The most Googled skincare ingredient of 2020, vitamin C has been hailed a hero of the beauty world and an indispensable component of any effective skincare regime. Dermatologically speaking, vitamin C is a dream product.

A potent antioxidant, it boosts collagen, evens skin tone and helps you get that halo-ed glow.

How to choose a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C can be found in a whole host of skincare products, but it’s serums that deliver the ingredients most directly, and effectively, to the skin.

As the popularity of this star ingredient has soared, so too has the number of vitamin C serums available.  The choice is incredible, but a little overwhelming.  The key thing to look for is the concentration of vitamin C, which can vary massively, from as low as 1 per cent, up to 20 per cent.

Jen Vittanuova, Owner of PMA Medical, says: “Ideally aim for 10 to 20 per cent, however, if you have dry or sensitive skin then go for a lower concentration of vitamin C to prevent irritation.”

For optimal results, choose a serum containing 100 per cent L-ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C in its purest form – Vittanuova advises that you seek advice from a qualified skincare professional before embarking on any new skincare routine.

ZO Skin Health Self Activating Vitamin C, £77.40 

Ask an aesthetics expert about this in-clinic product which contains powerful antioxidants that help defend against environmental triggers. It provides a potent dose of vitamin C that brightens and redefines skin, promoting a more even skin tone and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic £140; skinceuticals.co.uk

Beloved of dermatologists, beauty editors and skincare experts across the globe, Skinceuticals’ CE Ferulic patented formula of 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, really is something special. CE Ferulic’s precise formulation has a higher pH level than other serums, meaning it effectively penetrates the skin without causing irritation.

PCA Skin C&E Advanced Serum £105; pcaskin.co.uk

The powerful antioxidant formulation of PCA Skin’s C&E Advanced Serum includes not only 20 per cent pure vitamin C, but also therapeutic concentrations of advanced corrective ingredients hexylresorcinol and silymarin.  The potent formula has advanced skin brightening properties, and is hugely effective at evening the skin tone.

Mesoestetic AOX Ferulic Serum £120; mesoestetic.com

With a strong focus on prevention, Mesoestetic’s AOX Ferulic provides powerful protection against ageing by neutralising free radicals that would otherwise cause damage to the skin cells, known as oxidative stress. AOX Ferulic has a pure vitamin C concentration of 15 per cent and contains 1.5 per cent protech-cell complex, which protects the skin against sunlight, radiation, and blue light.

4.5.6 Skin Sevenly Delight £65; 456skin.com

French-born 4.5.6 Skin says it’s “here to change the market” and we are inclined to agree. The revolutionary brand’s range is designed to meet the specific needs of melanin-rich skin, and the Sevenly Delight serum is customised to suit skin pigment and particular concerns.  There are even three fragrance options!

Skin Proud Bright Boost £12.99; asos.com

Vitamin C serum newbies looking for an entry-level product that offers incredible value for money won’t be disappointed with Skin Proud’s Bright Boost. Although it has a low concentration of vitamin C (2 per cent), it still gets good results, and is ideal for those with very sensitive skin.

REN Clean Skincare Radiance Perfection Serum £39; renskincare.com

REN’s Clean Skincare Radiance Perfection Serum contains both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, providing a double whammy of exfoliation and brightening.  The resurfacing AHA concentrate also contains glabridin from liquorice, which is great for getting rid of dark spots and brightening the skin. However, it may irritate sensitive skin.