Do you really need a 12-step skincare regime when, deep down, you know that two or three incredible serums can do the same thing? That’s exactly what I think, too!
Now, I might have my favourites, which have changed over time, but there’s one particular product that is so well-rounded that I have kept in my simple skincare routine—vitamin C serum!
The recent rage for vitamin C serums is legit because they address so many skin concerns and deliver so much goodness. To top it off, we Singaporeans definitely need them, thanks to our sunny and humid weather.
A simple search online will yield a million options, so I’ve simplified it and put together the 12 best vitamin C serums below just for all my fellow Singaporeans to try. You will find a range of products that will suit your skin types, concerns, and, of course, your budget too!
| Vitamin C Serum | Price (S$) | Best For |
| Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Biossance | S$130.00 | Hydration and a glowy complexion |
| La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum | S$63.92 | Even skin tone, brightened skin |
| Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Serum 30ml | S$40.00 | Increase in skin barrier strength |
| Biofinest Vitamin C Serum | S$19.95 | Decrease dark spots, rejuvenate skin |
| Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum | S$89.00 | Increased antioxidant protection for skin |
| Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum | S$105.00 | Decrease fine lines, wrinkles and premature ageing |
| CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid | S$30.00 | Hydrates and plum skin |
| Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin-C Brightening Serum | S$136.00 | Decrease hyperpigmentation on the skin |
| Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum | S$25.00 | Reduce effects of environmental stressors |
| Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster | S$55.00 | Increase collagen production and increase skin firmness |
| Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum | S$114.00 | Boost antioxidant benefits to the skin |
| Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum | S$72.90 | Deliver smooth skin through exfoliation |
Table of Contents
Why Vitamin C Serum is Essential for Your Skin
One of the best additions you can make to obtain glowing skin is to add the best vitamin C serum to your skincare routine. This is simply because Vitamin C serum has many benefits that can transform your skin.
Among vitamin C’s main benefits is its popular ability to even out skin tone by lightening the complexion and reducing dark spot pigmentation.
Aside from that, Vitamin C also works as a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and ultraviolet damage (thank god, because of the Singapore sun!).
Studies also show that regular use of vitamin C serum can stimulate collagen production, helping your skin look firmer and younger.
Thanks to our bright sun, we (Singaporeans) are constantly exposed to strong sun rays and humidity. Vitamin C is found to help our skin in tropical climates by providing hydration and fighting pollution and sun damage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Top Vitamin C Serum
Skin Type Compatibility
Every skin type is different, so it is essential to understand your skin type when choosing the right vitamin C serum. If your skin is oily, choose products that do not clog pores.
Serums containing hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients help dry skin. Choose a gentle, irritant-free formulation for sensitive skin.
Concentration Levels
The effectiveness of the serum can be influenced by its vitamin C content. A lower serum, about 10%, is suitable for beginner or sensitive skin.
Those who want a larger yield, such as twenty per cent, can choose a higher concentration. Remember that patch testing is non-negotiable, and this would specifically help to avoid irritation and gradually introduce a higher concentration of vitamin C if that is the goal of your skincare routine.
Form and Ingredients
Different forms of vitamin C deliver different benefits.
For instance, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is the more stable and gentle form, while L-ascorbic acid is the strongest but can be unstable.
Serums containing beneficial ingredients such as Vitamin E, which increases antioxidant protection, and hyaluronic acid, which increases hydration, are also known to be much more potent for the skin.
With so many added benefits from vitamin C’s core ingredient, it is essential to know your skin concerns and consider the form and ingredients of the vitamin C serum you select.
Packaging and Storage
Another factor to consider is the storage and packaging of vitamin C serum. This is pretty straightforward because vitamin C’s packaging and storage are important to maintaining its effectiveness.
Vitamin C serums can be easily degraded. Therefore, you must protect it from sunlight. Choose an opaque or coloured bottle to prevent any degradation from sunlight. You should also opt for packaging that can keep the vitamin C serum airtight and concealed, as this will prevent oxidation.
When storing your serum, always keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Local Climate Considerations
To avoid oily and heavy skin, use a light vitamin C serum more suitable for Singapore’s humid climate.
