I Tested 4 Top-Recommended Vitamin C Serums. Did They All Prove a Success?


Some time ago I asked you to recommend a vitamin C face serum and chose the ones that you recommended the most often. I bought and tested them for a few months. Some of them did magic while others totally failed. I’ll share the results below. If you’re interested, keep reading! <3

For a start, some tips on using a face serum!

Can you use face serum every day?

Definitely! Some products can be applied even twice a day. Obviously, there are some exceptions but manufacturers always provide the info on the packaging.

Should you use vitamin C serum on dry or wet face?

I always use it on a slightly damp face. If you put it on wet skin, then it may fail to sink in fully.

Can vitamin C serum be used in every season of the year?

It can, for sure. All products with vitamin C can be used all year round, including the summer. Just remember to use sunscreen in the morning. Actually we should do that no matter if we use vitamin C serums or not.

Check out the top-recommended serums and see which ones worked out well on my skin. I agree with some reviews and disagree with others. Well, we all have different complexions and issues. A thing that works for one person may prove completely useless for someone else. I hope my reviews will help you make the right choice.

Top-Recommended Vitamin C Serums

Nanoil Vitamin C Face Serum

Nanoil Vitamin C Face Serum

This serum came up most often and it turned out to work great for me too. While placing the order I was pleasantly surprised that the serum had 50 ml (more than most facial serums) and the price was really attractive. Nanoil moisturized and smoothed my face right away, and gave a lovely, healthy shine. It never irritated my skin and I guess it must be thanks to the form of vitamin C in the formula: 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid  which is super-gentle and non-irritative yet extremely powerful while fighting off various skin problems. After using the serum for some time I was happy to notice the dark spots faded and they’re barely there now. Summing up: it makes my face look healthy and radiant! Added plant-derived and strong antioxidants make vitamin C produce better effects, giving us a product that protects from aging and UV damage. The serum is lightweight and non-greasy. I like to use it even twice a day. I really thank those of you who recommended Nanoil. I’ll definitely keep using it.

Learn more: www.nanoil.co.uk

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Kiehl’s offers three size versions: 15, 50, and 75 ml. First I bought the smallest one but now I’m using the biggest bottle. The high price didn’t turn me off because the serum gave me many benefits. As far as the formula goes, it contains two forms of vitamin C, which is rare. It’s 10.5 % pure vitamin C, and the noteworthy form, 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside which is gentle and effective yet costly but it quickly brightens hyperpigmentation and reduces wrinkles. Beyond that, the serum evens out the skin tone, moisturizes and illuminates. The bigger-sized product comes with a pump applicator while the smaller version is cream-like and I think that’s why it’s used up fast. I like to use it before bedtime because such a dose of vitamin C works best at night.

The serums from Nanoil and Kiehl’s are my favorites. Nanoil definitely wins because it’s easier on the pocket. As far as effects go, they work similarly. 

You recommended two other serums. I like them too, but there are some negatives that I want to share.

The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution

We didn’t hit it off right away! It grew on me after some time. I like to use it as a seven-day treatment. Some users say to do it every six months. It causes irritations, redness and a burning sensation at first. I felt like throwing it out but then decided to give it the second chance. The symptoms eased after some time but I wouldn’t recommend the serum if you have sensitive skin. Beyond that, it was really cool, smoothing, moisturizing and brightening the skin. It’s said to lessen wrinkles in the long run but I haven’t used it that long. There’s a definite positive, namely, the price! If your skin isn’t sensitive, you might give it a go.

La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C

And here’s the last item in my round-up. The one that I like the least. Tbh, it let me down a bit because I really like the brand and have been using the La Roche-Posay products for years. This serum contains pure vitamin C which causes slight irritation. It’s blended with salicylic acid and peptide which is supposed to soothe the skin. I don’t like long ingredient lists like in this serum. The only thing I liked was the moisturizing effect and I think it’s too little for the price it has. Maybe it requires longer treatment. I wasn’t a big fan because it sinks in slowly.

Post a comment, recommend other products and share the name of your number-one face serum. <3