The best face serums: my effective rating. Anti-aging renewing serum with vitamin E for the face skin renew vita e ampoule


Serum is a cosmetic product that uses the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C to protect the skin from oxidative stress, as well as repair existing damage.

This product is also called c serum. It is often used to improve the condition of skin and hair.

Many of the problems that we tend to associate with the natural effects of age, such as the appearance of wrinkles, decreased tone and the appearance of pigmentation, are not caused by the aging process alone - they are the result of oxidative damage to the skin caused by exposure to free radicals, which is usually associated with ultraviolet radiation.

A good vitamin C serum can protect your skin from this damage, as well as reduce existing damage. We have researched the products available in the market and compiled a list of the best quality vitamin C serums.

Moreover, the study found that directly applying vitamin C to pig skin could reduce damage associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Increases the rate of collagen synthesis

Interestingly, vitamin C serum had the greatest effect in women with the lowest concentrations of vitamin C in the blood, indicating a relationship between dietary vitamin C intake and skin health.

Accelerates healing of skin damage

Using an animal model, scientists demonstrated how vitamin E and C work together to combat sun-induced skin damage.

Vitamin C prevents damage caused by UV type A radiation, while vitamin E prevents damage caused by UV type B radiation.

If your main priority in a vitamin C serum is its ability to protect your skin from the sun, then be sure to choose one that also contains vitamin E.

Vitamin C serum not only prevents skin damage, but also promotes its healing. The positive effects of vitamin C on already damaged skin are presented in a clinical study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery ().

In this work, the scientists took an interesting approach to preventing bias: each subject was given two packages of serum. One was a real vitamin C serum, the other was just a liquid without the vitamin.

The subjects applied the substance from one bottle to the left side of their face, and from another bottle to the right.

Neither the study participants nor the scientists evaluating them knew which bottle contained the actual vitamin C serum.

After 12 weeks, the same scientists assessed the degree of skin aging from exposure to sunlight in all subjects. The results showed significant improvement in the skin on the side where the serum was applied. This suggests that vitamin C is an extremely useful addition to your skin care and anti-aging arsenal.

Side effects

Vitamin C is used in a huge number of manufacturing processes, so its safety has been extensively studied. A summary of all the results of such studies was published in 2005 in the international journal International Journal of Toxicology ().

According to this report, vitamin C is an incredibly safe ingredient and there is no reason to limit its use in cosmetics.

The report also found that some vitamin C products may cause irritation or act as toxins due to the presence of other ingredients - mainly heavy metals.

In some cases, high concentrations of vitamin C serum can lead to skin breakouts. However, it is difficult to say with certainty whether vitamin C is actually the cause of this condition, since many brands of vitamin C serum additionally contain quite a few plant extracts, which are often the cause of irritation to sensitive skin.

Most clinical studies of the effects of vitamin C on age-related skin changes, pigmentation, and oxidative stress from ultraviolet radiation have used serums with vitamin C concentrations of 10-20%. Many people tend to apply too much serum. During clinical studies, scientists advise subjects to limit themselves to three drops per day.

Do not rush to empty the entire bottle in a couple of days, especially in the case of serums with a high concentration of vitamin C. Excessive use of this product is unlikely to lead to side effects. It’s just that you will run out of serum much faster than you should.

Our rating

#1 Vitamin C Serum from Mad Hippie

Mad Hippie decided to do it quite simply, using a harmonious combination of vitamin C, cognac powder, hyaluronic acid and a couple of herbs.

As you would expect from such a brand, only natural ingredients are used in production. The products are suitable for vegans and have not been tested on animals. Mad Hippie is the best brand that makes vitamin C serum that is gentle on the skin, thanks to minimal additional plant extracts.

No. 2 Serum with vitamin C from InstaNatural

This serum from InstaNatural contains vitamin C combined with witch hazel for added hydration. In addition, the serum contains many herbal ingredients. However, the list is so long that if you have sensitive skin, you risk irritation. Despite this drawback, this vitamin C serum is one of the most popular and versatile.

