By now, most of us are using some form of vitamin C in our skincare routine. If you're not yet, you may be missing out on some serious benefits like antioxidant protection, reduced fine lines, and an overall brighter complexion. That being said, we also recognize that ultra-sensitive skin may not take well to a hyper-concentrated vitamin C serum.
If you fall into the latter category, look no further. We hunted down the best derm-approved vitamin C serums for sensitive skin and picked the brains of professionals for insight on what ingredients to look out for and avoid, especially if you have a condition like rosacea. Keep scrolling for the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin, backed by dermatologists.
For starters, the concentration of your vitamin C serum is key, especially if you have sensitive skin. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist located in New York City, choosing a serum that's too highly concentrated can cause irritation. "It's best to stick with vitamin C serums that contain L-ascorbic acid between 10% to 20%," she shares. "If you're sensitive, it's best to start with a concentration of 8% to 10% and increase if needed."
Going for a lower concentration isn't the only option, either. There are other forms of vitamin C, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), that can be just as beneficial for delicate skin types. MAP is water soluble and oil loving, so it more deeply penetrates the skin. This also makes it less irritating and easier on a sensitive visage. Another important factor to consider when buying the right vitamin C serum for your skin? The product's pH level. "Those with sensitive skin may prefer a vitamin C with a pH that more closely mimics the skin's natural pH," says Garshick. "Often, vitamin C products are formulated to have a low pH to help with stability, but the lower pH can be irritating, so remember this if you have sensitive skin."
Additionally, some vitamin C serums are formulated with other ingredients. This can be either a win or a loss if you're prone to sensitivities. Garshick reports that moisturizing and soothing agents like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid combine well with vitamin C in this case. "These [ingredients] contain other antioxidants, which may help to stabilize and boost results," she adds.
On the other hand, there are a few things you should avoid when choosing a vitamin C serum for touchy skin. Kaveri Karhade, MD, a board-certified dermatologist located in the San Francisco Bay Area, suggests steering clear of other active ingredients like BHAs, AHAs, and retinol. Adding any of these to the mix may cause a precarious complexion to teeter on the edge of irritation. Garshick adds that salicylic acid may not pair well with vitamin C either for sensitive skin. Generally, the consensus is that most other acids should be avoided with it.
If you have a skin condition like rosacea, Karhade considers vitamin C a great addition to your routine. As long as you use a gentle formulation, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be highly beneficial. Shop the best derm-approved serums below.
This is a top pick for Garshick because it combines 15% L-ascorbic acid with hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture and hydrate the skin. It's also fragrance free and paraben free, making it a great option for those with sensitivities. Pros: oil-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free, fast-absorbing, non-sticky . Cons: reviewers say the smell can be strong, could still be a bit too intense for super-sensitive skin types or total vitamin C newbies . Glowing customer review: "I've been using this for a couple of months, and I really like the results. My complexion is smoother, and my dark spots are lighter. Really, overall, it is a nice improvement. I will continue to use it."
This is a recommendation from Garshick that combines vitamin C, vitamin E, and 17 other antioxidants to help protect the skin against free radical damage. "[Free radical damage can] lead to signs of aging, including discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen breakdown. It also helps to protect the skin against blue light and pollution." Pros: infused with vitamins C and E in addition to 17 additional antioxidants, including açaí, turmeric, green tea, and Mediterranean olive; helps improve skin tone; reduces the appearance of skin irritation/redness . Cons: pricey . Glowing customer review: "I noticed a difference in my skin pigmentation with this serum!"
Garshick loves this multitasking vitamin C concentrate because it contains niacinamide and Kakadu plum (a potent antioxidant). It's also packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane, which improve overall tone and texture while brightening, hydrating, and improving fine lines. Pros: formulated with 20% C-suite complex, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and vitamin E; helps smooth hyperpigmentation and fine lines; it can be used on various skin types, including combination, dry, normal, oily, and sensitive skin; budget-friendly price point. Cons: it could be irritating to super-sensitive skin types . Glowing customer review: "So far, I've used two full containers of this. I didn't think it was doing much for my skin, but then I happened to run out of it and realized all of a sudden my skin didn't look quite as bright as it had been looking before. The only change really was that I ran out of this and hadn't re-purchased. Definitely works, no odd smell, and reasonably priced."
