The Best Organic Vitamin C Serums of 2022 for Every Skin Type
WRITTEN BY: Â DIANE ELIZABETH K. | PUBLISHED: 05/21/2018 | LAST UPDATED: 07/08/2021
What do Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, and Halle Berry all have in common? They all use Vitamin C serums as a part of their skin care routines and credit the serum for their seemingly ageless skin. They aren’t wrong, either. A potent and expertly formulated Vitamin C serum has the potential to transform your skin rapidly. Unlike many skin care ingredient trends, the benefits of Vitamin C serums are proven and well-documented. Vitamin C is naturally found in our skin and it works in three major ways: to protect the skin from UV sun damage, to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation, and to increase collagen production (thus, reducing wrinkles). There are many additional benefits of topical Vitamin C usage (such as inflammation reduction, increased skin hydration, and increased healing time), but these pale in comparison to the three major benefits previously mentioned. All things considered, just about every skin type can benefit from the addition of Vitamin C in their skin care routines.
The effectiveness of a Vitamin C serum really comes down to choosing the right product. Before purchasing a Vitamin C serum, there are three important things to consider: the type of Vitamin C, the additional ingredients in the formula, and the concentration of Vitamin C.
Types of Vitamin C
While Vitamin C is a wonder ingredient, there are some downsides. Pure natural Vitamin C (known as ascorbic acid) is highly unstable when mixed into a water-based formula. Since just about every product contains water, this creates a problem. Once ascorbic acid degrades, it is no longer effective and can even cause skin irritation. As a result, many skin care manufacturers have turned to synthetic forms of Vitamin C. Typically, the word “synthetic” scares a lot of skin care advocates (especially those use natural + organic products), but in this case synthetic isn’t all that bad. Synthetic Vitamin C types are more stable than ascorbic acid, can be absorbed by the skin, and have not been shown in laboratory tests to cause toxicity or damage to the skin. Common and effective types of synthetic Vitamin C include L-ascorbic acid (the best synthetic form), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, Vitamin C esters, sodium ascorbyl palmitate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Occasionally, a product may also contain ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid to help stabilize Vitamin C.
If you want to avoid synthetic forms of Vitamin C, you have another option: whole Vitamin C. Whole Vitamin C contains ascorbic acid plus all of the other natural components of Vitamin C including natural enzymes and bioflavonoids. You can get whole Vitamin C naturally from sources such as rosehips, sea buckthorn berries, amla berries, citrus fruits, marula oil, pomegranate seeds, and similar fruit sources. A serum which contains high quantities of these natural Vitamin C sources doesn’t need fillers, stabilizers, or other ingredients in order to be effective. Some people even argue that whole Vitamin C absorbs better than synthetic versions, has a lower risk of irritation, and offers more nutrients.
Vitamin C Concentration: Does it Matter?
Often, Vitamin C serums will boast about the concentration of Vitamin C contained in the product (anywhere from 10-20%). Studies have shown that the proven effective range of Vitamin C is between .3% and 10%. Higher concentrations of Vitamin C can cause irritation and may not be necessary to achieve results. Additionally, some forms of Vitamin C (like sodium ascorbyl phosphate and whole Vitamin C) are easily absorbed by the skin and can deliver the same results as a 20% solution but at a much lower concentration. On the other hand, some forms (like ascorbic acid polypeptide and ascorbic acid) can be irritating at high concentrations. All in all, concentration isn’t all that it is hyped up to be. Instead, look for a well formulated product with a lower concentration (2%-10%) to start to avoid irritating your skin.
Additional Ingredients: What Else Is In Your Serum?
