If you are interested in taking care of your skin, then you have probably heard the buzz about the best drugstore vitamin C serums.
This potent antioxidant helps combat the free radicals that come from the environment, supports cell repair, boosts collagen production, improves elasticity, eases the signs of aging like discoloration, and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier.
Serums are thinner and more concentrated than other skincare items, which is why it is an ideal vehicle for vitamin C.
The price of these serums can be a bit much, so here are the best drugstore vitamin C serums that offer all the same great benefits without the price tag.
FAQs
What does vitamin C serum do for your skin?
Vitamin C is a powerhouse for protecting the skin and keeping it healthy. It acts as an antioxidant to prevent photoaging, which is aging caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors.
What to look for in vitamin C serum?
When seeking the best drugstore vitamin C serum, it’s wise to look at the labels and find one that works most suitable for your skin type. Start with a lower concentration and check for a pH of 3.5 for optimal absorption.
Are there any drawbacks to using Vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C serum is usually considered safe for most people. However, some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or itching when using it. If your skin is sensitive, it is best to patch-test the product before using it all over your face.
What is the shelf life of Vitamin C serum?
The shelf life of Vitamin C serum depends on the formulation and the concentration of vitamin C. Some best drugstore vitamin C serums can last for 6 to 12 months, while others may only last for a few months. It is essential to store the serum in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, to extend its shelf life.
Can Vitamin C serum be used with other skincare products?
Yes. You can use Vitamin C serum in conjunction with other skincare products. It is usually applied after cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen.
11 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums
After a lot of investigation, I have found the best drugstore vitamin C serums available at a reasonable price. These serums offer a variety of advantages, such as antioxidant protection, lessening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and illuminating dull skin.
All of the best drugstore vitamin C serums I have listed below are either pure ascorbic acid or a derivative converted to pure vitamin C when it comes in contact with your skin.
1. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is an exciting product packed with 10% l-ascorbic acid, three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. And aside from its antioxidant properties, this serum helps to illuminate and even out the skin tone.
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP lock in the skin’s natural moisture, while vitamin B5 helps to soothe it. What’s more, CeraVe’s MVE Technology provides long-term hydration and nourishment for up to 24 hours.
Plus, this serum is non-comedogenic and without any fragrances or parabens. This best drugstore vitamin C serum is a must-have with a lightweight texture that is quickly absorbed and works perfectly under makeup.
2. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is a stabilized, water-free combination of vitamin C and 2% alpha arbutin for luminosity.
Vitamin C provides anti-aging, antioxidant, and brightening benefits, while alpha-arbutin inhibits melanin production to decrease pigmentation, spots, and uneven skin tone.
This is one of the best budget-friendly vitamin C serums for many reasons. Most notably, it has pure vitamin C, not a derivative. A derivative might be efficient, but it can’t beat pure vitamin C.
This best drugstore vitamin C serum has 8% ascorbic acid, a concentration that works excellent for most skin types – not too firm, weak, and much less irritating than vitamin C products at concentrations of 20% or higher.
Check out the price on The Ordinary
Check out the price on Sephora
3. The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is an excellent choice for a brighter, firmer complexion. It contains 15% ascorbyl glucoside, a form of vitamin C, and 1% Epitensive, a plant-derived Epidermal Growth Factor system.
Ascorbyl glucoside can do the same things as pure ascorbic acid, such as boosting collagen production, providing antioxidant protection, and diminishing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Epitensive is said to have regenerative properties that help improve wrinkles and skin roughness. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, and you can use it twice daily for the best results.
Check out the price on TheInkeyList
Check out the price on Sephora
4. L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum
L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is thoughtfully formulated with 10% ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) and silicone-based ingredients. It also contains glycerin to provide skin hydration and adenosine to reduce inflammation and repair skin barriers.
This best drugstore vitamin C serum is just the right concentration of vitamin C to enhance skin radiance, lessen wrinkles, and refine fine lines. Moreover, its formula contains hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid with low molecular weight to hydrate, penetrate, and plump the skin.
Carefully crafted without water, the serum is placed in a metal tube to limit the product’s exposure to oxygen which can break down pure vitamin C. It is paraben-free, mineral oil-free, synthetic dye-free, and appropriate for sensitive skin.
Check out the price on Walmart
5. Acure Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum
Acure’s Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum stands out among its competitors with its unique combination of ingredients such as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ferulic acid, pineapple extract, papaya extract, and matcha tea.
This particular vitamin C derivative is said to be able to penetrate and absorb into the skin. It offers similar benefits to pure vitamin C in in-vitro testing.
These advantages include brighter skin, UV exposure protection, and enhanced collagen production. Although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, it’s a promising substitute for pure vitamin C.
This best drugstore vitamin C serum is so lightweight and velvety that it feels like a lotion on the skin. It absorbs quickly and works great under makeup. Plus, it’s free of parabens and sulfates and is cruelty-free.
6. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum is designed for sensitive skin, containing a gentle 5% concentration of ascorbic acid with no irritation.
This powerful yet mild best drugstore vitamin C serum can help brighten and even out complexion, diminishing dark spots and the appearance of enlarged pores.
Packed with beneficial plant extracts like Centella Asiatica Extract, which has healing and anti-inflammatory properties, plus sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and proline to boost collagen production, this Korean vitamin C serum is an effective solution. However, please be aware that it is fragranced.
Check out the price on Soko Glam
7. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules
Neutrogena’s Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum Capsules provide a 20% concentration of pure ascorbic acid for an intense antioxidant effect.
The unique packaging of this product sets it apart, as it comes in biodegradable, single-dose capsules made from seaweed.
In addition, the fragrance-free serum helps reduce dark spots and even skin tone and smoothes texture, lines, and wrinkles. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t block your pores and cause blemishes.
I find the creamy texture of this serum to be pleasant, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and silky, although there is a slight tingling sensation when I apply it.
Check out the price on Neutrogena
Check out the price on Walmart
8. Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
Derma E’s Vitamin C Concentrated Serum brightens the complexion while enhancing the skin’s texture. It helps to boost collagen production, reducing the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration.
The serum’s special ingredient, Stay C-50, has been developed to reduce the look of blemishes and acne. Additionally, this derivative has a lower probability of degrading before being absorbed by the skin.
The serum’s vitamin C ingredient is sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), an aqueous monophosphate ester of ascorbic acid. Not only does this serum brighten and even the skin, but it is also very hydrating and soothing.
Plus, this best drugstore vitamin C serum is vegan, cruelty-free, and soy-free so you can use it confidently.
Check out the price on Derma E
9. Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum
Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum aims to make your complexion more radiant and your skin glow.
This best drugstore vitamin C serum contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a derivative of Vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than pure ascorbic acid, niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, to help minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Olay’s Amino-Peptide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, targets wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture, while humectants like glycerin, panthenol, and trehalose hydrate and moisturize.
The serum has a lightweight gel-cream texture that feels silky and non-greasy and has a subtle citrus scent that fades away quickly.
Check out the price on Walmart
10. ArtNaturals Vitamin C Serum
ArtNaturals Vitamin C Serum is the perfect choice for sensitive skin as it doesn’t irritate. This lightweight yet moisturizing formula includes a vitamin C derivative, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), hyaluronic acid, aloe, and jojoba oil to provide your skin with hydration and radiance.
It assists in boosting collagen and giving your complexion a brighter and smoother look. SAP also has antibacterial and acne-fighting properties, while jojoba oil offers barrier protection and softening effects.
This best drugstore vitamin C serum will help reduce wrinkles, age spots, and sunspots for a younger look.
Check out the price on Artnaturals
11. RoC Multi Correxion Revive and Glow Vitamin C Serum
RoC’s Multi Correxion Revive and Glow Vitamin C Serum aim to give your skin a firm, glowing look with reduced wrinkles and lines. This serum contains 10% active Vitamin C, peptides, antioxidants, and hydration to boost its efficacy.
The serum contains 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, or ethyl ascorbic acid, which is an absorbable form of Vitamin C. It can help brighten the skin and stimulate collagen while providing potent antioxidant benefits.
This lightweight, water-based best drugstore vitamin C serum helps to create a smoother skin tone and a brighter complexion when used regularly. Please be aware that this product has added fragrance.
Check out the price on Roc Skincare
Check out the price on Walmart
Similar Tutorials To Check Out
If you’re looking for the best drugstore vitamin C serum, here are some similar tutorials you can check out:
- 11 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums: Fan of Korean glass skin? This comprehensive guide gives you a detailed list of Korean Vitamin C serums for all skin types.
- CeraVe Vitamin C Serum Review: This review gives you detailed information about CeraVe’s popular vitamin C serum with an overview of its key benefits and ingredients.
- How to use Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid: Vitamin C and Azelaic acid is a power duo for flawless skin. Learn how to use this combo in your skincare routine.
- How to use Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid: Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid both have antioxidant properties and, when combined, help to fight various problems. This guide will give you all the necessary information about this duo.
After watching these tutorials, you will better understand the best drugstore Vitamin C serums available and how to include them in your skincare routine.
Wrapping Up
If you want to make anti-aging a priority in your skincare regimen, a budget-friendly vitamin C serum from a drugstore is a perfect choice. The best drugstore vitamin C serums are tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Furthermore, these serums bundle Vitamin C with other active ingredients to benefit your skin. Whichever vitamin C serum you opt for, you’ll be helping to reduce the appearance of aging and shield your skin from external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution.
Try these best drugstore vitamin C serums, and let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
Read More
11 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums: Which One Is Best For You?
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum Review: Is It Worth Your Money?
How To Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C for Flawless Skin?
