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Vitamin C serums come in many forms. Water soluble and lipid (or oil) soluble known as esters. Esters are a more stable type of Vitamin C compared to water soluble forms such as ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C in its purest form and can become unstable and when exposed to sunlight can oxidise. It can also be more likely to irritate skin especially sensitive skin or people who have not used Vitamin C before.

When choosing your Vitamin C make sure the packaging is a dark bottle or container to keep sunlight out. Also look for stabilising ingredients for ascorbic acid such as Vitamin E.

 

Best 3 Vitamin C Serums:

(1) Ole Hendrickson Banana Bright Vit C serum

This serum ticks all the boxes in terms of ingredients. It combines a powerful 15% vitamin C with hyaluronic acid for hydration, Vitamin E to stabilise the Vitamin C and increase its potency. 

After finishing my first bottle of this generously sized serum (it really lasts) I had to purchase it again. I noticed improvements in my skin within a week of using it. I find it non irritating and effective. I have definitely noticed firmer, brighter skin and a more even skin tone. I have not experienced any dryness using this. 

This product is highly fragranced which might not appeal to everyone. I personally enjoy the fragrance, it smells like fresh oranges. 

Type of Vitamin C:
15% Ethyl ascorbic acid:

Ethyl ascorbic acidis an etherified derivative of ascorbic acid that is soluble in both water and oil. It is one of the most stable known forms of Vitamin C, which enables it to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers without causing irritation.

Take my money…

 

(2) Medik8 Pure C 15 Pure Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum:

Contains Vitamin C in its purest form (ascorbic acid) which is combined with Vitamin E and glutathione to stabilise and prevent the ascorbic acid from losing its power.

The formula is cleverly separated into two separate bottles to maintain the potency after it has been opened. It is free of synthetic colours, artificial fragrances, parabens, alcohol, phthalates and is cruelty free and vegan.

This is one of the best serums available. What immediately impressed me was that the serum is clear. A lot of Vitamin C serums are yellow or brown in colour which can suggest that the product has oxidised and hence lost potency. This does not disappoint.

The serum is also very sticky which is another indicator of a very pure, high potency Vitamin C. In fact is is so sticky that it is hard to spread across the entire face, neck and décolletage so I would suggest using the dropper to apply one drop at a time.

The ingredients tick all of the boxes to deliver a stable yet potent form of Vitamin C. It is suitable for those who have used Vitamin C serums before. I have found it extremely effective in reducing pigmentation, evening skin tone and my skin is noticeably plumper and firmer. 

Type of Vitamin C:
15% L-Ascorbic Acid:

The purest form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid provides exceptional antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For freshness, use up one bottle before opening the second. Each bottle should be used within 2 months of opening. For optimal freshness, keep Pure C15 in the fridge.

Note: This serum does not wear as well under make-up as the other two. When I wrote this article I had not been wearing make-up whilst using it. I wore it under my make-up the other day and I looked very shiny. This is because it is a very strong Vitamin C so it has that sticky texture to it. I am now using it at night or on days where I do not need to wear make-up. 

Show me where I can buy this….

 

(3) Apot.Care Vitamin C Pure Serum

Pronounced “apotee-care” this French brand is fantastic. All of their serums are pure serums containing just the active ingredient of your choice. You can also mix more than one of their serums to customise your skincare. This serum is both effective and hydrating. I have used it in combination with the Apot.Care Hyaluronic Acid serum and also on its own. It is not specified what strength Vitamin C it contains.

What I love about this product is that the key ingredients are the only ingredients. It also contains naturally derived ingredients and no silicon or mineral oils. That is a huge selling point for me, this product uses caprylic acid as an emollient rather than silicone.

I also love that the first ingredient is NOT water/aqua! That is a surprise and also impressive. instead it is Caprylic triglyceride. It is an ingredient used in soaps and cosmetics and has been used for over 50 years. It is usually made from combining coconut oil with glycerin. It helps smooth skin and works as an antioxidant.

Type of Vitamin C:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate:

This Vitamin C serum contains an oil soluble form of Vitamin C called Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate. It is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C but, being a derivative, its potency will not be directly comparable to pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

This serum also contains coconut derived fatty acids (coco-caprylate/caprate) for its hydrating properties as an alternative to silicon or mineral oils! It leaves the skin with a non-oily, smooth sensation.

Grape seed oil (Vitis Vinifera oil) is also included in this amazing serum, which on its own is used for treating pigmentation.

Sold….

JJ xx

About Author

Jaimie Stevenson

I am a former published International glamour model and professional skincare consultant who used to suffer problem skin. I have travelled the world to work with some of the best dermatologists and tried thousands of products. Read more...

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