While the form of Vitamin C is important, you should pay very close attention to the other ingredients used in the formula. It is vitally important to evaluate the entire product before purchasing. Why? Because you could be paying for junk. For example, a product may contain a great form of Vitamin C at a high concentration, but it may also contain cheap and potentially irritating fillers like propylene glycol + butylene glycol (classified as an irritant (source)), alcohols, phenoxyethanol (a preservative that can cause severe allergic reactions and eczema(source)), and host of other not-so-good ingredients. Some of the MOST popular Vitamin C serums on the market today contain propylene glycol and fillers as their first ingredients. Do you really want to pay a premium for fillers and ingredients that do not benefit your skin?
For more information on how to choose the best Vitamin C serums, check out our Simple Guide to Vitamin C Serums at the bottom of this page. We include info on how Vitamin C serums work, what ingredients to look for, and which to avoid. We even break down which Vitamin C types and serum ingredients are best for each skin type.
What’s on This List?
We researched hundreds of Vitamin C serums to bring you the 13 most effective products available. Not only did we look for products that actually work, but we also excluded any product that uses ingredients like Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, PEG compounds, Petrochemicals & Mineral Oils, Ethoxylated Ingredients, as well as Synthetic Fragrances & Colors. The result? This list of Vitamin C serums is by far the best around. You can rest assured that these products are clean, non-toxic, and very effective at delivering a potent blast of Vitamin C to your skin. You can even filter the list by skin type, price, and ingredient quality. Â Enjoy!
Still unsure of which vitamin C serum will work best for your skin? Then, try our Ox Box! It’s a seasonal subscription box filled with the best organic skin care products hand-picked for your specific skin type and needs.
1. SIMPLIFIED SKIN – VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $13.99
Designed to improve uneven skin tone and texture, this vitamin C serum from Simplified Skin is packed with natural ingredients that boost collagen, shrink pores, and prevent breakouts. Its unique blend is made for both men and women's skin types -- ideal for everything from the delicate eye area to the neck. Simplified Skin isn't tested on animals and always free of parabens, sulphates, and fragrances.
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2. *TRUE BOTANICALS – VITAMIN C BOOSTER POWDER
Price : $90
This is a really unique Vitamin C formula! While L-ascorbic acid is a great form of Vitamin C, it has some downsides including instability when combined with water and it can cause mild irritation at high concentrations. True Botanicals works around these downsides by creating a powder formula (no water) made with just L-ascorbic acid powder, ferulic acid powder, and tapioca starch. All you have to do is mix a little of this powder into water or your favorite serum and apply the fresh Vitamin C to your face. It is very effective at boosting collagen, brightening skin, and treating wrinkles.
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3. *OSEA MALIBU – VITAMIN SEA SERUM
Price : $68
A gentle organic + natural Vitamin C serum that combines two stable forms of Vitamin C together (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate) to create a really effective solution. It's made with lots of moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, red algae, and brown algae which make this a great serum for dry skin types. It also contains additional antioxidants like green tea and turmeric for help fight fine lines and wrinkles. The consistency is luxurious and it absorbs quickly into the skin without stickiness. This serum contains no harmful chemicals, irritants, or fragrances.
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4. *MAD HIPPIE – VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $27.19
A really nice, natural, and gentle Vitamin C serum that is packed with Vitamin C (in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate), as well as ingredients which synergize and boost the properties of Vitamin C like vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. It's non-sticky, absorbs fast, and leaves skin feeling really moisturized. Additional ingredients include clary sage (balances oil production), chamomile (soothes skin), grapefruit (mild exfoliant), and konjac powder (vitamin rich). A great solution for acne-prone skin, dry skin, discoloration, and those with sensitive skin.