Garshick says this is one of the best drugstore options around for those with sensitive skin. It contains 10% ascorbic acid, ceramides to support the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. Pros: fragrance-free, formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) and skin-barrier-protecting ceramides, humectant hyaluronic acid, and skin-soothing vitamin B5; allergy-tested; noncomedogenic; developed with dermatologists; budget-friendly price point; great for vitamin C beginners . Cons: reviewers say the packaging may leak. Glowing customer review: "My favorite vitamin C serum! I've been using this for over a year now, and it has vanished my sun spots and given my skin a wonderful glow. I keep it in the fridge and have never had an issues using this product or it turning color. Beautiful and potent vitamin C! Highly recommend!"
For Karhade, this is a great pick for those who err on the side of sensitive and oily. It also contains ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. On a personal note, I would say to be careful with this one if you have skin that's highly acne prone or reactive like I do. It does contain salicylic acid, and my skin did not respond well to this one when I tried it out. Pros: clinically proven to even all skin tones by up to 20% and reduce the appearance of fine lines by up to 24%; remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours post-application; great for normal, oily, and combination skin types; alcohol, fragrance, and dye free. Cons: pricey . Glowing customer review: "I've been using this for a couple of years now. I have always struggled with rosacea, melasma, spots, and big pores. Since I discovered SkinCeuticals, I never have trouble with skin anymore. This makes my skin look so much younger! I'm 43 years old, but I always get to hear that I look at least ten years younger."
Karhade also recommends this cult-favorite vitamin C serum for those with dry, sensitive skin. Pros: clinically proven to evens all skin tone by up to 20% and reduces the appearance of fine lines by up to 24%, benefits for a minimum of 72 hours, fragrance and dye free, especially great for normal and mature skin types. Cons: pricey, it can cause irritation in some skin types, strong smell . Glowing customer review: "My skin is noticeably brighter, and the sun spots on my forehead are barely visible now. My skin is clear, and I am actually somewhat comfortable not wearing makeup for the first time in years."
L'Oréal tops Karhade's list of best drugstore brands. This 10% vitamin C serum is on the gentler side but still gets the job done. Pros: clinically proven to help skin appear brighter, reduce fine lines in two weeks, and reduce the appearance of uneven tone wrinkles in four weeks; great for vitamin C beginners; dermatologist validated for efficacy and safety; formulated without water; protectively sealed in an airtight metal tube to minimize UV and oxygen exposure; fragrance free; does not clog pores; budget-friendly price . Cons: some reviewers say the packaging can be troublesome and easily damaged after multiple uses . Glowing customer review: "I'm on my second tube, and so far, I really like this product. I saw a huge improvement in my skin overall, especially with fine lines and scars."
Top rated and highly revered on Amazon is TruSkin Naturals' vitamin C serum. It contains other soothing ingredients like aloe vera and jojoba oil, making it a great option for those with delicate skin. Pros: infused with a blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera; highly stable thanks to sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which helps maintain potency while preventing skin irritation; fragrance free. Cons: dry skin that needs more hydration will need to be sure to layer a moisturizer on to. Glowing customer review: "I found this serum in March of 2023. I wanted a serum that would take away my age spots. I immediately really liked how it felt on my skin, and my skin just drank it up. I have dry skin, and in the winter, it would look dry and flaky when I put on foundation. But, ever since I started using this serum, it's really hydrated my skin, and I have a glow to my face. I loved it so much and will continue to re-purchase."
Another favorite of Karhade's, this Obagi serum is suitable for all skin types and penetrates deeply into the skin. Pros: formulated with 15% L-ascorbic acid, helps fade hyperpigmentation, affordable price point . Cons: results are slower than serums with higher L-ascorbic acid. Glowing customer review: "I've tried a whole bunch of different vitamin C serums, typically ones that were less pricey and/or had other (good) ingredients mixed in, such as vitamin E. However, I always end up coming back to this one as it delivers the best results. Given that the ingredient list is so minimal, it makes sense why it's potent and why it works. I get hyperpigmentation quite easily, usually from the odd acne spot that crops up here and there, and this serum always fades them like a charm.”
