How To Find The Right Natural Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is crucial to healthy skin and has some fantastic benefits when applied topically. Clearer, brighter skin? You got it! Faded spots and acne scars? Better skin texture? Yes and yes! It even works to protect your skin against everyday stressors. So it’s no surprise that many skincare experts recommend adding a natural vitamin C serum to your routine.

There is a lot to choose from, so today I’m sharing some of the best options (in my opinion). These all have clean ingredients and work well.

Vitamin C Glossary

Which form of vitamin C works best is hotly debated, but here is a breakdown of some of the common ones:

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate– Touted as the best by some experts, this has proven to be very stable, unlike other forms. It’s oil-based and has been shown to absorb into skin deeply. Studies have also shown that it converts to a very usable L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C.

Ascorbyl Palmitate– A stable and less irritating form of vitamin C than some. However, some studies have shown this to not be as potent as L-ascorbic acid.

L-ascorbic acid– While shown to be one of the most potent and most usable forms of vitamin C for skincare, it’s also extremely unstable. It also happens to be irritating so sensitive skin types should use the lowest percentage.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate– A water-soluble form of vitamin C, it’s gentler and more stable than L-ascorbic acid. Most studies have shown it’s slightly less effective as well, though since it is so well tolerated, it’s a better option for some.

Natural Vitamin C Serums

Water-based Serums

These layer well with any other products in your routine and are a good option for those looking for lightweight options.

Maya Chia Super Lift– As per usual, Maya Chia packed the good stuff in here! It has 3 combined forms of vitamin C, including tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. This also has some powerful antioxidants, as well as ingredients to depuff, lift, and smooth your skin. $110

Free + True Bright Side Serum– While this does have some moisturizing oils, it’s most similar to a lighter, water-based serum. This has vitamin C in the form of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. $72

Ursa Major Brighten Up– A very hydrating serum that makes a great first layer under a moisturizer. It’s super light and absorbs right in. It uses ascorbic acid peptides. $56

Alpyn Beauty Bearberry & Vitamin C Glow Serum– This has a luminous glow and it’s very lightweight and silky when applied. It uses a form of ascorbic acid. This also includes ingredients like zinc and lactic acid to improve skin. $59

LILFOX Haute C Brightening Serum– This is a really lovely formula with a nice slightly subtle citrus scent. It absorbs well and uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. $125

Oil-based Serums

These offer more moisture and in some cases can replace your moisturizer.

Pleni The Day Squad Serum– Love this multi-tasker! This is moisturizing enough that I do not layer anything else with it. You can always use an extra moisturizer if you feel you need one. This uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate along with tomato fruit extract that offers extra protection during the day. $48 Discount code MAISONPUR20

One Love Organics– One of the first vitamin C serums I tried! This is oil-based but super light. After you pat it in you can layer your usual moisturizer on top. It uses ascorbyl palmitate. $75

Tinted Serum

Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40– This is really unique. While it has plenty of ingredients to treat skin, this is applied last, unlike traditional serums. It comes in 3 shades and I’ve found it to blend really well for having such a high SPF. You’ll find ascorbic acid as the vitamin C here. $64