Sensitive Skin Doesn't Always Like Vitamin C—These 15 Serums Are Derm Approved

By now, most of us are using some form of vitamin C in our skincare routine. If you're not yet, you may be missing out on some serious benefits like antioxidant protection, reduced fine lines, and an overall brighter complexion. That being said, we also recognize that ultra-sensitive skin may not take well to a hyper-concentrated vitamin C serum. 

If you fall into the latter category, look no further. We hunted down the best derm-approved vitamin C serums for sensitive skin and picked the brains of professionals for insight on what ingredients to look out for and avoid, especially if you have a condition like rosacea. Keep scrolling for the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin, backed by dermatologists.

For starters, the concentration of your vitamin C serum is key, especially if you have sensitive skin. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist located in New York City, choosing a serum that's too highly concentrated can cause irritation. "It's best to stick with vitamin C serums that contain L-ascorbic acid between 10–20%," she shares. "If you're sensitive, it's best to start with a concentration of 8–10% and increase if needed."

Going for a lower concentration isn't the only option, either. There are other forms of vitamin C, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), that can be just as beneficial for delicate skin types. MAP is water soluble and oil loving, so it more deeply penetrates the skin. This also makes it less irritating and easier on a sensitive visage. Another important factor to consider when buying the right vitamin C serum for your skin? The product's pH level. "Those with sensitive skin may prefer a vitamin C with a pH that more closely mimics the skin's natural pH," says Garshick. "Often, vitamin C products are formulated to have a low pH to help with stability, but the lower pH can be irritating, so remember this if you have sensitive skin."

Additionally, some vitamin C serums are formulated with other ingredients. This can be either a win or a loss if you're prone to sensitivities. Garshick reports that moisturizing and soothing agents like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid combine well with vitamin C in this case. "These [ingredients] contain other antioxidants, which may help to stabilize and boost results," she adds.

On the other hand, there are a few things you should avoid when choosing a vitamin C serum for touchy skin. Kaveri Karhade, MD, a board-certified dermatologist located in the San Francisco Bay Area, suggests steering clear of other active ingredients like BHAs, AHAs, and retinol. Adding any of these to the mix may cause a precarious complexion to teeter on the edge of irritation. Garshick adds that salicylic acid may not pair well with vitamin C either for sensitive skin. Generally, the consensus is that most other acids should be avoided with it. 

If you have a skin condition like rosacea, Karhade considers vitamin C a great addition to your routine. As long as you use a gentle formulation, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be highly beneficial. Shop the best derm-approved serums below.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Up Next: Your Face-Oil Soulmate Exists—Here's How to Choose the Best Formula