Best vitamin C face serum
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- Price: $$$
- Benefits: targets hyperpigmentation, texture issues, and dullness
- Standout ingredients: vitamin C, tocopherol (vitamin E), ferulic acid, glycerin
- Size: 1 oz.
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily, dry
- Pros: high quality stabilized vitamin C formula
- Cons: expensive AF
Vitamin C is a powerhouse skin care ingredient that kicks skin-damaging free radicals to the curb. It can also reduce signs of UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and protect against new sun damage — but it’s NOT a replacement for sunscreen.
If you’re looking for a serum that might turn your face into #SkinGoals, this one from SkinCeuticals is considered the holy grail. Yes, it is pricey — but many experts agree that vitamin C serums are the place to splurge because of how unstable the ingredient is.
This serum in particular has vitamin E and ferulic acid to help keep vitamin C stable. Plus, these three are a proven trio that boosts vitamin C’s effectiveness.
What do reviewers like about it? Like we said: holy grail. They say they noticed quick results and are devoted fans. The biggest downside is that giant price tag.
Best face serum for wrinkles
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Price: $$
- Benefits: plumps, hydrates, helps smooth out wrinkles
- Standout ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plum, vegan collagen
- Size: 1 oz.
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily, dry
- Pros: contains hydrating, wrinkle-fighting ingredients
- Cons: contains fragrances, which can be irritating
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a potent ingredient that helps lock in moisture, so it’s a great choice if you deal with perpetually dry skin. But it’s not just an oasis for the desert that is your skin. HA can also help smooth out and reduce the look of acne scars and fine lines.
Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump is full of juicy skin-nourishing ingredients, including HA, antioxidant plums, and vegan collagen. In addition to helping fight the signs of aging (which, BTW, are normal, but we get wanting to have baby-soft skin), the formula has a plumping effect.
One customer calls the Plum Plump serum an “absolute godsend,” saying it helps combat the irritation caused by potent retinoids. A few people comment on the smell as being off-putting, but most agree that it’s worth the hype.