Conclusion

  1. Vitamin C serum is a cosmetic product intended for skin and hair care. Its powerful antioxidant effect (enhanced when combined with vitamin E) helps prevent damage caused by solar radiation.
  2. Vitamin C increases the rate of collagen synthesis in skin cells, making skin softer, firmer and more youthful.
  3. With regular use, it can restore the skin from existing damage. The serum must have a vitamin C concentration of at least 10%. This is a safe remedy without severe side effects.
  4. If skin irritation occurs, try reducing the dosage. It should be noted that irritation may be due to other components of the serum and not vitamin C, in which case it is worth getting tested for allergies.
  5. Vitamin C is a natural remedy for skin protection and restoration.

You once asked me to recommend the best cosmetics from iHerb. I'll start with the most active cosmetic products, these are, of course, serums and serums. In this post, I have selected the best facial serums in different areas. The result is a cheat sheet for all skin types, in which you will find your best serum!

Of course, each of us has our own preferences, and facial serums are different, but with such a huge selection, it is very important not to just try everything, but to find your best facial products!

There can be several of them, I prefer to have two or three at a time. I usually recommend at least two serums: hyaluronic and second for skin problems.

Today I will write about the best face serums, making a selection from the iHerb website based on the composition of the products that I liked most for their active ingredients.

In the meantime, we’ll focus only on serums as special cosmetic products, which have long become the best way to deliver active substances to the skin, thanks to their liquid texture, quick absorption and a bunch of useful substances! And by the way, in the summer, it is not at all necessary to use cream, sometimes just serum is enough! =)

I presented my best facial serums in the form of such a cheat sheet. So, let's go!

The Best Vitamin C Face Serums


Vitamin C Serum
in a stable form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, with hyaluronic and ferulic acid. Ferulic acid has twice the protective effect against UV rays as vitamin C. Konjac glucomannan is a plant polymer that creates a thin protective film on the skin that helps retain moisture in the skin.

Vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl phosphate is used in cosmetics to reduce wrinkles, increase the brightness of the complexion, protect the deep layers of the skin from radicals and stimulate collagen synthesis in the deep layers of the skin.

  • Mad Hippie Skin Care Products, Vitamin C Serum, 8 Actives, 30 ml - $27.19

Brightening Serum with turmeric extract and a stable form of vitamin C, plus vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, grape polyphenols and green tea extract, a very good composition for your money, it’s extremely difficult to find similar ones here, so there are so many benefits at once for improving complexion and accelerating collagen synthesis in the skin.

Turmeric extract has powerful antioxidant properties and suppresses the formation of melanin, protecting the skin from the appearance of age spots.

Serum in capsule form with two stable forms of vitamin C, tomato lycopene and ceramides. Evens out the complexion and makes the skin rested and toned. I have already started using it, I really, really like it, it does not cause any irritation even on sensitive skin. But they don’t give discounts on it, which is a pity!

  • AnneMarie Borlind, Intensive Care Capsules, 60 Capsules – $54

The Best Vitamin A Face Serums

New serumwith the most active form of vitamin A— Retinyl Retinoate , which is twice as active as retinol, has a low irritant factor (suitable for sensitive skin) and is highly stable to sunlight compared to forms of vitamin A such as retinol and retinaldehyde.

Biological retinyl retinoate is more active than retinol(and perhaps even more retinaldehyde), but on the other hand it has the milder effect of increasing the level of retinoic acid (which it converts to) in the skin, which leads to less irritation!

In research retinyl retinoate showed high ability in improving wrinkles, skin unevenness and smoothing its microrelief.

The serum is used strictly at night; in addition to this component, it contains green coffee extract, which enhances collagen synthesis and has an antioxidant effect, as well as hyaluronic and alpha-lipoic acid.

