The best vitamin C serums in the UK 2023

Vitamin C is a real balm for our skin. In addition to rejuvenating the skin, this vitamin brightens it and makes it look good. Serums that contain this essential nutrient are full of promise, but what are they really worth? We take a look in this buying guide at this year's best vitamin C serums.

Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum

The best vitamin C serum in 2021

By including this vitamin C serum in your morning or evening beauty routine, you will brighten your complexion, relax your wrinkles and erase the brown pigment spots that plague your face.

40,72 £ on Beautysuccess

This serum owes its superb performance to its hypoallergenic formula composed of 100% natural ingredients. Among others, it contains Candeia which is a powerful anti-inflammatory, hyaluronic acid which stimulates collagen synthesis and vitamin C which boosts the radiance of the complexion. This serum has the highest level of vitamin C (25%) of all facials in the same category. A few weeks of treatment will allow your skin to regain its youthfulness and shine.

The action of this serum on the skin is almost instantaneous. The antioxidant complex it contains reduces up to 93% of the free radicals that cause skin aging. Rest assured, 88% of the people who tested this booster certified that their skin was smooth from the first use. As its texture is not greasy, this serum is very easy to use. Being non-photosensitizing and non-photo-allergic, this Novexpert booster with vitamin C can be used all year round.

Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C 2
9/10

Best cheap

Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C

The best entry-level vitamin C serum

Described as a delicately refined infusion of organic and naturally derived ingredients, this Poppy Austin Vitamin C serum is a true balm for all skin types, especially those that have just been through an assault.

18,79 £ on Amazon
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml 3
9/10

Best premium

Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml

The best premium vitamin C serum

Somewhat different from competing products, this serum contains three different types of vitamin C whose functions are to homogenize the complexion, strengthen cellular defenses and restore elasticity to the skin.

58,32 £ on Doctipharma

First of all, it is important to specify that this serum is highly concentrated in vitamin C. It is not excluded that it causes you irritations if you have very sensitive skin, but do not see this as a disadvantage. On the contrary, it is this high concentration of antioxidants that is the main strength of this facial. Indeed, the combination of the 3 forms of vitamin C ensures an effective penetration of the different layers of the skin and a quick action on wrinkles and brown spots. We advise you to perform a skin test 24 hours before starting your treatment.

The benefits of this serum are guaranteed from the first use. Revitalized, your skin will appear younger and more radiant. This Tri Vita serum is to be applied in the evening on the face and neck. In order for the effects to last, the manufacturer Dermaceutic recommends using it as a 3-month treatment, after which you should take a break. If you wish, you can resume the treatment a few months later.

The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C 4
8/10

Best vitamin C serum for fragile skin

The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C

The best vitamin C serum for everyday use

The Body Shop's best-seller, this smoothing radiance serum with vitamin C will effectively relieve dull and tired complexions. From the very first days of use, your face will regain its radiance.

24 £ on Thebodyshop

This smoothing radiance serum with vitamin C is very popular with women because of the many benefits it provides. Thanks to its moisturizing and antioxidant active ingredients, the skin regains its radiance, but especially its elasticity, and this, when it needs it the most. Very rich in vitamin C, the extracts of camu-camu berries hand-picked in a part of the Amazonian forest will help you look great. Every morning, you will appear radiant and fresh.

To get the most out of this serum, it is best to use it after moisturizing your skin with a nourishing cream. This way, you will feel all its benefits. Moreover, its exquisite citrus scent will perfume you throughout the day. Attention! The ritual is different if you use this serum in the evening: instead of the morning moisturizer, use a cleansing milk instead.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best vitamin C serum

Any specific needs?

The best vitamin C serum in 2021

The best entry-level vitamin C serum

The best premium vitamin C serum

The best vitamin C serum for everyday use

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best vitamin C serums

THE BEST CHEAP HIGH END EXCELLENT
Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum 5
8/10
Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C 6
9/10
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml 7
9/10
The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum
Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml
The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C
By including this vitamin C serum in your morning or evening beauty routine, you will brighten your complexion, relax your wrinkles and erase the brown pigment spots that plague your face.
Described as a delicately refined infusion of organic and naturally derived ingredients, this Poppy Austin Vitamin C serum is a true balm for all skin types, especially those that have just been through an assault.
Somewhat different from competing products, this serum contains three different types of vitamin C whose functions are to homogenize the complexion, strengthen cellular defenses and restore elasticity to the skin.
The Body Shop's best-seller, this smoothing radiance serum with vitamin C will effectively relieve dull and tired complexions. From the very first days of use, your face will regain its radiance.
Skin types
All
Oily to Combination Skin
All skin types. Mandatory skin test 24 hours prior to treatment.
Fragile skin
Volume of the bottle
30 ml
60 ml
30 ml
30 ml
Weight of the bottle
60 g
80 g
60 g
80 g
Tips for use
1 to 2 hazelnuts to apply to targeted areas of the face. It can be applied alone or before a cream.
Pour 5-7 drops of serum onto your fingertips and massage into your pre-cleansed face.
In the morning, use this treatment after nourishing your skin with a cream.
In the morning, use this treatment after nourishing your skin with a cream.
Specific action
Lights the face and relaxes wrinkles.
Allows skin to become more radiant by stimulating collagen and neutralizing free radicals.
Revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin.
Nourishes the face in depth to make it more luminous.

