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If you have acne-prone skin, we recommend theCeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serumsince it helps lighten post-acne marks.
Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Anyone interested in skincare has no doubt heard of the benefits of vitamin C serums.
We combined our research with real-worldtestingto recommend the best options.
We evaluated each product based on its ease of use, absorption, and effectiveness at delivering promised results.
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Finally, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists,Dr.
Ashley Magoverm, M.D., andDr.
Whitney Bowe, M.D., and aestheticianSamantha Appelfor crucial advice on using vitamin C serums effectively.
Byrdie / Samantha Jones
“Heat, high pH, air, and sunlight can all contribute to breaking down L-ascorbic acid.”
We’re also big fans of the light, bouncy texture.
However, it might be too gentle for oily skin.
PHOTO: Revolve
I’m way more confident in stepping outside without any makeup.
I took a selfie after a 13-hour flight, and my bare skin still looked bright and glowy."
Made with gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate, it brightens andfades dark spotsover time without irritating the skin.
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We also appreciate that it doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance, which can irritate reactive skin.
We do wish the product would disclose the exact percentage of vitamin C included, though.
My skin looks hydrated without being oily.
Byrdie / Emily Cieslak
We also appreciate that the formula is fragrance-free and nongreasy.
It also boosted our skin’s radiance, as any good vitamin C serum should.
The combination also protects the skin from environmental free radicals.
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We love that it can be used daily and comes in multiple sizes.
We also love that the formula contains 5%polyhydroxy acidto help smooth textured skin.
Alison, tester: “Improved skin texture was visible after just a few days.
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The sweet price point is a nice touch, too.
She is an experienced writer and product tester in the beauty industry, specializing in cosmetics.
Caitlyn Martynis an associate editor at Byrdie.
BYRDIE / JOLINE BUSCEMI
She updated this story in 2024 to ensure accuracy.
; Carr, A.C.; Vissers, M.C.M.The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health.
Nutrients 2017, 9, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866
Telang PS.Vitamin C in dermatology.
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Indian Dermatol Online J [serial online] 2013 [cited 2021 Sep 29];4:143-6.
2017;105(1):136-143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.138594
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