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Due to its skin-loving and fast-acting results, serums became a mainstay in every skincare routine.
But imagine blending it with the power of vitamin C.
Over the past years, we’ve seen a spike in demand for vitamin C both in the realms of medicine and beauty.
And as the community of skincare junkies continues to grow, there’s no denying that this potent ingredient has made its way as everybody’s beauty staple.
Let’s put these two into fusion and find the best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation in our list.
- Clinically proven to improve skin tone and texture
- Lessens the hyperpigmentation while boosting radiance
- Blocks pollution and UV damage
- Fights oxidative stress and visible signs of aging
- Provides deep, lasting moisture and hydration
- Gives your skin a radiant glow and even complexion
- Anti-aging benefits
- Boosts radiance and refines pores and skin texture
- Soothes the skin and leaves it feeling softer and more hydrated
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Flawless skin is every skincare enthusiast’s dream. Unfortunately, as much as we cannot defy aging, exposure to environmental factors and other lifestyle factors will always affect our skin, pulling us away from living that dream.
Have you ever noticed discoloration or patches of darker skin around your face or body? If so, that’s hyperpigmentation, aka dark spots!
Hyperpigmentation comes in three common forms: melasma, sunspots, or long-lasting results of post-inflammation.
Sunspots or Sun Damage
Sunspots, sun damage, or age spots are some common terms used to refer to flat patches of light brown to black skin commonly seen on areas that are often hit by the sun, like the face, shoulders, hands, and arms.
These are also called age spots because people get more prone to developing them as they reach the age of 40 and above.
Melasma
Melasma is another type of hyperpigmentation that more often appears on the face than the body. But it can also show on other parts like the tummy area, neck, and shoulders.
Although melasma can also result from excessive sun exposure, hormonal change is still considered one of the leading causes.
The discoloration happens when the hormones increase to a certain level and jam with the production of melanocytes, or the color-generating cells.
According to statistics, melasma affects females nine times more than men, and other risk factors include the following:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy or puberty
- Excessive sun exposure
- Hormone treatments or birth control pills
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This one has a more visible cause, and it’s frequently associated with acne.
Acne, blackheads, insect bites, lesions, and other bumps and growths on the face can leave a lasting mark, especially when they get infected or irritated.
As a result, the inflammation can manifest the generation of a deeper pigment in the area involved.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation
It’s no secret that most causes of hyperpigmentation are hard to combat and, often, inevitable — like age and other medical conditions.
Still, there are ways and preventive measures you can do to reduce, slow down, or fight the appearance of hyperpigmentation before it gets worse.
1. Limit your sun exposure.
The sun’s early rays can help our skin produce vitamin D naturally. But too much exposure to it can also cause harmful effects in the long run.
It is especially ideal to stay out of direct sunlight exposure from its peak hours — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — to lessen possible sun damage to your skin and scalp.
If it can’t be avoided or if your daily activities require you to stay outdoors during those hours, you’d want to keep sun-protective gear with you, such as a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
2. Get your daily dose of SPF.
Hyperpigmentation can be triggered or worsened by constant exposure to UV rays.
Aside from not stepping out of the sun completely, there’s no better way to protect your skin from harmful rays than lathering a good sunscreen on.
Whether you’re staying in or hustling outdoors, getting your daily dose of SPF is highly important. It can give you additional moisture too!
“But how would I know which SPF to use?”
If you’re talking about the SPF rating of your sunscreen, the numbers represent the percentage of UVB rays your sunscreen can dodge away from your skin. SPF 15 blocks 93%, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99%.
Daily, SPF 15 or 30 should be enough and should be reapplied at least every two hours because the SPF can rub off due to sweat and oil.
3. Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Moisturizers today usually have SPF in them. That’s two products in one.
The other reason it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized is that most of them consist of active ingredients that boost the regeneration of dead skin cells like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or retinol.
These active ingredients aid in the restoration of skin cells for a brighter, healthy-looking complexion.
4. Avoid touching or poking anything that grows on your face.
No matter how tempting those pesky bumps and growth on your face may seem, you’ll have to leave them alone, or else it’ll be a mistake that will be hard to erase.
