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How to Actually Choose a Vitamin C Serum (Dermatologist Guide)

Dr. Daniel Sugai

76,327 views

Vitamin C serums are one of the most recommended skincare products—but also one of the most misunderstood.
Patients ask me all the time:
“Do I really need to spend over $100 on a vitamin C serum at the start?”
The answer is no—but there’s a reason some formulas perform better than others.
In this video, I break down:
• What vitamin C actually does for your skin
• Why L-ascorbic acid is the gold standard
• Why percentage alone doesn’t tell the full story
• The real reason some vitamin C serums irritate or don’t work
• How to choose a beginner-friendly vitamin C serum
• Affordable dermatologist-recommended options that actually perform

The biggest mistake I see in clinic?
People blaming vitamin C—when the real issue is the formulation.
If you’re new to vitamin C or struggling with irritation, this video will help you start the right way.
👍 If this helped, subscribe for evidence-based dermatology content every week.

Products mentioned:
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vit C Serum
https://go.shopmy.us/p-7740925
https://amzn.to/3Bd6dDT

Maelove The Glow Maker
https://go.shopmy.us/p-52902

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
https://go.shopmy.us/p-7740930

Vichy 16% Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum
https://amzn.to/4aA3rID
https://go.shopmy.us/p-10213814

Timeless 20% Vit C Serum https://go.shopmy.us/p-6141826
https://amzn.to/4plhAhh

RoC Revive + Glow Daily Serum
https://go.shopmy.us/p-53289
https://amzn.to/3sMGJHd

Naturium Vit C Complex
https://go.shopmy.us/p-52901
https://amzn.to/3FLBo6N

Vanicream Vit C Serum
https://go.shopmy.us/p-6141828

#VitaminCSerum #SkincareRoutine #Dermatologist #SkincareTips #Hyperpigmentation #AntiAgingSkin #SkinCareScience #LAscorbicAcid #Dermatology #DrSugai #NoBSSkincare #SkincareEducation #SensitiveSkin #AcneRoutine #SkinCareMistakes #drsugaiskincare

You can check out my recommended collections of products on Shop My Shelf- https://myshlf.us/drdanielsugai

Please check out my Amazon storefront for categorized skin care products that I recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/danielsug...

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and on
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment with your healthcare professional. This is for medical educational purposes only.
I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned in this video. As an Amazon Associate/Influencer, Shop My Shelf, Reward Style Affiliate, DRMTLGY and SkinStore Affiliate Partner I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dr. Daniel Sugai
Board Certified Dermatologist

20 Comments

@lindabooker8199 5 months ago

I love my Timeless 20% vitamin C serum. My skin tolerates it well. Timeless also makes a 10% vitamin C serum for people with more sensitive skin.

@luminasolshop 4 days ago

Really appreciate the reminder to start slow — a few drops every other morning in week one saved my skin from that initial tingling phase.

@stephany8880 5 months ago

Thank you for this video. Actually for all of them. I’ve been using timeless vitamin c serum for several years and it seems to do well for me. I’m 65 with normal to dry skin.

@pepper6253 5 months ago

Absolutely love using Timeless 20% a step up from cereve

@champagenroses 5 months ago (edited)

My skin is very sensitive with rosacea, the more you know - the more you glow, I like that 😊 A simple skin care routine seems to work for me. Thank you for sharing Dr. Sugai your video's are always so helpful 🌸🌼🌷

@CatLadydidah 5 months ago

Stratia’s C+C Serum is such a great product, and I never see it mentioned online for some reason.

@starlightstarbright8633 5 months ago

I’m happy to see you recommend Timeless. I do not like dropper bottles and so I bought Timeless for the clean and easy to use and no spill pump bottle

@GoldenThreadSeer 4 months ago

i love timeless. i noticed results very quick, and it’s readily available at target

@Jod3lay 5 months ago

I always liked the Timeless vit C 20% but since I live in the Netherlands it's kind of hard to purchase. And sometimes it has really short shelf life. That's why I rely on the Geek&Gorgeous C-glow, they make fresh batches every week!

@DeborahL-v9h 5 months ago

Yes, please do a video talking about what we should spluge on, thanks.

@michellelouisestevens 4 months ago

Just ordered the Timeless based on your recommendation. Thank you so much for another great video!

@nathaliajordans4793 5 months ago

I’m using the Neutrogena vitC!! Loving it!!!!!!

@KimeAboyade 5 months ago

Doc do you do Q&A episodes? Would love to hear your advice for getting Tret on your back? I have no shame in my game and I am using the gel to help with the cystic acne i have on my back (my PCPs diagnosis not mine). I know you have plenty but maybe a more practical Mens Skin Care video that talks about how to apply in hair bearing areas and places like your back how to shave etc etc.
happy saturday!

@avamarshall1209 4 months ago

I’ve been using Timeless 20% for years. Tried others, keep going back to Timeless.

@wandamccarty2171 5 months ago

Thanks for another great video. I have been using the timeless vitamin c.

@TryMyMartini 5 months ago

I'm on my second bottle of the vitamin C serum from Prequel, called Lucent C, and I love it!

@cynthiagilbreth1352 2 months ago

I just purchased the SkinCeuticals CEF as I'm mostly the collagen regeneration. This brand has the research to back this up, the others don't.

@rwildcat13642 5 months ago

I actually started out actually trying Truskin's vitamin c serum which I really like but wasn't seeing results from. So I switched to Prequel's vitamin C which was fantastic I loved the results but I've got more oily skin and by the end of the day it made me feel greasy. I switched over to timeless 20% vitamin c and it's perfect especially for my oily skin. Thanks for the comprehensive video and for so many affordable options it really helps ❤