It’s 2023, but the Vitamin C hype is still going strong. Vitamin C serums are the more effective and popular choices, but if you’re wondering what are the best vitamin C serums for oily skin and dry sensitive skin, we got you covered!
If you’re looking for Vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin, you can check out our article here.
Are Vitamin C Serums Good for an Oily Acne Prone Skin Type?
Yes! Vitamin C has high antioxidant content, which makes it great for tackling many conditions that come with having an oily skin type.
Besides helping your complexion glow from the inside out, Vitamin C serums can minimize and regulate sebum production by hydrating the skin. It can even help protect the skin from environmental aggressors by acting as a shield to protect and replenish lost nutrients back into the skin.
Can Vitamin C Serums Help Dry Sensitive Skin Types?
Of course! Dry and sensitive skin can benefit greatly from Vitamin C Serums. The ingredient can help brighten up dullness and restore hydration to dry skin for a more radiant and glowing complexion.
As for sensitive skin types – good news! There are more vitamin C serums containing derivatives that can deliver similar benefits as the pure Vitamin C form without the irritation and redness that come with it.
How We Choose The Best Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin & Dry Sensitive Skin?
We may not be skincare experts or specialists, but we do lots of research!
When looking for the best vitamin C serums for oily skin & dry, sensitive skin, we wanted to ensure the serums were appropriate for all ages and skin types.
Since we wanted to be inclusive towards the older audience, we mainly focused on reviews from users aged 50 and over to determine the best Vitamin C serums for oily, acne-prone, dry, and sensitive skin types.
This selection of Vitamin C serums will have price tags ranging from $20 – $65 so you can find the perfect serum suitable for your skin and budget.
The Best Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin (Overall)
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
** You can use code “BEAUTYWITHIN” for 15% off
Vitamin C type: 10% L-Ascorbic Acid
Other key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Neurosensine (peptide)
Qualities: Non-comedogenic, Oil-free, Allergy tested, Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Description:
La Roche-Posay is a brand you can rely on for sensitive and red skin. Thanks to the thermal spring water, this pure Vitamin C serum is gentle yet potent enough for the face and the neck to even out skin texture, improve the appearance of enlarged pores, and unveil radiant skin.
We also ranked this as the best Vitamin C serum for oily skin since the water base helps refresh, hydrate, and absorb into the skin without stickiness or greasiness. You’ll also find your sebum production more controlled!
Stellar Review: “This product is awesome! I’ve been using [it] for some time already and I’ve got oily skin. It doesn’t increase the oil; it [the serum] sure helps a lot!” – Zeneide
Best Vitamin C Serum for Over 50
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Vitamin C type: 10% 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Other key ingredients: White Shiitake Mushroom Extract, Licorice Root Extract
Qualities: Vegan, Fragrance-Free
Description:
The Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is a great option for mature skin types, especially if your oily skin becomes a dry and delicate desert. This lightweight Vitamin C serum uses a gentle Vitamin C derivative and white shiitake mushroom to brighten sunspots and discoloration.
Let’s also not forget to show Biossance’s sugar-cane derived Squalane some love! Since this ingredient is rich in fatty acids and lipids to nourish and protect the skin barrier, this baby makes it easy for anyone to incorporate into their routine without irritation, making it the best Vitamin C Serum for anyone over 50.
Stellar Review: “I am very fair and had the pleasure to grow up in Florida. Except, w-a-y back in ‘the day’ we were not told about the damaging effects of the sun and tanning – NOW most of us are paying the price for sun damaged skin – this Squalane & Vit C Dark Spot Serum has been introduced to help and lighten our ol’beach damaged skin days. Thank you more than you will ever know for this wonderful serum – IT WORKS!!! – Anonymous (Age 55-64)
Best Vitamin C Serum for Oily Acne Prone Skin
Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum
Vitamin C type: Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Other key ingredients: Sea Buckthorn (Vitamin Fruit) extract, panthenol, licorice root extract, turmeric root extract
Qualities: Alcohol-free
Description:
Rated as the most affordable from this list, the Numbuzin Goodbye Blemish Serum is a best-seller and our pick as the best Vitamin C serum for oily and acne prone skin.