Poking, picking, and scratching bumps — like mosquito bites, blackheads, or pimples — can escalate the risk for infection and possible skin discoloration and scarring afterward.
5. Establish a skincare routine with vitamin C.
One of the best treatments you can do to put an end to or control hyperpigmentation is vitamin C serum.
Vitamin C serums are whitening, brightening, skin-firming, and skin-loving but the intensity depends on the different concentrations and types of vitamin infused.
Other additional advantages and features will also depend on the added active ingredients.
Some brands enrich their vitaminc C formula with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and many other ingredients.
Others also tend to incorporate their vitamin C serums with their trademark or patented ingredients to provide the pinnacle of skin protection and improvement.
How Vitamin C Works for Hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C has multiple benefits, and its immune system-boosting and disease-fighting functions are just two of the most common that we’re aware of.
But did you know it does wonders for the skin too?
Vitamin C is surprisingly filled with skin-nourishing benefits, and topical applications like serums are one of the most efficient ways to deliver these benefits to the skin.
Vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants, making it one of the most trusted substances for removing and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Whether you like it or not, our skin accumulates free radicals. It may be through the natural process of metabolic oxidation or induced by lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, toxins, pollutants, and sun exposure.
And these free radicals breaks down the skin’s collagen resulting to the formation of wrinkles and saggy skin, and the appearance of dark spots.
Lucky for us, vitamin C counteracts free radicals, eliminating their adverse effects.
Collagen and vitamin C are also linked together.
The high acidic property of vitamin C boosts the production of collagen, which is the secret to plumper and younger-looking skin due to its fine-line erasing and wrinkle-removing properties.
10 Best Vitamin C Serums for Hyperpigmentation
Looking for the best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation now? You’ll love our top 10 picks!
Sometimes, all it takes is a trip to Europe to find the best affordable vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation.
Primary Benefits: Anti-aging; boosts radiance; refines pores and skin texture; soothes the skin; leaves skin feeling softer and more hydrated
Features:
- Non-comedogenic; dermatologist and allergy tested
- Infused with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and neurosensine
- Formulated with L-ascorbic acid or 10% pure vitamin C and La Roche-Posay thermal water
The best formulas can sometimes have the most unexpected and unique ingredients, just like this one!
When it comes to vitamin C serums packed with added benefits, the spotlight shines on Europe with La-Roche Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum.
Where it gets its superb performance is no secret. It’s not just your ordinary anti-aging serum with vitamin C; it can also visibly improve dull skin and uneven skin texture. Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
It has 10% pure vitamin C, which may be lower than what you’re expecting. Still, it is packed with antioxidants and anti-aging properties, and the optimal effects have intensified.
Thanks to these other components, such as salicylic acid, neurosensine, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this serum can refine the pores, soothe skin sensitivity, hydrate, and retain moisture.
But what makes the formula more interesting is its core ingredient: La Roche Posay prebiotic thermal water, which comes all the way from France.
This contains a unique fusion of minerals, trace elements, and highly concentrated natural antioxidants.
According to lab experts, this lightweight cream-like formula works wonders in targeting dark spots.
Primary Benefits: Enhances skin’s radiance; fights wrinkles; eliminates fine lines, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and pores
Features:
- Contains 10% concentrated vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid
- Ultra-lightweight cream-to-powder formula for quicker skin absorption
- Free of allergens, fragrance, parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes
It’s stored in an airtight tube with a pointed applicator, making spot treatment easier and more precise.
L’Oreal isn’t just about hair and cosmetics; they also formulate some of the best skincare products and one of the best budget vitamin serums in the market.
The Revitalift Vitamin C Serum is an effective and dermatologist-tested option if you’re looking for a serum to address uneven skin tone, dullness, wrinkles, and dark spots.
It’s guaranteed to be formulated without water, so you’ll get 10% vitamin C and hyaluronic potency until the last drop.
The consistency of this one is unlike the others; it feels more like a cream than a serum. Four weeks is all it takes to see all the visible effects.
