Sally Foran: How to pick the right Vitamin C to get your glow on

Not all vitamin C is created equal, says Beauty Editor Sally Foran

Here’s a selection of our favourite vitamin C containing products, to help you choose the right one for you.

If, like the February weather, your skin is looking dull and lacklustre, vitamin C is the skincare ingredient you should be adding to your routine. It treats hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles; protects against free radicals; brightens and improves skin tone; helps protect against age spots; boosts collagen formation; reduces collagen loss; and supercharges your SPF. It works best in the morning as its antioxidant properties help protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Not all vitamin C is created equal, however, and not all forms suit everyone. Here’s a selection of our favourites, to help you choose the right one for you.

1. Poco Beauty Universal Glow Serum

The instant illuminator

Poco Beauty’s Universal Glow Treatment has expanded to include two new products, including a vitamin C serum, Universal Glow Serum. This radiance-enhancing serum instantly illuminates skin thanks to its gorgeous bright hue and also provides long-term brightening benefits. It’s infused with a powerful blend of active ingredients, including oil-soluble vitamin C and other brightening agents. It also contains hyaluronic acid and trimethylglycine, which provide instant hydration, helping skin look plump and bouncy.

• €39, Planet Beauty

2. NEOSTRATA Enlighten Vitamin C Serum Dropper

The multitasking one

Neostrata’s Enlighten 15% Vitamin C and PHA Serum is a new gold standard in vitamin C serums. It features a blend of multiple clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamin C, as well as feverfew extract and green tea, for a triple whammy of antioxidant protection against the external aggressors that accelerate premature ageing.

It also contains one of the gentlest exfoliating acids, polyhydroxy acid (PHA), to gently refine skin’s texture while hydrating it. These ingredients work together to ensure brighter, more radiant skin in just one week

• €69.95, McCabe’s Pharmacy

3. Trinny London Naked Ambition

The innovative one

Trinny London’s Naked Ambition Vitamin C with Azelaic Exosome is, as the name suggests, a vitamin C serum, but not as you know it. In a global first, they’ve combined slow-release vitamin C with an azelaic acid exosome delivery system for gradual, effective results throughout the day.

The slow-release vitamin C promotes a consistently brighter, more even complexion gently and effectively, while the 10% advanced, targeted exosome delivery system delivers azelaic acid deep into the skin via the hair follicle, reducing the appearance of red, blotchy skin. Plankton liposomes and red algae help to even out skin tone. I’m absolutely loving it.

• €84, Brown Thomas

4. Voya Vitamin C Antioxidant serum

The organic one

Part of Voya’s brightening range – a collection of skincare products formulated using marine active ingredients to revitalise dull, tired-looking skin – this vitamin C serum also contains sodium hyaluronate. That means it strengthens, plumps and hydrates skin, as well as helping to slow visible signs of ageing.

It contains a gold-standard, stable vitamin C derivative combined with soothing agents, making it a brilliant option for those with sensitive skin. It’s certified organic by COSMOS, cruelty-free and vegan.

• €86, Meagher’s Pharmacy

5. Aroma-Zone’s Vitamin C Serum

The budget one

Aroma-Zone’s Vitamin C Serum, from the affordable French brand, is concentrated with 10% stabilised vitamin C. It combines the antioxidant power of astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, leaving skin smooth, firm and radiant.

It’s particularly effective on skin subjected to oxidative stress, as well as mature, wrinkled skin, skin with brown spots and dull, tired complexions. With its gentle, non-greasy, lightweight texture, it penetrates
instantly without leaving an oily film.

• €12, aromazone.com

6. YON-KA SERUM C20

The plant-based one

Yon-Ka’s Serum C20 is formulated with a highly stable, oil-based, potent 20% vitamin C — ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate — and infused with 1.5 million native turmeric and pomegranate cells, which not only enhance the power of the vitamin C but also deliver antioxidant benefits of their own.

Enriched with organic apricot oil, sweet orange essential oil and Yon-Ka Quintessence, it also smells divine.

• €135.50, yonka.ie

7. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

The iconic one

First launched in 2005, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard in vitamin C. The award-winning formula boasts over 20 years of proven results with 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage, improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

It’s the synergy of these three ingredients, in the correct doses, that propels the antioxidant effect. This blend delivers eight times more environmental protection than vitamin C alone.

• €185, Millies

8. Kiehls Vitamin C

The one for sensitive skin

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate incorporates 10.5% L-ascorbic acid and 2% ascorbyl glucoside. In addition to vitamin C, it now includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help skin retain moisture and softness. Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive.

• €85, Arnotts

• Prices correct at time of print but subject to change