In the world of skincare, a vitamin C serum is a must-have in your daily routine. This powerful antioxidant helps to fade dark spots and dullness, while also addressing preventative aging concerns such as fine lines and collagen production. As someone who prioritizes these concerns, I am always on the lookout for the best vitamin C serum available. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm and Bright Serum, and let me tell you – it did not disappoint.
What sets this serum apart from others on the market is the addition of lactic acid. According to the brand, clinical studies have shown that when vitamin C is paired with lactic acid, it improves the absorption and performance of vitamin C. Additionally, lactic acid has antioxidant properties that, when paired with vitamin C, neutralize free radicals in all layers of skin. This combination provides double the protection against free radical damage and prevents the future signs of aging from surfacing.
Key active ingredients in this serum include 15% L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C), licorice root extract, mulberry extracts, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and glycolic acid. Designed for individuals with normal or combination skin types, this vegan and cruelty-free serum helps to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots, uneven skin tone and texture, dullness, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines while providing the skin with a firmer look.
After using this serum for 16 days, I was thrilled to see the positive results. My dark spots had gradually faded, and my overall skin tone was brighter. I also noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s texture – my pores appeared smaller, breakouts had decreased, and my skin looked more refined. The serum’s tyrosinase inhibitors help to target and diminish dark spots, while AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid chemically exfoliate the skin, which smooths out the texture and increases the efficacy of the tyrosinase inhibitors. The serum also has an elegant texture that leaves your skin looking healthy and glowy. Its lightweight orange serum with a liquidy oil-like texture quickly absorbed into my skin and provided hydration, so I only needed a weightless moisturizer or a hydrating sunscreen on top.
To use the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm and Bright Serum, apply it once a day, either in the morning or at night. You only need four to six drops on your skin, and don’t forget to bring it down your neck and chest as well. You can use this on cleansed, dry skin or after your toner. If you’re a fan of the brand’s bestselling Alpha Beta Peel Pads, you can use this serum on top of that treatment. Depending on my skin’s needs, I sometimes prep my skin with a hydrating toner before going in with this serum and following up with a moisturizer. If you use this serum in your daytime skin-care routine, you can use another versatile ingredient like retinol or another targeted hyperpigmentation treatment at night.
One thing to consider before trying the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm and Bright Serum is that a good amount of vitamin C serums has an infamous metallic or “hot dog water” smell, and this serum is no different. Although the serum is pricey, it tackles many concerns at once, allowing you to streamline your routine and save on unnecessary or extra serums. When I tested out this serum, I only used gentle, drugstore skin-care products, so this was truly the only splurge-worthy item in my routine.
If you’re interested in trying the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm and Bright Serum, it is available for purchase on the brand’s website, Sephora, and Nordstrom. I highly recommend this serum for anyone looking to improve hyperpigmentation and dark spots while also addressing fine lines and collagen production.
