Main content
A close up of a woman with a pipette dropping a single drop of Silymarin on her fingers

Find the Right Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin Type

If you’re thinking of adding an antioxidant into your skincare routine like vitamin C, there are a few things to consider first. The first is your skin type – such as dry, oily, or combination – and other main concerns you may have such as congestion, fine lines, and blemishes.

Ahead, we explain what to look for in vitamin C serums for your specific skin type, and everything you need to know before deciding on the formula for you.

07 Aug 2024

Identifying Your Skin Type

Discover The SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin Type

Vitamin C Serums for Normal Skin

Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin

Vitamin C Serums for Dry Skin

Vitamin C Serums for Combination Skin

Vitamin C Serums for Sensitive Skin

When to Apply a Vitamin C Serum

Identifying Your Skin Type

Before deciding on a vitamin C serum, you should think about your personal skin type and any specific concerns you have such as congestion or sensitivity. If you aren’t sure what your skin type is, you can use the following descriptions as a general guide.

Normal: Your skin is balanced – so it’s neither too oily nor too dry.

Oily: Your skin has areas with excess oil and shine.

Dry: Your skin has areas of dryness and dehydration.

Combination: Your skin has oily areas (possibly on the t-zone) along with areas of dryness.

Sensitive: Your skin easily becomes reactive and may not easily tolerate new skincare products.


Discover The SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin Type


"When it comes to antioxidants, SkinCeuticals is the only brand that I recommend".

- Dr. Emma Craythorne,
Consultant Dermatologist

Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Emma Craythorne smiles as she demonstrates applying a SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum to the back of her hand.


Vitamin C Serums for Normal Skin

As normal skin types are neither too oily nor too dry, you’ll need a fairly lightweight vitamin C serum that will keep your skin balanced. You should then consider any additional concerns you have such as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and look for additional ingredients that will help to improve them.

Every serum in the SkinCeuticals antioxidant range is suited to a “normal”, balanced skin type while addressing different concerns. For instance, C E Ferulic is best for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration, while Phloretin CF has a slightly more lightweight texture that helps to brighten an uneven skin tone and discolouration. Silymarin CF is the best option if you have a normal skin type that also has blemishes and a rough skin texture from time to time.



Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin

As vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid as it’s known scientifically, is naturally hydrating, the serum you choose will need to include other ingredients within it that help to balance your oily skin. SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF serum is specifically formulated for this skin type with 15% pure vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid and 0.5% silymarin. Our research also shows that Silymarin can play a significant role in reducing oil oxidation which makes it very effective at reducing oil and imperfections in this skin type.



Vitamin C Serums for Dry Skin

A vitamin C serum can be very beneficial to a dry skin type as L-ascorbic acid helps to support the natural skin barrier that retains moisture in the dermis. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is considered the best option for a drier skin type as it has a richer texture thanks to the addition of ferulic acid and pure vitamin E. Vitamin E is a super hydrating antioxidant that acts as an emollient and humectant on the skin making it very beneficial to drier skin types.



Vitamin C Serums for Combination Skin

If you have a combination skin type, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to picking a vitamin C serum. Every serum in the SkinCeuticals range, for instance, is suited to combination skin, so it’s best to make your decision based on the other skin concerns each formula addresses such as the appearance of wrinkles (C E Ferulic), discolouration (Phloretin CF), or blemishes (Silymarin CF).



Vitamin C Serums for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you may tend to avoid serums. However, SkinCeuticals has a vitamin C formula just for you. Serum 10 is ideal for sensitive skin types or new users who are looking to introduce a Vitamin C serum into their routine. This topical antioxidant serum also helps to restore a healthy-looking complexion. Like our other vitamin C serums, Serum 10 helps combat the skin’s natural protection against free radicals, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of premature signs of skin ageing and promote a healthier-looking complexion.


When to Apply a Vitamin C Serum

When you’ve found a formula suited to your skin type and needs, your vitamin C serum should be used as the first preventative step in your morning skincare routine after cleansing. This can then be followed with a corrective treatment best suited to your skin needs, before applying a generous layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 is proven to improve skin clarity and brightness and reduce the appearance of discolouration, whilst helping protect the skin from UV induced damage.

Close up texture shot of C E Ferulic serum – a pale yellow serum with a few bubbles in

Now you know a little more about what to look for in a vitamin C serum suited to your skin type, you can make a confident and considered decision. If you’re choosing between SkinCeuticals’ three main antioxidant serums, we recommend C E Ferulic for dry and mature skin, Phloretin CF for hyperpigmented skin, and Silymarin CF for oily and blemish-prone skin. Discover the full range of SkinCeuticals vitamin c serums here.


Phone screen depicting SkinCeuticals’ online consultation service - showing a man against a grey background, with “PRO1:1” written underneath, and C E Ferulic serum peeking out from behind. A badge says 15% off when you attend & spend £150*

Want to learn more about vitamin C serums and discover personalised skincare recommendations from a SkinCeuticals Skin Expert?

Book a Consultation

Shop Featured Products