  • Mad Hippie Skin Care Products, Vitamin A Serum, 30 ml - $26.39

Retinol cream , which is very difficult to buy (it is always out of stock), but to which all i-herped RuNet users sing with delight. Contains 1% retinol, lecithin and vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects - to reduce skin reaction to retinol.

Apply strictly at night, it is better to start once every 2-3 days. Now it is on sale and with a 20% discount, I’m not sure for how long!

  • Life Flo Health, Retinol A 1%, Advanced Revitalization Cream, 50 ml - $14.99

Antioxidant facial serums

Antioxidant serum for dry and sensitive skin contains rose hydrosol and biosaccharides, which give a silky feeling and, thanks to a thin, breathable film, protect the skin from moisture loss. Contains antioxidant oils of rose moschetta and pomegranate seeds, white tea and rooibos extracts, and a stable form of vitamin C in the form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

To soften and soothe the skin, an anti-inflammatory complex based on boswellin, magnolia bark and bisabolol has been added. Geranium and rose essential oils gently normalize hormonal levels, improving the skin through aroma))

  • Andalou Naturals, Absolute Serum, 1000 Roses, Sensitive, 30 ml – $19.96

Antioxidant Serum with Cranberry Juice , resveratrol, coenzyme Q10 and a stable form of vitamin C in the form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Also contains hyaluronic acid, apple and grape stem cells, green tea extract. Improves skin tone and texture, protects against environmental damage

  • Andalou Naturals, Revitalize Serum, Age Defying, 32 ml – $19.96

Jason Serum with Vitamin C Form in the form of calcium ascorbate, which is called Ester-C. Calcium ascorbate works primarily as an antioxidant, protecting against free radicals and environmental pollutants. In addition to it, the composition contains algae polysaccharides (forming the finest moisturizing network on the skin), hyaluronic and alpha-lipoic acid, and green tea extract.

  • Jason Natural, C-Effects, Hyper-C Serum, Anti-Aging Daily Spot Treatment, 30 ml - $28.45

Brightening and whitening facial serums

with turmeric extract and a stable form of vitamin C, plus vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, grape polyphenols and green tea extract, an excellent composition for your money! And turmeric extract is a patented additive that suppresses melanin synthesis and evens out skin tone. But don’t be afraid—the serum won’t make a geisha out of you, but it will even out your skin tone and brightness.

  • Andalou Naturals, Enlighten Serum, Turmeric + C, Brightening, 32 ml – $19.96

Brightening & Antioxidant Serum with a very good modern composition - stable vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), squalane, oryzanol and a patented asset from Swiss watercress, rich in sulforaphane. It suppresses melanin synthesis by neutralizing active oxygen and suppressing the production of a hormone that stimulates pigmentation. The serum reduces the effects of daytime stress, evens out skin tone and lightens age spots.

  • AnneMarie Borlind, Skin Whitening Fluid, 50 ml – $46.80

Acid facial serums

A brightening & exfoliating serum with glycolic acid, brightening active complex, niacinamide, vitamin B5 and Swiss apple cell culture extract, used strictly at night and suitable even for sensitive skin. Alpine herbs inhibit melanin production, acids gently exfoliate and help other actives work deeper into the skin. Apply in courses and autumn-winter is the ideal time for this!

  • Mad Hippie Skin Care Products, Exfoliating Serum, 30 ml – $29.99

The best serums with ceramides

Moisturizing and restoring serum A protects against free radicals and restores the skin barrier, giving the effect of “happy and rested” skin. The composition contains ceramides 3 and 6, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, hyaluronic acid and two active components from Italian immortelle and sea kritmum. Apply like a second skin - immediately after removing makeup or washing your face.

  • AnneMarie Borlind, Naturesome, Nature Effect Fluid, 50 ml – $64.80

Serum with ceramides necessary for the rapid restoration of stressed and damaged skin that loses moisture. When ceramides are applied to the surface, they help bind moisture in the epidermis and strengthen the skin's barrier function against the intrusion of pollutants from the environment.

