The 10 Best Vitamin C Serums for Glowing Skin in India [September,2023]

Vitamin C serums have become a must-have product in many skincare routines. Known for their antioxidant properties and ability to tackle various skin concerns like pigmentation, dullness, fine lines, acne scars etc., vitamin C serums can help achieve brighter, clearer and younger-looking skin.

In this comprehensive guide, we discuss the best vitamin c serum options available in India, their key benefits, how to choose the right vitamin C serum for your skin type and tips for effective use.

Why You Need a Vitamin C Serum in Your Routine

Before we get to the list of the best vitamin c serums in India, let’s first understand why you need one in the first place:

1. Vitamin C is an Antioxidant Powerhouse

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and oxidative damage caused by pollution and sun exposure. This helps delay skin aging.

2. It Brightens Skin and Fades Dark Spots

By inhibiting melanin production, vitamin C serums can reduce pigmentation and gradually fade dark spots and acne marks. Regular use gives a brighter, more even-toned complexion.

3. Vitamin C Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Using a vitamin C serum stimulates collagen production to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

4. It Hydrates Skin

In addition to its other benefits, topical vitamin C provides hydration to the skin which improves moisture retention. This gives a plumper, more youthful appearance.

5. Vitamin C Serums Even Out Skin Texture

The exfoliating properties of vitamin C help remove dead skin cells andeven out rough patches. This leaves you with smoother, softer skin texture.

6. It Protects Against Sun Damage

Applied before sunscreen, vitamin C provides an extra layer of photoprotection by neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure.

Clearly, vitamin C serums offer multiple benefits for the skin. Now let’s look at the top vitamin C serum options available in the Indian market.

10 Best Vitamin C Serums in India (2023)

1. Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum

The Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum contains 10% pure L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C). It provides antioxidant protection while reducing pigmentation and boosting collagen.

Key Features:

• 10% L-ascorbic acid concentration
• Lightweight, quick-absorbing texture
• Fragrance and silicone-free formula
• Suitable for all skin types

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2. Dermafique Age Defying Vitamin C 15% Face Serum

This 15% vitamin C serum from Dermafique uses a stable potent formula that remains effective even after opening. It tackles pigmentation and early signs of aging.

Key Features:

• Encapsulated 15% vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for added benefits
• Lightweight gel texture
• Paraben, sulfate and silicon-free
• Dermatologically tested

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3. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

With an ultra-high 23% L-ascorbic acid concentration, this cult favorite serum from The Ordinary offers very effective brightening and antioxidant protection. The spheres allow gradual release of active ingredients.

Key Features:

• 23% pure L-ascorbic acid
• Hyaluronic acid for hydration
• Lightweight creamy texture
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Effectiveness at a budget price

Price: ₹920 for 30 ml

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4. Olay Vitamin C + AHA Serum

This budget-friendly option from Olay combines the power of two actives – 10% vitamin C and AHA. Together, they work on pigmentation and exfoliation to reveal brighter, smoother skin.

Key Features:

• 10% pure vitamin C
• AHA to accelerate cell turnover
• Light hydrating texture
• Fragrance-free
• Affordable pricing

Price: ₹349 for 30 ml

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5. Cipla VC15 Vitamin C Serum

Made by pharmaceutical brand Cipla, this 15% vitamin C serum is clinically proven to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and laxity in 12 weeks. It suits all skin types.

Key Features:

• 15% L-ascorbic acid concentration
• Lightweight non-greasy formula
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Dermatologically tested

Price: ₹775 for 30 ml

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6. Serumtologie Vit C 22 Serum

With 22% vitamin C derived from multiple sources like kakadu plum and acerola cherry, this serum provides extensive brightening benefits while hydrating and firming the skin.

Key Features:

• 22% vitamin C complex
• 72-hour hydration
• Improves collagen and skin elasticity
• Paraben-free and cruelty-free
• Glass pump packaging

Price: ₹799 for 30 ml

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7. Plum Vitamin C 15% Glow Serum

Natural brand Plum combines 15% vitamin C with kakadu plum, grapeseed oil and hydrating sodium hyaluronate in this non-greasy serum that tackles dullness, pigmentation and dehydration.

Key Features:

• 15% stable vitamin C
• Kakadu plum for natural vitamin C
• Hydrating hyaluronic acid
• Suitable for oily, sensitive skin
• 100% vegan and cruelty-free

Price: ₹575 for 30 ml

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8. Dot & Key Vitamin C Radiance Serum

This lightweight serum from Dot & Key uses a three-ingredient formula with 20% vitamin C, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid for brightening smooth skin without irritation.

Key Features:

• 20% L-ascorbic acid
• Ferulic acid boosts vitamin C efficacy
• Hyaluronic acid provides hydration
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Glass pump packaging

Price: ₹625 for 30 ml

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9. Pilgrim Vitamin C Serum 20% + Ferulic Acid

Pilgrim’s vitamin C serum combines 20% L-ascorbic acid with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid which stabilizes the vitamin C. This fragrance-free serum improves uneven tone and firms the skin.

Key Features:

• 20% L-ascorbic acid concentration
• Ferulic acid for greater efficacy
• Hyaluronic acid for moisture
• Clean, vegan formula
• Airless pump packaging

Price: ₹845 for 30 ml

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10. SkinKraft Customised Vitamin C Serum

Get a personalised vitamin C serum tailored to your skin’s needs from SkinKraft. Formulated with up to 20% vitamin C, it tackles your specific skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, aging etc.