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Buying guide - vitamin C serum

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How to choose your vitamin C serum

When it comes to vitamin C serum, the goal is not so much to find the product that offers the best value, but rather the one that meets the many specifics of your skin. For a successful purchase, here are the criteria you should consider.

#1 - Your skin type

This criterion is the most important to consider for a good reason. An unsuitable product will do nothing for your skin and may even damage it. The risk of irritation is high with a serum that contains too much vitamin C (too acidic). If your skin is fragile, prefer a serum with vitamin C whose ph is close to that of the skin, 4.7 in this case. If your skin is prone to dryness, choose a serum formulated with moisturizing agents. Those with oily skin will need to avoid comedogenic serums and opt for products that can tighten enlarged pores.

#2 - Your age

According to dermatologists, people who are still very young should not yet use an anti-aging skin care product enriched with vitamin C. It's true that skin doesn't produce enough collagen by the time you're in your 20s, but it's ideal to wait until your 30s to use a vitamin C serum. Another alternative vitamin C treatment is more appropriate for younger people.

#3 - The percentage of vitamin C

Generally, the composition of vitamin C in a serum is around 20%. Of course you can opt for a lower percentage if you have fragile skin. Apart from vitamin C, a serum also contains other powerful antioxidants, as is the case with vitamin A. The latter is especially known for moisturizing the skin and fighting oxidative stress.

#4 - Your goals

Vitamin C serums abound so much, there are enough to meet the expectations of both users and users. If you want a beautiful, even tone, choose a serum with ingredients that inhibit melanogenesis. On the other hand, if you simply want to rejuvenate your skin, a product composed of anti-wrinkle agents will smooth it to perfection.

#5 - The general composition

When possible, avoid products that contain paraben, silicone, mineral oil and preservatives. Even in small amounts, these substances can clog pores. In the long run, any other skincare products you use will prove ineffective which would be a shame.

Vitamin C: an essential nutrient for the skin

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the entire body. In any form, this powerful antioxidant strengthens the immune system by neutralizing the free radicals that damage the cells of the epidermis. Skin nourished with a vitamin C serum is more resistant to the oxidative stress that causes premature aging and dryness.

Of course, the benefits of this nutrient do not stop there. In addition to this basic antioxidant action, vitamin C also plays a decisive role in the creation and preservation of skin collagen. This antioxidant compensates for the production of this essential protein which is less and less secreted by the skin as soon as a person reaches their twenties. It should be noted that this enzyme naturally present in the skin is the main guarantor of the proper regeneration of tissues, but also of the skin's elasticity.

Vitamin C also effectively fights against the appearance of pigmentation spots, which are linked to the senescence of the skin. In a more concrete way, vitamin C will regulate the production and oxidation of melanin which is responsible for the brown marks which are unsightly and unpleasant to see. Without proper treatment, these marks will become permanent.

Why use a vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serum is necessary simply because the body does not naturally produce this antioxidant. We do get some of this nutrient in our diet, but only in small doses. Although we eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, these resources are not sufficient to meet the needs of the body and the skin.

The different types of vitamin C serums

Vitamin C serum offers many benefits to the skin and the body as a whole, but it is important to choose the product that best suits your needs.

Pure vitamin C serum

This category of serum contains pure vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid that easily penetrates the skin for almost instant action. In addition to improving radiance and skin texture, this product reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet. The percentage of pure vitamin in serums and other cosmetic skin care products is usually no more than 10.5%. Since this category of serum is highly concentrated in vitamin C, it is not suitable for fragile skin. Despite this, you can use it, but after performing a skin test 24 h before starting the treatment.

CG vitamin serum

Vitamin CG or ascorbyl glucoside is a robust derivative of vitamin C. Serums containing it provide antioxidant protection that is very effective in reducing the visible signs of aging on the skin. The normal percentage of vitamin CG in serums is 2%. Note that this antioxidant is widely used in facial masks for men. Due to its low vitamin C content, all women should be able to use Vitamin CG serum, regardless of their skin type. When in doubt, don't hesitate to do a skin test.

