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Want to know how to get super bright skin for a cheap price? Keep on reading, this post is what you need.
Having skin that looks like a glazed donut is basically every girl’s dream. Vitamin C is one of the key ingredients to reach that goal given its antioxidant and brightening powers.
In this article, you are going to learn what is the best and most affordable vitamin C serum to introduce into your skincare routine.
This post is all about the best affordable vitamin C serum and why you need it in your life.
In this article
What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a science-backed ingredient for tackling a variety of skin problems, from dull skin and blemishes to irritability. You’ll often see vitamin C in serum forms, but there are many other ways to get it, as well.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it fights toxic free radicals. These toxins can come in contact with your skin from outside of your body, from sources like air pollution, or from inside the body as a by-product of normal processes like your metabolism. Applying topical vitamin C can combat the damage caused by free radicals, improving the skin’s overall appearance.
Among all vitamin C benefits, it effectively fights signs of aging. A 2017 study showed that daily use of topic vitamin C improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
Ascorbic acid also protects the skin from UV rays when used in conjunction with sunscreen.
>> You may also like: Skin Care Routine for Glowing Skin
Most affordable vitamin C serums
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
PROS
- Suited to all skin types
- Contains alpha arbutin
- Contains 8% ascorbic acid
CONS
- Can make you look a bit oily
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is made with two of the most well-known brightening agents in skincare. It is a water-free formula since combining vitamin C and alpha arbutin in formulations containing water can result in an unbalanced formula.
This serum will visibly improve pigmentation and balance uneven skin tone. Plus with its antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from the damage caused by environmental stressors, helping to maintain a more radiant complexion.
This is a really cheap option. Honestly though, even if it can be suited to all skin types I don’t recommend it for people with oily skin as I think the formula could look too greasy on this skin type.
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
PROS
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free
CONS
- Pricey
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum has pretty similar benefits compared to other vitamin C serums. Hence it improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Unlike most vitamin C serums it contains hyaluronic acid. This ingredient delivers intense moisture, infusing skin with healthy hydration. Basically, it helps plump and soften facial skin for a luminous complexion.
Plus this vitamin C serum is packed full of powerful natural ingredients:
- Antioxidant Green Tea nourishes and protects dry skin
- Provitamin B5 moisturizes, smooths and conditions
- Vitamin C is firming and rejuvenating
L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum
PROS
- Contains 10% ascorbic acid
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
CONS
- Pricey
While being a high potency vitamin C serum, l’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum also has a pretty moisturizing formula.
Differently from most vitamin C serums, this product has a moisturizer-like creamy formula. The packaging and formula make this vitamin C serum great to use as a treatment for dark spots, you just need to apply a tiny bit of product on your dark spots.
Nevertheless is also a fantastic option to use for your face overall as it’s suited for sensitive skin types despite the high potency.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
PROS
- Contains 15% ascorbic acid
- Contains signal peptide EGF
- Scent-free
CONS
- Inconvenient packaging
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is a delicate-yet-powerful, lightweight serum that delivers a potent dose of actives to visibly brighten dull skin and tighten the look of the skin.
This product also contains signal peptide EGF to help regenerate and refresh your skin for a visibly plumper and youthful-looking effect.
I love the effect this product has on my skin, but in all honesty, the packaging was too problematic for me since I had all sorts of problems with leaking. With that said, if packaging issues are not a concern to you I highly recommend it.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
PROS
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Has 10% ascorbic acid
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Contains 3 ceramides
CONS
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum formula helps brighten the complexion and promote a more even skin tone. Plus this product comes in a protective packaging which helps prevent oxidation and maintain product performance.
This vitamin C serum also contains hyaluronic acid making it highly moisturizing.
For best results apply it by patting the product onto your skin and not by dragging it. This will ensure the serum absorbs properly even though the gel-like formula makes it pretty easy to absorb on its own.
Final thoughts on the best affordable vitamin C serum
Wrapping it up, the top two vitamin C serums are:
Right now I’m actually using The Ordinary one since my skin is on the drier side and I prefer the dropper packaging. I will say though it oxidizes more quickly than the CeraVe one.
As I said earlier I don’t think The Ordinary formula is the best for oily skin types. With that said, I found that after applying makeup (you may need to add more setting powder than normal) my skin looks even better: the greasy look leaves place for a radiant and dewy complexion.
Undoubtedly both these serums are great. Based on your preferences you should choose what may suit you best.
This post was all about the best affordable vitamin C serum.
Please share this post if it was useful. Also, feel free to ask any questions in the comment section!
Resources
- Pullar M. et al. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. 2017
- Richard E. Fitzpatrick MD,Elizabeth F. Rostan MD. Double-Blind, Half-Face Study Comparing Topical Vitamin C and Vehicle for Rejuvenation of Photodamage. 2008