You’ll notice a more radiant-looking glow first, then a gradual improvement in the appearance of fine lines, then it evens out your skin tone.
Lastly, it neutralizes free radicals and reverses the signs of skin aging like wrinkles and discoloration.
With consistent use, this serum swears to visibly lighten your hyperpigmentation in just one month!
Primary Benefits: Gives out a more glowing complexion; gets rid of dullness, stubborn discoloration, and dull, uneven skin tone; refines the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Features:
- Cruelty-free and comes in a recyclable packaging
- Free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, coal tar, and sulfates
- Formulated with vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and targeted peptides
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster deserves additional kudos for its life-prolonging packaging that blocks the penetrative rays of the sun.
Each drop of this serum may be feather-light, but it surely hits two birds with one stone: it works on all skin types, and it lasts long on the skin.
Its highly concentrated active vitamin C content of 15% at a 3.0 pH level ensures that the serum has the ability to penetrate the skin.
And, of course, this is the main ingredient for the firming, brightening, and dark spot-removing effects. This is then boosted by vitamin E and ferulic acid.
The combined power of these three ingredients fights premature signs of aging while giving your skin extra protection.
But it doesn’t stop there! This serum also has hyaluronic acid, an AHA, which helps retain moisture and hydration for smoother skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
You use this independently, but you can add a few drops into your moisturizers and body lotion for the additional SPF.
This serum has a gentle formula, but that doesn’t mean it’ll go easy on hyperpigmentation. Plus, it won’t leave your skin feeling tacky!
Primary benefits: Fades stubborn dark spots; brightens and evens out skin tone; fights signs of aging and enhances skin cell turnover
Features:
- Has a pH level of 3.81 but remains hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- Key ingredients feature 5% vitamin C, Centella asiatica extract, and yuzu extract
- Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and formulated without ethanol, silicones, artificial dyes, and fragrance
Give your skin a touch of one of the award-winning and best-selling vitamin C serums on the market.
Korean products have made an unquestionable reputation when it comes to skincare and beauty products. And Dear, Klairs has created some of the top K-beauty must-haves, including their Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop.
This mildly concentrated vitamin C serum is a powerhouse of antioxidants and skin-soothing compounds. It is infused with Centella asiatica extract for soothing irritation and calming the skin.
Plus, fruit extracts such as yuzu extract, from a potent Japanese grapefruit, helps in boosting skin immunity and protects the skin against free radicals.
Its pH level may be capped at 3.81, which is outside the range of effective vitamin C serums. Still, its low l-ascorbic acid concentration and amino acids, peptides, and other tea extracts make it capable of doing an all-around job.
It exfoliates, lightens scars, evens skin tone, and brings radiance back to the skin for a younger-looking glow. It’s gentle and less acidic, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Be your own mixologist and mix the best vitamin C serum you’ll ever lay your hands on.
Primary benefits: Clinically proven to improve skin tone and texture, lessens the appearance of hyperpigmentation, boosts radiance, blocks pollution and UV-generated free radical damage
Features:
- Formulated at a pH level of 2.5
- Has potent antioxidant complex, pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract, chronocyclin, grapevine, Indian gooseberry, and sodium hyaluronate cross polymer
- Vegan friendly, cruelty-free, and made 100% free of silicones, colorants, and fragrance
The cruelty-free formula comes in a lightweight and soothing clear gel that leaves a cooling sensation perfect for those with sensitive and inflamed skin.
This vitamin C serum is top rated for plenty of reasons! One of them is because it works just as well as some of the leading brands but at just half their price!
Drunk Elephant Firma-C Fresh Day serum is both fantastic and functional in all ways possible!
Aside from getting to sort of concoct and activate the serum, its packaging comes in an airtight and completely opaque container that shields the serum from formula-altering factors.
In terms of its efficacy and the serum, it has a unique “reservoir effect” that allows the product to stay on for up to 72 hours and won’t rub or wash off your face.
It’s packed with 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E — three of the most vital and potent trio that targets discoloration and other signs of photoaging for a brighter, firmer, and more radiant and even-looking complexion.
