Who doesn’t like a good vitamin C serum these days? It fast becomes a skin lover’s go-to product for brighter and more youthful-looking skin. It also tackles wrinkles, plumps up the skin, improves texture and tone, and protects against UV and pollution.
If you are a first-timer, the world of vitamin C serums is somewhat daunting simply because there is so much choice. How do you choose one that is right for you, let alone not sticky? This seems to be the one big gripe with these serums in general. Not all vitamin C serums have this issue, but some do. Some users don’t mind the sticky or tacky feeling on the skin, as long as the product lives up to its claims.
Why are some vitamin C serums sticky
Vitamin C serums are tricky formulations. Ascorbic acid, a rather fragile molecule oxidizes fast and needs to be kept stable. The effectiveness of the molecule in the formulation needs to be considered, as well as the pH and the shelf-life of the product. If you are making your own batch at home, you could try cutting back on the propylene glycol to help make the vitamin C serum less sticky.
Make vitamin C serums less sticky: easy tips
- Make sure your skin is well cleansed and toned so that the serum is better absorbed. Use a vitamin C face wash in conjunction with your serum for great results.
- Use only a small amount with each application to avoid excess product on the skin.
- Pat the product on, rather than rubbing. Lightly dab off excess product with facial tissue.
- Use a good cream-based moisturizer as the last step, on TOP of the serum.
- Alternatively, make your vitamin C serum at home. This way you have control over the product and the ingredients. This may be easier said than done and might require a few attempts before you are happy with the result.
Here are Sunny Life Team’s list of the favorite vitamin C serums
Cica Vitamin C Serum for Face
Korean Face Serum | Anti-Aging | Hydrating | for Dark Spots | 1.1oz
SKIN & LAB Vitamin C Serum
Hyaluronic Acid & Panthenol, Skin Brightening | All Skin Types
Cruelty-Free | Fragrance-Free | 1.01 fl oz
Teami Topical Vitamin C Serum
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Salicylic Acid & Vitamin E Oil
Anti Aging Face Serum for Glass Skin | 1 oz
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Anti Aging | Hydrating & Brightening Serum for Dark Spots
Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Organic Aloe Vera & Jojoba Oil | 1 fl oz
Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Skin Clearing | Anti-Aging Skin Repair
Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, MSM, Vitamin C | 1 oz
Korean Skin Care K Beauty Vitamin C Serum
Potent Anti Aging | Anti Wrinkle
Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid Serum + CE Ferulic Acid Provides | 1oz
Serumtologie Vitamin C Serum
Antioxidant-Rich | 5% Hyaluronic Acid | 1% Ferulic Acid |1.15 oz
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Reduces Discoloration and Blemishes
All Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, GMO-Free | 1.02 Fl Oz
Obagi Professional C Serum 20%
Concentrated 20% L Ascorbic Acid for Normal to Oily Skin | 1 oz
Professional use
Last thoughts
Following the tips in this article, will go a long way to help make vitamin C serums less sticky, but remember, the best solution is a proactive one. Ideally ask for a small tester of the serum first, before you buy or invest in a vitamin C serum. Reviews can be helpful too.
Liked this article? Then you might like these too:
Can I mix vitamin C serum with collagen serum?
The 6 best vitamin C face washes for brighter skin.
Which essential oil contains vitamin C?
Best-rated collagen powders with vitamin C.
These secret 6 essential oils help treat hyperpigmentation.
Cautionary note: Not any of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The content of the articles and the products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health issue. The intention is also not to imply that vitamins or any dietary supplements are substitutes for a balanced diet or are in any way more beneficial or superior to dietary nutrients. It is also not intended to imply that general or normal health may be affected by not taking dietary supplements or receiving intravenous vitamin C infusions.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links that appear on this site are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase. These commissions help to improve this site and to fund further research. The buyer does not pay any commission whatsoever but is an arrangement between the supplier and this site. Our selection of products is carefully curated and includes only those products we believe in.
Image credit: Karolina Grabowska
