#1


	
Vitamin C Serum by Agelyss

Vitamin C Serum by Agelyss

What Do We Like?
  • Contains optimal-strength 20% Vitamin C concentration for maximum potency.
  • Contains Vitamin C as sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), the most stable derivative of Vitamin C and less likely to irritate skin than Ascorbic Acid, which most products have.
  • Contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a superior form of Hyaluronic Acid, which easily penetrates skin to help lock in moisture.
  • Contains 1% Vitamin E as Tocopheryl Acetate, the most effective form of this antioxidant, which combines with Vitamin C to powerfully protect against photoaging.
  • Has a neutral pH of 7 which is the least irritating for skin.
  • Comes in a tinted bottle with dropper for maximum stability and ease of application.
  • Cost-saving purchasing options.
  • 365-day money-back guarantee on both used and unused bottles.
  • Manufactured in an FDA-approved and cGMP-certified facility.
The Downside
  • Sells out fast.
Introduction

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is clinically-proven to protect skin against sun damage and photoaging, promote collagen production, brighten skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. In order to formulate an effective Vitamin C serum, stability is crucial as Vitamin C oxidizes quickly. Once Vitamin C degrades, it is unusable and even harmful. Agelyss Vitamin C Serum contains stable, effective ingredients which are clinically-proven to deliver results. Instead of the more common and extremely unstable Ascorbic Acid, they use sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) as the form of Vitamin C. This contains a further advantage of requiring a neutral pH of 7 in order to permeate the skin. Oftentimes, the acidity of Ascorbic Acid will irritate and dry out skin cells. Additionally, the form of Vitamin E used here, as Tocopheryl Acetate, is also the most stable form. Vitamin E is proven to enhance the benefits of Vitamin C. In addition it contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a superior form of Hyaluronic Acid, which easily penetrates skin to lock in moisture, as well as a soothing botanical blend to reduce blemishes and even out skin tone. This is also manufactured without parabens or harmful materials and comes with a 365-day money back guarantee! The best part is that Agelyss Vitamin C Serum is actually affordable. Continue reading our review to get an in-depth report on this unique Vitamin C serum.

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5.0

Quality of Ingredients: Premium
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 5
Customer Service: 5
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#2


	
	Obagi Professional - C Serum 20%

Obagi Professional - C Serum 20%

What Do We Like?
  • Contains 20% Vitamin C for maximum potency.
  • Contains Hyaluronic Acid in the form of Sodium Hyaluronate for intense moisturization.
  • Sold via authorized physicians only.
  • Paraben and preservative free.
The Downside
  • Expensive.
  • Contains Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid which can be extremely irritating and dry out skin.
  • Does not contain Vitamin E, which is proven to enhance the benefits of Vitamin C.
  • Contains fragrance which can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Does not offer 100% money-back guarantee.
Introduction

Packaged in a 1 ounce, quaint blue-tinted bottle for $127 is Obagi's Professional-C Serum. Is this worth the exorbitant price? The base of this formula contains 20% Vitamin C, which is the most effective concentration needed to see actual results to your skin. It is also only sold via authorized physicians which is impressive. However, Vitamin C is found here as Ascorbic Acid which is highly acidic as well as unstable. Not only is this not suitable for all skin types because of the acidity, but it can easily degrade leaving you with an ineffective, or even harmful, product. We were also disappointed to find this product lacking Vitamin E. It is well studied that Vitamin E, an antioxidant, will help enhance the benefits of Vitamin C. Most products do include it for this reason. Additionally, because this product is only sold via authorized physicians, the manufacturer cannot offer a money-back guarantee or even a return policy to any customers. So while this serum looks impressive and comes with a price tag that screams quality, it didn’t check all our boxes.

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4.2

Quality of Ingredients: Good
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 4.4
Customer Service: 3.9
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#3


	
	Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

What Do We Like?
  • Contains THD Ascorbate, a more stable form of Vitamin C than Ascorbic Acid.
  • Cruelty, sulfate, paraben, gluten, soy, fragrance and phthalate free.
  • Hygienic pump bottle for stability.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee, subject to inspection.
The Downside
  • Contains only 15% Vitamin C, not 20%.
  • Does not contain Vitamin E which is proven to enhance the benefits of Vitamin C.
  • Contains Vitamin E as Tocopherol which is not the most stable form.
Introduction

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum made our list mainly for containing Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) Ascorbate, a stable form of Vitamin C. However, they had a lower concentration of 15% rather than 20% which is the highest possible concentration for maximum benefits. We very much like that this serum does not contain any parabens, sulfates, phthalates or fragrances and that it comes in a hygienic pump bottle. We were surprised, though, that Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid were omitted from this formula. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, has been proven to enhance the benefits of Vitamin C. In fact, both Vitamins C and E increase their potency when they are combined together. The sum of these ingredients is proven to be greater than when they are used on their own. For more information about whether this serum is worth $85 per bottle, read our review.

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3.9

Quality of Ingredients: Good
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 4.1
Customer Service: 3.6
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#4


	
	Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

What Do We Like?
  • Contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a superior form of Hyaluronic Acid, due to its low molecular weight it is easily absorbed into pores.
  • Paraben, sulfate and preservative free.
  • Hygienic pump bottle.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee, with free shipping.
The Downside
  • Contains only 15% Vitamin C, not 20%.
  • Contains Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid which is unstable and can be extremely harsh on the skin.
  • Contains Vitamin E as Tocopherol which is not the most stable form.
Introduction

Our next review is for Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum. Immediately we noted that Vitamin C is found here as Ascorbic Acid. While Ascorbic Acid has been extensively studied for its benefits, it has a very short shelf life as it oxides quickly and will therefore degrade. Additionally, we look for a 20% concentration of Vitamin C but here there is only 15%. Positive points about this serum include the presence of Hyaluronic Acid in the form of Sodium Hyaluronate, in order to effectively lock in moisture in the skin cells. We were also pleased to see the inclusion of Vitamin E. In this formula, Vitamin E is found as Tocopherol. While Vitamin E is essential for an effective Vitamin C product, there are more stable forms. Again, if a serum is lacking in stability, it fails to reach its full potential and it may also cause harm and irritation to your skin. In this review, we’ll delve into the exact formula of this Vitamin C serum to see what it can offer and if it is a cost-effective product for you.

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3.6

Quality of Ingredients: Average
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 3.8
Customer Service: 3.3
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#5


	Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

What Do We Like?
  • Contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a superior form of Hyaluronic Acid, in order to lock moisture into the skin.
  • Does not contain any fragrance or parabens.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee on full bottles.
The Downside
  • Contains only 15% Vitamin C, not 20%.
  • Contains Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid which is unstable and can be extremely harsh on the skin.
  • Acidic pH of 3 that may irritate skin.
Introduction

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster aims to brighten skin and help improve the appearance of wrinkles. In order to do this, this booster contains a harsh version of Vitamin C which is Ascorbic Acid. In order for the Ascorbic Acid to effectively penetrate the skin, the pH is 3 which is extremely acidic. This may be why so many customers have left reviews saying their skin was left dry and irritated. Additionally, the Vitamin C contained here is only 15% concentrated which is not the highest potency available. Also, while this product contains Vitamin E, it is not in its most stable form which means this product may not last as long as you would like it to. In this review, we’ll break down the different aspects of Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster so you can choose the right product for yourself.

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3.3

Quality of Ingredients: Average
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 3.5
Customer Service: 3
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Alexia Cook

Alexia Cook, Senior Editor

Alexia Cook is a licensed Master Cosmetologist and Esthetician with over 20 years experience. She received her degrees from Boca Beauty Academy in Boca Raton Florida. Starting at a young age, she has always been interested in treating skin to bring out its true beauty. She knows that the basis of gorgeous skin is by adopting a proper skincare routine and using top quality products. Her passion for helping people find effective skincare products led her to the role of Editor for My Beauty Care Center™. In her free time, she is an avid traveler and loves learning the beauty of different cultures.