SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has developed cult status amongst those in the beauty community thanks to its efficacy and patented formulation. Loved by derms and beauty editors, its easily considered the best vitamin C serum on the market.

Together with vitamin E, this serum is the perfect weapon for free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots for all skin tones. It is also paraben and sulfate free. Supporting vitamin C is 1 % alpha tocopherol, a form of vitamin E. It’s an unadulterated form of vitamin E so it’s a potent antioxidant that complements and enhances the effects of vitamin C. It helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier so the skin looks plump and hydrated. To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, you should apply it daily as part of your morning skin care routine,” Palm says. “Applying vitamin C in the morning allows us to optimize its ability to reduce free radicals during the day from UV exposure.” What percentage of vitamin C is best for the face?These natural molecules aren’t bad on their own, but they can become a problem when they build up. In high numbers, they can break cells down over time, contributing to illness and aging. Dr. Shereene Idriss, New York City-based board certified-dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation Vitamin C serums don’t always provide a ton of hydration, but if you’re looking for one that truly pumps up the moisture, this is the one we recommend for you. The formula feels like a typical, lightweight face oil—as opposed to some vitamin C serums that have a grittier texture—and it nourishes the skin in addition to providing all of the wonderful antioxidant benefits. Vitamin C is a sensitive ingredient, so it’s important you’re paying attention to not only the type of bottle the serum comes in, but also where you’re storing it daily. “Vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat, and air, so it must be stored in a UV-protected and air-tight bottle in a cool, dark place,” Dr. Alam says. Dr. Saedi suggests avoiding more potentially irritating vitamin C serums, so starting with one like Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C might be less likely to cause a reaction than most other effective products; it contains a high level of pure vitamin C, but she points out that it’s a more hydrating form with a lower percentage of ascorbic acid. Because its formula is only made of 11 ingredients, there's less of a chance for an irritating ingredient to trigger a reaction.

Vitamin C serums are one of those products you need to get 100% right – or you’re throwing your money down the toilet and won’t see the results you want. So what makes a good vitamin C serum? We can’t stop raving about how much this product helped firm our skin. Not only that, but we noticed a real improvement in our skin texture; after the six-week testing period, our faces looked and felt smoother and softer overall. While we didn’t see a major difference in the radiance of our skin, the texture and tone improvements were so great that it wasn’t a deal breaker for us. Antioxidants can do this by supplying an electron to a free radical without destabilizing themselves. The result is a neutralized free radical that is less able to cause damage. Active ingredients:15% L-ascorbic acid,1% alpha-tocopherol, 0.5% ferulic acid| Additional benefits:Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces free radical damage | Consistency:Serum | Cruelty-free:No The best part? Real people love it. 83% agreed their skin felt instantly smoother and softer and 8 out of 10 liked how the Booster Serum felt. The stats don’t lie, so try it yourself – we always love to know what you think of our new products so leave us a review.

So, what can it really do for your skin? Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, weighs in on the benefits of vitamin C serum, when to apply it and how long it’ll take to see results. What does vitamin C do for your skin? Stamford NPJ. (2012). Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives.