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11 of the best vitamin C skincare products for every type of skin, including serums, masks and cleansers
By Morgan Fargo &Lauren Cunningham
Updated 2 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
There’s good reason why you were told to drink your orange juice, and the vitamin is just as important in skincare.
Much like hyaluronic acid, beta-hydroxy acids and ceramides, vitamin C has been a buzzword in the beauty world for some time. A powerhouse antioxidant, vitamin C visibly brightens the skin, treats hyperpigmentation and protects against free radicals and environmental stressors (think pollution and variable weather).
However, like everything in life, it does come with some caveats. As an ingredient, vitamin C is a notoriously unstable molecule, meaning it can be difficult to formulate a truly effective product. Because of this, other forms of L-ascorbic acid (the technical term for vitamin C) have been developed: sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and ethylated ascorbic acid, to name a few. So we asked Dan Isaacs, director of research at Medik8, to explain exactly what we should be looking for.
“Ascorbic acid is the gold standard for vitamin C but it’s only stable at a pH less than 3.5. For this reason [the low pH], it can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation,” Isaacs shared. “Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a very stable, water-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid. It is able to penetrate better into the skin than ascorbic acid and is known to not cause as much irritation.”
“Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is fat-soluble and therefore better at penetration,” Isaacs added. “Finally, ethylated L-ascorbic acid is the ultimate derivative of vitamin C. Highly potent and incredibly stable, ethylated ascorbic acid produces very similar results to pure ascorbic acid, without any of the stability issues. Both water- and fat-soluble, it can protect all parts of the skin as an antioxidant.”
So, now that the chemistry lesson has come to a close, we’ve chosen 11 of our favourite vitamin C products. Cleansers, serums, eye creams and masks are all available, and these are our favourite finds.
Nip + Fab Vitamin C Fix Concentrate 15%
Combining three types of vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside, Nip + Fab has covered all ingredient bases. Coming in at 15% concentration, this formula is pretty potent, working alongside ferulic acid, niacinamide and allantoin, which also help hydrate, even skin tone and reduce pore size.
Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser
Murad’s Essential-C cleanser is creamy and rich, tackling the effect of free radicals on the skin. It thoroughly removes dirt and debris and leaves sensitive skin soft and supple, thanks to added vitamin A, E and allantoin.
Shop Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser at Cult Beauty, £40
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
At 15% vitamin C, this potent formula smooths, brightens and firms the skin, with vitamin E, ferulic acid and powerful peptides. Start with two drops either morning or night, mixing it with a moisturiser for a straightforward and simple application.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
If you’re looking to firm up the delicate skin around the eyes, this Ole Henriksen gem is packed with antioxidants to brighten skin’s appearance. Gold flakes give skin a glow while jojoba oil, shea butter and coconut alkanes hydrate.
Medik8 Super C Ferulic
One for robust skin that isn’t sensitive or easily irritated, the Medik8 Super C Ferulic serum is concentrated and powerful, packing a brightening punch in a single use. At 30% vitamin C, it’s surprisingly lightweight and dry to the touch, making it ideal to apply before make-up or heading out the door.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
We love products that do multiple things and this cream moisturises, brightens and evens out skin tone. Fast-absorbing, it’s suitable for morning and evening application, tackling a range of concerns from dullness and sensitivity to premature lines caused by dehydration.
Shop Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream at Cult Beauty, £60
True Skincare Radiance Renewal 10% Vitamin C Serum
With a pine extract base, this serum is much thicker than some of our other options, meaning a little goes a long way. As a waterless formula, you get a lot for your money as the vitamin C and vitamin A-packed formula is full of un-diluted goodness.
Shop True Skincare Radiance Renewal 10% Vitamin C Serum at Superdrug, £19.50
The Body Shop Vitamin C Overnight Glow Revealing Mask
For a fast vitamin boost, a face mask is one of the easiest options. Housing 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, resurfacing lactic acid and papaya enzymes, it’s a real radiance booster in a bottle.
Shop Vitamin C Overnight Glow Revealing Mask at The Body Shop, £24
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
The vitamin C serum loved by celebrities and celebrity aestheticians, SkinCeuticals truly packs a punch – and carries a premium price tag to match. Suitable for dry, sensitive and normal skin types, it helps to reinforce the skin against environmental stress and damage and improve the signs of photo-damage.
Shop SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum at Lookfantastic, £165
Q+A Vitamin C Eye Cream
Coming in at under £10, this eye cream is a go-to no matter your budget. Vitamin C, cherry extract and glycogen brighten up the under-eye area and give it a good hit of hydration. It’s suitable for any skin type, except for sensitive – just be sure to patch test first.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and vitamin C make for a powerhouse serum that’s sure to hydrate and brighten. Pineapple, papaya and mango fruit extract give it a good helping of natural ingredients with a formulation that sounds good enough to eat.
Images: courtesy of brands
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