Do Vitamin C Serums Really Help To Fight The Appearance of Dark Spots & Wrinkles? I’ve Tested Dozens Of Vitamin C Serums - Here Are My Top 5 That Actually Work
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I’m not the only dermatologist who will tell you that Vitamin C is a must-have in your skincare routine…
Unsightly dark spots, uneven skin complexion, and of course wrinkles… These are just some things we all have to deal with as we age… as if getting older wasn’t hard enough already.
These are some of the skin concerns I help patient’s tackle many times a week in my practice.
Skin issues begin to pop up more frequently as we age or when we’ve been inconsistent with our regular skincare regime. It’s a proven fact that dark spots have the ability to lower your self-image, and can leave you feeling frustrated and embarrassed about your skin.1 2
So that’s why I always talk to my patients about Vitamin C and what an important role it plays in your skincare routine.
But first, a little bit about me. My name is Dr. Alexandra Zeitany and I’ve been practicing in the USA (in my home state of North Carolina I might add) for years now.
As a mom to two young boys, I know how quickly it can feel like the stresses of life can wear you, and your skin, down. And as a skincare professional, I can tell you that you’re not alone!
So, let’s talk about why Vitamin C serums are a top skincare pick for dermatologists, and our patients …
Not only are Vitamin C serums praised for helping to visibly brighten skin complexion, but they also have the capacity to effectively target the appearance of dark spots. Don’t just take my word for it; studies show that Vitamin C helps prevent dark spots from forming in the future.3
Vitamin C is widely considered a powerhouse ingredient, so Vitamin C products tend to be the most expensive part of any skincare routine because they work so well, however, it’s a hard ingredient to formulate correctly so that it actually absorbs into your skin. Despite its price tag, it should come as no surprise to all my certified skincare sisters out there, Vitamin C is an absolutely essential ingredient, in practically any routine.
Whenever I’m talking to curious patients about how they can implement Vitamin C into their skincare routine, I always outline what I consider to be the three most important things to remember:
Consistency is key: Apply your chosen serum everyday to clean, slightly damp skin for the best results.
Timing is key: When you’re using Vitamin C, you want to apply that in the morning to take full advantage of the antioxidant activity during the day.
Patience pays off: Unfortunately, visible dark spots take time to fade. It’s important to be patient, it can take weeks or months to see changes.
Now that I’ve broken down how I feel about Vitamin C, let’s talk about how it can work for you!
Let’s dive into my five top serum picks that are not only ultra-effective but also cater to a variety of skin types, so, with a little TLC, you too can enjoy skin that feels and looks great…
#1 Naked & Thriving Illuminate BC+ Brightening Serum
First, right out of the gate, I have to place Illuminate BC+ Brightening Serum by Naked & Thriving at the top of my list.
This Vitamin C serum comes from Naked & Thriving, a company that I’ve been a fan of for a while.
Unfortunately, not all Vitamin C serums are created equal, and this one stands out for having an effective selection of naturally-derived ingredients that help ensure you get the full benefits of Vitamin C in every drop:
Bakuchiol: known to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stimulate supple-feeling, smooth-looking skin texture.4 5
Black Mulberry: studied for its antioxidant properties, meaning it can help combat the environmental stressors you’ll encounter on a day to day basis.6 7
Baobab Seed Oil: praised for its ability to deliver moisture to the skin.8
Plus, the serum really has a super-lightweight and non-greasy texture, making it easy to apply and absorbs quickly after washing.
On top of all this, I’ve found that whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, this serum will work harmoniously with most skin types.
It’s really a special serum, and whenever I’m asked for a recommendation in my practice I never forget to throw this one some serious praise!
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#2 SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®
Next up, is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®.
I feel this serum definitely has the capacity to visibly brighten the skin. The luxury pricing of this serum is often attributed to the extensive research and clinical testing that goes into their formulations. While the cost may be a drawback for some, it can also be seen as an investment in skincare backed by scientific rigor. SkinCeuticals has a seriously hard-earned reputation for producing high-quality products that deliver results.
