People Always Ask Me If Vitamin C Skincare Is Worth the Hype—These 12 Products Definitely Are

If you have sensitive skin and have previously found that vitamin C can cause tingling and irritation, you’re not alone. Not all formulas are created with reactive skin in mind. This one is, however, so uses a gentle (but still effective) form of vitamin C which fights UV damage and free radicals, reduces pigmentation and fine lines without irritation. In addition, the formula is boosted with 2% ectoin to help strengthen your skin barrier and further reduce sensitivity issues.

If there’s one thing more annoying than any breakouts, it’s the red marks they leave behind. I’ve tried many a serum in attempt to fade my stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and this serum was one of the most effective. What’s more, the formula is also super hydrating, so it gives skin an incredible glow.

Generally, I find that you pay for what you get with vitamin C products, and the best ones tend to requite a little more investment. This affordable vitamin C serum is one of the exceptions to that rule. It’s a great all-rounder which works for all skin types, helping to brighten and protect skin, and delivering a dewy finish with application application. I noticed a difference to my skin before I'd even finished up my first bottle.

This is a particularly potent vitamin C serum, and one which I’d recommend to those whose skin is already used to using the ingredient. It combines 15% l-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) with ferulic acid and vitamin E in order to specifically target skin showing signs of ageing—dullness, loose skin, and hyperpigmentation.

Medik8 is one of my go-to brands for active ingredients—it does retinoids and vitamin C particularly well, and this serum is no exception. Formulated with a stabilised form of vitamin C (7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) the lightweight solution helps to brighten uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines, all while remaining gentle on sensitive skin.

Another great option for sensitive skin, this formula is boosted with glutathione, which reduces sensitivity and irritation as well as enhancing the serum’s protection against environmental stress. Skin showing the signs of sun damage or loss of collagen will particularly benefit from this formula.

You’ll frequently see vitamin C paired with EGF, as in this serum, because the two ingredients work so well together. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a plant-based peptide which works to visibly regenerate skin’s appearance and improve the feeling of elasticity, resulting in firmer-looking skin.

I love Naturium’s serums because they’re reasonably priced, but use high quality ingredients so are still really effective. This one combines three types of vitamin C, including high-stability l-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend, and gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate. The result? A non-irritating formula which specifically targets dull skin.

This may be a more expensive option, but it’s a bestseller for good reason. A quick scan of the reviews will help you to understand just how effective this cult vitamin C serum is, especially when it comes to reinforcing skin's natural protection against environmental aggressors.

If you’re concerned about the loss of collagen in your skin, a vitamin C serum is probably the first product a dermatologist or esthetician would recommend you start using. This one works fast to help stimulate collagen production while also maintaining skin’s natural reserves.

Dullness, dark spots, and discolouration don’t stand a chance against this super-potent vitamin C serum, which addresses hyperpigmentation right from the source. The formula also contains a tiny bit of glycolic acid, which also helps to brighten skin and refine skin texture.

Another of my personal favourites, this serum is a strong one (it’s supercharged with 20% ethylated l-ascorbic acid), but it’s also one of the best options for sensitive skin. You’ll notice an immediate brightness, and clearer, healthier skin by the time you finish up the bottle.