Our 2021 Guide to Vitamin C Serums

If there's one ingredient you need to make sure is in your clean beauty routine no matter what, it's Vitamin C. This anti-ageing superstar can actually benefit all skin types by rejuvenating our skin as well as protecting it from further damage, which is why it has become an absolute staple and daily must-have in my organic skin care routine. Read on for my 2021 guide to my top 7 facial serums enriched with skin-loving Vitamin C.

Vitamin C skin benefits

In our food, Vitamin C is an important part of nutrition. In clean beauty, Vitamin C is known as a powerful brightening and anti-ageing ingredient – able to both help correct existing damage on mature skin types and prevent premature ageing. With its rich concentration of antioxidants, Vitamin C is known for its ability to help target signs of ageing and environmental damage such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots and uneven skin tone by reducing their appearance and stimulating skin cell renewal. It works by helping to fight free radical damage, caused by environmental exposure to the sun and pollution. Free radicals are known to accelerate the ageing process by damaging our skin's collagen, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, dull tone and uneven texture. Vitamin C serums and skin care can be beneficial for all ages and skin types, working to keep our complexions looking and feeling youthful, fresh, smooth and nourished.¹

Top 7 clean Vitamin C serums

1. KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum
A seriously powerful burst of brightening goodness, the KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum combines 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside (stable Vitamin C combined with glucose) with KORA's Vitamin C-rich Superfruit Complex – made up of Acerola Cherry, Kakadu Plum, Noni Fruit, Orange Peel and Lemon Peel Extracts. According to KORA, Ascorbyl Glucoside is naturally occurring, derived from fruit enzymes and actually has a water-soluble structure which can be quickly and effectively absorbed by all skin types – when absorbed, it breaks down into L-Ascorbic Acid (pure vitamin C, which used alone can break down when exposed to heat, light and oxygen.) With a slightly acidic pH of 3.8, designed to stimulate the skin's natural renewal processes, KORA's juicy Superfruit Complex is also combined with powerful ingredients such as super-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid to help brighten skin tone, firm its texture, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. To use, apply 1 to 2 pumps to clean skin each morning before moisturising.

2. Retreatment Botanics Kakadu Brightening Serum
Developed by Olivia Newton-John and her team of natural skin care scientists for the guests at Olivia's Gaia Retreat & Spa, the Retreatment Botanics Kakadu Brightening Serum provides an intensive boost of bioavailable Vitamin C from Australian natives, including Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime and Desert Lime. Perfect for all skin types, this super-strength formulation also includes deeply hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera. Lightweight and non-greasy, it has been specially developed to help brighten and even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and firm the skin. Apply to damp skin morning and night after cleansing to allow the active, water-based vitamin C molecules to absorb. Leave for 1-2 minutes, then follow with your usual moisturiser.

3. Retreatment Botanics Restore Serum
A potent, superfood facial oil packed with antioxidants, Omega 3 & 9 essential fatty acids, and vitamins, including Pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C and Vitamin E, thanks to natural and organic ingredients such as Amazonian Buriti Fruit, native Sandalwood Seed, wild Rosella Flower and Kakadu Plum Seed Oils.
Ideal for normal to dry/dehydrated and mature complexions, it is formulated to penetrate deep into the skin for a luminous look without a greasy feel. Especially suitable for those seeking to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin's elasticity and combat other signs of ageing, it is designed to leave skin feeling super-soft and with a vibrant, radiant glow.

4. Biologi Bk Rejuvenation Eye Serum
The Biologi Bk Rejuvenation Eye Serum is actually specially designed for the eye area with 100% active Kakadu Plum extract, a powerfully potent source of Vitamin C as well as anti-inflammatory & antioxidant-rich phytonutrients. This world-first, unique serum works to target age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, promote collagen production and elasticity, and even out skin tone and texture. Ideal for all skin types, this concentrated brightening serum is intended to both correct existing damage as well as help prevent further environmental damage. Use both morning and night around the eye area, in conjunction with your other Biologi serums – take care not to layer or overlap serums as this may decrease or even cancel out the amount of vitamin C delivered to skin – find out more in our Biologi Skin Care Q&A.

5. 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Ideal for all skin types, the 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum contains stabilised Vitamin C in the form of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, designed to help brighten skin tone and firm its texture. With a base of soothing Aloe, this hydrating serum also works to promote collagen production and fight premature ageing with Green Apple, Grape, Broccoli Seed Oil and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Can be used both morning and night, either on its own or in conjunction with your facial moisturiser.

6. Andalou Naturals Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum
The Andalou Naturals Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum utilises Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) in combination with Andalou's scientifically proven Fruit Stem Cell Complex, brightening Turmeric, Sea Buckthorn and Grape Seed Polyphenols to help minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sun damage. This lightening, brightening and tightening formulation is designed to promote collagen and elastin formation, and is particularly ideal for sun-damaged or dull skin types. Apply morning and night before moisturiser.

7. 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum
Designed for nighttime use only, the 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum contains 10% Vitamin C in the form of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate in a pH-stabilised formula with 10% Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3), 10% Vitamin E, 1% Retinol and 1% CoQ10. This powerful combination of active ingredients makes this serum too potent for daytime use – gently pat into skin after cleansing and toning to help brighten tone, boost collagen & elastin protection and reverse the ageing effects of environmental damage to skin overnight, while you sleep.

8. Mukti Vitamin Booster Vital C Elixir
The Mukti Vitamin Booster Vital C Elixir, previously known as the Age Defiance Vital C Elixir, features Vitamin C & antioxidant-rich Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime Caviar and Desert Lime, as well as Knotgrass extract. Together, these active ingredients work to stimulate collagen production, brighten skin and reduce the appearance of sun spots and pigmentation are reduced, and the effects of sun damage are lessened. Use each morning after cleansing.

Source: ¹ KORA Organics.