This vitamin C serum has our stamp of approval for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, and our go-to for anyone looking to firm and smooth their skin.

You’re likely familiar with all of the (many) benefits of incorporating an antioxidant serum into your daily skincare routine, but just in case you’re not, allow us to refresh your memory. “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that cause damage to the skin cells, protein, and DNA, and can lead to inflammation, signs of aging, and even skin cancer,” explains Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Since free radicals are formed by exposure to unavoidable things like UV rays and pollution, using an antioxidant serum daily gives your skin another layer of defense. There’s no shortage of antioxidants to choose from, but, unlike the vitamin Cs and green teas of the world, ferulic acid flies somewhat under that radar. Still, it’s a great option, a highly potent antioxidant, and, according to King, it pairs nicely with many other popular antioxidants (specifically vitamin C and E) . Regular use can leave your skin brighter, smoother, and more radiant. Not only that, but it's also a great anti-inflammatory agent, softens rough skin texture and gives your skin one hell of a natural glow (meaning vitamin C serums can allow you to skip out on even the very best highlighter). How to use vitamin C in your skincare routine

In theory, virtually anyone can add a vitamin C serum to their routine, though there are a few things to consider when it comes to shopping for them.

There are two schools of thought here, though they both come to the same conclusion: the time of day you apply vitamin C serum is important. While the serum claims to help with skin plumpness thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, we didn’t notice a visible improvement in this area. But given how brightening this serum is, we highly recommend it if you’re dealing with dull skin. Active ingredients:Glycolic acid, vitamin C | Additional benefits:Fights signs of aging, minimizes redness, supports natural skin turnover | Consistency:Cream | Cruelty-free:YesThe Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% contains the aforementioned ascorbyl glucoside, a form of vitamin C. Though it’s not as potent as L-ascorbic acid, the vitamin C derivative ascorbyl glucoside is nothing to shrug at. Its water-soluble quality makes it a more stable alternative to L-ascorbic acid. The texture of the serum has a light, pleasant feel. The acidity of vitamin C may cause irritation to people with sensitive skin. If the compatibility between your skin’s pH level, and the pH of the vitamin is off, this may cause a tingling sensation and weaken your barrier function. According to Dr. Herrmann, you should apply vitamin C serum either daily or every other day, depending on your routine and the result you want. If you already alternate several other actives, you might apply it every other day; if you’re looking to dramatically fade hyperpigmentation, you may want to use it daily. Why We Love It: Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this serum contains vitamin C in its purest form, with a unique patented formula of stable 20% pure vitamin C and stable epigallocatechin gallate, which is a skin-aiding ingredient found in green tea. The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily. Dr. Shereene Idriss is a fan of the formula, too, because “it is a patented version of stabilized 20% L Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C) that does not oxidize,” though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.