7 vitamin C serums that your skincare routine needs this summer

It feels like we blinked, and summer arrived at our doorsteps bringing with it intense heat and unbearable humidity that wreaks havoc on our skin—think sunburns, dullness, and dark spots. It is essential to tweak our skincare routine to account for the change in weather. Enter: vitamin C. While the ingredient make a great addition in your routine year round, it is especially helpful during summer. The harsh summer sunlight is notorious for destroying collagen and giving more wrinkles. Vitamin C helps prevent the same and even boosts collagen production. Moreover, it even promises to fade dark marks and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, imparting a radiant glow to your skin. While the powerful antioxidant can be found in many skincare products like moisturisers and essences, serums are most effective as they contain the highest concentration of L-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C). 

But, despite its many benefits, vitamin C is infamous for being unstable and can quickly go from a magical skincare ingredient to a rust-coloured oxidised liquid that will do more harm than good. It’s important to look for formulas that are highly stable and effective at the same time; so we’ve rounded up the best ones you can get your hands on. 

Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum, ₹6,650

Murad’s brightening serum has a powerful gold-stabilised vitamin C complex that helps stabilise L-ascorbic acid and gives your skin a youthful glow. The glycolic acid in the formula exfoliates skin to remove dead skin cells so you look hydrated and fresh all day long!

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Pure Vitamin C Serum, ₹1,570

If you are adding vitamin C to your skincare routine for the first time or have sensitive skin, starting with a formula with a lower concentration of the potent antioxidant it will be wise. Klairs’ serum, with 5 per cent ascorbic acid, is ideal. You might not see effects as quickly as with the other products on this list, but it will ensure you don’t overwhelm your skin. The non-irritating blend promises to rejuvenate your skin and give it a boost of energy. 

PIXI Brightening Vitamin C Serum, ₹2,500

Pixi Beauty’s vitamin C serum is enriched with ferulic acid that helps stabilise the vitamin C and prevents the effects of aging due to sun exposure. The added aloe extract helps soothe and hydrate skin, giving it a radiant glow. The paraben-free formula contains lemon, orange, and grapefruit extracts, and is a nice addition to your summer morning skincare routine. 

Mario Badescu Brightening Vitamin C Serum, ₹4,200

Mario Badescu is known for its effective formulas that get the job done, and its brightening vitamin C serum is no different. Made with a blend of vitamin C, collagen, sodium hyaluronate, and lavender oil, the serum helps reduce visible signs of aging and fine lines, and brightens the skin. 

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum Brightening Vitamin C Serum, ₹8,000

The USA-based skincare company is known for its high-performing products. Its vitamin C serum is another efficacious formula that aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains a stable form of vitamin C which, combined with peptides and AHAs, gives you brighter, firmer, smoother-looking skin. 

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, ₹7,660

If you’re on the lookout for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing vitamin C serum, this one by Sunday Riley is the perfect pick. Formulated with 15 per cent antioxidant vitamin C and plant saccharides, it will brighten any dull and dark spots and minimise pores for a smoother, more even-toned look. Add it to your morning routine and see a healthy glow on your face! 

Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum, ₹6,400

Fortified with sodium hyaluronate, olive leaf extract, and red pepper Kora Organic’s serum fights hyperpigmentation and keeps the skin smooth, firm, and hydrated. The formula contains Vitamin C Superfruit Complex which features a mix of kakadu plum, acerola cherry, orange and lemon peel, noni (an anti-oxidant rich fruit), and 12 per cent of a stable form of vitamin C. This organic blend makes the product safe enough for daily use but potent enough to see the results.