Top 6 Best Vegan Vitamin C Serums for Brighter Skin
Vitamin C is an incredibly powerful antioxidant that has been shown to protect your cells from the effects of free radicals and provide protection against oxidative stress. It's also necessary for the production of collagen. When it comes to beauty, free radicals are linked to wrinkles and a general loss of skin elasticity. That said, while consuming a large daily dose of vitamin C through whole foods should be our number one priority, studies have shown that topical vitamin C can also improve overall skin texture, clear up dark spots, and even out your skin tone! In addition, combining this potent antioxidant with ferulic acid or vitamin E can help protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Keep reading and find out how to discover the best vitamin C serum for your skin goals!
What To Look For In a Vegan Vitamin C Serum?
It should be formulated with a pH lower than 3.5 and with a strength of 10-20% (anything above this concentration provides no additional benefit and can be irritating to the skin),
It should contain one of the more stable forms of vitamin C. These could include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), ascorbyl 6 palmitate, disodium isostearyl 2-0 L-ascorbyl phosphate (VCP-IS-Na), ascorbic acid sulfate, or tetraisopalmitoyl ascorbic acid.
Find a product that is made with natural ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals or major allergens that could potentially outweigh the benefits of the antioxidant vitamin C. These could include harsh preservatives and hormonal irritants like iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, zinc sulfate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, benzyl benzoate, or even formaldehyde! If you have sensitive skin, you'll also want to avoid any serums containing 'fragrance'. In fact, it's a good idea to avoid this ingredient in general, since we as consumers have no way of knowing what this mystery ingredient actually contains. Whether it's an artificial fragrance or natural fragrance, if the complete list of ingredients is not provided, this is not a good sign.
A great way to know whether your beauty products are safe and non-toxic or not is by checking their score on the Environmental Working Group's EWG Skin Deep database. So far, they have evaluated the toxicity score of 87,000+ products and 2,000+ brands! Keep in mind that the lower the score, the less toxic a product's ingredients are. The best possible score, however, is 'EWG Verified', which means the product or brand adheres to the strictest possible standards for non-toxicity.
TIP: Another important tip to keep in mind is that if you suffer from any type of skin condition, it's always a good idea to consult your healthcare professional before using any sort of serum or cream.
What Makes a Vitamin C Serum Vegan?
A vitamin C serum that contains no animal derivatives, was not tested on animals, and preferably contains no palm oil, can be considered 100% vegan. In short, a product is vegan if it causes the least possible amount of harm to living beings. So, if it also features plastic-free/eco-friendly packaging and a biodegradable formula, this is a major bonus! Your vitamin C serum should also cause the least possible amount of harm to your skin, so try to look for products that are non-toxic and made with naturally-derived ingredients whenever possible.
When To Use A Vitamin C Serum: Day or Night?
Wondering when to use your cruelty-free vitamin C serum? To enhance its effects, ensure smoother skin, and combat the effects of environmental stressors like sun damage, it's best to apply your vegan serum first thing in the morning. This is because it provides protection against UV radiation, and needs time to absorb into your skin. Try to always apply it directly over freshly-cleansed skin, right before you moisturize to protect your skin from damage and enjoy a beautiful healthy glow!
How Often Should You Use Vitamin C Serum?
Experts recommend applying vitamin C every other day, or daily if your skin can tolerate it. Although vitamin C is generally safe for topical use, some have more sensitive skin than others. Keep in mind that it can take up to 3 months of incorporating a potent serum into your skincare routine before you begin to see noticeable improvements in brown spots and overall skin health. Additionally, keep in mind that if you experience any irritation or discomfort, it may be necessary to cease the use of the product and consult your physician.
Where to Store Your Vegan Vitamin C Serum?
Since vitamin C has a short shelf-life and is prone to oxidation, it's best to store your vitamin C products in an opaque bottle inside the fridge. So, if your product comes in a clear container, you may consider swapping the original bottle for a darker one, or storing the product inside a dark compartment in your fridge. An easy way to identify whether your vitamin C is still going to be active on your skin . If it's gone darker than it was initially, it's a clear indication that it's oxidized and lost its effectiveness.
Vegan Vitamin C Serums We Omitted
Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX Freshly Squeezed Glow, 20% Vitamin C Serum
While researching, we came across this interesting vegan product formulated with 20% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and plenty of certified organic and plant-derived ingredients. Plus, although this particular product is not available on the EWG database, all other products listed by this brand boasted impressive scores ranging safely between 1 and 4. So, why didn't we include this pick?
First, we realized that the brand itself was cruelty-free, but not 100% vegan, meaning some of their products could contain animal-derived ingredients. This option would differ from the rest in that sense. We want you to discover an amazing product you love, and be able to try other products by the brand without having to worry about their vegan status! Additionally, the vitamin C used in their serum is listed simply as 'ascorbic acid', which is just another name for vitamin C. This does not specify the form they used, so we have no way of knowing how effective and long-lasting the product is going to be. Otherwise, looked like a safe, natural choice.
