Our Fave Vitamin C Serums For Every Kind Of Customer
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
Fast Facts You Need to Know
- Choose the 10% pure Vitamin C gel with salicylic acid to boost radiance without irritation.
- Use the 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside organic serum with Kakadu Plum for brighter, plumper skin.
- Grab The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% 30ml at $13.50 for strong antioxidant brightening on a budget.
Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals, helps fade pigmentation and can support collagen production. Apply it in the morning under moisturiser and SPF. These picks focus on sensitivity, natural formulations and affordability so you can pick a serum that suits your skin and routine.
When people ask me why they need a Vitamin C serum in their routine, I like to use an analogy that most people are familiar with.
Remember when you were a kid, and you'd take those orange-flavoured Vitamin C tablets if you were getting sick?
I like to think of this ingredient as your defense, not only for your immune system, but for your largest organ - your skin.
You can watch me explain everything you need to know about Vitamin C in the YouTube video below...
What Does Vitamin C Do?
This famously unstable ingredient comes in many different forms, both natural and synthetic. It's used in skincare products due to its high antioxidant content, which helps to protect the skin from age-accelerating free radicals, while helping to repair existing damage.
Some concentrations can feature pigment-inhibiting properties, making this ingredient ideal for treating pigmentation, discolouration or uneven skin tone. It often has a brightening and radiance-inducing effect on the skin, and can also offer collagen-boosting benefits.
This ingredient is best used in the morning under your moisturiser and SPF to offer antioxidant protection (plus, this allows you to make room for more steps in your PM routine).
Which Serum Is Right For Me?
The Sensitive Skin Option
Suitable for more sensitive skin types, and those prone to congestion, this unique French formula features a high concentration of 10% pure Vitamin C, combined with salicylic acid and a patented soothing complex. This anti-ageing, anti-pigmentation serum has a lightweight, water gel texture that absorbs quickly and works to boost radiance and clarity, without irritation.
The Certified Organic Option
For natural skincare lovers, this serum features a blend of 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside, botanical extracts, natural forms of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to brighten the skin, target pigmentation and protect the skin from environmental damage. It's suitable for all skin types, particularly normal to dry, and is packed with antioxidant-rich Kakadu Plum, as well as Red Pepper to offer smoothing benefits.
At a price point of under $10, this creamy textured Vitamin C is a bargain hunter's dream. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a water-free, silicone-free stable suspension. It offers antioxidant protection with anti-ageing benefits to brighten the skin. The formula also contains Hyaluronic Acid to support hydration and plumpness.
