Vitamin C<\/a> is popularly known for its brightening effects, but this potent ingredient does more than give your skin megawatt shine. As such, it\u2019s been prominently featured in virtually almost every skincare brand\u2019s assortment and is part of millions of skincare routines. But every skincare ingredient has its caveats. Vitamin C isn\u2019t always formulated the same way and there are multiple types of vitamin C used in products. So before you purchase vitamin C skincare, it\u2019s important to know what to look for.<\/p>\n Below, we spoke to three skincare experts on everything there is to know about vitamin C skincare\u2014from the different forms of vitamin C on the market to the benefits and potential side effects of using it. Plus, keep scrolling to find 14 of the best vitamin C skincare products that\u2019ll take your skin to the next level.<\/p>\n Many of you likely grew up being told to drink their orange juice to get a healthy dose of vitamin C, and while it\u2019s certainly healthy to drink the antioxidant to boost cell function in the body, it\u2019s a little different when we talk about it through the lens of skincare<\/a>.<\/p>\n As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C acts to protect the skin from free radicals. It\u2019s commonly found in fruits and vegetables, but most of the vitamin C used in skincare products is created synthetically to ensure optimal safety and stability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Keep blemishes at bay while boosting radiance with this oil-free formula. It uses 15 percent l-ascorbic acid in tandem with <\/span>salicylic acid<\/span><\/a>, a beta-hydroxy acid known to smooth out uneven texture and both treat and prevent acne. It also blends silymarin, a plant-derived milk thistle that prevents oxidation, with ferulic acid to keep the vitamin C stable so you can use it longer with effective results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Size:\u00a0<\/strong>1oz<\/p>\n Key ingredients: <\/strong>15% l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), salicylic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons: <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n This fast-absorbing vitamin C marries the brightening ingredient with collagen-boosting peptides for a youthful glow. Apart from effectively boosting radiance, this formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic, which means it won\u2019t clog your pores.<\/span><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 1oz<\/p>\n Key ingredients:<\/strong> Peptides, licorice root extract, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (vitamin C)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Dr. Mraz touts this award-winning pick as one of her favorites, and for good reason. \u201cThe serum defends against free radicals and the visible effects of skin aging from the environment, including UV light, blue light, and pollution,\u201d she begins. \u201cVitamin C sits alongside vitamin E and 17 other antioxidants to address skin vitality, the appearance of skin tone, texture, and pigmentation.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>1oz<\/p>\n Key ingredients:<\/strong> Coffee, licorice extract, vitamins C&E, superfood extracts (acai, turmeric, green tea, and more)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <!– –><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n CeraVe is known for its ceramide-rich formulas that help replenish the skin barrier and are suitable for even super-sensitive skin\u2014and this vitamin C serum is no different. It uses 10 percent l-ascorbic acid to brighten without pushing the limits of sensitive skin types, and blends it with three different types of ceramides to restore, moisturize, and protect your complexion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>1oz<\/p>\n Key ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong>10% l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), glycerin, ceramides<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Keep skin bright and plump by combining two of the most popular skincare ingredients on the market: vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The two pair beautifully together to deliver high-performing and quick results, so this serum will have your skin looking healthier in no time. Plus, this product also has the Credo clean beauty seal of approval,<\/a> meaning it uses the cleanest of ingredients that are good for your skin and the planet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Size:\u00a0<\/strong>1oz<\/p>\n Key ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong>Vitamins C&E, hyaluronic acid, squalane, orange blossom water<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\nThe best vitamin C skincare products, at a glance:<\/h2>\n
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What is vitamin C?<\/h2>\n
Shop 14 of the best vitamin C skincare products<\/h2>\n
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