The serum is also suitable for “aged” skin 30+)) because it contains a protein extract of yeast cells, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and two forms of vitamin E - together they reduce the severity of wrinkles and increase its hydration.

  • AnneMarie Borlind, Ceramide Vital Fluid, 50 ml – $61.20

Firming and lifting serums

Firming gel serum not only visibly tightens and refines the contours of the face, but also cares for the skin - it contains a stable form of vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and exotic extracts of mushrooms (polysaccharides), baobab and walnut. Suitable for rosacea - minimizes damaged capillaries and helps prevent new damage.

When applying the serum, polysaccharides form an elastic, invisible film, which visually tightens and gives a lifting effect. Therefore, it must be applied to the entire surface of the face to create that same lifting effect.

  • AnneMarie Borlind, Facial Firming Gel, 50 ml – $39.60

Weleda Firming Serum does not give an immediate tightening effect, but strengthens the skin, preventing age-related sagging and reducing sagging. Dermatological tests showed that wrinkle relief was reduced by 29% (after 28 days of use), and skin hydration increased by 39% (measured with a corneometer 30 minutes after application).

The serum contains pomegranate juice and millet extract, a resistant plant that can bear fruit in excessively cold and dry areas. Millet extract contains valuable linoleic acid, phytosterols, squalene and regenerating vitamin E, as well as natural silicic acid, which promotes the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin.

  • Weleda, Pomegranate Firming Serum, 1.0 fl oz (30 ml) – $34.56

Serums and serums for eyelids

Serum for radiant eyelids with an excellent composition for little money - it revitalizes, restores and makes the look “rested and fresh”. Contains cellular extracts of apple and grapes, green tea and cucumber complexes (relieve puffiness from the eyelids), glycopeptides of goji berries (active Instalift™ Goji complex) - berry polysaccharides form a rigid mesh that provides support against sagging skin and gives a visible lifting effect.

A whole bunch of antioxidants protect delicate skin from free radicals, vitamin C in the form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate increases collagen synthesis, and caffeine improves microcirculation, relieves puffiness and tones (lymphatic drainage effect).

  • Andalou Naturals, Luminous Eye Serum, Brightening, 18 ml – $16.00

Lifting eye serum with the intriguing name dermal filler. It does not fill out wrinkles as silicone-based fillers do, but it tightens the skin and smoothes out wrinkles, improving the microrelief of the skin. There are many active substances in the composition, I’ll tell you about the Longevicell component - the patented myrtle extract is rich in oligogalacturanans (effective cell regenerators, inhibit glycation and aging of collagen fibers) and polysaccharides (improve skin microrelief and elasticity).

The serum should be applied to the area around the eyes, wrinkles around the mouth and nasolabial folds. It is best in this sequence - first filler, then moisturizer.

  • Andalou Naturals, Deep Wrinkle Dermal Filler, Age Defying – $16.00

Oil serums, facial oils

Firming facial serum Suitable for all skin types and all areas of the body)) Rich in antioxidant oils, protects the skin from free radicals, revitalizes the complexion and helps reduce scars.

I think it’s no secret to many that vitamin E is very beneficial for the body: including improving wound healing and slowing down the aging process.

Therefore, from the variety of It’s skin formula 10 serums, I chose the one that contains Vitamin E:

Facial serum `IT`S SKIN` `POWER 10 FORMULA` with vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural source of radiance and nutrition for your skin. This is a natural concentrate of antioxidants for tired skin of metropolitan residents.

Volume: 30 ml

Place of purchase: online store of Korean cosmetics (also sold in the Podruzhka chain of stores)

I really love using serums, and at the age of 30, I consider this product a must in facial skin care.

Texture:

The serum is gel-like and a little sticky.


The color is transparent with white inclusions, which dissolve on the skin and become invisible.