And if that’s not enough, it’s also formulated with botanicals such as pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzymes that target gently exfoliating dead skin cells and buff off unwanted texture.
This is one of the top choices for drugstore vitamin C serums and for skin types that need a low-strength formula with added soothing ingredients.
Primary Benefits: Possesses anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits; improves the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone; restores the skin’s protective barrier
Features:
- Has a unique formula that consists of three essential ceramides
- Allergy-tested, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic
- Formulated with 10% pure vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and MVE technology
No vitamin will be wasted as you get to squeeze out the serum down to the last drop.
When it comes to drugstore skincare finds, CeraVe is one of the names we trust, especially if you have sensitive skin.
And for giving your skin good hydration while working on imperfections, their Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is just one of the best!
It has a patented time-release MVE delivery technology and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin has the ability to retain moisture and hydration when the serum disperses its moisturizing benefits.
Some even say it doubles up as a moisturizer or a primer.
Despite the relatively low concentration, the 10% pure L-ascorbic acid still passes the recommended minimum. It can visibly fight blemishes and still remain gentle, even on sensitive skin.
Joining these potent components are the power of three ceramides and vitamin B5 to replenish and strengthen the skin barrier, keep free radicals away, and soothe the skin.
This vitamin C serum has been formulated by dermatologists to keep you out of doubt. Plus, its protective packaging prevents the vitamin C content from oxidation too!
This one may be steep on the price, but it will never fail to give your skin the most luxurious glow!
Primary Benefits: Fights oxidative stress and visible signs of aging; provides deep, lasting moisture and hydration for a natural glow; offers a radiant glow and even complexion
Features:
- Free of parabens and mineral oil and is non-comedogenic
- Visible results can be seen after only 30 days of treatment
- Formulated with vitamin C, ginkgo biloba, ultraglycans, and hyaluronic acid
These ampoules give off a magic potion vibe, and their formula will prove you so!
If the price point is not an issue for you, then this is the best vitamin c serum for hyperpigmentation to try!
Unlike the typical vitamin C serum stored in a tube or pump-type container, this one is in the form of a sealed tinted glass bottle that keeps the serum from exposure to light and air.
Vitamin C is a common denominator on everything listed here, but what sets this apart is its state-of-the-art fusion of ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and proteoglycans.
So aside from being a vitamin C firming serum, you may also expect this to soothe your skin as it repairs your skin structure and promotes collagen generation for smoother, brighter, and bouncy skin.
This serum sits at a higher price range, but it is one of the greatest skinvestment you’ll ever make.
Primary Benefit: Evens out skin tone and minimizes fine lines; generates a wall of defense from damage-causing blue light; illuminates, refines, and rejuvenates the skin
Features:
- Non-comedogenic
- Has a patent-pending blend of free radical-fighting antioxidants called MelaPATH Technology
- Formulated with 30% THD ascorbate, glucosyl gallic acid, and sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan
Don’t be intimidated by the high vitamin C concentration; this serum will deliver the best for your skin.
If acne scars and hyperpigmentation are the ones to defeat, then Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex is your best soldier.
This award-winning formula has 30% THD ascorbate, a highly stable and pH-neutral type of vitamin C that is absorbed and tolerated by the skin easier.
Because of its high concentration, expect that your skin may need more time to adjust and recalibrate itself to work with the serum.
Regardless, this product can decrease inflammation, skin roughness, and redness to fully showcase radiant skin like no other.
It also uses its microbiome technology and its patent-pending blend of antioxidants called MelaPATH™ Technology, which works on radiance from the inside by boosting the production of vitamins C and E.
These components work together in fighting free radicals and delivering long-term effects on the appearance.
Expect lesser fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation on whatever skin type you have.
Get ready for a supercharged formula that leaves you aging gracefully or barely aging at all!
Primary Benefits: Improves skin radiance for a younger look; evens out complexion; brightens and tightens the skin
Features:
- Non-comedogenic and paraben-free
- Dermatologist approved and clinically tested
- Blended with a highly stable form of vitamin C along with peptides, antioxidants, and advanced hydrators
Who says an award-winning vitamin C serum can’t come from the drugstore?