Serums with added antioxidant properties can help protect against pollution and exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, both of which are common issues in our city. In Singapore’s tropical weather, look for a serum with a fast-absorbing formula that doesn’t weigh your skin down.
Top 12 Vitamin C Serums in Singapore
1. Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil by Biossance – S$130
Key ingredients
This vitamin C oil contains 10% L-ascorbic acid but is also formulated with Damascus rose oil and Chios crystal oil, which make the oil lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin and help revitalize and firm it.
Benefits
Since it has vitamin C, it naturally helps your skin increase collagen production and brightens it. Thanks to the added ingredient, fermented lemon peel, you also get the added advantage of natural skin brightening and evening out your skin tone. It also contains squalane, so you will automatically get hydration and moisture, too!
Best For
It can work with almost any skin type, even if you have acne or oily type of skin but it is worthwhile for those who prefer an oil-soluble Vitamin C as their serum.
Not Suitable For
The rose oil in this product might have an adverse effect on some people, making it unsuitable for them.
Application tips
Press a few drops of the serum onto your skin in the morning or night to use the oil. To lock in long-lasting hydration, use this best vitamin C serum after your moisturizer.
2. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum – S$63.92
Key ingredients
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum contains 10% pure vitamin C, known for its ability to brighten and act as an antioxidant. This high concentration ensures that combating dullness and increasing the skin’s radiance is most effective.
As one of the best vitamin C serums on the market, its key ingredient is salicylic acid. This is a great added advantage for anyone looking to exfoliate and unclog their pores, making this a top choice for those with acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Unsurprisingly, this best vitamin C serum treats various skin concerns at once. This is mainly because of the combination of vitamin C and salicylic acid, which can help fade out dark spots, reduce skin pigmentation, and even out skin tone.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, this serum also helps to protect against environmental damage, indirectly preventing premature skin ageing.
Best For
This best vitamin C serum should be considered for those who are looking to renew their dull skin by brightening and improving its texture. The product’s gentle formulation also allows those with sensitive and acne-prone skin to reap benefits from it.
Not Suitable For
If you have extremely sensitive skin, we recommend that you skip this serum, as it contains a high concentration of vitamin C and salicylic acid. Additionally, before using, go through the ingredients list to see if you are allergic to any specific ingredient.
Application Tips
Apply every morning before your moisturiser and SPF. It is recommended that in addition to patch testing, you should start with a small amount and increase gradually when your skin is well adjusted to the product.
3. Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Serum 30ml – S$40.00
Key ingredients
The powerful combination of niacinamide and vitamin C in the Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Serum makes it one of the best vitamin C serums in Singapore.
Thanks to the powerhouse of ingredients, this vitamin C serum effectively reduces pigmentation and the visibility of dark spots. The addition of hyaluronic acid also helps skin maintain its dewiness and plumpness.
Benefits
This best vitamin C serum has many benefits, but one that stands out the most is its ability to improve the overall radiance of your skin by targeting your dark spots and evening out your skin tone. Thanks to the niacinamide ingredient, you will also gain a stronger skin barrier and smoother, more elastic skin.
To help its users with skin dryness or dullness, they have added hyaluronic acid to provide hydration to your skin.
Best For
If your skin concerns are related to dark spots or uneven skin tone and texture, then this best vitamin C serum should definitely be your choice. It should also be your go-to if you’re combating dullness. Since it has a light formula, any skin type can use it.
Not Suitable For
All users are encouraged to do a patch test before usage, but we recommend that those with sensitive skin not use this product, as niacinamide and vitamin C can cause irritation.
Application Tips
Gently massage a pea-sized amount after cleansing daily to reap the full benefits of this best vitamin C serum.
4. Biofinest Vitamin C Serum – S$19.95
Key Ingredients
With a blend of 20% vitamin C, Biofinest Vitamin C Serum is one of the best vitamin C serums on the market that helps the skin achieve a range of benefits. Other ingredients like hyaluronic acid also help the skin to stay smooth and radiant. In addition to this, jojoba oil also helps manage skin dryness.
Benefits
Thanks to vitamin C’s main power, it solves many common skin issues, such as dark spots and pigmentation. But what makes this vitamin C serum stand out is the ability of the added jojoba oil to help with skin dryness caused by environmental stressors. The hyaluronic acid ingredient also provides hydration.
