10 Best Vitamin C Serums For Acne-Prone Skin

This is what we are here to explain.  

What is Vitamin C? 

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in water and is used by the body’s tissues. However, as it is not stored like fats, it must be taken daily to reap its💖 benefits. Vitamin C is often found in citrus fruits as well as other foods like bell peppers and strawberries, but we are he👍re to discuss its topical benefits, not nutrition. 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. This means𓆉 that it is a very stable molecule, stable enough to donate a spare electron to other molecules, specifically free radicals. Free radicals are a reactive oxygen species with an unpaired electron, which is what makes them so reactive. Free radicals want to be stable, which means gaining an additional electron to pair with their unpaired electron. This means they will readily combine with the first molecule willing to give them one, thus creating a chemical reaction. Generally speaking, chemical reactions with oxygen molecules tend to lead to oxidation, erosion, and rusting. That’s kind of what’s happening in the body. However, we can slow down that erosion caused by the free radicals by introducing plenty of antioxidants willing to pair with the free radicals and slow down the aging of our body. When used topically, vitamin C helps protect the skin from these free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process. Furthermore, studies have shown that its antioxidant properties also increase the effectiveness of sunscreen when laye👍red over vitamin C creams and serums. This is not a replacement for sunscreen by any means but we encourage consumers to apply vitamin C serums in the morning to maximize the benefits of their products. 

Furthermore, vitamin C is a coenzyme for the production of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in our body and🧜 the stuff that makes up our skin. This means that vitamin C acts as a catalyst for collagen production, which strengthens the collagen fibers in your skin, providing it with strength and structure. This is where vitamin C’s anti-aging capabilities come into play, as all of this helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as scarring, by tightening and strengthening the skin. 

Lastly, Vitamin C’s brightening benefits come from its relationship with tyrosinase, a bright, luminating enzyme that is critical in the pigmentation pathway and is the f🅘irst step towards melanin production. Melanin provides color to the skin, and is created by specific skin cells called melanocytes. Due to vitamin C’s antioxidant capabilities, it indirectly inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, thus limiting the production of melanin. This is how vitamin C reduces the appearance of dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation; all of which are caused by or associated with melanin production. 

When looking deeper into theꦕ chemistry behind vitamin C, all of its 🐲benefits aren’t as disconnected as previously perceived. Essentially, they come from how vitamin C reacts with different molecules and proteins that make up our skin. 

How Does One Find Good Vitamin C Serums? 

Vitamin C serums are best stored in light-sealed containers. Remember all of that stuff we said about electrons and free radicals? Well, vitamin C ca📖n be a bit finicky and when stored in clear containers, it can become oxidized through contact with the air as well as sunlight, thus making the serums less potent or completely destabilized. Usual💦ly, this results in the serums becoming a dark yellow or brown color, as most are a bright golden yellow, although several serums on this list are clear or even pink. Overall, if the serum is visibly a different color, it may have gone bad. 

Vitamin C comes in many forms, and many will say to buy vitamin C serums with L-ascorbic acid as it is the most potent and effective. This is true, howev🔯er, this article was written for those with acne-prone skin and we prefer serums with lower concentrations of or no ascorbic acid. Instead, we’ll look towards gentler serums with ascorbyl glucoside or magnesium ascorbyl acid. High potency doesn’t automatically mean better, and vitamin C can be just as effective in other forms and concentrations. 

It is also important to note that vitamin C cannot get rid of acne. It can do wonders for acne-prone skin by diminishing the appearance of blemishes, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, but other ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur are needed to take care of acne. However - do not mix or layer vitamin C with benz💧oy🌜l peroxide or acids such as AHAs and BHAs including salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and more. This is because vitamin C is very acidic by nature, and too much acid on your face can mess up the pH of the skin and do more harm than good. Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide will end up oxidizing the vitamin C, thus nullifying both of the ingredient’s effects. It is best to use vitamin C in the morning and the other active ingredients at night, unless they have been combined safely in one product. 

Will Vitamin C Irritate Acne-Prone Skin? 

Ironically enough, for all of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C can act as a pro-oxidant in the right circumstances. For example, when it comes into contact with iron, which is in our blood, it can encourage free radicals to proliferate and cause the bacteria in your acneꦉ to spread and worsen. For those of us with very active acne or inflamed, broken skin, vitamin C should be shelved for a day where the acne is under control and the skin healed. 

