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Becca Marcus, MD
The Edit

The Vitamin C Edit

Vitamin C is one of the best-studied ingredients we have, and the quality on the market varies enormously. These are the serums I recommend, with my notes on the form each one uses and the skin it suits.
The Edit The Vitamin C Edit

Some links below are affiliate links. I may earn a commission when you shop them, at no extra cost to you, and commissions never decide what I recommend.

What I recommend

1

Maei MD Serum 6

The one I formulated, built around 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, because it delivers the brightening and antioxidant benefit of vitamin C at a pH the skin is comfortable with. This multifunctional serum streamlines your skincare routine, combining Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, plant based stem cells and probiotics. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and layers nicely with moisturizer and sunscreen. I suggest applying once daily in the morning.

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2

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid, and the formula the photoprotection research was done on, which is why it comes up in every conversation about vitamin C.

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3

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic

The same three ingredients at a fraction of the price. Buy a size you will finish, keep it out of the light, and use it within three to six months.

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4

Medik8 Super C Ferulic

Ethyl ascorbic acid at a high concentration with ferulic acid alongside it, built on the same stabilising principle as the L-ascorbic acid serums, and no acid sting.

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5

Allies of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate with vitamin E and bakuchiol in an anhydrous base. A solid choice if L-ascorbic acid has ever stung, and comfortable on dry skin.

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6

Doctor Rogers Day Preventative Treatment

THD again, in a richer base than a serum, which suits dry and mature skin in the morning under sunscreen.

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7

Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, light and water-based. It has some activity against the bacteria involved in acne, which makes it my preference for oily and breakout-prone skin.

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Everything else in this edit

The rest of what I reach for in this category, kept up to date in one place.

This page is general education, not medical advice, and reading it does not create a doctor–patient relationship. For your own skin, please see a board-certified dermatologist.

Rebecca Marcus, MD

Rebecca Marcus, MD

Board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Maei MD. I write about what works, what does not, and what is simply beautiful. My hope is that you end up owning fewer things and loving all of them.

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