You might have come across tons and tons of Vitamin C Serums in India. In fact, 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 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 prevent 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 Ascrobic Acid: Very stable form of Vitamin C. It’s both water and oil soluble. Good for skin brightening and reducing pigmentation.
How to use?
- 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 a 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, 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 Serum in India
1. Vaunt Vitamin C Water
Vaunt Vitamin C Water is a beginner-friendly, lightweight serum that brightens up the skin with a gleaming glow. It’s formulated with 5% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable form of Vitamin C along with Hyaluronic Acid and Extracts of Licorice & Amla.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Beginner Friendly. | 1. Slow Results |
| 2. Gentle, lightweight, water-based serum. | 2. Not hydrating enough on its own. |
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
- Amazon.in
- Limese.com (Use Code: TBIO for 10% OFF)
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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
4. Suganda Antioxidant Serum
Formulated with 10% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, the Suganda Serum is one the Best Vitamin C Serums in India for Oily Skin due to its watery texture. It also contains Curcumin to reduce inflammations, Ferulic Acid to prevent skin oxidation, and Centella Asiatica to soothe the skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Fragrance-free, beginner-friendly Vitamin C Serum in India. | 1. Results can be slow. |
| 2. Available in 10ml and 30 ml as well. | |
| 3. Has a pH of 6.5 which is less irritating on the skin. | |
| 4. Reduces acne marks, pigmentation, and wrinkle formation. | |
| 5. Brightens up and adds a glow to the skin. |
Where to buy?
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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
6. It’s Skin power 10 VC Effector
It’s Skin power 10 VC effector is one of the Best Vitamin C Serums in India that is gentle on the skin yet efficient in showing results. The lightweight serum is developed with a blend of nourishing vitamins and antioxidants to give you brighter, glowing skin. It contains Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, a stable vitamin C derivative, and Green Tea Extract along with moisture-binding Glycerin and Polyglutamic Acid. It’s suitable for beginners and all skin types.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Quick absorbing, emulsion-type water-based serum. | 1. Contains fragrance. |
| 2. Improves skin texture and smoothens skin. | |
| 3. Imparts a healthy radiance to the skin. | |
| 4. Lightens blemishes and fades acne marks. | |
| 5. Delays signs of aging. | |
| 6. Decently priced. |
Where to buy it?
Best Vitamin C Serum Recommended by Dermatologists in India
7. 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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
8. Cipla VCX
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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
9. 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.
| 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. |
Where to buy it?
10. Auriga Flavo C Serum
This dermatologist-recommended L Ascorbic Acid Serum is an excellent pick for fading pigmentation spots, dullness, and aging signs.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Contains 8% L Ascorbic Acid which deeply penetrates the skin. | 1. Results can be slow. |
| 2. Contains 30% Ginkgo Biloba, a potent antioxidant that slows down aging signs. | |
| 3. Protects skin against free radical damage. | |
| 4. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines. |
Where to buy it?
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.
