Best budget vitamin-C serum
Contains L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E | 15 percent vitamin C | Translucent amber bottle
For a more budget-friendly option, there’s Maelove’s Glow Maker, which has been touted as a C E Ferulic dupe. This serum has long been a cult favorite, beloved by everyone from the Cut’s Kathleen Hou to skin-care vloggers to Opening Ceremony employee Bettina Cho, whom Hou says “has a knack for discovering beauty products.” It also comes recommended by Russak, who likes that it has a “straightforward formula” that nourishes the skin. In addition to containing L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, it contains vitamin E (great for hyperpigmentation) and hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin to hold onto hydration. According to Hou, it’s also a bit thinner and less sticky, which makes it easier to spread and even more seamless under makeup or other skin-care products.
Best extra-strength vitamin-C serum
If your skin has been proven to handle high amounts of vitamin C without irritation, then this lightweight serum from PCA Skin is a good next step. It contains 20 percent L-ascorbic acid along with pure vitamin E and other antioxidants that help with aging and free radicals. Despite the high concentration of active ingredients, it’s very lightweight and nourishing. Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi loves the PCA Skin C&E Advanced Serum because the lightweight serum can “easily integrate into a skin-care regimen” and doesn’t “cause irritation.”
