9 of the best vitamin C serums — according to dermatologists

Shopping for the best vitamin c serum is about as tricky as finding your soulmate, there are all these rules - is the bottle air tight, never opt for a jar, wait three days before texting back... It's stressful. But when you're dealing with such a potent ingredient, it's better to play it safe then waste your money on a formula that does nothing for your skin.

And it’s worth the hunt, trust us. When you find the right one it fits seamlessly into your life and makes everything better, literally like your skincare soulmate. It’s super-ingredient that derms usually rave about incorporating into your skincare routine. “Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants. By protecting the skin, it plays an important part in skin regeneration and supports the production of collagen and elastin,” says Dr Justine Hextall. “The other major benefit of vitamin C is its skin brightening properties.”

Pick the best serum, and it can have a huge impact on the overall health of your complexion. Yep, vitamin c is pretty much a magic ingredient – not only does vitamin c help strengthen the skin, but it can also help refine texture issues and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Pretty awesome, huh?

That's why we’ve decided to hit up the people that know skin care better than anyone, the UK's very best dermatologists. Yep, we reached out to a few of the country's most in-demand skin doctors, to find out which vitamin C serums they recommend. Here's what they had to say...

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“I love Vitamin C10 from La Roche-Posay as it is so easily tolerated by so many. It is created with sensitive skin in mind, the 10% concentration means you’ll reap all of the rewards from Vitamin C with downtime that you may get with stronger formulas. Vitamin C10 also has a small amount of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to soothe,” says Dr Justine Hextall

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"I always recommend Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. It's a highly potent antioxidant product combining a high strength Vitamin C with additional anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. The formula is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, so it's perfect for layering on over sunscreen and under make-up." Says Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong.

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“Vitamin C serums can be irritating and clinical-strength serums may not be suitable for those clients I see who present with very sensitive skin, who may suffer with eczema, psoriasis, inflammation or dermatitis," says Emma Coleman, dermatology & aesthetic RGN. "It’s always good to have options for different patient groups. I like this natural serum by John Masters.”

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“This lightweight serum, which combines vitamin E and the equivalent of 15% vitamin C, acts as a barrier to daily skin insults such as UV rays and city pollution. It brightens the skin and reduces the onset of dark spots and wrinkles, even better, it’s non-comedogenic so doesn’t increase the risk of breakouts.” Says Dr Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist.

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"Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Skin Brightening Corrector contains L-Ascorbic Acid which is a pure form of vitamin C. L-Ascorbic acid has been shown to improve pigmentation as well as acting as an effective antioxidant. With good clinical data and a decent price point it’s a great addition to an anti-ageing skincare routine." Explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.

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"Vitamin C is an important ingredient for women to look out for in their 20's. Not only does it help protect the skin from sun damage which can cause premature wrinkles, but it also promotes collagen production and evens out the skin tone, so it's great for keeping your complexion looking younger for longer." Says Dr Preema Vig of the Dr Preema London Clinic.

"I use the iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum Advance+ which features scientifically advanced Vitamin C time release technology in a 15% concentration - it delivers anti-oxidant protection and exceptional healing properties." Says Dr Preema.

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"I'm a big fan of the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF serum. It contains 10% l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c), 2% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid and this combination makes for brilliant antioxidant protection. It also has an excellent track record and you will find many Dermatologists globally citing it as their favourite." Says Dr Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist.

"Pure Vitamin C is oxidised when in contact with air or moisture. Once vitamin C is oxidised, it turns a darker yellow or brown. This means it is no longer active or effective. Therefore the best vitamins C is one that is formulated and stored properly to keep it’s potency. It must be dry and in a vacuum-sealed bottle or tube. I’m a big fan of ZO C-Bright for these reasons. It provides a potent dose of pure vitamin C that is stabilised to brighten and re-texturise the skin." Says Dr Tatiana Lapa, founder and medical director of the Dr Tatiana Clinic.

(Only available through a professional dermatologist)

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"AlumierMD EverActive C&E, is a high strength Vitamin C (15%) and E Serum. This is a highly potent antioxidant serum that works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles revealing revitalised skin. It contains the highest grade of Vitamin C available, and the antioxidants neutralise free radicals and protect against UV damage, whilst also strengthening and brightening the skin." Explains Dr Pamela Benito.

"Many Vitamin C serums oxidize in their bottles, turning into a brownish colour when they are on the shelf or at home. When oxidized, the Vitamin C is no longer beneficial for the skin. EverActive C&E stays fresh and active because you only mix the Vitamin C into the serum when you are ready to use it."

(Only available through a professional dermatologist)

Where to buy