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5. *100% PURE – VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $42
A fantastic Vitamin C serum which uses a stable form of Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate - MAP), contains no fillers, and does not contain any potentially irritating or toxic preservatives. Although this product doesn't list the concentration of Vitamin C, MAP is the 2nd ingredient behind to organic aloe vera gel--which indicates that the serum contains a lot of Vitamin C. The formula is all-natural, non-sticky, absorbs very quickly, and does a fantastic job of instantly brightening the complexion. The ingredients are all-natural and gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
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6. *ODACITE – C FOR COLETTE 15% VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $165
This vitamin C serum is a work horse! Made with 15% vitamin C, this is one of the most potent all natural vitamin C serums available. Not only does it have a high concentration of vitamin C, it is also packed with antioxidant rich fruits like acai, wheatgrass, goji berries, wild carrot seed oil, and rose geranium. It has a beautiful lemongrass scent and silky feel. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, your skin will gobble this serum right up. Results we experienced include dramatically brighter and firmer looking skin.
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7. *ONE LOVE ORGANICS – ORGANIC MOISTURIZING VITAMIN C FACIAL SERUM
Price : $75
A great Vitamin C serum that is crafted from 100% natural and 88% organic ingredients. It uses ascorbyl palmitate as Vitamin C and combines that with skin-boosting botanicals like green tea (antioxidant), rosehip oil (brightening), acerola fruit (more Vitamin C), seabuckthorn (contains fatty acids for hydration), and shea oil (moisture) just to name a few. It also contains a bit of vitamin E which synergistically boosts the potency of Vitamin C. It's a lovely non-sticky serum that absorbs fast. A little goes a really long way, so you'll be using this bottle for months to come.
Shop *ONE LOVE ORGANICS – ORGANIC MOISTURIZING VITAMIN C FACIAL SERUM
8. *AMALA – ORGANIC CORRECTIVE VITAMIN C CONCENTRATE
Price : $188
A concentrated blend of natural vitamin C that's clinically proven to correct dark spots in 8 weeks! This luxurious vitamin C serum does not skimp on the good stuff. It's packed with fermented vitamin C-rich amla fruit, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant rich spirulina and rose oil, and many more. The best part about this vitamin C serum is how easily it absorbs into the skin. Simply apply after cleansing and toning (while the skin is still a bit damp) and massage until fully absorbed before layering on other serums or moisturizers.
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9. *ROSEMIRA – SEE ME C REPAIR SERUM
Price : $52
This 100% organic Vitamin C serum works a bit differently than other serums. Instead of isolating Vitamin C (which can be unstable and requires additives and stabilizers), this serum contains natural fruits and oils that are packed with Vitamin C. Thus, it is a very gentle formula that is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It is made with ingredients like marula oil, pomegranate seed oil, Bulgarian rose oil, and lemon verbena which not only contain high amounts of whole Vitamin C, but they also contain potent antioxidants, fatty acids, and other natural compounds to nourish the skin.
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10. *ORGAID – ORGANIC VITAMIN C SHEET MASKS
Price : $22
Made with 70% organic ingredient, this organic Vitamin C sheet mask is a super fun and relaxing way to treat your skin. The mask feels really good on the skin and is easy to apply. It's a totally clean formula made with natural ingredients like lemon, Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract, rosehip extract, and lavender extract. After cleansing, simply apply the mask for 20-30 minutes, remove the mask, and then massage the remaining serum into your skin (no rinsing). After 30 minutes, you should notice brighter, tighter, and more moisturized skin.
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11. *URSA MAJOR – BRIGHTEN UP VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $54
If you're using a Vitamin C serum in order to treat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or a dull complexion, then this may be the serum for you. This formula uses a stable form of Vitamin C that can easily penetrate the skin (ascorbic acid polypeptide). On top of that, ingredients like rosehip (brightening), aloe (anti-inflammatory), rose oil (redness reduction), and aspen bark (mild exfoliant) all work together to create an even toned complexion. The serum is super light-weight and absorbs effortlessly into the skin. Best of all, it contains 100% natural and 84% organic ingredients.
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12. *INDIE LEE – DAILY VITAMIN C INFUSION
Price : $65
This light organic serum offers both hydration and collagen-boosting vitamin C. Featuring olive-derived (and non-pore clogging) squalane as the first ingredient to support firmer skin as well as vitamin C, ceramides, and vitamin E--this serum is really like a daily vitamin supplement for your skin. Lightweight, so it works perfectly under other serums and moisturizers. It can even be worn under makeup as a primer instead of a moisturizer (yes, it feels that hydrating).
