You might have come across tons and tons of Vitamin C Serums in India. Nowadays every brand has a Vitamin C Serum which can be so confusing to pick. So I’ve compiled this list to help you find the best ones out there. Before going into the list, let’s get to know a little about Vitamin C.
Table of Contents
What does Vitamin C do to your skin? (Its Benefits)
- Antioxidant: Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and prevents photoaging.
- Anti-aging: Vitamin C has the ability to increase collagen production, reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.
- Radiance Booster: Vitamin C increases cell turnover rate and boosts the natural glow of the skin.
- Skin brightener: It evens out skin tone, improves overall complexion, and helps to fade dark spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
What are the Types of Vitamin C in Skincare?
L Ascorbic Acid(LAA):
The most potent form of Vitamin C that promotes collagen synthesis and has the most anti-aging benefits. Can be irritating on the skin and is unstable in liquid form. But it’s the one that shows the fastest results.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate:
Stable, Water-soluble vitamin C derivative that’s less irritating. Suitable for dry, sensitive skin types. Performs similar to LAA.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate:
Water Soluble Derivative of Vitamin C. Stimulates collagen production and prevents free radical damage to a good extent. Less irritating so suitable for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin as well.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate:
Fat soluble, low penetration vitamin C hence mild on the skin. Good for brightening but not great for anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid:
Very stable form of Vitamin C. It’s both water and oil-soluble. Good for skin brightening and reducing pigmentation.
How to use Vitamin C?
- Cleanse your skin with a face wash or cleanser.
- Pat dry your skin.
- Take around 2 to 4 drops of the serum and gently apply it all over the face.
- If are using a toner, make sure your skin is not damp before applying your serum.
- Follow it up with a good soothing moisturizer.
- Vitamin C can be used in both AM and PM routines but works better in the morning under your sunscreen.
What are the side effects of Vitamin C?
- Vitamin C can have a warm or tingling sensation upon application. If it subsides within a few seconds, you are good to go. If not, wash your face and apply a soothing cream.
- Vitamin C can cause purging on some people. It is best that you start with a low concentration product and then if it suits you, upgrade to a higher concentration.
- It can cause photosensitivity, which means you are more prone to damage by sunlight. So always use a sunscreen whilst using vitamin c.
Precautions to be taken
- Never start with a higher concentration of vitamin c as it can lead to skin irritations, contact dermatitis, acne breakouts, etc.
- Vitamin C tends to lose its efficacy when exposed to light and air. So make sure to store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct light. You can also refrigerate it.
- Keep an eye on the color of the product. If it turns yellow, it means it has oxidized. You can still use it if it’s pale yellow, but if it’s deep yellow or brown, it’s time to toss it.
- It’s best to avoid using other actives like Niacinamide, AHA, and BHA. One should never use retinol or benzoyl peroxide with vitamin c. It’s fine to use Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C.
10 Best Vitamin C Serums in India
1. Deconstruct Vitamin C Serum
This is one of the gentlest formulas with a safe and result-oriented formula. Made with potent 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid & Ferulic Acid and soothing Glycerin & Hyaluronic Acid, this is a really good serum if you are looking for brightness and glowing skin
Price*: ₹639 for 30ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Beginner Friendly. | 1. Slow Results |
| 2. Gentle, lightweight, water-based serum. | |
| 3. Suitable for oily, combination, acne-prone skin. | |
| 4. Low chances of irritation. | |
| 5. Fragrance-free, Alcohol-free, and Essential oil-free. | |
| 6. Vegan and Cruelty-Free. |
2. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
This is a much-raved Korean Vitamin C Serum that’s available in India. The Klairs Vitamin Drop contains 5% L-Ascorbic Acid, which is known to be the most potent form of Vitamin C. The formula is gentle enough to be used by beginners while being strong enough to fade pigmentation and brighten up skin.
Price*: ₹1570 for 35ml.
BUY on Amazon.in or Limese.com (Use Code: TBIO for 10% OFF)
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Contains Centella Asiatica to hydrate and repair damaged skin. | 1. Oxidizes fast, so should be used soon. |
| 2. Oil-based suitable for normal, combination & dry skin types. | 2. Has a citrus fragrance; it’s mild though. |
| 3. Brightens up dull skin and evens out skin tone. | 3. It may not suit oily skin. |
| 4. Has an effective pH of 3.8 | |
| 5. Free from parabens, alcohol, colorants, and artificial fragrances. | |
| 6. Cruelty & Vegan. |
3. Minimalist Vitamin C Serum
Minimalist Vitamin C Serum is an everyday glow-boosting serum that has both antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. It is packed with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid & 1% Acetyl Glucosamine in Centella Asiatica Water to brighten up your skin. This is one of the Best Vitamin C Serums in India that is loved by many for its visible results. It has a pH 3.9-4.9.
