Frequently Asked Questions
What should you remember when buying a vitamin C serum at the drugstore?
First, consider the type of vitamin C. “Pure ascorbic acid is potent but can be unstable and irritating at high doses, while derivatives such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl glucoside are often mild,” says Dr. Bowles. The second step is looking at packaging. “Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light and air, so a light and airtight container is ideal.” It is also helpful if the vitamin C serum includes supporting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or antioxidants such as vitamin E, to stabilize the formula and reduce potential irritation. Finally, consider your skin type—some formulas are better suited for dry or sensitive skin when combined with hydrating agents, while others may be more suitable for oily skin.”
Is there anything wrong with the drugstore vitamin C serum?
“The biggest difference between drugstore vitamin C serums and high-end options often comes down to the formulation and combination of ingredients,” says Dr. Bowles. More expensive serums may use proprietary blends, stabilized or enhanced derivatives of vitamin C, and additional antioxidants or peptides that promote long-term anti-aging or firming benefits, he explains. Others “may also include delivery technologies that improve absorption with less irritation.” Drugstore serums, on the other hand, tend to focus on well-studied, specific ingredients (such as L-ascorbic acid) that may not have those extra layers of technology or accompanying performance, he notes.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut.
- Patricia Wexler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
How we test and review products
When Seduction reviews the product, our editors look at it from all angles in an effort to help you better. We review ingredients, scrutinize product claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each product included in each review, we rely on experts in their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us evaluate ingredients and formulas.
To come up with our list of the best drugstore vitamin C serums, we considered each product’s performance in five main categories: product ingredients and effectiveness, packaging, scent, texture, and product wear. Every product is determined to be a winner in each category by our editorial team, made up of in-house writers and editors and contributors—with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information about our reporting and evaluation processes, read our full review process and how-to page.
Our staff and inspectors
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You may be looking for a face cream to combat persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday skincare routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launch to hit the hair market. Whatever your wants or needs and concerns, Seduction you want to make sure you like whatever we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse group of writers and editors—in addition to the extensive list of external reviewers and industry experts we call on regularly—is critical to achieving that goal.
After all, we can indeed Are we saying that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 when the only testers we asked for were people under 30? Can we honestly consider a premium diffuser worth your hard-earned money if it’s never been tested on curls? We pride ourselves on the fact that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair colors, genders, and backgrounds, which means we are able to thoroughly evaluate any beauty product that enters the beauty closet.
