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Super Contributor
Posts: 439
Registered: ‎07-21-2016
I've recently simplified my skincare and makeup routine. Cerave foaming cleanser and Cerave PM moisturizer (I use it AM and PM.) I follow that with Tarte BB primer with spf 30 and a quick dusting of mineral powder and mascara. It's liberating!!! Nothing complicated. But I do feel I need a vitamin c serum. I have used Obagi 10% in the past but didn't love it. Please share your favorite and why you love it!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,845
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

[ Edited ]

@StillRachB wrote:
I've recently simplified my skincare and makeup routine. Cerave foaming cleanser and Cerave PM moisturizer (I use it AM and PM.) I follow that with Tarte BB primer with spf 30 and a quick dusting of mineral powder and mascara. It's liberating!!! Nothing complicated. But I do feel I need a vitamin c serum. I have used Obagi 10% in the past but didn't love it. Please share your favorite and why you love it!

Hi Rach @StillRachB - when I was using a specific Vitamin C serum, I was very happy with Mad Hippie's.  It has the SAP version of vitamin C.  When I decided to try Isomers Glutothiosome Plus, I read the ingredient list and saw it had MAP so I gave up the Mad Hippie since I felt my Vitamin C was "covered".  Since then, I became interested in a couple of Elysee serums.  One is the Pycnogenol serum which provides far more antioxidant protection than Vitamin C.  I still use the Glutathiosome Plus in the AM, but am not relying on it for the Vitamin C.  I use the Elysee Pycnogenol in the morning in conjunction with the Glutathiosome as a one, two punch.  Is it overkill to use both?  Maybe, but I like serums.

 

ETA - forgot to add that Pycnogenol helps with collagen production too.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,992
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

Be prepared - you're going to get a zillion recommendations for Vitamin C.

 

The first and only Vit C serum I used was Avalon Organics Vitality Serum.  18% Vit C, rose hip oil, and soaked into my skin immediately.  I noticed a new brightness in my complexion within a couple weeks and continued to use it for almost 20 years.  Besides the fact that I liked how it helped my complexion, it was convenient because I bought it in the organics section of the supermarket for $18.

 

Last winter I decided I needed to bump it up a little so I now order from AmaraOrganics dot com.  20% Vit C and, supposedly, all natural ingredients.  (I also use their 2.5% Retinol and mud mask)

 

I don't know and really don't care much about ingredients (gasp!), I just know what  makes my complexion look and feel good.  I recommend both Avalon Organics and AmaraOrganics.

 

BTW, I also use CereVe foaming cleanser and CereVe PM Moisturizer both day and night.  Easy peezy.

 

 

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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,013
Registered: ‎02-19-2014

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

I love the Avon Vitamin C serum.  I use it every day before I moisturize and it gives my face a slight glow.  I really like it.

Regular Contributor
Posts: 227
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

StillRachB, I have been using Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with 20% vitamin C plus E Ferulic Acid for over a year now and really like it. I first learned about it from Angie on Hot and Flashy Youtube channel. The vitamin C is in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid which is said to be the most effective out of all the vitamin C formulations. It is cruelty free, made in the US, fragrance free and no color dye added. It's priced right at $24.95 for 1 ounce. Timeless runs sales just about every major holiday. Plus, they always have a special on their website - buy 2 products get 10%, buy 3 products get 20% off, buy 4+ products get 30% off. If you go to Angie's YT channel, she has a code for $5 off any purchase. Once I find a product that works for me, I very seldom will try another product of the same type. HTH.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,310
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

I use Skinn's powder vit C and mix it into a cocktail of a few of his other serums at night. It dissolves well and kind feels like a light scrub. But I really think it brightens up my complexion. I LOVE his Secret elixer too, which is what I mix the C into. Just ordered some more C. You use just a sprinkling of it and can add it to most any of your skincare.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,788
Registered: ‎04-19-2010

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

Drunk Elephant C Firma is my favorite. It is pricey at $80 but they recommend only using it every 3 days. Therefore, you do get mileage out of this product. My skin is dry and it does give some nice hydration.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 24,685
Registered: ‎07-21-2011

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

[ Edited ]

@JeanLouiseFinch,   I just read that Mad Hippie and Drunk Elephant are 2 out of 4 the best Vitamin C serums.  I have been reading about Vitamin C serums for the last couple of  days and today I purchased the Mad Hippie from iherb.com for $27.19 and free shpg.  It was the best price that I had seen.  Your reply about Mad Hippie made me look into this.  I was also considering No. 7.  I first want to try this product and if I am pleased will purchase the cream or lotion.   HeartCat Happy

kindness is strength
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,833
Registered: ‎08-31-2013

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

@StillRachB make sure you are using a separate SPF.  The amount in tinted moisturizers or makeup isn't enough.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,736
Registered: ‎02-19-2014

Re: Favorite Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C is a very unstable antioxidant. It spoils soo easily, making it harmful to the skin. If it's beige or tan, it's already turned. I wouldn't get it in a serum. I've never seen a C serum that didn't start out beige, even in capsules.

 

Mixing the powder form with water each use is the best method-- if it is important to you to use the original type that has the most studies done on it.

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