The best vitamin C serums and products, recommended by dermatologists

Dr. Schlessinger’s 2024 vitamin C picks

Respected by dermatologists for its backed-by-science benefits for the skin, vitamin C skin care stands out as a versatile antioxidant, found in many formulas that are suitable for skin of all types. In this video outlining the best vitamin C serums recommended by dermatologists, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon discusses his top vitamin C skin care picks and discusses how they play a crucial role in reducing the initial signs of aging, including wrinkles, dark spots and more.

The best vitamin C serums and products, recommended by dermatologists

Discover Dr. Schlessinger's vitamin C skin care picks for 2024, and learn about the distinct qualities that set them apart from the rest:

LovelySkin LUXE Vita-CE with Ferulic Acid – This dermatologist recommended vitamin C serum has been crafted with a blend of 15% ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, offering enhanced defense against photodamage. It features a unique trans-epidermal carrier that ensures an octapeptide blend deeply infuses into the skin, diminishing wrinkle depth by 63% within just 28 days of application.

LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild – This gentle yet effective exfoliating gel promotes cell regeneration with its unique ingredient complex, afaLUXE™, which combines vitamin C with Dead Sea minerals and amino-based filaggrin antioxidants. It aids in natural skin exfoliation and cellular renewal, enhances collagen production and strengthens the skin's protective barrier. Despite its potent ingredients, the formula is gentle, effectively eliminating dead skin cells, reducing the visibility of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

ALASTIN Skincare C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum – This formula uniquely blends sodium ascorbate, a stable version of vitamin C, with green tea and other proven antioxidants, diminishing the impact of free radicals by as much as 74%. The standout feature of this dermatologist recommended vitamin C serum is the encapsulation of vitamin C, preserving its potency and enhancing its skin absorption rate by twenty times.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum – Known as the #1 dermatologist recommended vitamin C serum, C E Ferulic combines 15% L-Ascorbic acid, the most popular form of vitamin C, with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, lessening the impact of UV rays, ozone, and diesel exhaust by up to 41%. It is ideally suited for normal, dry or sensitive skin and maintains its efficacy for at least 72 hours post-absorption.

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% - This facial lotion uses a potent 30% concentration of vitamin C, designed to safeguard the skin, even out skin tone and reduce fine lines. Additionally, it features the innovative MelaPATH Technology and prebiotics, aiming to bolster the skin's protective microbiome—crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin's barrier.

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% - This formulation blends two types of vitamin C—L-ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside—known for their superior absorption, penetrating the skin five times more effectively than other serums. Perfect for normal to oily skin, it also incorporates hyaluronic acid to provide extra hydration.

Wondering if you can use your other favorite skin care ingredients with vitamin C? Check out the LovelySkin blog to learn more about pairing:

• Vitamin C and niacinamide
• Retinol and vitamin C
• Glycolic acid and vitamin C

Shop more recommended products handpicked by our dermatologists:

• Dermatologist-recommended skin care
• Top skin care products