MaeLove Glow Maker
We spotted this viral vitamin C circulating on various social media platforms, and immediately had to look into it ourselves. The first thing we noticed was that it comes in a dark glass bottle, which is a great sign that the vitamin C is well preserved! The brand is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so this product is also ethically formulated. They even made sure to formulate it at a 15% concentration, which is ideal.
This product seemed to tick all the boxes, but the one factor that stopped in our tracks was the form of vitamin C they used. Most vitamin C serums utilize L-ascorbic acid, however this type of vitamin C, in comparison with those used in our list, is quite unstable and has a lot of trouble penetrating into the skin. And although L-ascorbic acid seems to perform much better in a formula regulated to a pH of 3.5 or lower, the company has not disclosed the product's pH on their page.
Earth Harbor Calypso Vitamin C Moisture Elixir
Another option that seemed quite promising was Earth Harbor's Calypso Vitamin C Moisture Elixir. Again, this product did not appear in the EWG database. However, upon researching, we found that all of their other products on the EWG site were ultra-clean, ranging between scores of 1 and 3. The brand is also entirely vegan certified! We were all set to include this option, until we discovered that it listed NO active form of vitamin C or vitamin C ester.
Although we appreciate their use of all-natural and certified organic ingredients, it appears as though the product only provides vitamin C via seed oils. These include tomato seed oil, cranberry seed oil, and sea buckthorn berry extract. The problem we found with this approach was that the amount of vitamin C will vary greatly according to the freshness and nutrient levels of each individual plant. So, we cannot accurately tell you if it contains an 8% or higher vitamin C formulation, the minimum amount required to make a visible difference on your skin. We also found that buckthorn berry oil specifically "has no good scientific evidence to support most of its uses", according to WebMD.
Otherwise, the product appears to be totally clean and safe, and many reviewers seem to adore their results. However, we prefer not to recommend anything unless we can be sure it's going to work for you and make a noticeable difference in your beauty regime!
Our Pick: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Price | $33.99
Amount | 1.02 fl. oz.
Form of Vitamin C | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Ethos | Vegan and Cruelty-Free, Score of 1 on EWG's Skin Deep Database, Fully Sustainable/Recyclable Packaging, Recyclable Through TerraCycle, No Synthetic Fragrance.
Luxury vitamin C formulation for a fraction of the price
An award-winning, affordable serum made for all skin types including oily skin and acne-prone skin, Mad Hippie's Vitamin C Serum has to be our number-one recommended vegan option! It's formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid, giving it a compounding antioxidant effect that is extra protective against UV rays (not a substitute for sunscreen).
Shelf stable vitamin C form
The form of vitamin C used in this product, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, is more stable than the commonly used L-ascorbic acid. It's also less irritating and less prone to oxidation. Simply massage this serum into your skin after cleansing first thing in the morning, and enjoy healthy, glowing skin for the rest of your day.
Eco-friendly packaging
Another thing we love about this brand is how meticulous they are about reducing their environmental impact! The vitamin C is packaged in a glass bottle with a fully recyclable dropper, and the rubber top and plastic seal can be recycled through their TerraCycle partnership. The box was also developed mindfully, made with FSC certified paper and soy inks. Many of their other products are packaged in sugarcane bioresin tubes.
They give back
Not to mention, Mad Hippie gives back to female entrepreneurs through Whole Planet Foundation, and to the planet via organizations like Save The Elephants, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Oceana! So, you can feel confident about supporting this incredible vegan company!
BUY NOW (Seriously!)
5 More Vegan Vitamin C Serums To Consider
Fleur & Bee Nectar of the C Vitamin Serum
Price | $54.00
Amount | 1 fl. oz.
Form of Vitamin C | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Ethos | Vegan and Cruelty-Free; Free From Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, GMOs, and Artificial Fragrances; Includes Organic Ingredients; Gluten Free; 100% Recycled Paper Packaging; Sustainably Made; Bottled in the USA; 1% of Profits Go To Charity.
To improve the appearance of age spots and boost collagen production in your skin, you can go for Fleur & Bee's fabulous Vitamin C Serum! Made with 11 naturally-derived active ingredients, you can be sure this serum packs a punch against free radicals and environmental stressors! Plus, it's enhanced with vitamin E for additional protection against sun damage.
Fleur & Bee's serum also contains the ultra-powerful ingredient squalane, which here is derived from olive oil! You'll also enjoy its light fragrance boasting subtle earthy and herbaceous notes. Try this affordable vitamin C serum today!
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Pillowtalk Derm Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer
Price | $58.00
Amount | 1.7 fl. oz.
Form of Vitamin C | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Ethos | Totally Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brand, Packaging Designed to Preserve Freshness and Avoid Product Waste.
