Want Glowing Skin? This Is the One Beauty Ingredient You Should Be Using

Has your skin been looking a bit lackluster lately? If so, we know just the power ingredient that will add a glow back into your complexion: vitamin C. And no, we are not talking about simply adding a cup of orange juice into your AM routine. For decades, we’ve been told that vitamin C is necessary for growth and development of the body and is a great immune system booster. But did you know that it can also work wonders on your skin?

That’s right, when incorporated into topical skincare products, this multi-dimensional ingredient can help with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and many other common skin concerns. "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is useful in brightening the skin complexion and fighting fine lines and wrinkles," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In addition to helping even out your skin tone, Dr. Zeichner shares that it also "helps put out inflammation caused by free radical damage, blocks abnormal pigment production, and is an essential cofactor for healthy collagen production."

But that’s not all. This powerful ingredient can even optimize the benefits of sunscreen. "I recommend using vitamin C [products] in the morning, under sunscreen. It acts like an insurance policy to prevent skin damage from free radicals caused by UV light despite our best efforts in protecting ourselves with sunscreen," shared Dr. Zeichner.

Fortunately, this ingredient is effective across a variety of skin types. However, if you suffer from sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema Dr. Zeichner shares that it can cause irritation, so you may want to steer clear.

If your skincare routine is missing this beneficial ingredient, no worries. Below, we’ve rounded up a few Dr.Zeichner-recommended vitamin C-infused products, plus more Most Wanted editor-approved picks that will have you looking as radiant as ever.

PCA Skin C and E Strength Max 

"This [serum] has the unique property of being an anhydrous formulation, which enhances [vitamin C's] stability." 

"This [cream] uses a stabilized form of Vitamin C known as ascorbyl glucoside." 

La Roche-Posay Active C10

"A high concentation of vitamin C in this cream helps to fight fine lines while evening skin tone."

L’OCCITANE Reine Blanche Brightening Serum 

"This serum uses vitamin C to help brighten uneven skin tone."

Murad Essential C-Cleanser

Kick off your skincare routine with an antioxidant-filled cleanser that will leave your skin looking bright and refreshed. Its invigorating citrus scent will also help awakens your senses.

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Dark circles? Fine lines? Dullness? This light cream, infused with a vitamin C complex, will tackle all of your under eye concerns. Bonus tip: Pop it in the fridge for a cooling and soothing effect that will also help decrease puffiness. 

Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask

In just 15 minutes this rich face mask, infused with Japenese Beautyberry (yes, it really exists) and stablized vitamin C, will help reveal a radiant and healthy complexion. 

Lumene VALO Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist

Give tired skin a quick pick-me-up with a few spritzes of this hydrating vitamin C-infused facial mist. 

Packed with a 20 percent concentration of vitamin C, this moisturizing serum takes the star ingredient's brightening and firming benefits to new heights.