Price*: ₹699 for 30ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Affordable price. | 1. Not beginner-friendly. |
| 2. Water-based serum suitable for all skin types. | 2. Can be a tad bit sticky initially, but sinks in within a few seconds. |
| 3. Adds a beautiful glow to the skin. | |
| 4. Reduces dark spots and pigmentation. | |
| 5. Free of parabens, silicones & fragrance. | |
| 6. Cruelty-Free. |
4. Nimbuzin No 5 Concentrated Vitamin C Serum
This is a highly concentrated formula to tackle your hyperpigmentation problems. It’s formulated with Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, tyrosinase inhibitors such as Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic acid, and skin-brightening Niacinamide, Bisabolol, and Glutathione. It’s a popular choice among the Asian beauty community.
Price*: ₹2,100 for 50 ml. Buy Now. (Use code: TBIO for 10% off)
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Powerful formula. | 1. Not widely available everywhere. |
| 2. Free of Fragrance, Alcohol and Parabens. | |
| 3. Lightweight fast absorbing texture. | |
| 4. Reduces acne marks, pigmentation, and wrinkle formation. | |
| 5. Brightens up and adds a glow to the skin. |
5. Plum Vitamin C Serum
This new launch from Plum Goodness has quickly gained the love of Vitamin C users. It’s formulated with 15% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid along with Japanese Mandarin, Kakadu Plum, and Rosa Damascena for hyperpigmentation and dull skin. It enhances the skin’s natural glow.
Price*: ₹499 for 20ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Lightweight, non-sticky serum. | 1. Not for sensitive skin. |
| 2. Gives a radiant and healthy glow. | |
| 3. Rich in antioxidants. | |
| 4. Good pricing. | |
| 5. Fragrance-free. | |
| 6. Vegan and Cruelty-Free. |
Best Vitamin C Serum Recommended by Dermatologists in India
6. Cipla VCX Serum
From the popular pharmaceutical brand Cipla, this is the most common Vitamin C serum recommended by Dermatologists in India. It has a powerful combination of antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that are best suited for normal, combination, and dry skin types.
Price*: ₹2400 for 10ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS |  CONS |
| 1. Pharma brand Vitamin C Serum. | 1. Not suitable for oily skin. |
| 2. Contains 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E. | |
| 3. Works best for photo-damaged and aging skin. | |
| 4. Rich in antioxidant Arganyl Extract. |
7. Regaliz Truderma Vitamin C Serum 20%
Ideal for intermediate users, this serum has a stabilized form of 20 % Vitamin C boosted with Hyaluronic Acid with the aim of providing anti-aging effects in a hydrating formula
Price*: ₹1859 for 20ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Water-based serum ideal for oily skin types. | 1. Can sting new users. |
| 2. Stabilized formula. | |
| 3. Strong antioxidant protects the skin from damage. | |
| 4. Lightens blemishes and fades acne marks. | |
| 5. Contains soothing ingredients including Allantoin. |
8. Sesderma C Vit Liposomal Serum
Formulated with a stabilized form of Vitamin C, the Sesderma C Vit Moisturizing Serum not only brightens complexion but also has anti-aging benefits.
Price*: ₹2850 for 30ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Premium quality vitamin C in a liposomal formula. | 1. Quite Expensive |
| 2. Boosts collagen synthesis & improves skin’s elasticity and firmness. | |
| 3. Hydrates and moisturizes the skin. | |
| 4. Great for aging skin. |
9. KLM C 20 Serum
Recommended for advanced users, this is a highly potent Vitamin C Serum with L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E and Hylauronic Acid. This is actually an anhydrous gel serum with tiny vitamin c particles.
Price*: ₹ 693 for 20g. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Silicone serum Gel texture aids in smooth application. | 1. Not for beginners. |
| 2. Fragrance Free and Paraben Free. | |
| 3. pH-independent formula | |
| 4. Gives a glow to the skin with consistent usage. |
10. Fixderma C Enhance Serum
This is one of the Best Vitamin C Serums Recommended by Dermatologists in India. Backed by science, it’s made with a powerhouse combination of 25% L Ascorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Feluric Acid, Vitamin E, Collagen, and Shitake Mushroom Extract. Has a pH of 4.5-5.1, so it is less irritating.
Price*: ₹875 for 15ml. Buy Now.
*price at the time of publishing
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Stable formulation. | 1. Not fragrance-free. |
| 2. Fast absorbing, non-sticky lightweight serum. | |
| 3. Rich in antioxidants prevents oxidative stress. | |
| 4. Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation. | |
| 5. Alcohol-Free and Paraben Free. | |
| 6. Suitable for all skin types. |
Those were some of the Best Vitamin C Serums in India. I hope you found this post helpful.
Let us know your favorites.
Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.
