CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid ($19.92)

Spin in a circle at any beauty store and you’ll likely knock over more than a few bottles of vitamin C serum lining the shelves. (I don’t recommend testing this theory, though.) Naysayers may claim it’s just another trendy product relying on a placebo effect to gain fans — but they’d be wrong. Everyone should know about the compelling and scientifically-backed benefits of adding vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen. 

To help spread the word, I had a chat with ​​Marie C. Leger, MD, PhD, FAAD, from Entière Dermatology. She told me all about what vitamin C serum does for the skin, the best time to use it, and what to look for in the most effective products. 

According to Dr. Leger, vitamin C serum has a number of skin benefits. Perhaps most impressively, she says it works well with sunscreen to amp up protection against UV light. “It is an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals in the skin caused by sun and pollutants,” she explains. “At the chemical level, vitamin C is a source of electrons for free radicals, stabilizing them so they don't wreak havoc.”

Therefore, Leger recommends either finding a sunscreen with vitamin C included or using a serum before applying it. “Sunscreen raises the amount of UVB your skin can handle before turning red,” she says. “But adding vitamin C raises this amount even more.”

She also shares two more perks: preventing and fading hyperpigmentation and promoting collagen synthesis to combat signs of aging. When it comes to easing pigmentation woes, the previously mentioned protection from sun damage will go a long way. On top of that, studies have found that topical applications of vitamin C inhibit the synthesis of melanin, which is the cause of that pesky discoloration. As for its effects on collagen, there are extensive reviews of studies that note the nutrient’s ability to decrease wrinkle depth, improve skin tightness, and act as a barrier against dry skin. 

As I mentioned, Leger recommends applying vitamin C serums under sunscreen to boost our skin’s shield against UV and other free radicals. She tells me, “Applying it at night can be beneficial, but I would prioritize it in the morning.”

In terms of order of application with other skincare products, Leger says to start with a vitamin C serum, then moisturizer, then sunscreen, and then makeup if you use it.

Leger says that finding the right vitamin C serum for you is all about creating a pH balance where the product can penetrate the outer layers of the skin — something she also admits might be tricky (and pricey). It can take some trial and error, but luckily there are quite a few budget-friendly options out there.

BioBare Vitamin C B E, and Ferulic Serum

Reviewers rave about this brand as a much more affordable dupe for SkinCeuticals — although that apparently includes mimicking a similarly unpleasant smell. Despite comparing it to the odor of hot dog water, fans claim that scent fades fast and the skin-soothing results are worth it.

One impressive review of this serum claims it helped to soften and brighten their skin in just two days. However, it’s another one that cites an odd smell with many comparing its scent to Play-Doh… but that’s better than hot dog water, right? 

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Unlike the aromas mentioned above, this formula is fragrance-free. It’s also paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested. Along with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ceramides improve skin moisture and strengthen the natural barrier to keep it locked in.  

With more than 100,000 glowing reviews, this serum has gained a huge following for being kind to faces and wallets. Customers are especially excited about its healing effects on hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. 

Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Serum

This popular vitamin C serum has done its research. The company cites no less than 14 studies they relied on to create a formula that includes vitamins C & E, coenzyme Q10, ferulic acid, and more ingredients that add up to seriously nourished skin.

ILIA Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40

I’ve personally been using this product and I love it. Although it’s slightly pricier, the 1 oz. bottle has lasted me well over a month now. It’s a lightweight serum that’s easy to apply as a daily moisturizer that leaves my skin dewy, but not sticky or super wet-looking. There’s a delightfully subtle citrus scent and it packs a nice mineral SPF punch. I’m also happy about the 2% niacinamide helping my pores get noticeably smaller and reduce the fine lines around my eyes.