PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE BRANDS

When it comes to skincare ingredients, powerhouse Vitamin C is one to have on your radar. The potent antioxidant does a whole lot to neutralise free radicals, reduce damage created by daily aggressors such as UV and environmental stressors, diminish the appearance of discolouration and dark spots, work on fine lines and wrinkles and give your skin the radiance boost it deserves. In alphabetical order, here’s a roundup of five brightening serums you can consider adding to your skincare routine.

01 – Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum, SGD125
Suitable for all skin types, this serum contains five percent of vitamin C in three skin-friendly forms. There’s one that’s oil-soluble, another that’s synthetic and an extract from the Kakadu plum fruit. Together, the stable form absorbs easily to reduce signs of pigmentation, boost hyaluronic synthesis and support collagen formation for healthier looking skin.

For best results, apply the serum on clean skin and wait a minute until fully absorbed before following up with your moisturiser and sunscreen for the day.

02 – Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, SGD110
The newest of the lot is this supercharged serum that’s brimming with an antioxidant complex composed of 15 percent Vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E that come together to firm and brighten. There’s also a host of fruit enzymes and nutrients in the mix that when worn under sunscreen, work to ward off pollution and free radical damage.

One pump is all you need in the day and it’s also fun to put together before your first use. You’ll get a bottle containing the liquid serum base and another with the L-ascorbic acid powder (that’s the Vitamin C) that have been stored separately to keep things fresh. Combine the two before first use, give it a good shake for a minute and you’re done.

03 – Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, SGD69
Don’t be fooled by its cute pink bottle; the serum it holds within is spiked with five different forms of Vitamin C, including a stable encapsulated form that releases over time to deliver optimal effectiveness, minimise irritation and banish dullness. It’s also packed with guava extract and seed oil that’s rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants for glowing, even-toned skin. Its silky, non-sticky gel and fresh fruity guava scent are a welcome bonus.

04 – Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, SGD96
Thanks to a mix of 15 percent Vitamin C, PHAs, hyaluronic acid and banana powder-inspired pigments, this yellow-coloured age-defying concoction instantly brightens and works to firm, reduce the look of dark spots, pores and wrinkles, and hydrate, all while defending skin against pollution. And because it contains exfoliating PHAs that slough off dead skin cells, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen after.

05 – Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, SGD140
Though this is brimming with 20 percent Vitamin C, it manages to be gentle on skin and boasts an ultra-fluid texture that absorbs quickly. Recommended to be used with your evening skincare together with a moisturiser to amplify results, this fights premature ageing, supports surface cell turnover, and plumps skin through hydration. It’s also laced with mild fruit AHAs to resurface dull and dry skin, so don’t skip your SPF in the day.

For more information, do visit the brands’ respective sites

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE BRANDS