Best For
If you want to reduce any signs of ageing or pigmentation, then this best vitamin C serum is made for you. Thanks to its light and fast-absorbing formula, it is also useful for various skin types.
Not Suitable For
Although Biofinest Vitamin C Serum works well for most skin types, those with very sensitive skin may want to do a patch test before using it as the high concentration of vitamin C can cause irritation. Do not use this serum if you are also allergic to any of the ingredients.
Application Tips
Use a few drops of the serum every morning and evening, focusing on your areas of concern. Gently massage until it is fully absorbed and pair with an exfoliating cleanser to obtain optimal results.
5. Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum – S$89.00
Key Ingredients
20% of vitamin C, Japanese beautyberry, and AHAs from seven fruits are what make up the key ingredient list for this popular brand, Tatcha. These ingredients are known to deliver an array of goodness for the skin, making the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum one of Singapore’s best vitamin C serums.
Benefits
The combination of 20% vitamin C, Japanese beautyberry, and AHAs delivers a range of benefits to its users. The most outstanding one is its skin-brightening effects, but of course, thanks to the Japanese beautyberry, users will also reap the benefits of it protecting their skin from free radicals and premature ageing. AHAs also help to exfoliate, allowing the skin to produce new cells and deliver smoother and brighter skin.
Best For
This best vitamin C serum is non-greasy and light, so it is suitable for any skin type. However, it is highly recommended for those who want to address skin concerns like dullness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Not Suitable For
Since it contains AHAs and a high vitamin C concentration, those with very sensitive skin should pay particular attention before using it by doing a patch test.
Application Tips
After cleansing, gently massage 1-2 pumps of this serum onto your skin. Can be used day or night, but be sure to combine it with SPF when using it during the day.
6. Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum – S$105.00
Key Ingredients
Formulated with 20% THD Ascorbate, this best vitamin C serum is highly concentrated to address various skin concerns. As an addition, they have also added vitamin E and ferulic acid which doubles the effectiveness of this serum.
Benefits
Such a high concentration of vitamin C can only mean one thing – bright and glowy skin! While this best vitamin C serum in Singapore delivers similar advantages as the rest, the stand-out benefit is its antioxidant properties that help with UV damage which prevents premature ageing – much needed for the Singapore weather!
Best For
Anyone looking to solve pigmentation issues should contact Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum. Since it is lightweight and fast absorbing, it also is suitable for most skin types.
Not Suitable For
The high concentration of vitamin C may not be agreeable for those with sensitive skin. Conduct a patch test, and be sure to check for allergens with other ingredients.
Application Tips
Apply twice a day and follow with sunscreen in the daytime. Wait 5-10 minutes before layering any other products after applying this serum.
7. CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid – S$30.00
Key Ingredients
Boasting 10% L-ascorbic acid, the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is extremely potent and delivers powerful brightening effects to the skin. Additionally, the hyaluronic acid helps the skin stay plump and hydrated.
Benefits
The major benefit is the reduction of hyperpigmentation or scarring, which you will start noticing upon use for some time. However, this best vitamin C serum also helps stimulate collagen production, which aids premature signs of ageing.
Best For
It is ideal for any skin type, but especially for those who are trying to reduce dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Not Suitable For
It is not suitable for anyone who is sensitive or prone to irritation. We suggest that a patch test be conducted before application.
Application Tips
2-3 drops will suffice before any other moisturiser or SPF application.
8. Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin-C Brightening Serum – S$136.00
Key Ingredients
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin-C Brightening Serum is powered by a potent blend of 15% THD ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C. It also contains exopolysaccharides from microalgae, which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Benefits
It delivers a brighter and more even-toned complexion while helping to protect the skin from free radical damage. Additionally, the exopolysaccharides strengthen the skin barrier against environmental aggressors.
Best For
Best suited for individuals looking to combat pigmentation issues and achieve a more radiant complexion, but also works wonders on those with uneven skin tone and signs of ageing.
Not Suitable For
Sunday Riley’s high concentrations of vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation, so a patch test is a must, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Application Tips
For best results, a pea-sized amount, focusing on areas of concern, twice daily will deliver the desired effects. Pairing this serum with a vitamin C-infused moisturiser can further enhance its brightening effects.
9. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum – S$25.00
Key Ingredients
The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is a potent blend of 10% vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and konjac root, which delivers skin hydration, promotes collagen production and many more benefits.
Benefits
The primary benefit of this best vitamin C serum is to brighten your complexion, but thanks to the konjac root ingredient, it can also help soften and smooth the skin and form a protective barrier. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid further increases intense hydration, leaving the skin plump and moisturised.
Best For
Anyone looking for a brighter, more even-toned complexion is in for a treat. The gentle formulation also makes it suitable for all skin types.
Not Suitable For
Although well-tolerated by most skin types, individuals with very sensitive skin may want to perform a patch test before using it.
Application Tips
Use four drops, spread, and massage it across your face after cleansing. This way, you get the most out of the serum itself. Follow up with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and sunscreen during the daytime.
10. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster – S$55.00
Key Ingredients
15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and ergothioneine comprise this best vitamin C serum.
Ferulic acid explicitly stabilises vitamin C and enhances its antioxidant properties.
Benefits
While vitamin C delivers all the standard advantages, Ferulic acid and ergothioneine work synergistically to shield skin from environmental damage caused by pollution and UV rays, which is key for our tropical weather.
Best For
Anyone with normal, oily, or combination skin can use this serum to address concerns like hyperpigmentation and visible signs of ageing.
Not Suitable For
Those with extremely sensitive skin or who are allergic to certain ingredients must conduct a patch test before using it. We also recommend using it gradually, increasing the volume to avoid any mild tingling or irritation.
Application Tips
After cleansing and toning, add 2-3 drops in the morning. Follow up with SPF for usage during the day.
11. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum – S$114.00
Key Ingredients
Although 15% L-ascorbic acid is the star ingredient, this best vitamin C serum in Singapore also boasts ingredients like pumpkin ferment extracts, pomegranate enzymes, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, which deliver a wide array of benefits to the skin.
Benefits
With so many highly potent ingredients, the benefits delivered by this best vitamin C serum are almost endless.
But there are some outstanding ones, including how the pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extracts can help improve skin texture by dissolving dead skin cells. Ferulic acid and vitamin E also enhance the serum’s effectiveness by providing antioxidant protection and boosting collagen production.
Best For
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum can be used by users looking to achieve a brighter and more even-toned complexion. It is lightweight and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Not Suitable For
While Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, individuals with active acne or eczema may want to avoid it as the fruit enzymes in the formula may further irritate the skin.
Application Tips
Pour all of the liquid serum base into the vial with the powder. Screw the pump onto the top of the vial and shake for one minute until the powder dissolves fully. Bubbles will form – that’s OK!
Finally, insert the vial into C-Firma’s opaque outer container with the pump facing to the left until it snaps into place. Your Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is ready to use.
12. Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum – S$72.90
Key Ingredients
What’s unique about this best vitamin C serum is that it is a blend of stabilised vitamin C derivatives, namely 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid and also features natural pineapple enzymes!
Benefits
Combining 2 vitamin C derivatives and pineapple enzymes together delivers all the goodness you want from vitamin C. But this Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum goes further and delivers a gentle exfoliation effect that gives you smoother and textureless skin.
Best For
Ideal for all skin types with concerns like uneven skin tones, skin textures and many more. Since it is silky, lightweight, and ultra-smooth, it also works for sensitive skin.
Not Suitable For
Anyone with extremely sensitive skin or with active acne should not use this vitamin C serum as they can experience further irritation. Patch tests are highly recommended.
Application Tips
Since it is a very powerful vitamin C serum, only apply 1-2 drops after your cleanser and toner. If you wish to use it during the day, follow up with sunscreen.
Conclusion
Not all skin is created the same. Likewise, not all the best vitamin C serums are created the same!
While almost all serums can deliver various benefits like skin brightening, hyperpigmentation reduction, and so on, not all may suit all skin types.
Hopefully, this article provides useful insights on each of the best vitamin C serums you can find in Singapore.
Also, always test the products before using them on your face. Remember, the simpler your skincare routine, the easier it is to be consistent; consistency is always the key!
