“I think the one serum everyone should use is a vitamin C antioxidant serum,” explains New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD. “Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants we have and has a number of skin benefits. Revision Vitamin C Lotion 30% ($128) is one of the strongest concentrations of vitamin C available.
What you need to know. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Vitamin C sits beside retinol serums as one of the most recommended skin care ingredients of all time. Dermatologists love the vitamin's ability to brighten, lighten, tighten, hydrate, and protect skin from environmental threats like pollution, smoke, and the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts for a reason.
Not as well-known as Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, commonly abbreviated as “PGA,” is believed to have 4x greater moisture retaining benefits than HA. If you have dull, dry, or dehydrated skin, you should consider incorporating Polyglutamic Acid Serum into your skincare recipe.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
Four of our dermatologists recommend SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which they (and our editors) hail as the gold-standard vitamin-C serum and is suitable for all skin types.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
Niacinamide. If you're looking to replace vitamin C with something milder, niacinamide is an excellent alternative. "Both vitamin C and niacinamide decrease damage from environmental factors, they can improve fine lines and wrinkles, decrease hyperpigmentation, and increase collagen production.
Camille Howard, a New York-based dermatologist who has tried all nine of Kardashian's products, expensive skin care isn't abnormal: A hyaluronic acid serum "can cost over $150," and brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm and La Mer have been praised for their even more expensive yet high-quality effects.
There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.
Additionally, combining vitamin C and retinol in your skin care routine improves the skin barrier, protecting the skin from the harmful environmental factors that cause skin damage and premature skin aging. Consistent and proper use of Retinol and vitamin C can benefit your skin by: Brightening skin. Evening skin tone.
Engelman, "but the downside is that they can irritate the skin." And that's especially true if you have sensitive skin: "Using both retinol and vitamin C can cause redness, itchiness, sensitivity and other unwanted side effects,” says Dr. Engelman.
Vitamin C beats hyaluronic acid. Once exposed to air, light, or water, vitamin C loses its potency and to what extent can an ineffective serum help? Apply the serum after washing your face, but ensure that your skin is absolutely dry.
Our top choice, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol, comes recommended by dermatologists thanks to its blend of powerful retinol and skin-soothing ingredients. We also liked Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+, a high-strength retinol with a smooth, fast-absorbing application.
Vitamin C and niacinamide have similarities but they have small differences in terms of benefits. As a mild acid, Vitamin C is better for exfoliating and brightening skin than niacinamide. On the other hand, niacinamide is better for keeping skin moisturized.
Can hyaluronic acid and retinol be used together? Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid and retinol can be used in the same skincare routine. Not only that, but using them together can help to lessen the severity of the side effects that often come with retinol usage.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.