Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD — Written by Annie Walton Doyle — Updated on March 7, 2019

What’s a vitamin C serum?

If you have your head in the skin care game, you’ve likely heard of vitamin C serums.

Vitamin C is touted as one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market — and the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowy complexion.

Although you’re probably getting vitamin C in your diet, there’s no way to guarantee that it’s going straight to your skin. Using serums and other topical products is the most direct way to reap these benefits.

Read on to learn why you should add vitamin C serum to your routine, how to introduce a new product, and more.

1. It’s safe for most skin types

Vitamin C has an excellent safety profile. Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.

In rare cases, people who have hypersensitive skin may experience minor irritation.

Vitamin C is also safe to use in conjunction with other skin care actives, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.

2. It’s hydrating

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, one of the main vitamin C derivatives used in skin care, has been shownTrusted Source to have a hydrating effect on skin. It decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture.

3. It’s brightening

Vitamin C can help fade pigmentation (more on this below!) and smooth the skin’s surface to reduce dullness. This gives skin a youthful glow.

4. It helps reduce redness and even out your skin tone

Vitamin C has also been shownTrusted Source to treat a huge variety of inflammatory skin conditions. Minimizing redness can create a more even complexion.

5. It helps fade hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation — including sun spots, age spots, and melasma — occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also happen in areas where acne has healed.

Vitamin C application has been shown to impede melanin productionTrusted Source. This can help fade dark spots and lead to a more even-toned complexion.