I have worked as a beauty journalist for over 10 years and during that time, I have tried a lot of skincare products. While many say that retinol is the gold-standard of skincare, for me – my favourite skincare ingredient will always be vitamin C. 

Vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid as it’s also known) works to brighten skin, boost collagen production and protect from harmful free radicals. When worn under SPF, it can also boost your sun protection’s effectiveness by up to eight times. “Vitamin C is a great option for skin care because it not only treats skin issues such as dullness and texture, but also helps prevents these issues,” explains CeraVe consultant dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite. “Vitamin C also helps minimise signs of premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great all-rounder.”

The trouble is, vitamin C is notoriously hard to keep stable meaning that it can be difficult to formulate a truly effective product. Which in turn means that some of the best vitamin C serums out there are also eye-wateringly expensive. 

I won’t lie to you – two of my all-time favourite vitamin C serums are also very expensive. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum, priced at £165, really is a miracle worker for me. It immediately brightens my skin leaving it glowing and radiant, but is definitely a huge investment. Another go-to is Dr. Sam’s Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum. It’s slightly more affordable at £62 and has a soothing, radiance-boosting formula that strengthens your skin over time, but still, it’s not exactly budget-friendly.

So, when I heard about CeraVe’s new Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, I was intrigued. Known for their effective yet affordable products, CeraVe is a brand that nearly every dermatologist I speak to always recommends at least one product from. After a few weeks of testing this serum, I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I love it.

With a lightweight formula, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is the brand’s vitamin C serum to hit the UK market and comes holding the title of the number one Vitamin C product in the US.

The serum boasts 10% pure vitamin C together with hydrating hyaluronic acid, and CeraVe’s signature blend of three essential ceramides. Vitamin C can sometimes be irritating, especially at higher concentrations, so this ensures that even sensitive skin can reap the benefits without the side effects.

After just a few weeks, I’ve noticed my skin looks glowier and more radiant. The red marks from past breakouts have faded significantly, and it wears really well under make-up without any pilling.

At £29, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum delivers impressive results at a fraction of the cost of other high-end products. If you’re looking to boost your skincare routine without breaking the bank, this serum might be a good place to start. 

Main Image: @chloeburcham, courtesy of brands