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You can use a vitamin C serum even if you have rosacea. A lesser-known benefit of vitamin C is its anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why vitamin C serums deserve your attention.
When you have rosacea, you tend to be hesitant towards trying mainstream skincare products. That includes vitamin C serums. And that’s a legitimate concern. Because with rosacea comes facial redness, broken capillaries, flushing, easily irritated skin, and sensitivity. It’s an inflammatory skin condition and can be triggered by several factors including skincare products.
The good news is that there’s absolutely no reason not to use vitamin C in your skincare routine. Take it from science and a rosacea sufferer! If you’re on the lookout for a vitamin C serum and don’t know how to feel about it, I’ve got everything you need to know. Find below the best vitamin C serums for rosacea, things you should keep in mind when choosing one, and how to use one. But first, a quick recap on vitamin C.
Vitamin C, otherwise known as L-ascorbic acid, is used in skincare as an antioxidant. It’s a multifactional ingredient that minimizes several skin concerns. It’s known to stimulate collagen production, brighten skin, and reduce and prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It protects the skin against free radicals, which are known to cause signs of aging. People use it to even out their skin tone, reduce signs of aging, fade unwanted discolorations, and achieve healthier, glowing skin.
Is Vitamin C Good For Rosacea?
Yes. Vitamin C is an excellent ingredient for people with rosacea because a less popular characteristic of vitamin C is its anti-inflammatory action. For people who don’t deal with facial redness or rosacea, that’s not something very exciting. But for us, anti-inflammation stands at the core of our skincare.
As rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, anti-inflammatory ingredients are beneficial in managing rosacea. Studies suggest vitamin C can help minimize inflammation on rosacea skin and reduce facial redness. So if you want to use a vitamin C serum to reduce hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone, and collect some anti-aging benefits, you absolutely can.
What Is The Potential Problem with Using Vitamin C When You Have Rosacea?
The potential problem with using vitamin C when you have rosacea or generally sensitive skin is that vitamin C can be irritating to the skin. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s first see why.
Vitamin C is very acidic. And the optimum pH level for vitamin C to be effective is 3.5. This can be tolerable for most skin types.
However, it can be irritating for sensitive skin and rosacea. And when you add in the fact that serums are more concentrated than creams, using a vitamin C serum on rosacea sounds something pretty challenging. Not so fast!
There are many workarounds that make things easy. We just need to be more selective with the products we use. And trust me, there are incredibly gentle vitamin C serums out there perfectly suitable for rosacea. How do you find those? Here’s how.
How to Choose a Vitamin C Serum For Rosacea
The most important things to keep in mind when looking for a vitamin C serum for rosacea are the type of vitamin C, the concentration of the ingredient, and the overall formulation of the serum. Here’s more.
Use the right type of vitamin C
Vitamin C is a difficult compound in itself. It’s unstable and requires a certain pH level to be stable and penetrate the skin. It’s a challenge. And because of this, vitamin C has derivatives. It comes in other forms too, which are known to be less irritating and pretty stable. Some of them are magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl glucoside.
And this opens up a lot of doors for people with rosacea. Because usually, vitamin C derivatives are more stable and don’t require a very acidic pH level to be effective. So when looking for a vitamin C serum, keep an open mind and consider derivatives too. Even though ascorbic acid is the most potent form and is the one with the most research behind it, it doesn’t mean it’s the best one for your unique skin.
Use low concentration
Studies suggest that for ascorbic acid to be effective, it needs to be in a concentration of at least 8%. Most vitamin C serums range between 10% and 20%. So we’re good. Studies also suggest anything above 20% doesn’t change efficacy but only increases skin sensitivity.
To be on the safer side, make sure your vitamin C serum is in moderate concentration. From my personal experience, a 10% concentration is more favorable for my skin. So I can confidently recommend that range.
Avoid common irritants
Just like it is with any other skincare product, be on the lookout for common irritants like alcohol and fragrance. But here’s the thing, a fragrance-free vitamin C serum is hard to come by even if the brands are dermatologist-recommended.
I assume it has something to do with vitamin C itself, but from my experience and what I have tested so far, even if the product is fragrance-free, it’s usually scented from natural sources. But that’s not always bad news. And that brings me to my next point.
Look for a gentle formulation
This is a catch-all phrase, but gentle formulation refers to an overall skin-friendly formula. What does that mean exactly? In light of all the information above, it means a balanced formula. A pure ascorbic acid vitamin C serum does not mean it’s going to irritate. It can have a more skin-friendly pH level, such as above 3.5, which makes it tolerable.
