We like products that do the most amount of work for the least amount of time. Big fans of making the most with the least amount of effort- line up over here! When you build a routine, you should look for products that deliver multiple benefits: Will it be easy for you to use? Does it have a place in your routine? Does it do what it says it does?  

For us, a good vitamin C serum is a great addition to any routine (except for the unfortunate few that can be reactive to vitamin C, more on that later). If you want to prevent the long-term effects of sun damage, as well as help improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, dark spots, and acne- make good friends with a vitamin C serum.

How vitamin C benefits the skin

• Blocks free radicals protecting your skin from environmental damage like UV light and pollution
• Inhibits tyrosinase - the enzyme responsible for the first step in creating pigment in the skin- brightening and evening out skin tone
• Improves fine lines, wrinkles, and lax skin by stimulating collagen production and protecting your collagen and elastin from oxidative stress
• Calms inflammation and promotes wound healing making it great for acne-prone or damaged skin

What products is it best in- Serum! Vitamin C is highly unstable and oxidizes easily, so formulating is key. While vitamin C has been clinically researched and proven to be an anti-aging superstar, all vitamin C serums are not created equal. Typically the most stable and effective form of vitamin C in skincare is L-ascorbic acid. For those that are a little more sensitive, begin with a lower concentration and work your way up to a higher concentration (20%). Other shelf-stable, effective, and gentler forms of vitamin C for sensitive skin are tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. No matter which vitamin c serum you choose, make sure you are using a product that you trust (or your Esto trusts) to reap the benefits. UV light and oxygen degrade vitamin C so look for dark,(or non-light penetrating) air-tight packaging and use your product before the expiration date. How to super-charge your vitamin c? Look for tranexamic acid or other antioxidants like vitamin e or ferulic acid in the ingredient list to boost the effects of vitamin C. 

Our favorite vitamin C serums

Maya Chia The Super Lift Vitamin C-More Treatment is an is advanced, high-tech serum that contains three types of bio-available, shelf-stable vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid, Ferulic Acid Esters (plant source), Niacinamide, Peptides, and Stem Cells. This triple-acting vitamin C serum is a great option for sensitive skin and is designed to brighten your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We love it!

Synergie Skin SupremaC+ features Synergie's own 20% CMF Triacid Complex™, a blend of the latest and most stable forms of ascorbic, ferulic, and mandelic acids to offer superior protection from free radical damage, aging, dryness, uneven skin tone, and unbalanced sebum. Truly a delight!

HoliFrog Sunnyside C Glow Serum- Vitamin C(15%), Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Glutathione work synergistically to brighten and even out skin tone while Chaga and Snow mushrooms replenish and maintain hydration. So good!

ZENii London Antioxidant Power Serum- A concentrated serum of powerful antioxidants, including 20% L ascorbic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and ferulic acid works to neutralize free radicals in our skin that are generated by UV rays, pollution, toxins, stress, and chemicals in our environment. I mean, really.

NUORI Supreme-C Serum Treatment is a freshly blended intensive 7.5% pure vitamin C treatment for brighter, revived skin that offers powerful antioxidant protection and helps repair prior skin damage caused by free radicals. So Smart!

When to apply vitamin C serum? You’ll get the most out of this ingredient by applying it in the morning on cleansed (and toned- if you use a mist/tonic) skin before your moisturizer and SPF to get the protective benefits. You can also use it at night to nourish your skin.