Dermatologists on TikTok often discuss the benefits of vitamin C in skincare and recommend incorporating it into morning routines. However, the prices of vitamin C serums can vary greatly. For example, ReVive’s serum costs $300, while The Ordinary’s serum is priced at just under $8. So, is the difference in price solely due to fancy marketing? Or does a higher-cost serum indicate a better product? To answer these questions, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Angela Casey and Dr. Jeffrey Hsu, as well as cosmetic chemist Ginger King.
Vitamin C offers numerous benefits for the skin, such as its anti-inflammatory effects, promotion of collagen synthesis, skin brightening, and enhancing the skin’s ability to shed dull cells. It also works in collaboration with sunscreen to protect the skin from oxidative stress. Given these benefits, many dermatologists highly recommend using vitamin C in skincare routines.
The varying price points of vitamin C serums can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor is the concentration and quality control of the vitamin C used in the serum. Higher concentrations of vitamin C tend to result in higher prices. However, it’s important to note that concentrations beyond 20% don’t offer significant additional benefits and may even cause skin irritation. Individuals with dry or sensitive skin should begin with a lower concentration of around 10%. Additionally, there are more stable vitamin C derivatives available that can last longer on the shelf, but these derivatives tend to be more expensive.
The manufacturing process, production standards, and quality control measures of a brand can also influence the cost of the serum. Brands that prioritize rigorous quality control and use premium packaging materials may have higher prices to cover these expenses.
Another factor influencing the price is the inclusion of additional ingredients and patents. Complementary ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and glutathione can stabilize vitamin C and enhance its efficacy. However, the inclusion of these ingredients may raise the serum’s price. Patents on specific formulations can also contribute to higher prices, as rival companies cannot replicate the product. Packaging and marketing costs can also drive up the price of a serum, even though they don’t directly impact its efficacy.
While it may be tempting to create your own serum using different skincare products, it’s generally recommended to rely on professionally formulated serums. Medical-grade vitamin C products, which are only dispensed within dermatologists’ or medical aestheticians’ offices, have extensive scientific data and clinical studies to support their efficacy.
Instead of solely relying on price or influencer recommendations, consumers should look for clinical studies that objectively evaluate the effectiveness of a vitamin C serum. Factors such as study size, measurement methods, and peer review impact the credibility of the data. It’s essential to analyze the data thoroughly to ensure the validity and accuracy of the findings.
To determine if a vitamin C serum is working, it’s important to observe any visible improvements in the skin. Additionally, ensuring that the serum is stored properly in a dark, cool place with a securely closed top can help maintain its potency.
In conclusion, the price difference between vitamin C serums can be attributed to factors such as concentration, quality control, additional ingredients, patents, packaging, and marketing. Investing in a more expensive serum isn’t necessarily better solely based on price. It’s recommended to prioritize scientifically supported data and clinical evidence when assessing the efficacy of a serum.