Although I love writing and learning about beauty, I won’t pretend to be an expert on all skin types—that’s what I turn to the pros for. What I can do, though, is speak about my experience with sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you also have it, then you know what a giant pain in the you-know-what it can be. My skin has generally tolerated dermatologist-loved ingredients like vitamin C pretty well, but I know that that’s not the case for everyone. If you do tend to react to high concentrations of the ingredient, then you’ve come to the right place. You can still receive the benefits of this powerful brightening agent without the irritation.
You may want to try a facial oil that contains vitamin C-rich ingredients or one that has ascorbic acid at a lower concentration (10% or less) than some serums. I also want to note that that doesn’t mean you can’t use a vitamin C serum at all if you have sensitive skin—derms have a few tips in that regard. “While those with sensitive skin can still consider vitamin C oils, those with sensitive skin should try to avoid heavy fragrance as this can be irritating on the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Oils may help to nourish and soften the skin, especially if containing ingredients like squalane. Other considerations when using vitamin C with sensitive skin are the type of vitamin C and the concentration. Certain types of vitamin c such as pure L-ascorbic acid may be more irritating on the skin and often higher concentrations of vitamin C may be more irritating as well, while more stable formulations like THD ascorbate may be preferred for sensitive skin as they are less irritating.”
According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, vitamin C oils may also be helpful for those who have dry or dehydrated skin since they can provide a heftier dose of moisture. Whatever your skin type, combining vitamin C and skin-nourishing oils can be beneficial. If you’re interested in trying one out for yourself, keep scrolling. Derms shared a few of their top picks and I threw in a few of my own favorites.
Versed offers this serum-oil hybrid that contains vitamin C–rich jojoba oil, sea buckthorn extract to strengthen the skin’s barrier, sodium hyaluronate to boost hydration, and chamomile to soothe redness or irritation. It’s great for sensitive skin, those who are oily, or even acne-prone.
This antioxidant and vitamin C oil from Avalan Organics is great for those struggling with skin barrier damage since it’s designed to help replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
“Containing a stable form of vitamin C, known as THD Ascorbate, this oil also contains squalane to help moisturize as well as chios crystal oil which helps to firm the skin. It can be applied one to two times daily and should be applied as a last step.” —Garshick
This oil came highly recommended by both Garshick and Camp. “This oil helps to brighten and nourish the skin as it contains vitamin C as well as pomegranate seed oil, which also works as an antioxidant. Turmeric also helps to calm the skin and even out skin tone.” —Garshick. “Vitamin C and turmeric have antioxidant properties that minimize the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The carrier oils, including cranberry seed, pomegranate seed, and jojoba, hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft.” —Camp
FaceGym’s vitamin C oil-serum contains a much lower concentration of vitamin C (5%) making it an extremely gentle option for those with hyper sensitive skin. Don’t worry, your skin will still look brighter after using it despite the low concentration. The formula is also packed with glow-inducing hyaluronic acid, patchouli, and palo santo to soothe redness and signs of stress.
“This face oil contains rosehip oil, which firms and hydrates skin, and contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E.” —Camp
Packed with rare superberry antioxidants, this face oil dramatically improves hydration levels and brightens with vitamin C-rich prickly pear, açai, and squalane.
Smooth, firm, and brighten your skin with the Kora Organics Noni Glow Oil. Sea buckthorn in the formula contains high doses of vitamin C, E, and omega fatty acids to restore skin’s natural vibrancy.
Infused with six key vitamins, this noncomedogenic treatment oil from Murad is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It will boost hydration, improve barrier function, brighten, and fight skin damage with vitamins A, C, E, D, and F.
This firming vitamin C treatment oil works to heal and improve skin texture over time with a formula rich in superfruits, papaya enzymes, and guava extracts.
Although this has more of a serum-like texture, according to Shirazi, it’s a safe option for sensitive skin. “[The combination of] vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 20% with a tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate complex neutralizes free radicals, protects the skin against oxidative stress, and fights against the visible signs of aging. It’s also formulated with other antioxidants like ergothioneine and apigenin to brighten dullness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production. The Glow Serum uses an encapsulation delivery technology, carefully developed to preserve the efficacy of antioxidants in high concentrations against environmental aggressors causing oxidation, such as light, air and heat. It’s also well-tolerated by sensitive skin types.” —Shirazi