Smell: pleasant, noticeable, but as soon as the serum is absorbed, the smell of the cream covers it, so it doesn’t bother me at all.

MODE OF APPLICATION:

Apply with gentle massaging movements to cleansed face and neck. 2-3 drops are enough. Apply after toner. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of the reach of children. If irritation occurs, stop use immediately. Store at temperatures from +5°C to +25°C.

The volume that is captured with one click of the pipette is enough for my face and neck; in fact, it’s even one drop.


In a month of use, I’ve spent almost a third, but I don’t use it regularly - I alternate it with another serum.


After cleansing the skin, I apply serum, followed by cream. Great for later application of a night mask - I just love them.

I don’t use it on my eyelids; I always apply special creams to this delicate area.

COMPOUND:

Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Vegetable Oil, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA.

Impression:

I am very pleased with the serum!

This is already my second similar product from It’s skin, I’m always happy with the result and the price is completely justified, although it seems overpriced for the volume of 30 ml.

I notice that the serum dries out inflammation and really speeds up the healing of the skin.

Evens out and refreshes the complexion, giving the skin a rested look! Of course, regular use helps keep expression lines minimal.


The serum really works, so I confidently recommend it!

I’ll be happy to tell you about other cool products from the It’s skin brand:

I will be happy to answer your questions!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

I spread it on my hand.


After a few seconds:

The serum was absorbed without any residue. Her face is very soft, velvety, fresh. After a month of use, I noticed that the overall appearance of my skin had improved. I was very pleased
serum composition

Price: 570 rubles
Rating: definitely 5+

But there is another faithful friend who helps my skin at night.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing night cream. Nourishing night cream Vitamin E

Expanded opinion: This cream comes in a plastic round jar, like most creams. Which is not entirely convenient and hygienic. You have to get into it with a cream spatula. The consistency of the cream is thick, as is typical for all night creams. White. Volume: 50 ml.

The aroma, unlike serum, is more pleasant. Subtle aroma of rose.
Easy to apply. Absorbs much longer than serum.

Applied:

I did not spread it completely to show the texture of the cream:
What we get after a while, having distributed the cream to the end:
There is no greasy film on the face. The skin is very pleasant and velvety to the touch. But most of all I liked the feeling in the morning
Soft, delicate skin with a slight glow. I have never had such impressions from any cream before.
Price: 550 rubles.
Rating: 5
I’ve been using the cream as well as the serum for about a month, and in general I can say that both cope with their functions with a bang! I noticed that my complexion improved, dryness and irritation gradually disappeared. Now we are not afraid of winter
I hope it was useful and not boring.
My name is Marina, you can contact me.


Vitamin C is an antioxidant and collagen activator; it also controls sebum production and moisturizes the skin.
All forms (more about them below) act alone, the only question is that some are more stable and penetrate the skin better. In order for vitamin C to be effective, it must not be oxidized, otherwise it will harm the skin (promote the formation of free radicals).

A little about the forms of vitamin C

🍏 L-Ascorbic acid: a more natural derivative
L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C, a powerful natural antioxidant, is an important component of the skin. It plays a key role in preventing the appearance of wrinkles and reduces skin dryness, activates collagen production and promotes skin regeneration. Ascorbitol is found in all layers of the skin, but is most concentrated in the epidermis. However, it is easily depleted by ultraviolet radiation. To replenish the volume, it must be used daily. Despite its effectiveness, Ascorbite has one weak point: its form is not stable.

Popular shapes:
- Ascorbic Acid (L-Ascorbic Acid) The most active, researched and widespread form
- Ascorbyl Palmitate a non-acidic form of vitamin C, which means it has a much gentler effect on the skin and is more stable than ascorbic acid.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Stabilized sodium salt of ascorbic acid. Stable at pH up to 7. More stable than ascorbic acid and ascorbyl palmitate.
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate one of the best forms of vitamin C
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)(also called Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) Similar to ascorbic acid, but much more stable.
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Stable over different pH ranges. Converts to ascorbic acid when applied to the skin.

