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Vitamin C is probably one of those skincare ingredients that's present in every beauty girl's product shelf. Hailed as a ~skincare hero~ by dermatologists and experts, it's great for brightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation left by past breakouts. "Its benefits include [the] reduction of fine lines and wrinkles as well as protecting our skin from external toxins and irritants [that cause premature skin aging]," says dermatologist Dr. Bradley Glodny. Vitamin C is also clinically proven to promote collagen production when applied topically.
While it's a generally safe ingredient that's tolerable by most skin types, some people—especially those with sensitive skin—can experience irritation, redness, or inflammation when using Vitamin C skincare products. Compared to other active skincare ingredients, Vitamin C is notorious for oxidizing quickly and for being "unstable." Its most potent form, L-ascorbic acid, is the prime suspect for this, which is why it's often formulated into products at a very low pH level.
READ MORE: 7 Things To Know Before Adding Vitamin C To Your Skincare Routine
Of course, none of us are a fan of experiencing irritation or breakouts. Fortunately, there are alternative skincare ingredients out there that can do all the things Vitamin C can *without* the drawbacks. Read on to learn more:
Editor's note: When switching to or introducing a new skincare ingredient into your regimen, it's best to consult with your dermatologist to ensure that it's compatible with your skin.
LIST: The Best Vitamin C Alternatives You Can Try
1. Best Vitamin C alternative: Niacinamide
As beauty-obsessed editors here at Cosmo.ph, we can wax poetic about niacinamide. Also known as Vitamin B3, it works with the ~*natural*~ substances in your skin to even out discoloration, strengthen your skin barrier, and even reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to soothe rosacea and manage sebum production!
Best niacinamide skincare product to try: COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
This essence combines two powerhouse ingredients—galactomyces and niacinamide—to help brighten your skin tone. Its lightweight formulation also ensures it wouldn't leave an icky, lagkit feeling after application.
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence, P683, Shopee
2. Best Vitamin C alternative: Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that comes from wheat, barley, and rye grains. It acts as a mild, leave-on exfoliant, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. It effectively prevents the formation of comedones (aka blackheads and whiteheads) and assists in gently removing impurities from the pores. It's also well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—the essentials to treating inflamed breakouts.
It usually comes in prescription form with concentrations of 15 to 20 percent, but thankfully, more and more brands are coming out with their own over-the-counter versions that are more accessible and safer to use at home.
Best azelaic acid skincare product to try: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
After your cleanser and serum, apply this cream-like product from The Ordinary that's infused with 10 percent azelaic acid to brighten your skin and improve its texture.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, P925, Lazada
3. Best Vitamin C alternative: Alpha arbutin
Alpha arbutin is another *excellent* alternative if you're looking to address the hyperpigmentation and dark spots left behind by breakouts. It's derived from the bearberry plant and inhibits melanin formation, which reduces the appearance of discoloration. Similar to Vitamin C, it acts as an effective brightening agent, but thanks to its sustained release, it presents a lower risk of irritation.
Best alpha arbutin skincare product to try: Beauty Of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
Looking for a new serum to introduce to your rotation? Add Beauty of Joseon's Glow Deep Serum to your mix. It contains 68 percent rice bran water and two percent alpha arbutin that work together to reveal a fairer complexion.
Beauty Of Joseon Glow Deep Serum, P580, Shopee
4. Best Vitamin C alternative: Licorice root extract
Licorice root extract is another alternative for those seeking ~*brightening*~ properties in their skincare products. It has a chemical compound called glabridin, which helps to brighten hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Best licorice root extract skincare product to try: Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
This toner only has a pH level of 5.5, which, ICYDK, is super good for your skin! (Low pH skincare products are gentler on the skin.) It also contains peony and licorice extract, which are ingredients that can aid you in your quest for a more even complexion.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, P365, Lazada
5. Best Vitamin C alternative: Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid isn't usually the top of mind when it comes to brightening ingredients, but it goes *hand in hand* with Vitamin C to give you that bright, even skin tone you're lusting after. According to Dr. Glodny, it's "an antioxidant with considerable strength and the ability to mimic Vitamin C’s ability to protect the skin from your environment and toxins."
Best ferulic acid skincare product to try: Glow Glass Beauty Vitamin C & E Ferulic Glow Booster Serum
Aside from ferulic acid, this serum from Glass Glow Beauty also contains Vitamin C and E that not only provide brightening properties but also hydrating ones as well. You get the ~best of both worlds~ with this one!
Glow Glass Beauty Vitamin C & E Ferulic Glow Booster Serum, P349, Lazada
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