Activated vitamin C serum

As powerful as pure vitamin C, activated vitamin C is a new generation of highly effective antioxidant. The serum enriched with this nutrient penetrates deep into the skin to reduce age spots, acne marks and pigmentation blemishes. It is a key ingredient in various high-end products. While activated vitamin C serum may be effective, it's best to seek the advice of a dermatologist or perform pigment testing before using it. Vitamin C may be an essential nutrient, but it does have some contraindications.

Vitamin C serum or vitamin C cream?

Vitamin C Serum

The concentration of vitamin C in a serum is between 10 and 20%. It should not be higher, otherwise the product would be ineffective. In order for the serum to be dosed normally, manufacturers use a bottle with a leak-proof pump dispenser as a container. Even though it is a safe product, you must always respect the doses prescribed by the manufacturer, especially if you have fragile skin.

Vitamin C Cream

The vitamin C cream is a care product to be used daily on the body and face. This product generally contains a proportion of vitamin C, as well as other nutritive substances. Among the active ingredients of this cream, we find phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl which is another derivative of vitamin C.

Verdict

Even though they are both enriched with vitamin C, the serum and the cream do not act in the same way. While the vitamin C serum promotes an anti-aging effect for the face, the vitamin C cream is more of a body treatment. Nevertheless, both products are effective. It is up to you to choose the one that best meets your expectations. If you wish to use both at the same time, don't deprive yourself.

5 good reasons to use a vitamin C serum

It gives your skin a second youth
The vitamin C contained in the serum stimulates the production of collagen, which is the enzyme responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. This antioxidant also reduces the production of melanin. Acting in synergy with vitamin E, vitamin C counteracts the effects of free radicals that are generated by stress, alcohol, tobacco, UV rays and pollution.

It illuminates the skin
In addition to being a powerful anti-wrinkle, vitamin C is effective in repairing skin that has been exposed to the sun for a long time. It improves skin texture, brightens the complexion and reduces the gray complexion that is common among stressed people and heavy smokers. By adopting the right vitamin C serum, expect to have healthy glowing skin.

It prevents glycation
Vitamin C prevents glycation, which is the stiffening of elastic fibers in the skin. According to specialists, this glycation is mainly due to the excessive consumption of sugar. In addition, vitamin C is also a good protection for stem cells. After a few weeks of treatment, your dermal papillae will increase in density.

It repairs the skin in depth

The vitamin C serum oxygenates and nourishes the epidermis, which thus benefits from an acceleration of its repair process. In addition, this famous serum improves the blood circulation of the body.

It is suitable for all skin types
Whether you have dry or sensitive skin, you can use a vitamin C serum to beautify your skin. But be careful! The composition of the serum must be suitable for your skin type, otherwise the acidity of this antioxidant will burn your epidermis. If possible, do a pigment test before starting a treatment.

The best brands of vitamin C serums

In our opinion, the best brands of vitamin C serums in 2022 are :

Novexpert
Mother Nature Cosmetics
Bioniva
Florence Bio Cosmesi
Poppy Austin

Novexpert is a laboratory that has been involved in green cosmetics for almost twenty years. Its entire range of products contains only natural ingredients, including its vitamin C-enriched anti-aging skin care products.

Since its inception, Mother Nature Cosmetics has advocated the use of natural products in the manufacture of its body care and facials. Particularly popular, this manufacturer's vitamin C serum is offered at the best value.

Bioniva is an English family business whose concern is to provide its customers with natural and organic products of the highest quality. In fact, this commitment is clearly evident in the excellence of its vitamin C serum, which is one of the most highly rated products of the moment.

Very popular in Italy, Florence Bio Cosmesi is a manufacturer of cosmetics formulated from natural ingredients. Its vitamin C serum allows the skin to rejuvenate in the shortest possible time.

At Poppy Austin, the entire line of face and body care products is made entirely by women. If you want to give yourself a little rejuvenation, Poppy Austin Vitamin C Serum will help you do just that.

What is the price for a vitamin C serum

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
15 £ to 25 £
Mid-range
25 £ to 30 £
High-end
more than 30 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Use vitamin C serum in addition to a cream

Vitamin C serum is used in addition to a moisturizer or eye care product. Never replace your daily skin care with a vitamin C serum alone. You need to moisturize your skin with your cream before applying a few drops of serum.

Combine vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid

Vitamin C serum can be used in conjunction with a day or night cream enriched with hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ultra-hydrating properties. This is the best way to give you plump, radiant and healthy looking skin.

