Any man looking to take his skincare routine to the next level should consider trying a vitamin C serum. Below, we’ve created a list of the best vitamin C serums for men.
Our Recommendations
1. 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
Timeless Vitamin C Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
This affordable vitamin C serum contains a 20% concentration of vitamin C, which helps brighten and fight signs of aging.
This lightweight serum contains a 20% concentration of l-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C that works to brighten and provide anti-aging benefits. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, two skincare ingredients that protect the skin from environmental stressors and have also been shown to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the pump
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this serum contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alpha Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzylalcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Vitamin C in Dermatology"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021.
2. Vitamin C Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
This gentle and affordable serum contains vitamin C, which brightens and fights signs of aging, as well as other soothing and hydrating skincare ingredients.
This vitamin C serum contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C that helps brighten and provide anti-aging benefits. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage to the skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some acne-prone reviewers noted that it broke them out
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this serum contains jojoba oil, which moisturizes, and witch hazel, which soothes.
Organic Deionized Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), MSM, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid (Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Organic Gotu Kola, Wildcrafted Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense), Wildcrafted Dandelion, Wildcrafted Geranium, Organic Jojoba Oil (Organic Simmondsia Chinensis), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021.
3. Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
Derma E Vitamin C Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
This affordable vitamin C serum contains a stable and effective form of vitamin C, as well as additional ingredients that help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Vitamin C – an antioxidant that fights free radicals that can damage the skin – is key for a rounded out skincare routine, and this option is affordable and effective. It contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C that doesn’t deteriorate as easily as other forms. It is able to brighten the skin and fight signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to vitamin C, this serum contains a blend of ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and nourish the skin, including hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, rosehip oil, and aloe vera extract.
Purified Water, Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C, Stay-C 50), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Microcrystalline Cellulose (Plant Derived), Cellulose Gum (Plant Derived), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Vegetable Derived), Polymnia Sonchifolia (Yacon) Root Juice, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus (Probiotic), Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract *, Allantoin, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Derived), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natural Fragrance Oils
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021.
4. C15 Super Booster
Paula's Choice Vitamin C Serum for Brightening and Fighting Signs of Aging
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
The 15% concentration of pure vitamin C in this serum helps brighten the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This lightweight serum is one of the best Paula’s Choice products, as it contains a powerful concentration of vitamin C, which evens out and brightens the skin tone while also minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
In addition to vitamin C, this serum contains ferulic acid and vitamin E. These antioxidants protect the skin, and are also known to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (solvent/texture enhancer), Ethoxydiglycol (solvent/texture enhancer), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), PPG-26-Buteth-26 (emulsifier/skin-softening), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emulsifier/solubility enhancer), Pentylene Glycol (skin-softening slip agent), Tocopherol (vitamin E/stabilizing antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration), Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate (skin-restoring peptide), Lecithin (skin-restoring/hydration), Ferulic Acid (stabilizing antioxidant), Panthenol (vitamin B5/skin-softening, skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (skin-softening/chelating agent), Propyl Gallate (antioxidant), Sodium Gluconate (chelating agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Vitamin C in dermatology"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
FAQs
Should men use a vitamin C serum?
Yes, any man can greatly benefit from adding a vitamin C serum to his routine. These types of serums help brighten the complexion, fade hyperpigmentation, and fight against signs of aging (including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots).
Can I use a vitamin C serum everyday?
Most men will find that they can use a vitamin C serum daily. However, vitamin C can cause irritation and dryness, especially when used in high concentrations. If you are using a vitamin C serum for the first time, start by applying it every other day to see how your skin reacts. After a few weeks, you can increase your usage to daily use if it seems suitable for your skin.
What is the best affordable vitamin C serum for men?
Some highly effective yet affordable vitamin C serums include the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, and the Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum.
The Bottom Line
If you want a product that will fight signs of aging, promote a more even skin tone, and brighten the complexion, you should consider using a vitamin C serum. All of the vitamin C serums recommended above are great options for any man looking to achieve healthier, better-looking skin.
