To quell your inflamed, maturing skin against its environmental stressors, TruSkin’s serum contains a trifecta of redness- and inflammation-reducing ingredients, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stabilized form of vitamin C), antioxidant vitamin E, aloe vera, and an anti-inflammatory sulfur derivative called MSM.
Key ingredients: vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), vitamin E, aloe vera, MSM, hyaluronic acid | Skin type it’s best for: inflamed skin, sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes | Size: 1 fluid ounce
Best for Hyperpigmentation: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
Why it’s worth it: Sure, the BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner is packed with 20% L-ascorbic acid, but that’s not the only brightening antioxidant it treats your skin with. It’s the ultimate hyperpigmentation reducer for its combination of pure vitamin C and green tea extract, which contains a slew of antioxidants to perk up your complexion. Tartaric acid, an intensive alpha-hydroxy acid, also deserves a shoutout for its ability to tighten, brighten, and even your overall complexion.
Key ingredients: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 20%), green tea extract, squalane, tartaric acid | Skin type it’s best for: those with discoloration | Fragrance-free: yes | Size: 1 fluid ounce
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
Why it’s worth it: Before your initial application of the Best of Beauty Award-winning Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, mix the liquid serum base with the 15% vitamin C formula to ensure maximum potency. In addition to minimizing the effects of UV damage, this serum also features pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract—both of which help to dissolve dead skin cells, thus reducing the appearance of pores, acne, and overall dullness.
Tester feedback: According to senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen, the thin, fluid texture spreads easily and sinks in quickly, leaving behind a brighter complexion and a slight dew after a few uses. Keep in mind: It does have a bitter smell, but it’s so subtle that you might not notice.
Key ingredients: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 15%), vitamin E (1%), ferulic acid (0.5%), pumpkin ferment extract | Skin type it’s best for: people who want the freshest possible formula | Fragrance-free: yes | Size: 0.94 fluid ounces
Most Intensive Formula: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Why it’s worth it: Revision Skincare is a favorite of dermatologists we’ve talked to over the years. Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, told us that it’s her go-to vitamin C product because it contains a max-strength concentration of THD ascorbate, a pure, highly stable form of vitamin C. Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, has also used it for years. “I love that it’s formulated with 30% pure vitamin C and also contains patent-pending MelaPATH technology, making it one of the most advanced vitamin C products on the market,” she previously called out. MelaPATH technology, a proprietary mixture of antioxidants, reportedly boosts the skin’s production of vitamins C and E.