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13. *ODACITE – AN AUTUMN ON THE WORLD 15% VITAMIN C SERUM
Price : $165
This is another 15% vitamin C serum from Odacite with a slightly different formula than their C for Colette. While both serums feature 15% natural vitamin C and a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and extracts, This Autumn on the World has a few different start ingredients. Namely, more hydrating ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, passionfruit oil, rosehip seed oil, ylang ylang, pink grapefruit, and neroli. It's wild, but you can almost see the effect immediately upon application: bright, flushed, glowing skin. A must try!
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14. *LA BELLA FIGURA – CREMA SUPERNOVA VITAMIN C DAY CREAM
Price : $85
While this is not a vitamin C serum, it is one seriously vitamin C-rich lightweight moisturizer and day cream. The vitamin C found in this silky cream comes from plants like kakadu plum (riches source of plant-based vitamin c). Other than that, it is packed with luxury organic ingredients like rose flower, hyaluronic acid, maracuja oil, sacha inchi oil, and licorice root. It does contain some potentially pore-clogging ingredients (cupuacu butter), so not recommended for those with easily reactive pores. Otherwise, it smells like a fresh cup of tea and absorbs quickly. Perfect to layer on top of your vitamin C serum.
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15. *MARIE VERONIQUE – VITAMIN C+E+FERULIC SERUM
Price : $90
An all-natural Vitamin C serum that uses L-ascorbic acid. Typically, L-ascorbic acid can be quite unstable, but this serum contains ingredients like ferulic acid and vitamin E which help to stabilize it. Additionally, these two compounds also boost L-ascorbic acid's antioxidant and sun protection powers. Together they create a potent anti-aging Vitamin C serum. The product has a nice consistency and absorbs easily without leaving a sticky residue. It also contains lots of great beneficial ingredients like green tea, neroli, lavender, astaxanthin (a very powerful antioxidant), and probiotics.
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16. *EMINENCE ORGANICS – ROSEHIP TRIPLE C+E FIRMING OIL
Price : This natural formula uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate as its form of Vitamin C. This is a very stable form of Vitamin C which behaves similarly to L-ascorbic acid (the premium form of Vitamin C). As a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, it is noted that it may be more easily absorbed by the skin than water-soluble forms. The wonderful thing about this formula from Eminence is that is also contains natural ingredients which are great for reducing inflammation (for rosacea) and brightening the skin (for dark spots). These ingredients include rosehip seed oil, seabuckthorn oil, rosemary leaf, and jojoba oil.
This natural formula uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate as its form of Vitamin C. This is a very stable form of Vitamin C which behaves similarly to L-ascorbic acid (the premium form of Vitamin C). As a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, it is noted that it may be more easily absorbed by the skin than water-soluble forms. The wonderful thing about this formula from Eminence is that is also contains natural ingredients which are great for reducing inflammation (for rosacea) and brightening the skin (for dark spots). These ingredients include rosehip seed oil, seabuckthorn oil, rosemary leaf, and jojoba oil.
Shop *EMINENCE ORGANICS – ROSEHIP TRIPLE C+E FIRMING OIL
17. *KYPRIS – HEALING BOUQUET VITAMIN C BEAUTY ELIXIR
Price : $90
Flower power to the rescue! This serum uses highly stable Vitamin C esters along with vitamin e to support your skin's collagen production. For formula is designed to calm irritated skin, fade blemishes, and brighten the complexion. It's a really unique formula made from CoQ10 (antioxidant), fatty acids (helps with cell regeneration), and licorice (calms irritation). It also contains botanical form of Vitamin C from pumpkin seed, prickly pear, rosehips, and cranberry seed oil. Although this is a rich oil, a little goes a very long way (just 1 or 2 drops is enough for your whole face).
