We’re often told about the importance of adding vitamins to our diet, but did you know these nutritional powerhouses can work wonders in your skin care too? Specifically, vitamin C, is the skin superhero that crops up in some of the beauty industry’s best formulas. Want to know why? *Sips tea* We’ve got the answers for you. Uncover the bountiful benefits of vitamin C serums here…
What is vitamin C?
Let’s take it all the way back. What is vitamin C and why do the skin care shamans swear by it? Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid for the chemistry whizzes among us, is a super-nutrient that supports a whole host of bodily functions. This includes maintaining skin, bone and cell health, supporting wound healing and protecting cells from free radical damage. Who knew!
The skin care industry has made huge strides in harnessing these powerful properties. A simple vitamin C serum, cleanser or toner could be key to unlocking ravishing, radiant skin and preventing further skin damage. What’s not to love?When it comes to making the most of the benefits of a vitamin C serum, you’ll need to keep an eye out for one of these types of vitamin C in your ingredients lists:- L-ascorbic Acid (The pure stuff) - A potent and pure version of vitamin C that can pack a huge punch in the right skin care formulation. You can find a range of percentages of L-ascorbic acid in skin care products, some as high as 20%+!
- Ascorbyl Palmitate (The fat-soluble stuff) - This form of vitamin C can be dissolved in fat, so you may find this in some of your fave brands’ vitamin C creams.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (The stable stuff) - Similarly to ascorbyl palmitate, this version of vitamin C is also soluble in fats. It’s super stable (which means it won’t oxidise as quickly when exposed to air, light or heat), and your body can absorb it really easily
Why is vitamin C good for your skin?
Now it’s time to explore the benefits of vitamin C serums for your skin. This little nutrient can have a huge impact on your complexion! Whether you want glass skin that’s lit from within or you’re ready to rewind the clock and prevent signs of ageing, a vitamin C serum could be the solution that meets your many needs.
The ultimate brightness booster
Looking to invigorate your skin and banish dullness for good? Vitamin C has got your back. This powerful nutrient works overtime to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten your complexion, giving you bright, vibrant skin that would make anyone look twice!
Come through collagen!
Collagen is the MVP you need on your team if you want your skin to look as plump and juicy as possible, for many years to come. But that won’t be a problem when you add a vitamin C serum to your skin care line up!
This skin superstar can support collagen production which, in turn, improves skin elasticity and works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fight free radical damage
Free radicals are the pesky particles responsible for many of our ageing qualms. They break down the skin’s collagen, which means skin loses elasticity over time and forms wrinkles and dark spots. That’s where vitamin C swoops in to save the day!Investing in the right vitamin C serum can help you ward off the damage from free radicals, helping you to make the most of a clear, smooth complexion.
The best vitamin C serums for a revitalised complexion
Our in-house skin care guru, Ryan, from the Cult Concierge team has provided some of his top recommendations for the best vitamin C serums…
Considered by some as a ‘holy grail’ vitamin C serum, Sunday Riley’s C.E.O serum is one you won’t want to miss. Packing a potent punch of 15% vitamin C, this formula works wonders for hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and general dullness.
Harness the skin-shielding powers of vitamin C with this Allies of Skin formula! Specifically developed to help you fend off the damage of environmental stressors, with a high-strength form of L-ascorbic acid that penetrates deep into the skin for maximum results.
Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma serum will have you side-eyeing your previous skin care routine… If you want real results, try this formidable vitamin C formula, made to smoothen skin texture whilst boosting your natural glow.
Vitamin C with a *sprinkle* of caffeine to give your skin that ultra-invigorated look and feel. If you regularly struggle with dark circles, eye puffiness or dull skin, this Youth To The People formula is for you!
This uber-innovative skin care formula harnesses the power of vitamin C, along with phyto-luminescent extracts to give you the ultimate glow. Murad’s miracle formula features the pure stuff, ascorbic acid, so you know it packs a punch!
If dryness and dark spots are your biggest plights when it comes to your skin, Biossance is the brand for you! Pairing your vitamin C with squalane for a moisture-injection, this serum is your all-in-one solution for some of the most common skin woes.
Adding this stunning serum to your skin care selection is a stroke of genius, as well as brilliance! Each ingredient has been hand-selected to give you the maximum impact when it comes to brightening, including everything from vitamin C to niacinamide. *Adds to basket* Go on, you know you want to too!
We answer your burning questions about vitamin C serums
We get it, you need ALL the facts before deciding whether this nifty nutrient deserves a spot in your coveted skin care routine. Not to worry! We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about vitamin C to help you make the decision that *little* bit easier.What’s the best way to use vitamin C serums?
Vitamin C serums should be applied after cleansing but before creams and oils to make sure they sink into the skin properly. We’ve got a whole guide on layering skin care to give you a helping hand!
What serums can you use with vitamin C?
Vitamin C pairs beautifully with vitamin E, ferulic acid, vitamin B and hyaluronic acid, many of which are featured in the products recommended above. We got you! On the other side, avoid using vitamin C serums with AHAs, BHAs and retinol, as this can render both products useless or cause irritation.How long do vitamin C serums last?
The shelf life of your vitamin C serum varies from product to product and depending on how well it’s stored etc. Make sure to check the packaging for the little shelf life symbol to find out your products’ use by date.
