If you are a conscious consumer who treats the topic of personal care seriously, then you have probably understood by now what the main task of face creams is and how their purported 100% effectiveness really look like. Without doubt, face cream is essential and you should never resign from using it, however, this cosmetic does not affect the skin the way most of us think it does.

Its scope of work includes epidermis only. When it comes to other layers that are located deep under the skin surface, a face cream appears to be… inept. This is why a product like a face serum came into existence – lightweight, potent and offering active ingredient concentrates. Only face serum is able to treat skin so “deeply” and effectively, and this is why it has become the most important and absolutely essential cosmetic that should be applied prior to a face cream. One of the top ingredients used in a face serum, which in a clear and remarkable way rejuvenate and improve skin, are vitamin C and retinol (aka vitamin A). Read on to learn which skin care products enriched with these two vitamins are highly-rated by the users. Carry on reading to find out how vit. C and retinol work in face serums dedicated for skin in its 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

VITAMIN C & RETINOL FACE SERUM – RANKING top skin care products, the best effects, rave reviews

1

BENEFITS:
face-lift effect, skin brightening, radiance boost, anti-ageing, rejuvenation, skin improvement, wrinkles

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types including mature skin, dull and sallow skin

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

Nanoil is the best face serum formulated with the stable form of vitamin C – 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which is the latest development in the field of beauty and cosmetology. Thanks to Nanoil, you can expose your skin to the safest and the most effective form of vitamin C that absorbs easily to improves all skin layers.

This ultra-lightweight face serum by Nanoil produces the desired effects after first application: it leaves skin more beautiful and clearly brightened up, the complexion is even and the face looks well-rested and revived. The benefits provided by vitamin C in Nanoil Vit. C Face Serum are so impressive also because they are boosted by Punarnava root extract. This is a potent antioxidant rich in precious flavonoids and phytosterols. When combined together, both ingredients make skin smooth, youthful-looking and simply flawless. If you want to get yourself a good vitamin C face serum, you should consider Nanoil as your next purchase. The benefits and rave consumer reviews are the irrefutable proof of Nanoil being the best choice for you.

2
Lancome Visionnaire
LANCÔME, Visionnaire Skin Solutions 15% Pure Vitamin C Correcting Concentrate, 2×10 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
anti-ageing, rejuvenation, skin brightening, radiance boost

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types including mature skin, dull and sallow skin

AGE:
40s, 50s

This is another face serum with the stable form of vitamin C. Available in the form of tiny droplets, this serum brightens skin up, restores its healthy look and radiance as well as regenerates dull epidermis. When used regularly, skin becomes highlighted and brims with energy. Also, skin resilience gets improved over time. Lancome Visionnaire Skin Solutions minimizes discolorations which translates into even and healthy-looking skin tone. The skin brightening effect won thanks to Lancome Visionnaire Skin Solutions is mainly owed to a high concentration of vitamin C. 

The cosmetic is sold in two ampules – 10 ml each – to prevent vitamin C from oxidizing. This guarantees high serum performance to the very last drop. Unfortunately, the size of Lancome vitamin C face serum is small so the serum does not last long. In fact, if you want to see the best results, you have to buy another packaging which is a pity because the serum is not the cheapest one.

3

BENEFITS:
anti-ageing, rejuvenation, face-lift effect, antioxidative properties, resilience improvement, skin renewal

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types including mature and dull skin, wrinkles, acne, resilience decline

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

The best advanced anti-ageing face serum with the potent retinol now available and suitable for all skin types, including mature and sensitive skin as well as acne-prone skin blemished with pigmentation spots and other imperfections. The high effectiveness of Nanoil face serum is proved by the countless number of positive reviews. This serum is able to encourage two processes: epidermis renewal and protein synthesis in all skin layers. As a consequence, this face serum by Nanoil leaves skin visibly more supple, smooth and resilient.

Owing to Nanoil Retinol Face Serum, skin wins back its perfect form, becomes more supple and adequately moisturized. On the top of that, all skin self-healing processes are boosted which results in noticeable skin improvement. This cosmetic is both gentle for skin and ruthless for wrinkles and other skin imperfections.

4
Sesderma C-VIT
Sesderma C-VIT, Liposomal serum, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
rejuvenation, skin brightening, radiance boost

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, including dull skin with discolorations

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

Sesderma C-VIT face serum contains the most stable form of vitamin C – 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. However, would it be possible for this essential nutrient to be efficacious if it is among so many ingredients used to formulate this face serum? What are other constituents of this face serum?

The three basic task of this skin care product is to fight back free radicals, boost skin radiance and stimulate collagen synthesis. Apart from that, the face serum with vitamin C improves skin resilience and refines its texture, provided that it is used on a regular basis. In addition, Sesderma C-VIT is recommended to be treated as an agent dealing with the adverse effects of photoaging. Finally, since this serum makes the walls of capillaries stronger, it serves couperose skin well.

The list of ingredients in Sesderma C-VIT looks pretty good because apart from vitamin C it also contains ginkgo and white mulberry extracts. On the flip side, the concentration of castor oil is high which may lead to clogged skin pores. Additionally, this ineloquent “alcohol” mentioned in INCI also sounds disconcerting – it may contribute to skin dehydration. The good thing though is that Sesderma C-VIT face serum is sold in a black glass bottle which means that the product preserves its qualities for long.

5
It's Skin Power 10 Formula
It’s Skin, Power 10 Formula VC Effector, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
rejuvenation, skin brightening, radiance boost

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, including combination skin, pigmentation spots, dullness

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

Without doubt, It’s Skin brand has a wide face serum offer. Among the several dozen of face serums, there is this one tiny yellow serum containing vitamin C derivative that offers proven skin brightening and antioxidative properties. This face serum is composed of gentle skin conditioning ingredients that are expected to leave skin youthful-looking. Apart from vitamin C, Power 10 Formula VC Effector also contains green tea extract that is responsible for lightening up pigmentation spots and preventing new discolorations from appearing on skin.

Moreover, It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector has an exfoliating effect, which means that it is able to free skin from dead cells. This in turn leads to reduced visibility of skin pores and post-acne marks. In general, when treated with this face serum, skin is supposed to become smooth, revived and radiant.

6
Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Serum
Bobbi Brown, Extra Repair Serum, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
smooth skin, regeneration, skin brightening, skin revitalization treatment

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
mature, dry and normal, problematic skin

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

Deep hydration, nourishment and skin regeneration – this is what you can expect to achieve with this Bobbi Brown face serum. This skin care product was created to aid skin in its self-regenerating processes, make it stronger and supply it with oxygen. This rather costly serum is made from natural extracts, oils and vitamins (including a big portion of vitamin C). At the same time, Extra Repair Serum is safe for skin because it does not contain preservatives and synthetic colorants, which should not be surprising when you look at the high price of this face serum.

Apart from being considered as natural, Extra Repair Serum is also antibacterial. This means that it deals with bacteria responsible for causing acne and other skin imperfections. This quality makes the serum perfectly suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin that is easily irritated by environmental stressors.

7
Clinique Smart Custom
Clinique, Smart Custom-Repair Serum, 50 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
hydration, anti-ageing, regeneration, even skin tone, reduction of skin imperfections

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types at all ages

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

This vitamin C face serum’s main task is to repair skin damage. Being a multi-tasking product, Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum is able to fix both the visible and hidden skin injuries. Additionally, this is a product offering quite a portion of vitamin C and other active substances, and therefore it needs around 12 weeks to improve complexion. It gives you everything you expect it to: it erases discoloration pretty fast, fixes dull skin, helps you get rid of wrinkles and works on improving skin resilience – all of the desired effects are possible to achieve thanks to the vitamin C concentrate.

Undoubtedly, Clinique is a well-recognized cosmetic brand. It is known for launching beauty products that contain no allergens or other controversial ingredients that may either irritate skin or negatively influence the effectiveness of the active substances – the same can be said about this vitamin C face serum.

8
Kiehl's Powerful Strength
Kiehl’s, Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum, 75 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
rejuvenation, skin brightening, even skin texture

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types at all ages

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

This Kiehl’s face serum uses vitamin C as the main active substance, and its concentration is pretty high. Owing to this, the skin care product is good at reviving and brightening skin up. Also, when used regularly, Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum evens out skin tone and visibly improves complexion.

