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EmerginC Vitamin C Serum
Los Angeles-based esthetician Courtney Chiusano says that she uses this 20% vitamin C serum every morning- and calls it one of her all-time favorite products, too. It contains three forms of stable vitamin C and can address many issues. She says it tightens and refines the skin texture, brightens pigmentation and works wonders for post-acne inflammation. It also calms down the redness. This serum also contains mild glycolic acid, which enhances skin’s brightness and gives it a daily glow. It is great for all skin types. “My clients love it. However, if your skin is more sensitive, you can try the 12% version,” says Chiusano.
EmerginC 20% vitamin C serum, $83.00, available at DermStore.
Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C-Ultraglican Ampoules
New York-based dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D., recommends this set of ampoules to all of her patients – not only do they contain powerful ingredients, but they’re packaged for optimum efficacy, which is just as important. She says that each dose contains vitamin C and protein stimulators for hyaluronic Acid production. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump. Each ampoule can be used for one or two treatments on the neck, chest, and face. It also has a potency that lasts for approximately 2-3 days.
Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C-Ultraglican Ampoules, .$102.00, available at Isdin.
Dermalogica Age Smart BioLumin-C Serum
“This non-greasy serum has a very stable kind of vitamin C, which means it’s well-formulated to penetrate the layers of the skin,” says dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D. It contains lactic acid, which stimulates collagen synthesis and improves skin texture. It also contains a form hyaluronic, which is extremely hydrating and has antiaging properties.
Dermalogica Age Smart BioLumin-C Serum, $87.00, available at Ulta Beauty.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
Celebrity facialist Cynthia Franco, who counts Amber Heard among her clients, loves a good multitasker, which is why she opts for this serum. It has a dual-action (and very stable!) vitamin C that brightens the skin and builds collagen. A 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic acid that can work in both the oil and water phases of skin. It also contains a unique energy complex that maximizes vitamin C to speed up repair and protection, as well as helping build collagen and brighten the skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, $78.00, available at .Sephora.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
“I use this serum for several reasons,” says Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D. To start, she likes that the formula absorbs well and has clinical studies to back its skin-brightening benefits. “I believe that the combination of antioxidants is stronger. It is a powerful color corrector, and the ferulic fights radicals and reverses the signs of aging,” she said of the serum. She calls it “potent, but usable for all skin types.” The product is also a must-have for New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. She says that vitamin C can be combined with vitamin E and ferulic to make it more stable and effective in decreasing sun spots and pigmentation. It is best to apply it every morning, as it will be able to neutralize radiation and pollution.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, PS135.00, available at SkinCeuticals.
Citrix Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Brightening Serum
Dr. Palm uses this brightener in addition to the well-loved C E Ferulic. “Both are outstanding ascorbic acid serums, with stable forms of vitamin C at an effective dose,” she says. Both serums contain brightening ingredients as well as vitamin E (vitamin E), which are powerful antioxidants.
Citrix Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Brightening Serum, $114.00, available at DermStore.
Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%
Vitamin C-heavy products can cause skin to turn an unattractive orange tone. Miami-based derm .S. Manjula Jegasothy M.D. avoids this issue by using this formulation. She says, “It’s great for darker skin types since it doesn’t dye my skin.” She loves the fact that it moisturizes without making her breakout or releasing a weird scent like some other serums.
Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%, .$102.00, .available at DermStore.
Phyto-C skin care E C serum
“This serum combines vitamins C and E along with other bioflavonoids to give synergistic antioxidant benefits,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., who names this serum as his favorite. He is optimistic about a new formula, however. “I just bought Allies Skin Vitamin C 35% Collagen Repair Serum. And I’m excited about that,” he said. “It contains the highest amount of vitamin C I have ever seen in a serum and it comes in an anhydrous container which means that it doesn’t contain water, which enhances the product’s stability.”
Phyto-C Skin Care E in C Serum, $63.00, available at Phyto-C Skin Care.
Rodial Vitamin C Drops
Vitamin C serums can be very potent, but they can dry out your skin. This Rodial formula is the best if you want to achieve the same brightening effects as a powerful formula but without leaving your skin feeling like sandpaper. This formula contains 6 percent vitamin A and tons of nourishing oils to keep your skin hydrated. It quickly melts in your skin when you warm it up with your hands and leaves behind a visible glow. What’s the best thing? It doesn’t have a strong metal-like scent and won’t last all day.
Rodial Rodial Vitamin C Drops, $89.00, available at Space NK.