If you’re looking for vitamin C to lighten those imperfections in just weeks, try ROC’s Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum!
It’s been proven to give visible results in just four weeks upon daily use, and users can attest to that!
Clinical tests also reveal that it guarantees a 100% brightening and tightening effect on the skin, reduces the appearance of age lines, and gives 94% efficacy in evening out your skin tone.
Thanks to its unique blend of active 10% vitamin C, peptides, antioxidants, and advanced hydrators, this gel-like serum may feel lightweight. Still, it does an impressive job of improving skin luminosity, elasticity, and texture.
The packaging is already eye-catching, but wait until you experience the nourishing benefits from what’s inside.
Primary Benefits: Brightens the face and eliminates dark spots; softens and smoothens the skin; evens out skin tone
Features:
- Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing
- Contains 20% vitamin C + Japanese beautyberry, 10% mild fruit AHAs, and Japanese angelica root
- Dermatologist-tested, free of mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, and phthalates
This one has it all if you’re into using skin care with clean and healthy ingredients!
Tatcha’s Violet-C Brightening Serum has all the dark spot-removing ingredients you never thought you needed!
It has a high concentration of vitamin C at 20%, a relatively higher content than what you’re supposed to use if you’re just beginning your serum journey.
Nevertheless, it’s suitable for all skin types as long as you gradually integrate it into your routine.
This serum isn’t just non-comedogenic; it’s also non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which makes it undeniably suitable for all skin types. It’s also paraben-free!
It contains lactic acid, Japanese beautyberry, Japanese angelica root, and 10% mild AHAs derived from seven fruits such as apple, grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, hawthorn, and jujube.
All these botanical ingredients are gentle, yet they effectively generate positive effects.
FAQs
What is the best vitamin C serum based on your skin type?
For dry skin, you might want to reach for those with added hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
For oily skin, oil-soluble serums with ascorbyl palmitate won’t be the right choice. Try the ones formulated with ascorbic acid instead.
For sensitive skin, choose the serum with a lower vitamin C concentration so the product won’t be too harsh on you.
One of the most common side effects of vitamin C serums is a warmness or tingling sensation, which occurs naturally due to the pH difference between the skin and vitamin C.
But if it’s your first time using a vitamin C serum, test it under the chin or wrist for a couple of days, then start using it at least two to three times per week until you’re sure there won’t be any prolonged sting and irritation.
Only then can you increase the frequency of use.
When is the right time to apply Vitamin C serum?
It’s best to apply vitamin C serum into your nighttime skincare routine. This can help you get the most benefits out of it.
As you sleep, your skin goes through a process of regeneration and natural repair, and the products you leave on will do all the work during this time. It also prevents the products from reacting with UV rays.
And to ensure the best results, don’t skip sunscreen the day after.
Is it normal for vitamin C serums to turn yellow?
This is your serum’s way of telling you it has oxidized or that a different element has interfered with it; therefore, you should prevent this from happening.
Sunlight, oxygen, and water are the three elements that should never get in prolonged contact with your vitamin C serum. Any of these can cause your serum to change in consistency, color, or smell — in short, it’s oxidizing.
This is also why the packaging significantly impacts selecting your serum. It should be in an airtight, dark, and opaque bottle or tube.
This factor also depends on how and where you store it. Depending on the formulation of the serum, you’ll know if it should be kept refrigerated.
But most of the time, keeping the product away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures ensures that its ingredients are kept active.
Brighter Days Are Ahead With Vitamin C Serums!
Discolorations can tear down your confidence and self-esteem, but it doesn’t always have to be that way.
There are various solutions and treatments that you can try to get rid of hyperpigmentation, and sometimes, the best ones can be stored on your vanities, like vitamin C serums!
Investing in skin care is more than just splurging and hoarding products that are on trend. It’s preparing your skin for the brighter days ahead and showering yourself with more love.
But remember, no matter how clear your skin is or how much you spend on those skin-loving goodies, nothing beats being confident and loving your skin regardless of its condition.
Did the power of vitamin C serums amaze you?
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