TruSkin Brightening Vitamin C Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid, 2 fl oz

Why it's worth it

This uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate instead of raw L-ascorbic acid, with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe and jojoba alongside it. It's unscented, it doesn't sting, and it's the forgiving option if vitamin C has burned you before.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is the reason this one doesn't bite. It's a stable derivative that converts to L-ascorbic acid once it's on your skin, so it works at a friendlier pH and doesn't oxidize nearly as fast in the bottle. Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology also credits it with antibacterial activity, which is a small bonus if you break out.

The trade-off is patience. Byrdie's panel found derivative formulas took roughly twice as long as L-ascorbic acid to show the same brightening, so think three months rather than six weeks. Owners who stick with it mostly talk about softened dark spots and a general evening-out, not a dramatic before-and-after.

From our review of 8 vitamin c serums, by Sarah Wright, Editorial Associate

What we like

• +Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is the reason this one doesn't bite
• +The trade-off is patience
• +It's also the most comfortable serum here to actually wear

What to know

• –Some owners find sunscreen pills or flakes over it, especially if they apply SPF before the serum has fully sunk in
• –The jojoba and aloe base can feel heavy on very oily skin