In addition, this face serum with vitamin C is expected to handle two tasks: reduce fine lines and improve skin appearance within a month. If vitamin C is applied regularly, the effects produced are highly satisfying since this essential nutrient is able to penetrate skin’s deeper surface layers and contribute to their regeneration. When it comes to the formula, apart from the already mentioned vitamin C concentrate, Kiehl’s face serum also contains hyaluronic acid that is responsible for replenishing skin with moisture and making it more supple. This dermatologist-tested cosmetic is safe for sensitive skin.

9
Christian Dior Capture Youth Intense Rescue
Christian Dior, Capture Youth, Intense rescue age-delay revitalizing oil-serum, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
anti-ageing, even skin texture, skin revitalization treatment, skin renewal

SKIN TYPES AND CONCERNS:
all skin types, including dry and combination skin

AGE:
30s, 40s, 50s

Dior is a brand that requires no introduction. Reportedly, Capture Youth face serum with vitamin C is one of the Dior’s customer favorite and highly-rated skin care products. Although it has some drawbacks like for example a high price, it keeps receiving positive reviews from its users.

Undoubtedly, this cosmetic contains a large portion of vitamin C which has many benefits for skin. When used correctly, this Dior face serum improves skin density, reinforces natural epidermal barrier, leaves skin firmer, erases the signs of fatigue, helps reduce fine lines and pigmentation spots. All the positive outcomes would not be possible to achieve if it was not for vitamin C.

It cannot be denied that Capture Youth, Intense rescue age-delay revitalizing oil-serum brings relief to dehydrated and tired-looking skin. Last but not least, this skin care product is responsible for encouraging skin to produce more lipids that lock moisture inside. Just a few applications of this vitamin C face serum are required to notice smoother and brighten complexion.

10
BABOR Reversive Anti-Aging Serum
BABOR, ReVersive, pro youth serum, Youth Activating Face Serum, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
wrinkle reduction, boosted collagen synthesis, "blur" effect on skin

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, including normal and mature skin

AGE:
40s, 50s

Vitamin C combined with vitamin E create a potent skin regeneration cosmetic that reduces wrinkles and helps skin to revive. Over time, this vitamin C face serum deals with the signs of ageing and makes face look youthful and fresh, provided it is used regularly. BARBOR vitamin C face serum belongs to the group of multi-tasking skin care products that can be applied morning and evening. The application itself is really pleasant and easy.

Since the serum is able to subtly coat the skin, it can be used as a replacement for a makeup base. It contains substances that highlights skin effectively, and the very substances are combined with shimmering particles that reflect and bounce light. This is why the skin looks radiant and well-rested immediately after the application of ReVersive Youth Activating Face Serum.

11
Purles 143 Vit C Serum Perfector
Purles, 143 Vit C Serum Perfector, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
hydration, rejuvenation, smooth skin, strong protection

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, particularly for mature and uneven skin

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

This is a highly effective face serum formulated with 10% vitamin C used in three forms, e.g. liposomal and stabilized. Naturally, this means that the serum affects the skin in three ways, which does not always bring desired outcomes. Since this Purles face serum is responsible for reviving skin, and it succeeds in doing so, it receives many favorable reviews from its users. It is also one of the highest-rated face serums with vitamin C currently available.

Purles 143 Vit C Serum Perfector limits the risk of DNA damage thanks to DNA-Protective Active – it shields skin from IR and UVB rays. Apart from that, it leaves skin slightly brighter after first application. The antioxidant set that the serum offers neutralizes free radicals and stimulates microcirculation in skin which leads to better nourishment. Hydration and resilience improvement is owed to the hyaluronic acid that the serum is also formulated with.

12
The Ordinary
The Ordinary, Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
skin brightening, rejuvenation, radiance boost

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, especially couperose skin with uneven texture

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

One of many face serums that The Ordinary has in its offer. It is formulated with 12% vitamin C concentrate, which is a long-known ascorbyl acid derivative – ascorbyl glucoside. The glucoside releases vitamin C which allows it penetrate skin’s deeper surface layers before breaking down. Nowadays we know that vitamin C is unstable therefore its form used in a face serum has to be the finest and the most stable.

