From Luxe to Less, These Are the Best Vitamin C Serums for Acne Prone Skin

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF

With the right product, using a Vitamin C serum for acne doesn’t have to be a conflict.

With competing information around whether Vitamin C serum is good for acne prone skin, it’s easy to be scared off using this powerful brightening, antioxidant ingredient.

The good news is that there are actually Vitamin C serums formulated for acne prone, sensitive complexions, with oily skin types in mind. 

So, how does a Vitamin C serum benefit acne? We’re going to take you through all the info you need to know and talk about all the best Vitamin C serums for oily, acne prone skin you should be adding to your cart immediately.

Let’s Talk, Does Vitamin C Help Acne?

First up, let’s explain what Vitamin C is and how you should use it.

Vitamin C, or L-Ascorbic acid as it is known in its most common form, has multiple benefits for the skin. It has antioxidant properties, helps to boost collagen and cell turnover, improves hydration and the overall brightness of your skin’s appearance. 

Vitamin C serums are best used in the morning after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF for an extra glow and added protection from sun damage (yes, it’s good for that too). 

But, is Vitamin C good for acne? Vitamin C can help protect the skin from further free radical damage, help it’s regenerative process and contains anti-inflammatory properties. 

Plus, a Vitamin C serum for face acne scars can work a treat, as it's one of the best ingredients for fading dark spots and pigmentation. 

So, what are the cons to using Vitamin C for acne? Well, overusing high levels of L-Ascorbic acid can cause skin purging, which can become particularly irritating if you have a fragile barrier. Many people have this experience and decide the ingredient is just not for them.

In this case it’s really important to use a formula designed to be compatible with oily or sensitive skin, and use it as directed. If you do experience irritation, cut down regularity of use.

Now that you know what Vitamin C does for acne, keep reading to find the best Vitamin C serums for acne that range from luxe to less.

Psst... Before we give you a round-up of our fave serums have you heard of our serum finder?Take our serum and treatment quiz to find the perfect vitamin c for your needs....or continue reading our roundup of vitamin c serums for acne prone skin below....


You can also check out our YouTube video below to find out more about Vitamin C, including how to use it in your routine...


Here Are the Best Vitamin C Serums for Acne Prone Skin

Formulated with Oily Skin In Mind

Concerned about whether Vitamin C is good for oily, acne prone skin? Then the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is truly one to try. As the counterpart to the brand’s famous C E Ferulic, this serum has a lot to live up to, but we maintain it holds its own ground. To cater to oily skin types this formula has a reduced percentage of L-Ascorbic acid for less irritation and has ditched the Vitamin E, which is more beneficial to drier skin types. Instead, this formula incorporates an ingredient called Phloretin, which is a flavonoid that helps this serum penetrate more deeply. It’s a long acting, firming formula those with oily skin will love.  

Formulated with Oily Skin In Mind

If you have acne prone skin you might be concerned about mixing and layering different ingredients. This is where the Dermalist AllSerum Skin Perfector comes in. This multipurpose serum contains 15 active ingredients all formulated at the right concentration. Star players include Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and of course Vitamin C. This powerhouse combination of ingredients helps to keep the skin hydrated and balanced, while minimising inflammation and the frequency of breakouts. It’s a super luminous morning serum that will help get you out the door in half the time. 

Helping to detox, mattify and smooth, the Aspect Jungle Brew is the perfect formula to help unbalanced, problematic skin return to its natural order. It’s a potent formula that provides an antioxidant boost and helps to manage the skin’s sebum levels. The formula is enhanced by a technologically advanced version of Vitamin C called Stay-C 50. This version is stable, effective and actively helps to minimise breakouts. It also contains Acai, Andiroba, and Copaiba Balsam to help firm and clarify skin. 

Specifically designed for sensitive skin, the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum also contains some key ingredients for fighting acne. Along with 10% Vitamin C this formula also contains Salicylic Acid to improve congestion and Neurosensine to calm the skin. This serum leaves the skin feeling smooth, radiant and resurfaced. Plus, it won’t exacerbate any existing acne and actually works to treat both acne and blackheads. 

Does Vitamin C serum help with acne scars? Well, the formula of the BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum certainly works hard to lift any pigmentation left behind. This formula contains Niacinamide to clarify the complexion, and Bisabolol to further protect the skin and Vitamin E to soothe and nourish. This formula helps to rebalance problematic complexions, making it ideal for acne prone skin. It keeps skin supple, smooth and helps maintain your skin’s delicate balance. 

Looking for a Korean Vitamin C serum for oily acne prone skin at an affordable price? Don’t hesitate before trying the SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum. This innovative formula combines Vitamin C-rich Korean Yuju Extract and Niacinamide to brighten the complexion and banish blemishes and dark spots. This combination really revives dull skin and creates a smooth and even texture that’s extremely enviable. Talk about real value for money, this serum glides on and dries down quickly for a dewy glow. 

If you’re looking for a true bargain we recommend The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% for those with combination to oily skin types. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid, but for compromised skin that can be a blessing in disguise, as it is more stable and less likely to cause irritation. This effective Vitamin C serum brightens and smooths the skin, also leaving it plump and hydrated. A great alternative for those who find other Vitamin C serums too intense. 

The Revolution Skincare 20% Vitamin C Serum offers a high concentration of Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull complexions. It has an ultra nourishing oil base that helps to balance the skin and adds radiance to your complexion. Best used in the morning after cleansing, take 3-5 drops and smooth all over face, neck and decolletage for glowing results.





Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.






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