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Vitamin C is a skincare superhero, why? It’s a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it disrupts the melanin pigment pathway, which in layman’s terms, it will help to fade brown spots without altering normal skin pigmentation. But that’s not all, it works to stimulate collagen, protect against sun damage, smooths fine lines, and calm the look of redness from rosacea. Vitamin C is one of the most effective vitamins for ageing skin because it neutralises free radicals that can damage skin DNA, which helps protect the skin from pre-cancerous changes caused by UV rays. Need we say more? Discover the virtues of this game-changing, anti-ageing ingredient and the serums infused with it.
Avène A-Oxitive Defense Serum, $65.
This top-selling serum contains 15 per cent pure vitamin C and vitamin E. Together, they are a brilliant antioxidant shield and a skin-energising boost. Not only will this formula boost dull skin, but it also works to smooth lines and wrinkles; it's non-greasy, and like all Avène skincare, it's laced with the soothing and softening Avene thermal spring water, which makes this serum safe for even the most sensitive of skins.
How to use: On clean skin, apply morning or evening, three pumps warmed into your fingers first and then applied to your face and neck. The brand suggests tapping the skin with your fingertips, from your neck and the hairline; while using it to help stimulate micro-circulation - it works.
CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED 7-DAY SYSTEM WITH PURE VITAMIN C, $64.
This skin-brightening system contains vitamin C and salicylic acid in a powdered form for anyone with acne-prone, dull skin. Vitamin C is more stable as a powder and less likely to be degraded in light or oxygen - this seven-day cleansing, serum duo, lives up to its reputation.
How to use: The first is a powder cleanser that you combine with water, gently massage into the skin, and then rinse off. The second is a serum you mix a few drops into whatever daily moisturiser you use. Both contain 10 per cent L-ascorbic acid, which is the perfect potent dose.
Q+A Vitamin C Serum, $20.
Stacked with the moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and volcanic soil to keep the encapsulated vitamin C stable and potent to the last drop. In addition, this formula contains a high concentration of ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid, which is a stable and effective form of vitamin C in skin care.
How to use: Apply to clean skin before moisturising day and night; it's a delicious creamy lotion that sinks in fast.
CAUDALIE Vinergetic C+ Vitamin C Energy Serum, $82.
Don’t be fooled by the lightweight, watery texture that sinks into the skin in seconds without leaving a sticky residue; it’s potent and effective. Stacked with skin-loving polyphenols found in grape seed extracts vitamin C and sunflower oil, which protects the skin from pollution and stress while brightening dull skin. Also, the refreshing fragrance, a blend of mandarin, cucumber and fresh mint essence, makes it addictive.
How to use: This is your am and pm skin serum; apply to clean skin before day or night creams.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, $117.
We are fans of this skincare brand because it works. Stacked with natural ingredients, this self-mixing, skin brightening formula contains 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E to brighten the skin, while pumpkin-ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme gently exfoliate the dead skin from the surface of the skin. Packed in airtight and completely opaque bottles, it stays fresh to the last pump.
How to use: Pour the liquid serum into the vitamin C powder. Screw the pump onto the top, and shake for one minute until the powder dissolves. The formula will stay fresh for six months. Because it’s sticky in consistency and it isn’t easy to layer creams or makeup on top, we only use this serum at night.
Tatcha Violet C Brightening Serum, $132.
This serum has a cult following because of its formulation. Two types of vitamin C at 20 per cent and an antioxidant-rich ingredient called Japanese beautyberry (yes, that's its real name) keep the vitamin C stable until the last drop. While mild citrus fruit acids gently exfoliate away dull skin.
How to use: Apply two pumps to your face and neck at night, and then massage into the skin. The brand recommends using an SPF daily to maintain the results while using this serum, to protect the skin from future sun damage - a no-brainer.
Pure Fiji Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $105.
Pure and potent is how I would describe the ingredient lineup in this serum. Kakadu Plum boosts collagen, while bakuchiol (the plant-based vitamin A) smooths fine lines. The ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C) brightens, while hyaluronate drenches the skin with moisture. All those botanical goodies sit in a blend of cold-pressed organic coconut, Dilo, macadamia and Sikeci oils rich in vitamins A, B, C and E and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9. Anyone with dry, sun-damaged skin will see a marked difference using this tropical skin treat.
How to use: This serum is active, so build up the applications slowly. Use two drops of this serum on your face and neck every second day for the first two to four weeks. Then step it up to morning and night after cleansing.