Because it means the serum doesn’t penetrate the skin much. This is a good thing when you have rosacea because maximum absorption usually means a higher likelihood of irritation. Similarly, a high-concentration serum made with a vitamin C derivative can work great. So do not write a product off just by looking at the ingredients or by considering only one aspect of it. Take everything into account.
The Best Vitamin C Serums For Rosacea
1. Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum
Pros
Super gentle
Non-comedogenic
Hydrating base
Dewy finish
Cons
Contains fragrance
Dermatologists love Avene. And if you were to only look at the ingredient list, you’d skip this just because it has fragrance. That’s what I mean when I suggest looking for an overall gentle formulation. Because this is one of the gentlest vitamin C serums out there and one of my all-time favorites. Its lotion-like texture has hyaluronic acid and is so hydrating too. Made with a vitamin C derivative and vitamin E, this works as your daily serum to protect your skin against free radicals and sun damage. It also has a lovely dewy finish and makes the skin look much healthier. And it’s freshly scented. Also, the antioxidants are slow-release, meaning that your skin absorbs them continuously for longer-lasting effects.
Related: Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum Review
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbly glucoside
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 oz
Formula: Contains fragrance, alcohol-free
Other Features: Vegan
2. La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Contains pure vitamin C
Great for acne rosacea
Replenishing texture
Leaves skin radiant
Cons
Contains fragrance
This is one of the few examples of pure vitamin C serums working amazingly well for rosacea skin. They don’t disclose it on their website but the pH level of this one, I assume, is skin friendly as I see no stinging or burning. Additionally, the serum packs salicylic acid. It’s another ingredient we’re told to fear but actually, it also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Don’t worry though. This serum does not really exfoliate your skin. In terms of its texture, it’s a bit goopy but absorbs easily. And it leaves the skin absolutely glowing. You can use it to brighten up the skin and minimize discolorations and sun damage. And because it has salicylic acid in it, the oil-free drugstore vitamin C serum can be of great use for people with acne rosacea. It does contain fragrance and is freshly scented.
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Other Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 oz
Formula: Contains alcohol and fragrance, oil-free
3. Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Very hydrating base
Instantly illuminating
Great for dryness
Clean formula
Cons
Higher price per ounce
This is something I literally used up to every single drop. This vitamin C serum is made with a 10% concentration of a very stable vitamin C derivative. And it feels like an oil-based serum, not like a heavy face oil, but more like something that visibly moisturizes the skin. Plus, it has licorice extract, which increases the brightening effects so you can better target uneven skin tone. The pH range is between 4.0 and 4.5, which is pretty gentle. It’s slightly scented, goes on beautifully, layers easily with other serums, and leaves the skin visibly radiant. And similar to Avene, vitamin C is released slowly to avoid irritation and for maximum benefits.
Type of Vitamin C: 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid
Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, grape seed oil
Size: 0.85 oz
Formula: Alcohol-free, fragrance-free
Other Features: Vegan, cruelty-free
4. SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+
Pros
Very gentle
Pure vitamin C
Patented formula
Thin consistency
Cons
Smells funny
SkinCeuticals offers some of the best antioxidant serums out there. And this one is made specifically for people with sensitive skin. Just like their C E Ferulic, this is also made with pure ascorbic acid and contains ferulic acid for enhanced antioxidant protection. But it does not contain vitamin E. On a side note, vitamin E can be irritating for sensitive skin and because it’s an oily substance, it can cause breakouts. So if that’s you, no worries. This vitamin C serum is as gentle and as minimal as it gets. It’s fragrance-free and contains vitamin B5 to soothe the skin too. If you want pure vitamin C in its most potent yet still gentle form, SkinCeuticals literally wrote the book on antioxidants.
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Other Ingredients: Ferulic acid, panthenol, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 oz
Formula: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
5. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum
Pros
Comes with powder, stays fresh
Multi-purpose
Gently exfoliates
Replenishing base
Cons
Can get sticky
Unpleasant smell
This is a serum with a major hype behind it. I wanted to include this one here because I love it as an overall antioxidant serum that helps brighten the skin. And for people with rosacea, the appeal is all about the formulation. This pure vitamin C serum packs the antioxidant vitamin E but more importantly, contains pumpkin enzymes. Enzymes make some of the gentlest exfoliants if you have rosacea. In that sense, this can work great for you if you’re looking to get more out of your product. It’ll give very superficial exfoliation without irritation. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory green tea and skin-brightening licorice extract. Even though the pH of the serum is 2.5, the oily feel of the serum doesn’t cause flare-ups. Note that it can get sticky and tacky, so avoid using more than a pea-sized amount.