Made with the most optimal form of vitamin C, Pillowtalk Derm's 2-in-1 moisturizer is for those who want to keep their routine as simple and effective as possible! If you aren't familiar with the brand, it was developed by renowned dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, to help you achieve visible results in the least possible amount of steps a day. That's why this gel moisturizer functions as a total replacement to your usual vitamin C serum.
It's fabulous for those with dry skin, made with glycerin, ceramides, fatty acids and dimethicone to boost and lock in moisture. However, this moisturizer is also suitable for all other skin types. Plus, it's infused with powerful actives like 4-butylresorcinol and hexapeptide-2 to reduce common signs of sun damage and aging. Try it for 8 weeks to witness incredible science-backed results!
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Herbivore NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum
Price | $64.00
Amount | 1 fl. oz.
Active Form of Vitamin C | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Ethos | Vegan and Cruelty-Free, Clinically Tested, Recyclable Glass Bottle (Remove the Pump) and Paper Carton, No Synthetic Preservatives or Fragrance, No Added Fragrance.
Clear up dark spots, even your skin tone, and improve the look of hyperpigmentation with Herbivore's fifteen-percent vitamin C skin serum! Formulated with one of the most stable forms of vitamin C and an ultra-clean ingredient list, this product is designed for all skin types. Plus, it features key ingredients like bearberry-derived arbutin and super root turmeric, which is also packed with antioxidants and helps even your skin tone!
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Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Price | $68.00
Amount | 1 fl. oz.
Active Form of Vitamin C | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Ethos | Vegan, PETA Approved Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny Certified, FSC Certified Packaging, Recyclable Packaging, Made In the USA, Free From Parabens and Phthalates, No Added Fragrance, PEG Free.
Made with a unique blend of vitamin C designed for maximum stability, this fifteen percent vitamin C serum is totally certified vegan and beneficial for all skin types! Immediately brighten and hydrate your skin each morning with this luxurious combination of non-toxic ingredients that boast an impressive score of 2 on the EWG scale (a reliable database that measures the toxicity levels of different beauty products). Simply apply two pumps to your freshly cleansed face and neck, moisturize, apply sunscreen, and enjoy enhanced youthful and glowing skin!
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Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Price | $72.00
Amount | 1 fl. oz.
Active Form of Vitamin C | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Ethos | Vegan and Cruelty-Free, EWG-Verified Non-Toxic Ingredients, Free From Parabens and Synthetic Fragrance, PEG Free, My Green Lab Certification, Squalane Derived from Sugarcane, Sugarcane and FSC Certified Compostable Boxes.
This award-winning serum is made with a unique oil-based and shelf-stable form of antioxidant vitamin C that is shown to boost skin firmness and suppleness. It will also improve the appearance of dry skin by protecting it from moisture loss! In addition, the inclusion of their signature squalane makes for a lightweight serum that can penetrate into the skin layers and deliver active ingredients deep into your skin.
Biossance's vitamin C serum is designed for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, try to use this product just once a day at first. Otherwise, the brand recommends using it twice a day over clean skin.
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Odacité An Autumn On The World 15% Vitamin C Serum
Price | $165.00
Amount | 0.5 fl. oz.
Active Form of Vitamin C | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Ethos | PETA-Approved Vegan and Cruelty-Free, Handmade In California, Includes Wild Crafted and Organic Ingredients, Dermatologically Tested, Non-GMO, All-Natural Ingredients.
Enclosed in a dark bottle for reduced oxidation and formulated with an extra stable type of ascorbic acid, this luxury serum is potent against signs of aging and ultra-illuminating. A fifteen percent vitamin C formulation, this powerful serum has been dermatologically tested and is totally non-GMO. Enjoy a radiant, youthful glow and combat dark spots with its natural blend of vitamin C, wildcrafted açaí oil, passionfruit oil, meadowfoam seed oil, wild carrot seed oil, and more!
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Key Features By Brand
| Brand | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Type Vitamin C | Percentage Vitamin C | EWG Score | Paraben/Sulfate Free | Fragrance Free | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mad Hippie | Yes | Yes | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 10% | 1 | Yes | Yes | $33.99/ 1.02 fl. oz. |
| Fleur & Bee | Yes | Yes | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 10% | N/A | Yes | Yes | $46/ 1 fl. oz. |
| Herbivore | Yes | Yes | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | 15% | N/A | Yes | Yes | $64/ 1 fl. oz |
| Youth To The People | Yes | Yes | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl | 15% | 2 | Yes | Yes | $68/ 1 fl. oz. |
| Biossance | Yes | Yes | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | 10% | EWG Verified | Yes | Yes | $72/ 1 fl. oz |
| Odacite | Yes | Yes | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | 15% | N/A | Yes | Yes | $165/ 0.5 fl. oz. |
We hope we were able to help you find the right product for your healthy skin goals! Thanks for always seeking options that are healthier not only for your skin, but also for the animals and our planet. For more info, tips, and recommendations to simplify your vegan lifestyle, make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter!