🍈Vitamin C derivatives: Synthetic forms
Many cosmetic brands prefer to use synthetic vitamin C components because they are more accessible, cheaper and more stable than ascorbic acid.

Stable and effective forms:
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP);
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP).

How to stabilize vitamin C?
We are very close to the recipe for longevity... But first we need to figure out how to stabilize L-Ascorbic acid.

L-Ascorbic acid can be stabilized using a combination of vitamin E and ferulic acid. Many cosmetic brands have followed this path! If you want to go the route of combining several components, this will require purchasing additional components, vitamin E, ferulic acid, an emulsifier for mixing vitamin E with water and a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the serum.
I won’t complicate things and will follow the simplest, most budget-friendly, energy-saving and efficient path.

🍒Just a DIY Vitamin C Serum Recipe 🍒
For the serum we need:

L-Ascorbic Acid Powder Crystalline fine LAA powder is ideal as the base for our future serum because it is stable, cheap and quickly dissolves.

NutriBiotic, Ascorbic Acid, 100% Pure Vitamin C, Crystalline Powder, (227 g)
Or use a combination powder, a mixture of antioxidants, peptide and moisturizer " Vitamin C+Beauty Charge » for mixing with any cosmetic product

As an alternative, you can use tablets, but they must first be crushed to a powder.

Purified water

Baking soda L-Ascorbic acid has a pH level of about 2.1. This is a very low pH level which will cause skin irritation. Baking soda is an alkaline and can be used to raise the acid level to the optimal level.

pH strips pH strips. If you do not have such strips, it is better not to start home experiments with serum. You can buy them in soap stores or order them on Ali or Ebay.

Measuring spoon For convenience, 1 gram is equal to ¼ teaspoon.

Suitable container It can be an airtight container, a bottle with a pipette or a spray bottle, by and large there is no difference, it is important that it is made of dark glass (the issue with transparent glass is easily resolved: wrap it in foil). The container needs a small volume of 15 ml, 30 ml or 60 ml.

🍑 Preparation and a little research
Determine how much whey your container will hold.
Everything is simple if the volume is indicated on the bottle; if there is no such information, then you can check the capacity with teaspoons (volume 5 ml).

Calculate how many grams of LAA you will need
For 5% whey, you need to multiply the volume of the container in ml by 0.05 (gram = ml × 0.05)
For 10% whey, you need to multiply the volume of the container in ml by 0.1 (gram = ml x 0.1)
For 20% whey, you need to multiply the volume of the container in ml by 0.2 (gram = ml x 0.2)

For example, 10% vitamin C serum volume 20 ml: gram = 20 x 0.1 = 2 g LAA.

Clean the container. Wash the container thoroughly, then differentiate with alcohol and let dry.

Pour the required amount of LAA into the prepared container. If you have a scale, use it. If not, it's quick and easy to assume that ¼ teaspoon equals 1 gram. (do not use metal utensils!)

Dissolve LAA powder. Add about half the water to the container, pour the powder into it, close and shake until the powder is completely dissolved.

Pour in the rest of the water. Shake a little to combine.

pH level. One drop per pH strip to check pH. The result should be very low acidity (red). To regulate and reduce acidity, add a little (pinch) of baking soda to the whey, shake, and check the pH again. The indicator should not be higher than pH 3.5

According to the study, the maximum amount of ascorbic acid penetration was observed when using 20% ​​ascorbic acid and pH equal to 3.2.

🍅Shelf life of homemade vitamin C serum 🍅
A one-component serum without preservatives can be stored for a maximum of two weeks, but after seven days it becomes slightly cloudy.

I found a study that describes the breakdown of homemade serum, after seven days the serum's effectiveness decreases by 50%, after another week it becomes useless.

The conclusion is: Making serum at home does not take much time, effort or investment. This will be a completely natural, fresh and therefore effective serum.