This vitamin C face serum’s strong suit is the fact that it can be used at every age in life. For example, women in their 20s may apply Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% to erase post-acne marks and prevent fine lines. When it comes to slightly older women, they may use this skin care product to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Another good thing about The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is that it is free from alcohols, silicones and oils. The vitamin C used in this face serum fights back free radicals, leaves skin visibly brighter and makes the walls of capillaries stronger.

13
La Prairie Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold
La Prairie, Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold Serum, 30 ml, vitamin C face serum

BENEFITS:
skin regeneration, wrinkle reduction, skin brightening

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, particularly for dry, mature and dull skin

AGE:
30s, 40s, 50s

Vitamin C and lactic acid formulating this serum create a potent duo that benefits skin in a few ways. Apart from making skin look better and erasing the signs of fatigue, this vitamin C face serum highlights complexion and leaves it radiant and youthful. When used on a day-to-day basis, Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold Serum helps to win the fight against discolorations, uneven skin texture and fine lines.

As the name indicates, La Prairie face serum contains pure gold that is blended with colloidal gel. Although this prevents collagen and elastin loss, the gel consistency resides on face creating this unpleasant tight skin feel. Sill, the rich formula of vitamin C face serum supplies skin with many nutrients that are able to improve skin appearance after first application. Last but not least, hyaluronic acid added to Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold Serum helps you replenish skin with water.

14
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid
The Ordinary, Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, 30ml, vitamin A face serum

BENEFITS:
wrinkle reduction, skin density improvement, hydration, suppleness and resilience boost

SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS:
all skin types, particularly for dry, mature, dull, acne-prone and oily skin

AGE:
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

This face serum by The Ordinary is formulated with 2% retinoid that is known for its strong anti-aging effect. This cosmetic is able to reduce fine lines, improve skin resilience and erase pigmentation spots. Apart from retinoid, the serum also contains vitamin C that is responsible for making skin texture even, brighter and youthful-looking. It is worth pointing out that this version of face serum by The Ordinary combines two forms of retinoids. The first one, granactive retinoids – advanced yet synthetic and not fully stable form of retinoids – deal with the signs of ageing. The second form is pure retinol that delivers the effects slowly and systematically for a prolonged period of time, yet sadly its concentration in this serum is really low.

The undisputed advantage of Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is that this serum is lightweight and that the retinoid forms incorporated into the product are really gentle to skin. On the other hand, since being gentle, the retinoids will not give you immediate effects. This means that you have to be patient if you want to improve your skin appearance with this face serum.

Why do you need to pair vitamin C face serum with a face cream?

No matter if the main constituent is vitamin C or retinol, face serum was developed to deliver all the essential nutrients and active substances deep under the skin surface. To make it possible, face serum lacks substances that are responsible for providing protection to the epidermis, nor does it affect this outermost layer of skin. In other words, it is not face serum’s task to work on epidermis.

This being said, all the substances that are supposed to reside on skin surface in order to protect it against damage as well as to improve the hydro-lipid barrier, they all have to be delivered to skin with a face cream because a regular face serum simply lacks them. In addition, the very substances that fortify skin hydro-lipid barrier prevent the nutrients included in a face serum from escaping your skin. This is why vitamin C/retinol face serum and face cream (it can also contain vitamin C) make so potent duo that effectively fight for stunning and flawless skin.

IMPORTANT! Face Serum: What should you pay the attention to?

While choosing a face serum for yourself, it is advised to check the list of ingredients first. Once you learn what your new skin care product is formulated with, you can complete your beauty routine with the right nutrients delivered with a face cream. For example, if you want to treat your skin with a retinol face serum, pair it with a moisturizing face cream that also offers you sun protection (SPF 30). Are you a fan of vitamin C serum? Bear in mind that it works well when combined with other exfoliators and anti-ageing agents. For example, you can pair it with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid or the most effective anti-ageing substance – coenzyme Q10.

Furthermore, retinoids used in high concentrations and producing strong rejuvenating effects (just like face serums for mature skin contain) may cause sun sensitivity in skin. For that reason, if you treat the skin with a retinoid face serum, you must use sunscreens in the morning. It is also worth realizing that if you have not used a retinoid face serum before, it would be better if you treated the skin with a product that does not contain strong retinoid concentrate – 0,2% retinol should be safe enough for the beginning.

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