Comparing 5 Popular Vitamin C Serums

Vitamin C Serums: Which One is Right for You?

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful and well studied ingredients for skin.   Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C helps protect the skin from environmental damage, boosts collagen production, and brightens dark spots. Whether you’re looking to fade dark spots, smooth fine lines, see more of a glow to skin, incorporating a Vitamin C serum into your routine can make a noticeable difference if you're consistent with it! 

With so many options of vitamin c serums on the market, what are the main differences between them?  We’ve rounded up some of the top Vitamin C serums, to help you find the one that seems the best fit for you.  

1. Banish Serum Dark Spot Corrector - $49

Best for: Acne-prone and sensitive skin, budget friendly.

The Banish Serum is a powerhouse Vitamin C serum specifically designed to reduce dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. What sets it apart is that it is made fresh and focuses on a natural formulation.   It contains the most potent form of vitamin c: L-ascorbic acid. This serum promotes collagen production and improves skin texture without irritation. Unlike many Vitamin C serums that use synthetic derivatives, Banish’s formulation is free from artificial preservatives and fragrance making it ideal for sensitive or acne prone skin.  

It also contains ferulic acid and vitamin e to increase the stability and effectiveness of the vitamin c. 

Pros:

• Freshly made with pure Vitamin C L ascorbic acid.  
• Clear Vitamin C formula for better absorption, ensuring maximum potency and effectiveness before oxidation
• Targets dark spots and post-acne marks
  
• Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances
• Gentle on sensitive skin

Cons:

• Needs to be used within a shorter timeframe of about 6 months since made with pure vitamin c. 
• Some users feel it is a little sticky

2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - $182

Best for: Anti-aging benefits

This dermatologist recommended serum combines 15% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with Vitamin E and ferulic acid too.  It helps to neutralize free radicals, reduce fine lines, and improve skin firmness.

Pros:

• Long-lasting antioxidant protection
• Ideal for mature skin
• Improves skin texture and elasticity

Cons:

• High price point in the $180 range
• Can have a strong scent
• Can Oxidize quickly and some bottles may already be slightly oxidized when purchased new.

3. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum - $77

Best for: Those that want to mix their vitamin c 

This potent Vitamin C serum features 15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and pumpkin ferment extract to fight free radical damage and brighten the skin. It's unique packaging allows you to mix the dry ingredients into the base formula to keep the product from oxidizing as quickly.  

Pros:

• Freshly mixed formula for enhanced potency
• Helps with uneven skin tone and sun damage
• Contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients

Cons:

• Some users find it too sticky and difficult to apply makeup over 
• Can have an unpleasant scent
• Short shelf life ( about 6 months ) once mixed

4. La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum - $45

Best for: Everyday use

This serum features 10% pure L ascorbic Vitamin C with salicylic acid to help exfoliate and even out skin tone and dark spots. It’s ideal for those looking for a vitamin c serum that is not as costly as some other vitamin c serums. Based on the ingredients, it may be more suitable for skin more on the oily side.  

Pros:

• Budget-friendly compared to high-end serums
• Contains pure vitamin c to help with aging skin, dark spots
• Contains salicylic acid that exfoliates

Cons:

• Contains fragrance which may not be suitable for sensitive skin
• Oxidizes quickly with some users reporting that it arrives orange and turns dark orange within 3 weeks meaning the vitamin c may not be effective.
• Contains alcohol denat. near the top of ingredient list which may dry out and be irritating to skin.

 

5. Tatcha The Brightening Serum - $89

Best for: Dull skin and uneven texture

With 20% Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbyl Glucoside which is a stable form of vitamin c but not quite as effective as ascorbic acid.  It also has ferulic acid and japanese plum. Japanese plum can slow aging and also brighten the skin.  

Pros:

• Serum stays on skin for up to 12 hours
  
• Great for reducing dullness and dark spots
• Won't go bad as quickly due to a more stable but less effective form of vitamin c

Cons:

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin due to the amount of fragrance and essential oils in the ingredients. 
• A little on the higher end of cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a fresh, natural option to fight dark spots and acne scars with vitamin c, e, and ferulic that is budget friendly, the Banish Serum Dark spot corrector is a great choice. For those focused on anti-aging Skinceutical C,E may be is worth the splurge. 

No matter your skin type or concern, adding a Vitamin C serum to your routine can help brighten, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. Just remember to follow up with sunscreen during the day to maximize its benefits!

References:

Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Jul;10(7):14-17. Epub 2017 Jul 1. PMID: 29104718; PMCID: PMC5605218.