The 5 Best Vitamin-C Serums To Brighten & Even Your Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists

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As we age, so does our skin. For those with mature skin, these changes aren’t likely to suddenly disappear any time soon as thinning, wrinkling, and sagging skin are all parts of the natural aging process. If this is the case for you, we suggest investing in skincare that’s ideal for your skin. A vitamin C serum, for instance, is a popular choice for its various skin-boosting properties. In fact, we spoke to a dermatologist who explained how a vitamin C serum can help you age gracefully.

How does Vitamin C affect our skin?

First, let’s talk about what exactly vitamin C does for your skin. Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, a board-certified dermatologist, told SheKnows that vitamin C is a skincare powerhouse. “It can help to fight and even reverse free radical damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and other environmental aggressors,” she said. Those free radicals cause damage to our skin in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, dark spots, and more. A vitamin C serum treats and prevents these harmful effects by reducing the oxidative stress on the skin, which is known for leading to premature aging, per Dr. LoGerfo.

In addition to protecting skin, it also offers many more benefits for your skin’s health. This potent antioxidant can improve the following in your complexion: boost collagen, reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, protect against environmental stressors, and retain moisture. Not to mention, give your skin a nice glow.

Dr. Lo Gerfo adds that the increase in collagen production helps to keep your skin looking firmer and healthy. So, in other words, you can finally say goodbye to less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, she mentions that Vitamin C will lighten your sunspots, age spots, and melasma for a smoother appearance over time.

What to look for in a Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serums are usually made to deliver a radiant and more even-toned complexion. When it comes to ingredients, you should be careful with the concentration level of vitamin C to avoid any irritation. Dr. LoGerfo says, “To be effective in most cases, the concentration should be higher than 8%. Most reputable vitamin C products are in the range of 10-20%. Vitamin C preparations above 20% do not increase the efficacy and can cause irritation.”

In terms of forms, dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy Rose recommends L-ascorbic acid and THD vitamin C. “They are two of the best forms of vitamin C due to their high [effectiveness] in the skin. Look for serums that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients to help your skin tolerate the sometimes irritating vitamin C.”

We’ve gathered a few dermatologist-approved options below to get you started. Check out picks from brands like La Roche Posay, Skinceuticals, Biossance, and more that will transform your skin. We bet your skin will have its best glow-up yet.

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

Looking for an affordable option? Check out TruSkin’s Vitamin C Serum which has over 91,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. It’s formulated with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a very stable form of Vitamin C that maintains its effectiveness for longer. The gentle formula promotes a brighter and calmer complexion.

One reviewer said, “What really stands out is the radiant glow this serum imparts. My skin looks brighter, fresher, and noticeably more even-toned. Any signs of dullness or fatigue are replaced by a luminous, healthy-looking complexion.”

It’s available to shop at Amazon and Target.

La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

La Roche Posay’s Vitamin C Serum does double duty for both your face and neck. It hydrates, smooths wrinkles, and enhances your skin’s radiance. Additionally, the serum is concentrated with 10% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, and neurosensine which is suitable for sensitive skin.

One reviewer said, “The vitamin C serum really helped brighten my skin and give it more radiance but also evening out my texture. Overall a nice vitamin C product.”

It’s available at La Roche Posay, Target, Amazon, and Ulta.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil

If you want to imitate Reese Witherspoon’s sunny glow, then try her favorite Vitamin C-infused oil from Biossance. The Squalane + Vitamin C Oil adds a shine to your mature skin while improving its firmness. It features THD Ascorbate, which is an advanced yet stable form of Vitamin C.

One reviewer said, “I noticed a huge difference in the texture and brightness of my skin within a few weeks of using it. It has also helped with some scarring from acne.”

It’s available to shop at Sephora and Amazon.

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

Amp up your Vitamin C concentration with Paula Choice’s C15 Super Booster. It contains 15% pure Vitamin C that tackles uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dullness, discoloration, dark spots, and post-acne marks. And the best part? It’s 20% off until September 4th at Paula Choice’s Labor Day Sale.

One reviewer said, “I am 50 and have sunspots and have tried so many pricey serums and treatments. This stuff is the real deal, I keep looking thinking I’m missing something that the spots can be lightening so much, but they are.”

It’s available to shop at Paula’s Choice, Amazon, and Sephora.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum 

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum may be a splurge, but this $182 product is worth the investment. A slew of celebrities like Brooke Shields, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Gwyneth Paltrow are fans of this super serum for good reason. It’s blended with a combination of ferulic acid and pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) and E to boost your skin’s protection against free radicals that damage the skin. This cult-loved serum also helps to tighten, fade lines, and brighten your face.

One reviewer said, “This is hands down the best vitamin C serum I’ve used […]. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is the only product that has made a difference in my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The texture goes on smoothly and is absorbed by my skin quickly, making it easy to integrate into my routine.”

It’s available to shop at SkinCeuticals and Dermstore.