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are additional ingredients in this serum that really suit sensitive complexions. It does, however, contain 20% vitamin C, so keep that in mind if your skin has an extra-low tolerance. Pros: formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E; helps smooth fine lines, wrinkles, age, and sun spots; no greasy residue; great price; gentle formula . Cons: some reviewers note the formula has a runnier consistency. Glowing customer review: "I really like this serum, as it's not too liquid-y. This is a good addition to my morning skin routine. After a few weeks, I have noticed my skin looking a little brighter, even with winter around the corner!"
This gentle but powerful serum also contains collagen and hyaluronic acid for a youthful boost. Pros: ideal for combination, oily, and dry skin types; vitamin C infused with collagen; affordable price point; great for beginners . Cons: reviewers say the dropper cap doesn't always stay on. Glowing customer review: "This product literally gives me a glowing face the whole day. I use the Mario Badescu seaweed cleansing lotion with a cotton pad, then the Mario Badescu facial spray, and while my face is wet, I rub in this serum. And boom! Magic. My face looks hydrated all day!"
The addition of squalane and a peptide complex make this vitamin C serum well worth your time if you have sensitive skin. Pros: excellent for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types; it helps treat dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture; formulated with 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, niacinamide, and squalane. Cons: could still irritate super-sensitive skin types . Glowing customer review: "I have terrible skin. I mostly just hope products don't make it worse. I have almost finished my first bottle, and I'm impressed. My skin loves it! I can see improvements everywhere with no adverse reactions."
This 10% serum is another small-but-mighty option that leaves skin feeling soft and fully moisturized. It also soothes skin with mineral-rich La-Roche Posay thermal spring water. Pros: formulated with salicylic acid, mineral-rich La-Roche Posay thermal spring water, and vitamin C; can be used on sensitive skin, noncomedogenic; dermatologist and allergy tested; oil free . Cons: some reviewers don't like the dropper, can leave orange stains behind, strong smell . Glowing customer review: "After a recent facial, I was told to get a vitamin C serum and use it every morning. I chose this La Roche-Posay serum; it's a wonderful product and seems to brighten my skin tone."
Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Glow earns a spot for its hydrating oils like jojoba and evening primrose in addition to vitamin C. Turmeric also rounds out the formula to calm inflammation. Pros: made with an advanced vitamin C, which is blended with cold-pressed red raspberry and evening-primrose-seed oils and turmeric extract; helps improve skin-tone; great serum for dry skin. Cons: the smell . Glowing customer review: "I originally got this as a free sample with another purchase. I used it every morning under my moisturizer for a week straight, and the results were incredible! I'm 37 with dry, acne-prone skin. 2020 did a number on my skin. It looked like it aged ten years in the last ten months! This product not only reversed how bad my skin was looking, but It made it even better than before. The best part is that it doesn't make me break out! This is now a forever staple in my skincare routine."
If pure ascorbic acid is just too much for your skin, you may want to try using a serum that's rich in ingredients that are high in vitamin C. This hydrating serum from Osea, for example, contains Japanese miru seaweed, which is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. It may not deliver the type of dramatic brightening results you'd see with an ascorbic acid serum, but over time, your skin will definitely look healthier and more hydrated. Pros: absorbs quickly; infused with two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, seaweed, and snow mushroom; clinically and dermatologist tested. Cons: pricey. Glowing customer review: "This is straight up a holy grail product. It's pricey, but it lasts forever! One bottle will last me five to six months, and I will use it twice a day! If there's one thing you need in your routine—it's this."
With molecule-grafted hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this formula promotes intense skin hydration and collagen production. Oxygen in the formula also helps boost skin cells to give them energy and vitality. The result is glowing skin sans the irritation. Pros: formulated with oxygen and vitamin C, clinically proven to help restore skin radiance and bounce in one week. Cons: some reviewers say the product pills with makeup application, pricey . Glowing customer review: "I loved this so much. It made my skin glow and feel so healthy. It was very lightweight and not sticky like others; it had no scent, which I loved. A little went a long way. I would 100% recommend this. I have combination skin, for reference.”