Key Features

• Customised vitamin C percentage
• Addresses skin concerns like acne, pigmentation
• Lightweight, suitable for all skin types
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Glass bottle packaging

Price: ₹699 for 30 ml

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Now that you know the top vitamin C serum options let’s look at how to choose the right one for your skin.

How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin

With so many vitamin C serums in the market, choosing the right one for your skin can get confusing. Here are some tips to pick the best vitamin C serum for your needs:

• Know your skin type – Gel or water-based serums are best for oily skin while creams work for dry skin. Look for a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture.
• Check the vitamin C form – L-ascorbic acid is the most active form while derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate are gentle. But they can be less effective.
• Consider the percentage – Serums with 10-15% vitamin C concentration are ideal to start with. Higher percentages like 20-30% provide intensive brightening but can cause irritation on some skin.
• See if it has added actives – Serums with vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid provide extra perks like more stability, hydration and anti-aging benefits.
• Read reviews – Check online reviews to ensure the serum doesn’t cause side effects like dryness, stinging or breakouts for your skin type.
• Expiry and packaging – Vitamin C degrades when exposed to air and light. Pick serums in airless or dark glass bottles. Also, vitamin C serums have a shorter shelf life of around 3-6 months.
• Budget – Vitamin C serums are available across price ranges. Keep your budget in mind while choosing the right serum.

By considering these factors, you can determine the ideal vitamin C serum to get glowing skin.

How to Use a Vitamin C Serum for Best Results

Using your vitamin C serum properly is key to getting all the brightening, anti-aging and hydrating effects. Here are some tips for effective use:

• Cleanse – Always apply the vitamin C serum on clean, dry skin for maximum absorption.
• Use in the AM – Vitamin C works best when applied in the morning. Using it at night won’t provide UV protection benefits.
• Apply before moisturizer – After cleansing, apply a few drops of the serum before your regular moisturizer for locking in the benefits.
• Don’t mix with other actives – Vitamin C can interact with retinol, AHAs etc. Use alternate mornings or nights.
• Begin 2-3 times a week – If new to vitamin C, start slow and build up frequency to allow your skin to adjust.
• Use SPF – Always follow up your vitamin C serum with a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day.
• Store properly – Keep your vitamin C serum away from direct heat, sunlight and air exposure to maintain its potency.
• Watch for reactions – Discontinue use if you experience excessive dryness, peeling, redness or itching.

By following these tips, you can incorporate vitamin C serums into your routine for maximum skin enhancing effects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin C Serums

1. Can vitamin C serums be used on oily or acne-prone skin?

Yes, vitamin C serums are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin too. Opt for gels or water-based serums which get absorbed easily without clogging pores. They will provide antioxidant protection against acne triggers like pollution while also fading dark spots.

2. How long does it take to see results from a vitamin C serum?

With regular twice daily use, results from vitamin C serums can become visible over 6-8 weeks. Initial changes include improved skin tone, hydration and smoother texture. Brightening dark spots takes longer – about 3-4 months of continued use.

3. Should vitamin C serums be applied daily?

Vitamin C serums are best used once daily in the AM. Once your skin adjusts, you can apply it twice daily – morning and night. Avoid excessive daily use as L-ascorbic acid can be irritating when overused.

4. Can vitamin C serum be used with retinol or AHAs?

We don’t recommend combining vitamin C serum with retinol, glycolic acid or other potent actives in the same routine as this can potentially cause irritation. Use them on alternate mornings/nights for a safer approach.

5. How to store vitamin C serum properly?

Vitamin C breaks down when exposed to sunlight, air and heat. Store your vitamin C serum in a cool dark place like the fridge to maintain its potency. Discard if it changes color or consistency as this indicates the vitamin C has oxidized.

In Conclusion

Vitamin C serums can be a game-changing addition to your skincare routine due to the many proven benefits for your skin. Our list of the top 10 vitamin C serums provides options to suit every budget and skin type. Based on your concerns, skin sensitivity and other factors, you can pick the ideal serum and see a brighter, youthful complexion with regular use. Just be sure to use it properly for maximum effectiveness. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Best Vitamin C Serum in India – Which One Should You Choose?

As interest in vitamin C serums grows, more and more options are launching in India. But which one should you pick for your skin?

To make your decision easier, we compare the top 10 vitamin C serums in India across factors like:

• Vitamin C Percentage – 10% vs 15% vs 20%
• Form of Vitamin C – L-Ascorbic Acid vs Derivatives
• Added Skin Actives – Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid
• Skin Type Suitability – Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Acne-prone
• Budget
• Packaging
• Brand Credibility

Refer to the table below to compare and determine which is the best vitamin C serum in India for you:

Key Takeaways:

• For beginners, 10-15% L-Ascorbic Acid serums are ideal
• Sensitive skin types should opt for serums with soothing agents like oat extract, ferulic acid etc.
• Oily and acne-prone skin benefits more from water-based gels with added AHAs
• Those on a budget can consider good options from Olay, Minimalist, Plum
• Higher percentages (20% plus) deliver faster brightening but can irritate some skin types

We hope this comparison helps you decide which is the best vitamin C serum to meet your skin goals and fits your budget! Let us know if you have any other questions.