Sensitive Skin and Vitamin C Don't Always Mix—Here's What to Try Instead
Photo:
@michellerosedrumm
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.
Although this has more of a serum-like texture, according to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, 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
Photo:
@jeannine.roxas
"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.