Vitamin C Serums: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

What Is Vitamin C Serum And What Does It Contain?

Vitamin C Serum is a skincare product that contains vitamin C. This serum comes in liquid or gel form and is applied to the skin. You will find this serum wherever you normally shop for skincare products - at the grocery store, the beauty store, and some drugstores too. On the packaging, you will likely see words promoting skin benefits, such as "firm," "brighten," and "boost collagen." Taking advantage of these benefits is the main reason to add vitamin C serum to your skincare routine. 

"The benefits of vitamin C are as antioxidants, helping to prevent the formation of free radicals, which then break down collagen and elastin," Saedi said. The result, she says, is radiant, youthful skin.

How To Use Vitamin C Serum And Take Advantage Of Its Benefits

Saedi says to apply a few drops of serum to your face after washing and drying it. "A little will go a long way," he said. She recommends wearing it every morning, all year long. "It has several benefits with sun exposure, so it helps to apply it in the morning as the first protective layer," she said. She says to cover your moisturizer and sunscreen afterward. The serum is better than adding "booster" vitamin C drops to your moisturizer, Saedi says. They may not be as strong as the serum itself and mixing them with a moisturizer can reduce their effect. 

Store your bottles in a cool, dark place away from extreme heat, such as a bathroom cabinet instead of on your desk. "Proper storage of serum vitamin C is critical to its success," says Schlessinger. "A good regulation of thumb is to discard the serum six months after opening and store it in a cool, dark place." If you use it as directed, it will most likely go away before six months are up. If not, you will want to get rid of it. "When vitamin C is used beyond its shelf life, it can actually have a negative effect," says Schlessinger. More on that below.

Possible Side Effects and Risks of Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a safe and generally well-tolerated substance. "The only risk is that some of these serums contain so many different ingredients," Saedi said, adding that these additives can cause allergic reactions in some people. 

Most of the studies listed above reported that study subjects did not experience irritation or negative reactions. The only exceptions are people with sensitive skin. A 2015 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found that 6 percent of study participants were itchy, which the researchers said was likely due to the acidity of vitamin C. Schlessinger said that people with extremely sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before use since then. the strong form of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. 

Vitamin C serum can cause skin or clothing to turn yellow, itchy, or dry, although these effects are rare. Researchers suggest that people use caution when applying it around the eyes.