For example, this SkinCeuticals serum prominently features Vitamin B3 in its serum formulation. This ingredient has gained recognition in the skincare world for its ability to reduce the appearance of lines on the skin.9
At the same time though, this serum lacks Bakuchiol, making it a less comprehensive option for those looking for a more multifaceted, naturally-derived skincare solution like Illuminate by Naked & Thriving.
More budget-conscious consumers may also want to consider their skincare priorities and whether they are willing to invest based solely on the brand's research-intensive approach.
Plus, this is a serum that’s more than suitable for people who have more normal to dry skin. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that some patients of mine, especially those with dry skin or sensitive skin, have experienced discomfort when using SkinCeuticals and many have reported instances of irritation.
#3 Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum.
Now let’s talk about Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum.
What sets Drunk Elephant Serum apart is its innovative packaging. Instead of pre-mixing active ingredients, this serum arrives in two separate parts that you mix together just before application. This approach theoretically extends the shelf life of the serum, ensuring maximum potency. Just be cautious when blending; improper mixing can lead to a clumpy texture, so make sure to mix thoroughly.
This Drunk Elephant Serum shares some key ingredients with well-known brands including Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid and also includes Vitamin E, which I’m a fan of. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has the potential capacity to support your skin so it looks and feels more hydrated.10 11
Plus, this Drunk Elephant serum also contains Vinifera and Pumpkin Extract. However, these ingredients are generally less researched in the dermatological field.
While I personally found that Drunk Elephant Serum can help brighten the appearance of dark spots on the skin, it doesn’t truly outshine competitor products in other areas. However, the mid-level price point is a definite advantage because it’s very accessible to a wider range of individuals seeking to really target visible dark spots on the skin.
#4 Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum.
Let’s talk about my next pick: Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum. I've placed it lower on this list because a price tag that stretches well above $100 is quite expensive, especially when there are similar products that are significantly cheaper out there.
However, this is a super-potent mixture that’s infused with Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, all of which are elevated by the addition of Niacinamide. Niacinamide has been found to potentially increase the antioxidant capacity of skin after topical application.12
Like the Drunk Elephant serum, Lancôme has an extensive ingredient list, and I worry about what it means for the Vitamin C – and its potential to change the appearance of the skin for the better — when it’s lost in a sea of many other ingredients that may potentially destabilize the fragile Vitamin C molecule.
Plus, the heavy fragrance might make it unsuitable for those with sensitive skin. I personally experienced some irritation and found that I was unable to use it for long periods of time.
Moreover, it should be noted that the texture of this serum has a “gel-cream-like” consistency, which may make it unsuitable for every skin type. So, it might be too drying for those with dry skin.
#5 Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment²+ Vitamin C.
Rounding off this list is Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment²+ Vitamin C.
This serum falls lower on this list because it uses the Ascorbyl Glucoside form of Vitamin C. I haven’t encountered much research on this form of Vitamin C, so it may not be the best choice if you’re eager to find a serum that’s very extensively researched.
Interestingly, the mix contains both Resveratrol and Vitamin C. Resveratrol has antioxidant properties that are commonly applied at night because it can degrade in sunlight.13 14 Vitamin C is typically recommended for morning use because the ingredient is known to fend off visible photoaging by neutralizing free radicals.15 The coexistence of these two antioxidants is somewhat confusing, and will likely have users wondering about the optimal application timing.
Compared to some high-end competitors like Lancome, Estée Lauder Serum is relatively less expensive but still falls within the pricey range. Users must weigh the product's cost against their skincare goals and budget.
On the plus side, Estee Lauder Serum can be praised for its insanely quick absorption, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine.
Lots of my patients can’t stop raving to me about its visible skin-brightening effects, however, some of my patients and I have encountered irritation problems. Individuals with sensitive skin may want to exercise caution when considering this serum because of its potent fragrance. And, the inclusion of lesser-studied ingredients raises valid questions for those who may not have used it before.