Use vitamin C serum at night

If you live in a place with a lot of sunshine, it would be wiser to use the vitamin C serum at night rather than twice a day. This will prevent you from skin damage due to strong sun exposure. If you want to use the serum twice a day at all, make sure you always moisturize well.

Do not use vitamin C serum continuously

A vitamin C serum is not used permanently. According to health experts, a course of treatment lasting a few weeks is more than enough to improve the skin texture. However, if the need arises, you can repeat this serum treatment several times during the year.

Check the quality of vitamin C serum

A vitamin C serum does not keep in a humid environment. Once you open it, the elements will damage it. If the liquid has turned brown over the weeks, it means that the vitamin C has degraded and will have lost its beneficial and antioxidant powers.

FAQ

How to use a vitamin C serum properly?

Pour 3 drops of the vitamin C serum on your face and gently massage it into your skin. You can also mix the serum with a day cream, a night cream or an express mask. For the latter, apply it to your face, leave it on for 5 min and then rinse.

At what time of day should you use a vitamin C serum?

The vitamin C serum is best applied before a moisturizer. After applying a toner to your face, add a small layer of vitamin C serum. This product is used in the morning and evening, or in the evening only if you live in a very sunny area.

Is it dangerous to use too much vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serum is not toxic to healthy adults, even when used in high doses. However, always follow the manufacturer's directions to avoid disruption of the balance of antioxidant activity in the body. Remember that the vitamin C in the serum is in a concentrated form.

At what age should you start using a vitamin C serum?

Strictly speaking, there is no age to use a vitamin C serum. However, dermatologists only recommend it after you reach your 30s. At this age, collagen production is at its lowest, hence the interest in boosting its stimulation with a vitamin C serum.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Which serum to choose for my face?, Doctipharma.fr
  2. What does vitamin C serum really do for your skin?, Movingtahiti.com
  3. Vitamin C in the skin, Letemps.ch
  4. Vitamin C serum: a miracle skin care?, Aufeminin.com
  5. The best vitamin C treatments that give radiance, Elle.fr
  6. Vitamin C to Boost my Skin, Moncornerb.com
  7. EVERYTHING ABOUT VITAMIN C - NIASHA Cosmetics, Niasha.fr
  8. Composition NOVEXPERT Vitamin C Booster - Serum all skin types, Quechoisir.org
  9. Complete file to choose your vitamin C serum., Centre-alliance.ch
  10. A vitamin mine, Journaldemontreal.com
  11. The skin benefits of Vitamins C and E, Marykay.ca
  12. Amazon.co.uk : serum vitamin c, amazon.co.uk
  13. The best vitamin C serums, monvanityideal.com
  14. Vitamin C Serum - SkinCeuticals, skinceuticals.fr
  15. The 5 best vitamin C serums for the face - DrSoleil, drsoleil.fr
  16. The Best Vitamin C Serum 2021 [Comparative] | OMG, o-m-g.fr
  17. Vitamin C Serum La Roche-Posay | Femme Actuelle Price ..., laroche-posay.fr
  18. How to use vitamin C on the face? - Beauty Blog, beauty-trips.com
  19. Nanoil - Vitamin C Facial Serum, nanoil.fr
  20. Myth or reality: the benefits of vitamin C on the ..., kiehls.fr
  21. Vitamin C Serum by MARIO BADESCU ≡ SEPHORA, sephora.fr
  22. C E Ferulic® | Vitamin C Serum | SkinCeuticals, skinceuticals.fr
  23. Vitamin C Booster - Vitamin C Novexpert - Serum, beaute-test.com
  24. Vitamin C Serum: A Miracle Skin Care, aufeminin.com
  25. Mario Badescu | Vitamin C Serum - 29 ml, nocibe.fr
  26. Vitamin C Serum 20% - A Powerful and Advanced Formula ...., amazon.co.uk
  27. 10 best vitamin C serums for better skin ..., dermatologieconferences.ca
  28. 3 ways to make vitamin C serum, fr.wikihow.com
  29. Elbbub Vitamin C Serum - Marie Claire, marieclaire.fr
  30. I test FERULIC® SkinCeuticals C E Serum (review and opinion), lessensdecapucine.com
  31. How to make vitamin C serum at home for ..., a7la-home.com
  32. Vitamin C Serum: What's the best one from 2020, focus-beaute.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum 9
Novexpert Vitamin C Booster Serum
Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C 10
Poppy Austin sérum à la vitamine C
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml 11
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 Vitamin C Serum 30ml
The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C 12
The Body Shop Smoothing Radiance Serum with Vitamin C

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