Despite the potential consequences of using vitamin C on acne-prone skin, when used correctly —by using gentle formulations and not layering with acids— it can do wonders. All the red and brown spots littering your cheeks and chin and🍸 forehead can finally disappear. That is why we put together a list of the 10 best vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin. We hope it will help consumers navigate the many vitamin C products out there, and determine what will best treat your acne-prone skin. 

1.  

For those who have already found their ಞholy grail acne treatment, trying a new product can seem like too much of a risk. That is why the serum topping our list of the 10 best vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin is meant to add to your skincare routine and take nothing away. Simplicity is often best, and Blu Atlas’ Vitamin C Serum proves it well. 

This serum was designed to improve the appearance of dark spots such as acne scars while developing smoother, more radiant, and more even skin tone in its place. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. This concentrated formula is rich in antioxidants with the usage of ascorbic acid, vitamin E in the form of tocopheryl acetate, ferulic acid, pyru𒊎s malus (apple) fruit extract, and mulberry root extract which greatly protects the skin from free radicals and prevents those acne scars from worsening beneath the sun’s gaze. It also contains great humectants such as hyaluronic acid and apple fruit extract which helps skin absorb more moisture from the products that follow this serum in your skincare routine, thus keeping the skin plump and hydrated. Despite the potent form of vitamin C used —ascorbic acid—, the presence of vitamin E, aloe vera, and mulberry root helps soothe the skin and prevent the ascorbic acid from irritating your acne-prone or sensitive skin. It's no wonder why this topped our list. 

2. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum      

One look at the name and it’s rather obvious why this product is runner up. Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Serum utilizes a masterful combo of salicylic acid and vit🍨amin C to not only take care of acne scars, but the acne itself! Similar to the kit: (F) A.C.E Serum, this product is a two-in-one combo, combining acne treatment with vitamin C serums, making your skincare routine a bit easier and a bit cheaper in the long run. 

Not only does this serum brighten the skin, diminish acne scars, and provide antioxidant protection as seen with every ꦬoption on our list, the addition of salicylic acid, the famous anti-inflammatory beta-hydroxy-acid (BHA), exfoliate𓄧s the skin, unclogs pores, and gets rid of blemishes. This product is so good, what else is there to say? 

It is important to note that salicylic acid is best for tackling blackhe🗹ads and whiteheads; those with cystic acne or pustules should look towards other ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or those prescribed by a dermatologist likꦯe hormonal prescriptions and Accutane (which is, simply put, high concentrations of vitamin A ingested). Furthermore, for those new to salicylic acid, expect purging for up to six weeks, but be assured that clear skies lie ahead. 

3. kit: (F) A.C.E Serum 

Generally speaking, retinol and vitamin C should be kept far away from each other. Vitamin C should be used in the morning and retinol, or🍒 vitamin A, used in the evening. However, when formulated correctly, they can perform a wondrous job together in one bottle. This is what kit: has accomplished with🅘 their (F) A.C.E Serum. Why buy two products to reap the benefits of vitamins A and C when we can buy one? 

Vitamin A targets skin turnover, leading to balanced pigment production. This means fewer dark spots and acne, scars as well as better collagen production, creating smoother skin and tighter pores. However, vitamin A is known for its harsh effect on skin, increasing sensitivity to the sun and drying out the skin. This is why it is used in the evening and with a very good moisturizer. This product should also be used in the evening, or at least with v🅘ery liberally applied sunscreen in the morning. However, some of its harsh effects are tempered by the addition of vitamin E, which soothes and protects the skin with its antioxidant benefits. Lastly, there is vitamin C, which acts as the middle ground. At times, vitamin C can sting and be harsh on the skin at high concentrations, but it helps correct pigmentation, brighten the skin, and smooth out texture like vitamin A. However, its antioxidant benefits liken it to vitamin E. 

Regardless, the three vitamins will help greatly ꦰwith diminishing the appearance of acne scars and creating better-looking and healthier skin. The main drawbacks to this product is t✤hat it may be harsh on the skin and it is best used in the evenings. This is due to the presence of retinol; as a result, one cannot take advantage of the antioxidant benefits provided in the serum, nor can one be assured that it will not irritate your acne. This is a serum best introduced slowly into a skincare routine, but if successful, can almost assuredly get rid of those blasted acne scars for good. 

4. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream 

Another serum hiding inside a cream, Glow Recipe’s Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream can do more than just remove under-eye bags. Oftentimes people forget that skincare doesn’t have to be used only on the face or beneath the eyes. We are covered in skin, and if a product𓆉 works wonders beneath the eyes, why wouldn’t one try it🍸 on their cheek or chin? People use retinoids on the back of their hands to prevent wrinkles. Many use head and shoulders shampoo to wash their face as an acne-fighting cleanser. Some use lipstick as blush. So long as the product does not harm the skin or cause injury, there are no rules. If it works, it works - and this product works. 

This serum features five different kinds of vitamin C, with most derived from guava extract as per the name. The product utilizes encapsulation technology, which creates a gradual release and absorption of the serum to prevent irritation and maximize treatment. This makes it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It also contains niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of blemishes, acne scars, and other dark spots. Tranexamic acid and green caffeine provide anti aging benefits by increasing skin firmness and assisting with skin brightening. Finally, the addition of ferulic acid, guava seed oil and guava fruit extract boosts skin luminosity and provides antioxidant benefits. Ultimately, this serum is a powerhouse for skin renewal, and it also helps that all of Glow Recipe’s products smell 🎃amazing. 

5. Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening and Balancing Facial Serum 

Many have heard the wonders of Korean skincare, and there’s no doubt as to why. Amazing products at drugstore prices, Korean skincare often focuses on hydrating the skin and treating it gently. This is a contrast to American and other western skincare, which focuses on cleansing the skin and using active ingredients that can be very drying. Both have their pros and c🌱ons; after all, Korean skincare has a noticeable lack 🐟of active ingredients and most products are not designed with acne-prone skin in mind. This is not the case with Jumiso’s All Day Vitamin Brightening and Balancing Facial Serum. 

This serum is formulated without water, instead using hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, also known as sea buckthorn, as its first ingredient. This is known to have po𒐪tent antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties,and not only🅘 enhances the antioxidant benefits provided by the vitamin C, but can alsocan soothe the redness conjured by many a pimple. It also contains glycerin, an amazing moisturizing ingredient, as well as centella asiatica and panthenol (vitamin E) which helps soothe the skin. However, what really makes it wonderful for those with acne-prone skin is the addition of niacinamide, which reduces active acne, reduces acne scars, stimulates collagen production, and reduces pigmentation. Overall, this is a marvelous product, chock full of powerful ingredients that can help alleviate acne scars and pigmentation without forgoing vitamin C’s antioxidant and brightening benefits. 

6. Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop 

This serum, according to one reviewer, is like a sauna for the face. When applied, it heats up, causing the skin to flush slightly before retreating and lea𝐆ving  it soft and supple. This is not to be confused by the burning or stinging sensation other products may cause. This serum creates a unique experience and has to be included on this list. 

Although it contains pure ascorbic acid, the low concentration of🦩 5% makes it suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It incorporates centella asiatica extract, known for its soothing properties, which helps with sensitivity as well. The product was designed to diminish the ap♉pearance of dark spots, protect the skin from pigmentation occurring again, and strengthen and brighten the skin. Overall, a great product with little to be spoken negatively about it. 

7. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 

A very well-known, effective, and affordable brand, The Ordinary had to be featured on this list. The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% was formulated with the sole focus to correct hyperpigmentation in the form of dark spots, acne scars, and even under-eye bags. The inclusion of alpha-arbutin helps reduce the appearance of redness which can finally calm all those angry pimples. It is also formulated without water and oils, thus creating a very shelf-stable formula. With a very simple formula featuring only three ingredients: propanediol, ascorbic acid, and alpha-arbutin, this serum came to do one thing and on🐷e thing well - and it does just that. 

Although avoiding many ingredient irritants, the formula is very potent and the vitamin C’s acidity can sting those with sensitive, broken, or inflamed skin. The lower concentration of ascorbic acid makes up for some of its potency but overall, this serum should be avoided or used with cautioꦰn by those with very active acne like cystic or pustule. As it is formulate🍎d with pigmentation at the forefront, glowy skin and antioxidant benefits are an afterthought. It still possesses brightening and antioxidant capabilities, but not as much as it could when other products add vitamin E or ferulic acid to enhance those vitamin C benefits.   

