Top 3: Vitamin C

So by now you know I prefer ascorbic acid as my vitamin C of choice for serums. We all love vitamin C as it brightens, protects against free radical damage, helps even the skin tone and reduce dark spots plus it helps build collagen. All reasons we like vitamin C. Ascorbic acid sometimes isn't the most tolerable for everyone as it can be irritating but even with rosacea it works for me. Sorry if you can't handle ascorbic acid but all my recommendations will be ascorbic acid ones. Most recently I tried the VICHY LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoules and they are amazing. They have a 10% ascorbic acid content, plus hydrators hyaluronic acid, lupine and rice protein. These don't have alcohol or fragrance no no potential added sensitizers. I love that they're ampoules because one it means the vitamin C is not exposed to air so it's not oxidized, and two I just love breaking the vials. I find it so therapeutic. These have about 3 uses in each vial and they come with a little plastic top you put over once opened. This lets you dispense the product and recap it after. You get 10 vials for $29.50 and if you used them daily you would get a months worth out of the box. I like that I can store them longer than a typical ascorbic acid serum. The texture is watery and light. Easy to layer well. I will completely repurchase these.

Maelove The Glow Maker is another amazing ascorbic acid serum. It's under $30 and has a really nice light slippery texture. It's got 15% ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E to help stabilize the formulation and improve the antioxidant potential. It's hydrating with hyaluronic acid, aloe, glycerin and grape seed extract. It has an orange culture extract no no added fragrance, essential oils or alcohol. I love the hydrating light texture. Yes it oxidizes eventually but don't store it as a backup, only buy one when you need it and use it quickly and you'll be fine. This one is effective and affordable, really nice one. My original review is HERE.

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster was one of my first ascorbic acid serums when I got into them. This one has a similar light texture as well. It leaves a slight tacky feeling on the skin if you weren't to layer anything on top. It layers well with everything though, no issues. It has 15% ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and Vitamin E as well for a more stable and potent ascorbic acid serum. It also has hydrating glycerin and castor oil, soothing bisabolol and panthenol plus rice bran extract. C15 Booster is alcohol and added fragrance free. Does it smell like hot dog water? To me no. Honestly I don't think any ascorbic acid smells like hot dog water. I honestly never got that analogy either. This one is a little bit more pricey than the others at $49 (there are frequent sales) but I would probably list this as the best CE Ferulic replacement. It's highly effective. It does oxidize yes so remember don't stock up on extras.

Last but not least is Skin Deva 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum. This one is similar with 20% ascorbic acid, vitamin E and ferulic acid for good antioxidant coverage and stability. It's also fluid and lightweight. It's got a minimal ingredients list with some added panthenol and hyaluronic acid. It's fluid and lightweight texture wise like the others. It's also only $24.99 but $19.99 on Amazon so it's a great deal. I find it just as effective as the others as well. It's also alcohol and added fragrance free. So hopefully these gave you some nice options for vitamin C serums I know I tend to prefer ascorbic acid. If there's demand for an ascorbic acid free serum post let me know in the comments and I'll work on it.

*All were gifted by brand but all thoughts are my own. I have bought Paula's Choice on my own several times.