin?

The basic work of the vitamin C serum is to help protect the skin from free radicals causing issues. eg sunburn, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and uneven skin tone. Its functions are not different from the vitamin C produced in the body or derived from the diet.

Bottom Line

Generally speaking, the vitamin C serum is safe to use, however, note that the vitamin C serum contains some active ingredients that may cause irritations for you. This is why it is recommended to first carry out a patch test before using the serum on your skin. if you notice any irritation or reactions, please discontinue and consult your dermatologist. 

Related Posts