Incorporating a vitamin C serum into your daily skincare routine can be an expensive investment, but it doesn’t have to be. As dermatologist Daniel Sugai, MD, discussed in a viral TikTok video, you can find affordable vitamin C serums from reputable beauty brands at Walmart and Target. But first, you may be asking, "Why do I need a vitamin C serum in the first place?"
According to Sugai, vitamin C “helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the face." In simpler terms, it’s a brightening serum. However, you’ll want to pay close attention to vitamin C serums with a high dose of ascorbic acid, especially if you’re starting out with serums.
“Ascorbic acid is an active form of vitamin C, but it can also be irritating, especially at 15 to 20 percent,” Sugai explains. So, if you’re new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, you should opt for a formula that caps off at 10 percent.
But whether you're a beginner or a seasoned vitamin C user, you don't have to break the bank. Read on for Sugai's top six affordable picks from Walmart and Target.
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1 | CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Face Serum
Walmart
“This isn’t the most elegant, sophisticated vitamin C out there, but I do appreciate that it has 10 percent ascorbic acid,” Sugai notes about this option from CeraVe. It’s also formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5.
This option is suitable for beginners, retailing at $14.95 at Walmart.2 | L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Serum
Target
“Vitamin C serums with salicylic acid can work well if you’re acne-prone,” Sugai says.
Still, it’s important to remember that vitamin C doesn’t treat acne, he adds. The combination of vitamins C and E with salicylic acid helps diminish pores and keeps skin hydrated, in addition to all the other standard benefits you get with vitamin C.
Target sells L’Orèal’s Revitalift serum for $27.99.
3 | Vichy LiftActive 16% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Vichy’s LiftActiv 16% Pure Vitamin C Serum is clean of fragrances, parabens, oil, silicone, and other potential irritants. It retails for $35 at Target.
“Vichy has done a really great job with this vitamin C serum,” Sugai says. And despite the formula’s high levels of ascorbic acid, it’s still “very gentle” on the skin.
However, if you’re a frequent traveler, this might not be the serum for you. According to Sugai, the packaging is prone to leaking, which means users must be “very careful at keeping it upright.” In other words, this isn’t a serum you want to pack in your suitcase.
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4 | RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Serum
Walmart
“For sensitive skin, go for a derivative of vitamin C,” Sugai suggests. RoC’s Revive + Glow serum is formulated with ethylated vitamin C, which can be softer on sensitive skin than pure vitamin C. It retails for about $27 at Walmart.
That said, “it has a little bit of fragrance,” Sugai warns. If you aren’t a fan of fragrant skincare or are concerned it may irritate your skin, skip this brand.
5 | Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
Naturium’s Vitamin C Complex Serum comes in an airtight pump, which, according to Sugai, is “much more convenient than a dropper."
The vegan, cruelty-free formula contains “pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum, one of the richest sources of vitamin C,” per its description. This complex combo helps eliminate signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. You can find it at Walmart for about $24 per bottle.
6 | Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
Target
“Its 20 percent ascorbic acid, plus the other antioxidants with it” are what make the Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum an amazing dupe for SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic Serum, Sugai says.
The vitamin C serum is formulated with only raw ingredients, and its low pH balance makes it easier for skin to absorb. It's another that comes with that airtight pump Sugai favors, and it retails for $25.99 at Target.