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, ferulic acid, pumpkin enzymes, licorice extract, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.94 oz
Formula: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
Other Features: Vegan, cruelty-free
6. Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Serum
Pros
Affordable
Gentle
Instantly illuminating
Layers easily
Cons
Results take longer to show
This is one of the most affordable vitamin C serums out there. It’s made with ascorbyl glucoside which is another vitamin C derivative. This is something I can safely use every day, even twice a day because the finish of the serum is really flattering to the skin. It instantly leaves my skin luminous and layers easily with my other products. There’s no sticky feel or an unpleasant after-effect. I’d say this is for those of you seeking instant gratification in the form of glowing skin.
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbyl glucoside
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, panthenol, sunflower seed oil
Size: 1.01 oz
Formula: Contains fragrance, alcohol-free
Other Features: Vegan, 97% natural origin
7. Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
Incredibly moisturizing
Lotion-texture
Instantly radiant skin
Cons
Pricey
Contains fragrance
I mentioned several times that Sunday Riley, no matter how complicated their formulations seem to be, is actually very gentle on rosacea skin. I even used their retinol serum and oil and experienced no flare-ups whatsoever. And even though this vitamin C serum does contain fragrance, I absolutely love how moisturizing it is. This is not a clear, water-based serum. It has a lotion-like texture that feels creamy. And it literally has an illuminating finish to it, which is why it’s what you want to put on your skin before sunscreen. You get to glow all day. Again, made with a stable vitamin C derivative, it’s gentle on the skin. For people with rosacea and dry skin or dull skin, this is the vitamin C serum you want.
Type of Vitamin C: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, squalane
Size: 1 oz
Formula: Contains fragrance, alcohol-free
Other Features: Cruelty-free
8. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Gentle ascorbic acid
Boosts radiance
Layers well with other products
Lower price per ounce
Cons
Contains fragrance
And speaking of dry skin, this is another gentle vitamin C serum for people with rosacea who deal with flaky skin, thirsty skin, and just overall dehydrated skin. This also has a lotion-like texture, which increases moisture and visibly plumps the skin. And the formula contains both pure vitamin C and a vitamin C derivative. The mild concentration is gentle enough to keep flare-ups at bay. It’s scented, super illuminating for the skin, and sinks into the skin without leaving an uncomfortable feel. On a side note, I love pairing this with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate a few times a week in my evening skincare routine. The two work incredibly well and help me wake up to fresh-looking skin.
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside
Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 1.7 oz
Formula: Alcohol-free, contains fragrance
9. Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Pros
Milky, non-sticky texture
Several forms of vitamin C
Very gentle formula
Absorbs fast
Cons
Results take time to show
No instant after-effect
Besides the fact that this is a mix of several forms of vitamin C all blended together, the serum contains caffeine. And in case you’re not aware, caffeine is also an antioxidant and is used in skincare to increase circulation. It energizes the skin and minimizes puffiness, and skin discolorations too. That’s why the overall formula is suitable for sensitive skin and rosacea. Personally, I think it could use a radiant finish but other than that, I love the fact that this is like a milky serum that helps hydrate too. No irritation, no stinging. It’s very light on the skin, does not leave a sticky feel, and absorbs fully. It’s fragrance-free but has an herbal, pleasant scent.
Type of Vitamin C: 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Other Ingredients: Caffeine, squalane, hyaluronic acid, passionfruit extract, yerba mate extract
Size: 1 oz
Formula: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
Other Features: Vegan, cruelty-free
The Takeaway
So these are some of the best vitamin C serums for rosacea. Personally, I think Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Serum is the best one to try because it’s made with a derivative and is likely to work for most skin types, including acne-prone. If you want something that’s really potent to minimize wrinkles and fade stubborn hyperpigmentation, there’s no need to be distracted by fancy skincare; try SkinCeuticals Serum AOX. It’s pure vitamin C, made with sensitive skin in mind, and literally patented. And a more reasonably-priced alternative to that would be La Roche Posay Vitamin C Serum.
As always, there’s no cookie-cutter approach to skincare. And sensitivity is highly subjective. For that reason, before buying a vitamin C serum, do a patch test to see if it works for your skin. Also, remember that sunscreen is incredibly important for us. So choose a gentle sunscreen for rosacea and wear SPF daily.
FAQs
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