This baby has a beautiful gel-type texture that glides and absorbs easily across the skin, and it’s enriched with Vitamin extract, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, licorice root, and turmeric – all of which can replenish a compromised skin barrier and skin’s moisture levels, and help fade spots, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation. If you’re also new to Vitamin C serums, we’d say this is a great Vitamin C serum for beginners as well!
Stellar Review (shortened for readability):
“I recently tried the Numbuzin No. 5 Goodbye Blemish Serum and I have to say, I am blown away by the results. As someone who has struggled with acne and blemishes for years, I’ve tried countless products to help clear my skin, but none have worked as well as this serum.
After just a few uses, I noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my skin. My blemishes were reduced in size and redness, and my overall complexion looked brighter and more even. What I love most about this serum is that it’s gentle on the skin, yet incredibly effective at treating blemishes.
The serum is lightweight and easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue or greasiness. I use it twice a day as part of my skincare routine, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in the overall health and appearance of my skin.” – mih16…
Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C type: 15% Ascorbic Acid
Other key ingredients: Vitamin E, Pine Polyphenols, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Qualities: Great for all skin types, sensitive-skin friendly, fragrance-free
Description:
This serum may look small, but it can pack a powerful punch against dullness and hyperpigmentation – without irritating the skin. The Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum is a gentle and lightweight formula that brightens the skin overall, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and protects the skin from environmental aggressors. Since this serum works wonderfully for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, we think it’s worth the investment!
Stellar Review:
“Great vitamin C. I have repurchased this a few times already. I use this every morning on dry skin and it has helped brighten my skin a lot. It is a bit pricey but good vitamin C is hard to come by at a cheap price. It can be a little sticky at first but after it soaks into the skin, the stickiness goes away.” –Mugenrae
Best Vitamin C Serum for Face Anti-Aging
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Vitamin C type: Ascorbic Acid
Other key ingredients: Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid
Qualities: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
Description:
Vitamin C is one of the most researched and proven ingredients for anti-aging, but it can also be difficult to incorporate into your routine. Fortunately, the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster can be a flexible add-on for any skincare step. Worried about irritation? Mix a few drops into your moisturizer. Want to cocktail with another serum? No problem. The booster combines well without leaving behind a sticky or tacky residue. And thanks to Vitamin E. Ferulic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, you can expect this booster to show fantastic results in restoring skin radiance while addressing face anti-aging.
Stellar Review:
“After just a couple uses I noticed a reduction of fine lines and hyperpigmentation/spots – overall! It truly brightened my face and evened my skin tone. Despite having sensitive and dry skin, I was able to immediately incorporate it into my morning routine without any issues. My face is much brighter and smoother when I use it regularly! Highly recommended! – Katie H.
Frequently Asked Questions on Vitamin C
Why do I get pimples after using vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C serums are not the direct cause of acne, but it can potentially lead to breakouts due to purging. Purging is a temporary process where the skin’s cells turnover at a rapid rate, pushing them up towards the surface of the skin. Since the process will move all impurities to the skin’s surface, you only need to wait until the purging ends to show improvements for your skin.
How long does vitamin C purging last?
The Vitamin C purging can last anywhere from four to six weeks depending on its strength and how well your skin can tolerate the Vitamin C serum. Continue using your serum as your skin purges; eventually your skin should calm down and unveil evened radiant skin.
Will my acne go away if I take vitamin C?
Vitamin C serums cannot directly treat acne, but they can improve the appearance of acne scars, marks, and hyperpigmentation. With that being said, there are some Vitamin C serums that contain other ingredients that can help your acne skin.
You can look for ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or azelaic acid formulated into your vitamin C serum to give your skin an acne fighting boost!
See all the Best Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin & Dry Sensitive Skin in our Shop My Shelf Collection:
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