Vitamin C serums are like a tall glass of OJ for your face – packed with brightening power, antioxidant protection, and anti-aging magic. They help even out skin tone, fade dark spots, boost collagen and give your complexion that elusive lit-from-within glow.
But here’s the weird part: for something loaded with Vitamin C, they never smell like oranges. Or lemons. Or anything remotely citrusy. No, generally your face ends up smelling like hot dog water, old coins or something mysteriously metallic from a sci-fi lab. I accept that I am never getting orange zest but I got tired of mystery meat so went looking for some great Vitamin C options minus the gross smell and here are my top 3 picks:
Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiace Concentrated Serum – 30ml – $77 – a powerful solution for dull skin, pigmentation and signs of aging with a 94% naturally derived and 100% vegan formula containing three highly effective dermatological ingredients: Vitamin Cg (1.8%) – a stable and slow-release form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant and brightening benefits equivalent to 20% pure Vitamin C; Niacinamide (3%) – works to regenerate the skin over time and visibly reduce dark spots; and Bakuchiol (1.5%) – a plant-based alternative to retinol, helps smooth wrinkles without irritation.
The serum provides an instant glow, and within just 15 days, skin feels smoother and more plumped. After one month of use, dark spots appear diminished.
It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper and has a light texture that layers under makeup and sunscreen without pilling. Great for all skin types, including sensitive. Best of all is the scent – sadly not citrus – but it is light and delicate and totally un-offensive!
Natrium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus – 30ml – $40.99 – a supercharged, multi-benefit serum that is formulated with vitamin c, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and salicylic acid to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and brighten the appearance of skin, while also helping protect skin from environmental stressors. And formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, triclosan, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing agents, hydroquinone or animal testing.
Best of all it is formulated without a weird scent – it actually doesn’t smell like much of anything at all – acceptable! The texture is super smooth and light so great for layering under other creams and won’t upset skin that is oily and likes to rebel at multiple products.
Bubble Skincare Day Dream Tone and Texture Serum Vitamin C + Niacinamide – 30ml – $24.99 – evens tone, reduces scarring and dark spots with a powerhouse formula containing: vitamin C – to promote a bright, smooth, even complexion and reduce sun damage; niacinamide – to hydrate skin, calm irritation, improve skin barrier function and reduce signs of aging; plant derived ceramides – to replenish the natural building blocks of your skin barrier for healthier skin; and alpha arbutin – works to visibly reduce the appearance of spots & uneven skin tone
This one also features a super-light texture and is specifically formulated without fragrance so has almost no scent at all – so layer away and no need to worry about nose wrinkles from an unpleasant smell!
These days you won’t just find your Vitamin C in skin products – turns out, it’s also good for other stuff…like your teeth!
Hello Super Mega Whitening Powered by Vitamin C Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste – 82ml – $8.97 – a whitening mint toothpaste infused with naturally derived vitamin C, an alternative to peroxide for whitening teeth, it removes 94% of surface stains for teeth that are 2 shades whiter in 6 weeks and freshens breath with natural peppermint flavor and that is safe for everyday use.
It has a nice minty flavour that confuses me daily – my half-awake self sees the orange tube, registers Vitamin C and is expecting that citrus flavour and instead gets mint – don’t get me wrong, toothpaste should taste like mint but early-morning Lisamarie is not a good rememberer…
And while, slathering Vitamin C on your face is great for that radiant glow, let’s not forget the OG use: not dying of scurvy. If your diet’s slacking on the citrus (no judgment), a good supplement can be your immune system’s best friend – especially during cold season. Personally, I pop Vitamin C the second I feel a throat tickle – because glowing skin means nothing if you’re sneezing all over it…
Orange Naturals Vitamin C 1000mg – 120 vegetable capsules – $24.99 – an antioxidant for the maintenance of good health, it helps to prevent vitamin C deficiency and metabolize fats and protein – as well, it helps in wound healing, connective tissue formation and the development of bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums.
They do have some children chewable options if you aren’t a great pill taker but I actually found these nice and smooth so they go down easily!
– Lisamarie –
