Top 5 Vitamin C Serums for Sensitive Skin (2025)

If you have sensitive skin and have used vitamin C serum, only to experience breakouts and worsening skin texture,you're definitely not alone. Just so you know, vitamin C isn't for everyone. If it doesn't work for you, it's best to stop using it instead of hoping your skin will magically adjust. Now, let's talk about which brands and concentrations might be right for your skin and how to pick the best one.

Wondering which Vitamin C brand to choose?

First, let's take a quick look at these Vitamin C serums and their respective brand names.

1. Fixderma 17% Vitamin C Face Serum This is one of my favourite brands for skincare products, I first got introduced to their product through my dermatologist, who recommended me a lip-balm and it worked awesomely. Then I tried their vitamin C and I fell in love with this one. The 17% Vitamin C face serum is packed with Niacinamide, Ferulic acid, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic acid, Lactobionic acid, and Retinol, enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, scars, and fine lines. It tightens, firms, and brightens skin, offering anti-aging benefits. And it goes well with the oily and sensitive skin types!

   
   

2. PILGRIM Korean 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum

   If you're just starting out with Vitamin C, this is a great pick for beginners. It's especially good for folks with really sensitive skin. This product has a low concentration and is blended with Alpha Arbutin, giving you a nice glow without bothering your skin.

   
   

3. Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum This serum feels super light on the skin and soaks in quickly. It gave me an awesome glow and helped fade those pesky dark spots in just a couple of days. Plus, the concentration is just right—not too strong or too weak.

   
   

4. Pilgrim Korean 20% Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Kakadu Plum

   This one, although it has a concentration of 20%, never gave me any kind of irritation or breakouts at all. It doesn't give you any instant glow or anything, but it slowly works on your skin, and eventually, after 15-20 days, you can clearly see the difference.

   
   

5. Be Bodywise 20% Vitamin C Serum This was my first ever vitamin C serum that I used. It surely worked like a miracle, giving me really clear skin and a glow, but my suggestion would be to do a patch test and then observe for a few days to see how your skin responds to it. I overdid it and ended up with the worst breakouts, then I started using it once a week, which still maintained its effectiveness.

Even with the best of brands, you can still go wrong with Vitamin C. There are some do's and don'ts that you need to follow before you include this in your skincare regimen.

Do's -

• Make sure to do a patch test before trying out any of the serums listed above or any other ones.

• Use the serums on a clean, dry face with washed hands.

• Better to use the serum during night time.

• Apply a lightweight face moisturiser or cream afterwards.

Don'ts -

• Don't overdo it. From what I've seen, if you have sensitive skin, try using the serum every other day or give it a few days' break if you can.

• Don't go out in the sun after applying vitamin c serum, it may damage your skin.

• Once you’ve found the brand that works for you, there’s no reason to keep trying different ones.

• Don't combine it with Niacinamide.

• Don't follow blindly, your skin is unique and may react differently to a product that works for someone else.

• Finally, always do a patch test. If Vitamin C doesn't work for you, it's best to stop using it and think about trying something else or chatting with a dermatologist to get advice that's right for your skin.

Disclaimer:

This post is based on personal experience and research. I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional. Please consult a skincare expert if you have specific concerns. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.