By Shawna Hudson
last updated
(Image credit: @michellerosedrumm)
Although I love writing and learning about beauty, I won't pretend to be an expert on all skin types—that's what I turn to the pros for. What I can do, though, is speak about my experience with sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you also have it, then you know what a giant pain in the you-know-what it can be. My skin has generally tolerated dermatologist-loved ingredients likevitamin C pretty well, but I know that that's not the case for everyone. If you do tend to react to high concentrations of the ingredient, then you've come to the right place. You can still receive the benefits of this powerful brightening agent without the irritation.
You may want to try afacial oilthat contains vitamin C-rich ingredients or one that has ascorbic acid at a lower concentration (10% or less) than some serums. I also want to note that that doesn't mean you can't use avitamin C serum at all if you have sensitive skin—derms have a few tips in that regard. "While those with sensitive skin can still consider vitamin C oils, those with sensitive skin should try to avoid heavy fragrance as this can be irritating on the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "Oils may help to nourish and soften the skin, especially if containing ingredients like squalane. Other considerations when using vitamin C with sensitive skin are the type of vitamin C and the concentration. Certain types of vitamin c such as pure L-ascorbic acid may be more irritating on the skin and often higher concentrations of vitamin C may be more irritating as well, while more stable formulations like THD ascorbate may be preferred for sensitive skin as they are less irritating."
According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, vitamin C oils may also be helpful for those who have dry or dehydrated skin since they can provide a heftier dose of moisture. Whatever your skin type, combining vitamin C and skin-nourishing oils can be beneficial. If you're interested in trying one out for yourself, keep scrolling. Derms shared a few of their top picks and I threw in a few of my own favorites.
Versed
Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum
Versed offers this serum-oil hybrid that contains vitamin C–rich jojoba oil, sea buckthorn extract to strengthen the skin's barrier, sodium hyaluronate to boost hydration, and chamomile to soothe redness or irritation. It's great for sensitive skin, those who are oily, or even acne-prone.
Avalon Organics
Vitamin C Oil
This antioxidant and vitamin C oil from Avalan Organics is great for those struggling with skin barrier damage since it's designed to help replenish the skin's natural lipid barrier.
Biossance
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
"Containing a stable form of vitamin C, known as THD Ascorbate, this oil also contains squalane to help moisturize as well as chios crystal oil which helps to firm the skin. It can be applied one to two times daily and should be applied as a last step." —Garshick
Sunday Riley
C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
This oil came highly recommended by both Garshick and Camp.
"This oil helps to brighten and nourish the skin as it contains vitamin C as well as pomegranate seed oil, which also works as an antioxidant. Turmeric also helps to calm the skin and even out skin tone." —Garshick
"Vitamin C and turmeric have antioxidant properties that minimize the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The carrier oils, including cranberry seed, pomegranate seed, and jojoba, hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft." —Camp
FaceGym
Youth Reformer Firming Vitamin C Oil Serum
FaceGym's vitamin C oil-serum contains a much lower concentration of vitamin C (5%) making it an extremely gentle option for those with hyper sensitive skin. Don't worry, your skin will still look brighter after using it despite the low concentration. The formula is also packed with glow-inducing hyaluronic acid, patchouli, and palo santo to soothe redness and signs of stress.
AziMD Skincare
Glow Serum
Although this has more of a serum-like texture, according to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, it's a safe option for sensitive skin.
"[The combination of] vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 20% with a tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate complex neutralizes free radicals, protects the skin against oxidative stress, and fights against the visible signs of aging. It's also formulated with other antioxidants like ergothioneine and apigenin to brighten dullness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production. The Glow Serum uses an encapsulation delivery technology, carefully developed to preserve the efficacy of antioxidants in high concentrations against environmental aggressors causing oxidation, such as light, air and heat. It's also well-tolerated by sensitive skin types." —Shirazi
(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)
Eminence Organic Skin Care
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
"This face oil contains rosehip oil, which firms and hydrates skin, and contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E." —Camp
Youth to the People
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil
Packed with rare superberry antioxidants, this face oil dramatically improves hydration levels and brightens with vitamin C-rich prickly pear, açai, and squalane.
Kora Organics
Noni Glow Plumping Face Oil
Smooth, firm, and brighten your skin with the Kora Organics Noni Glow Oil. Sea buckthorn in the formula contains high doses of vitamin C, E, and omega fatty acids to restore skin's natural vibrancy.
Murad
Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil
Infused with six key vitamins, this noncomedogenic treatment oil from Murad is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It will boost hydration, improve barrier function, brighten, and fight skin damage with vitamins A, C, E, D, and F.
Aarvani
Firming Vitamin C Treatment Oil
This firming vitamin C treatment oil works to heal and improve skin texture over time with a formula rich in superfruits, papaya enzymes, and guava extracts.
Up Next:Sensitive Skin Doesn't Always Like Vitamin C—These 15 Serums Are Derm-Approved
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Vitamin C
Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor
Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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