8. Wander Beauty Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate 

Wander Beauty’s S💯ight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate may not appear to be a serum at first, but that’s part of its charm! A cross between a serum and a cream, this product was designed with oily, acne-prone skin in mind. Lightweight with great absorption into the skin, this product lea🔯ves no sticky residue behind unlike many other serums, thus avoiding the sensorial nightmare of: is that grease or is that just product? 

This product is antioxidant rich, with vitamins C and E as well as Kakadu plum extract, giving your skin much needed protection from the sun and other environmental stressors. The addition of niacinamide helps target pigmentation, collagen, and oil regulation, making it a great solution for those acne scars. It also contains plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid, helping to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Lastly, aiding vitamin C’s brightening capabilities is the incorporation of pearl optics, thus leaving your skin dewy a🍬nd luminescent after use. 

This product is packed full of amazing ingredients (all of which are vegan and cruelty free) that does wonders for your skin, but like the previous product, there are drawbacks. The product possesses an airless pump design, which ensur𒁏es the formula stays fresh. However🔜, it can take anywhere from 40 to 70 pumps to dispense the product, something which can be grating for the average user to do every morning. It is something very simple and rather minor, but if this tarnishes the enjoyability of your skincare routine, then it should be taken into account. 

9. Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum 

The next one on our list is Volition Beauty’s Strawberry-C Brightening Serum. Although citrus fruits are known for their vitamin C, there is no lack of it in the strawberries used in this product. Not only does strawberry fruit and seed extract give a wonderful smell, making your skincare routine all the more enjoyable, but its vitamin C content helps brighten the skin and reduce excess oil, thus minimizing the appearance of pores and blemishes. This serum also incorporates Kakadu plum, another vitamin C rich fruit, which assists in brightening and soothing the skin. With other ingredients such as cucumber water and panth🥃eno𝔍l, also known as vitamin e, as well as the notable absence of oils, sulfates, and alcohol, this product remains gentle on the skin making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin.  

The main drawback to this product is that its main purpose is to brighten and soothe the skin. Those are certainly great benefits but are secondary to the main skin concern for most with acne-prone skin: acne scars. We want vitamin C that can smooth out texture, correct hyperpigmentation, and get rid of the redness that seems to plague us. While this serum can help with these concerns, it wasn’t designed with acne-scars in mind so the benefits reaped will not be as great as the following products on our 💛list. 

10. Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Pure Double Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum 

For those who find pimple popping super satisfying, this product is perfect. Unlike every other product on this list, the serum doesn’t come in a bottle but rather tiny capsules which are popped, and t༺he serum squeezed out. Every capsule contains the exact amount of serum you need to apply and it’s just an overall, unique and enjoyable experience. 

With vitamin🎃s C and E, the serum contains great antioxidant protection from free radicals and UV rays when paired with sunscreen. There are also clinical studies performed, showing a significant improvement in skin firmness and smoothness when used on a daily basis, which can help with skin texture resulting from acne. 

Ultimately, this product was not designed with acne-prone skin in mind, as it contains pure vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid at 10% concentration. This is advertised for those concerned with anti-aging rather than acne scars or hyperpigmentation. It may be vegan and cruelty-free, but so are all of the products on this list and that is why it stands at the bottom. It is also important to mention that it is rather expensive for only 60 capsules. The sensorial aspect is what gave it ꩵmention on this list. 

Final Thoughts 

Skincare can be difficult, confusing, and downright heartbreaking sometimes when struggling with acne-prone skin. We’re told not to combine retinoids and vitamin C, but kiꦡt:’s (F) A.C.E serum eꦫxists. Vitamin C can get rid of our acne scars but it can also cause us to break out. It’s like walking a tightrope and when first learning how to walk, we constantly fall off, unable to find our balance. Half the products we first try do nothing for our skin and the other half make our acne worse. Worst of all, the good, reputable products are often shelved behind price tags too high. 

T🍬his is why we created a list of products at varying price points, all of which tick the boxes for vitamin C set out for us by science. We tried to pick products that were effective, attractive and fun, so you can add a boost to your daily routine. Hopefully, our list of the 10 best vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin does your skin justice.