6 Best Vitamin C Serums For Acne-Prone Skin
1. Best Overall: Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum
The Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum has a silky, light yellow formula loaded with antioxidants that prevent UV ray damage while repairing damaged skin. It is enriched with 5% hyaluronic acid and 2% retinol. It hydrates the skin, boosts collagen, and slows down the process of aging. Further, the 3.5% niacinamide soothes troubled skin, reduces inflammation, minimizes red spots, and evens the complexion. The 2% salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and eliminates pimples and other skin breakouts, offering flawless skin. It also has a tea tree oil fragrance that will invigorate your senses. Pros
Botanical ingredients Anti-aging Absorbs quickly Cruelty-free No greasy residue Mild fragrance
Cons None
2. Best Budget-Friendly: Neoprosone Brightening Serum
The Neoprosone Brightening Serum has potent ingredients to eliminate skin discoloration like freckles, acne spots, hormonal discoloration, brown spots, etc. It consists of ingredients like alpha arbutin, which reduces melanin production in the skin, and therefore the appearance of sunspots and discolored patches. In addition, castor oil hydrates the skin while giving a natural glow to the skin. The vitamin C in the formula is rich in antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and enhance skin radiance. Pros
A little bit goes a long way Suitable for all skin types Visible results in two weeks Budget-friendly
Cons
Might leave an oily residue
3. Best Fragrance-Free: Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus
The Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus is a multi-beneficial serum formulated with highly potent ingredients like vitamin c, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. It minimizes the appearance of uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Retinol boosts collagen synthesis and accelerates the cell regeneration process. Its advanced formula is a blend of synthetic and natural ingredients that do not disrupt the normal physiological process. It gives smoother and youthful skin with regular use. Pros
Lightweight Vegan Dermatologically tested Paraben-free Gluten-free Fragrance-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Expensive
4. Best Hydrating: Cos De BAHA VA Vitamin C 15 Serum
The Cos De BAHA VA Vitamin C 15 Serum offers vitamin C in its purest form. It fights pigmentation and reduces the production of melanin. The combination of vitamin C and B5 eliminates common signs of aging like saggy skin, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sunspots. At the same time, hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin and improves its ability to retain moisture. Naturally, you always look radiant and rejuvenated. Furthermore, the serum promotes even-toned skin. Pros
Paraben-free Alcohol-free Gluten-free Formaldehyde-free Fragrance-free Sulfate-free Oil-free Nut-free Artificial color-free
Cons
The shelf-life is only six months
5. Best Soothing: Cell Factory Vita Hemp Cell Energy Ampoule
The Cell Factory Vita Hemp Cell Energy Ampoule has anti-inflammatory properties that improve skin resilience. The multivitamin complex of vitamins A, B3, C, and E strengthens your skin barrier and improves the healing process. The hemp oil in this formula improves skin texture and skin tone while reducing hyperpigmentation. It is lightweight with a watery consistency that penetrates deeply, instantly. It controls oil production and restores the lost moisture without clogging pores. Pros
Natural ingredients Non-sticky Non-greasy Quick absorbing
Cons
Expensive
6. Best Organic: Total Activation Vitamin C Serum
The Total Activation Vitamin C Serum is a botanical formulation that targets breakouts and signs of aging. The vitamin C-enriched formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving any oily residue. In addition, the aloe vera and fruits extracts rejuvenate the skin to make it smooth, soft, and youthful. Further, it hydrates your skin and improves skin tone. It also reduces skin breakouts for brighter, fresher-looking skin. Pros
Natural ingredients Cruelty-free Paraben-free Vegan
Cons
Takes a while to show results
Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins in our body and is available in many natural foods we consume. The main challenge is that these types of Vitamin C are not easily absorbable to the skin. That’s why using a Vitamin C serum could be helpful. Read below in detail how you can benefit from using a Vitamin C serum.
Why Use A Vitamin C Serum For Acne?
Fights Inflammation: Vitamin C is capable of calming the immune system and lessening inflammatory chemicals. It also aids in the regulation and balancing of the skin to prevent redness and inflammation.
Lighten Pigmentation And Scars: Vitamin C triggers the syntheses of collagen and elastin. As a result, it will rejuvenate the skin, lightening pigmentation and scars. Furthermore, Vitamin C hinders tyrosinase production, an enzyme responsible for synthesizing skin pigments.
Prevents Breakouts: When your skin is exposed to free radicals from environmental pollution or UV rays, you may experience breakouts. However, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes these free radicals, thus preventing breakouts.
Acne-prone skin is usually characterized by inflammation, redness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, among other skin imperfections. Therefore, to remedy that, you should choose a serum that is highly effective in tackling those. Consider the factors mentioned below.
How To Choose The Best Vitamin C Serum For Acne-Prone Skin
Concentration: Vitamin C has antioxidant properties if its concentration is between 8% and 20%. If your serum has a higher concentration within the range, it will be more potent.
Other Ingredients: The potency of vitamin C, when combined with other antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid, increases, and so do its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, when combined with vitamin C, some natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel will soothe and relieve acne-inflamed skin better. Look for such skin-friendly ingredients in the formula.
pH Value: If you are applying a vitamin C serum for oily, acne-prone skin topically, it requires a pH value of less than 4 to be absorbed into the skin. Therefore, always confirm that the added ingredients can work well within this PH value.
If you are looking to restore the youthfulness of your facial skin you need the best vitamin C serum, especially if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin. These serums are versatile because, besides their anti-inflammatory properties, they also address skin concerns like dark spots, hyperpigmentation, reduce signs of aging, and combat free radicals. Regular use of this serum will brighten dull skin. Consider the pH value, concentration, and go through other ingredients while choosing the best vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach, and each of the products mentioned above has been carefully reviewed by her. She has gone through thousands of user reviews and product guidelines while curating the list. These vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin have gentle formulas and deliver promising results with regular use. Make sure you choose the right vitamin C serum for your skin type and needs to get the maximum benefits. Check out the below infographic for more details! Does vitamin C cause acne breakout? No. Vitamin C does not cause acne breakouts on the skin. It is a potent ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that eliminates acne-causing germs while minimizing redness. However, if you are a newbie and use a high-dose serum, you may have sensitivity. Can we use vitamin C serum for oily acne-prone skin? Yes, you can use vitamin C serum for oily and acne-prone skin. In fact, vitamin C serum is lightweight and has great antioxidants perfect for this skin type. When should you not use vitamin C serum? Never use vitamin C serum on damp skin. Always apply it to dry skin. It is acidic and contact with water may neutralize its efficacy. Can vitamin C serum clog pores? No. Vitamin C serums are usually lightweight and water-based which does not clog your pores. Do I need a moisturizer after vitamin C serum? Yes, use a water-based moisturizer after vitamin C serum to help seal all the goodness of the serum and strengthen your skin barrier. How long does it take for vitamin C serum to work? Vitamin C serum takes a while to show visible results on acne-prone skin, but the results are long-lasting. You can expect to see changes in 4-12 weeks.
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