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Summer calls for skincare products that work as hard as you do – and vitamin C serums are answering that call in a big way. Touted as a “dermatologist-favorite ingredient”, vitamin C has a number of studies backing up its claims: brighter complexions, sun protection, reducing dark spots and smoother skin texture.

Those with acne and sensitivity may be wondering whether vitamin C serums could be right for them – and the answer is yes, but with caveats. You’ll want to find lower concentrations of vitamin C in the ingredients (we might suggest 10-15% max), along with ingredients supporting hydration. For those with normal, oily, combination and dry skin: You’re in luck, as most vitamin C serums claim to best support most of these skin types.

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If you’re still not sure if you dare to splurge on a new skincare product, savvy shoppers can snag a popular vitamin C serum on Amazon for half price – but this deal won't last long.

Why Vitamin C Serums Are A Summer Skincare Staple

Vitamin C serums have earned their place as skincare favorites because they deliver targeted anti-aging benefits directly to your skin's surface. Here's what makes them essential for your summer routine:

1. Research shows vitamin C and E work as powerful antioxidants, providing additional protection against UV damage when paired with broad spectrum sunscreen, as well as environmental pollutants.
2. Supports collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin firmness and structure that naturally declines with aging.
3. Improves both fine and deeper wrinkles on face and neck, but must be used consistently – and usually takes about three months to see noticeable changes.
4. By inhibiting melanin production, vitamin C serums tackle hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage, while reducing acne scars thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Bliss Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Serum

Price: $14.99, was $30 - 50% off at Amazon

Bliss Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Bright Idea Serum is currently making waves on Amazon, and has been purchased over 30,000 times in the past month. With 4.4-stars and over 9,000 company ratings, it’s currently 50% off.

Before you purchase it’s important to note - according to the ingredient list, this serum uses 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which is not the more potent L-ascorbic acid that many other vitamin C serums use. It’s a newer generation of vitamin C that is typically designed to have a longer shelf life (therefore less unstable formulas), but the percentage of concentration is likely to be much lower. Some Q&A responses on Amazon note that the concentration probably falls between 0.5-5%.

What we like:

• Patented tri-peptides that are supposed to help boost collagen levels, according to company
• Other key hydration ingredients include squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid
• Green tea extract for antioxidant power
• Designed to help diminish appearance of acne scars
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Best for: Most skin types

What we don’t:

• Includes fragrance and some comedogenic ingredients (Incidecoder)
• Some reviewers noted skin irritation
• Does not use the more potent L-ascorbic acid

How to use:

• Apply to clean skin morning and night, avoiding the eye area.
• Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen if desired, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Customers have largely raved that it’s a “great product”, noting it has an ideal texture (acting more like a face lotion than traditional serum), and is comfortably hydrating. Many noted their skin felt brighter, softer and smoother after use.

One reviewer said, "It's not a miracle cure, but it really does help brighten your skin and even things out. I battled cystic acne for more than 10 years and as such, my face has a lot of uneven pigmentation/scarring. I've used this every day for at least eight months now, and I've decided I can never be without it because of the difference it makes.”

Since the formula does include fragrance, many liked the scent of the Bliss Vitamin C Serum, but note it could be a skin irritant for those with sensitive skin. One reviewer suggested that it pills on top of the skin, while others noted it just didn’t work well for them.

Honorable Mentions

Olay Super Serum - Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen Peptide And AHA

Price: $39.99, was $49.99 - 20% off at Amazon

Features:

• 5-in-1 ingredients: Infused with Olay's Activated Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Collagen Peptide, Vitamin E, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) according to company
• To use: Apply this lightweight face serum evenly over cleansed face and neck, every day and night to see results.
• Best for: Most skin types

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face with Retinol And Salicylic Acid

Price: $12.74, was $26.99 - 53% off at Amazon

Features:

• Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, and Retinol according to company
• Designed to reduce oil, improve skin clarity, reduce dark spots and smooth skin texture

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.