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18. *SANRE – C LOVE VITAMIN C CREAM
Price : $37.99
If you're looking for a natural Vitamin C moisturizer, then look no further than this cream. This moisturizing Vitamin C facial cream is USDA certified organic and contains only 100% natural ingredients (no fillers, fragrances, or harsh chemicals). It uses fruit-based Vitamin C from acerola cherries (one of the richest fruit sources for Vitamin C) which makes this formula very gentle and great for sensitive skin types. Other skin nourishing ingredients include turmeric powder, calendula oil, safflower oil, chamomile, and alfalfa. It has a silky texture that absorbs quickly.
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19. *TRUSKIN NATURALS – 20% VITAMIN C SERUM W/ HYALURONIC ACID
Price : $19.99
We're typically cautious about products with thousands of reviews on Amazon, but we checked this product out via Fakespot (a tool that identifies fake reviews) and it passed with flying colors. This 20% Vitamin C serum combines a stable and gentle form of Vitamin C known as sodium ascorbyl phosphate along with botanical hyaluronic acid to form a potent anti-aging solution. It's great for treating acne, age-spots, discoloration, and wrinkles. One downside? The product contains a small amount of phenoxyethanol as a preservative which has been linked to allergic reactions and irritation.
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Simple Guide to the Best Vitamin C Serums
Shopping for Vitamin C serums can be, well, overwhelming. With so much information and marketing related to what works and what doesn’t, how can you be sure that you’re investing in the right product? Which form of Vitamin C is best for your skin? What’s the deal with unstable Vitamin C? That’s why we put together this Simple Guide to the Best Vitamin C Serums. Our goal was to simplify the process and explain the basics of 1) the different forms of Vitamin C and how they work 2) the best ingredients to look for in a Vitamin C serum for your skin type and 3) which Vitamin C serum ingredients you should avoid. In addition to these sections, here are some important tips to keep in mind when shopping for a Vitamin C serum:
- Vitamin C can become unstable when exposed to air + light. Only purchase serums that are packaged in dark, airtight, pump containers.
- Look for formula’s that include Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work synergistically with Vitamin C and help to stabilize it.
- If you are worried about skin irritation, try a low-concentration or whole Vitamin C serum to start.
Types of Vitamin C & Their Benefits for Skin
There are many different forms of Vitamin C available. Since natural Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is quite unstable and easily degrades (making it less effective and irritating), many new forms of Vitamin C have been synthetically created in an effect to provide greater stability. While many of them are great, they all have their benefits and downsides. For example, some forms of synthetic Vitamin C can absorb deeper into the skin than others. Additionally, some forms of Vitamin C are better at protecting against the sun’s UV rays than others. Before you purchase a Vitamin C serum, review our guide below to ensure that the type of Vitamin C you are buying is right for your skin type and desired outcome.
Whole Vitamin C
Pure, whole Vitamin C that has not been chemically altered. Derived from natural sources such as plants and fruit. Contains all naturally occurring Vitamin C compounds including phytonutrients, bioflavonoids, and natural enzymes.
Whole Vitamin C is great for all skin types—especially sensitive skin.
PROS
- Stable
- Non-irritating
- Bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
- Clinically proven to protect from UV damage, increase collagen, and reduce skin pigmentation.
CONS
- Not available in super high concentrations.
Ascorbic Acid/ L-Ascorbic Acid
Natural, water-soluble form of the Vitamin C molecule that has been isolated from the other compounds naturally found in whole Vitamin C. Considered the best form of topical Vitamin C if formulated correctly.
Ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid should be avoided by sensitive skin types at high concentrations.
PROS
- Bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
- Most researched form of Vitamin C
- Clinically proven to increase collagen, reduce pigmentation, and protect from UV damage.
CONS
- Unstable + degrades at high pH (low pH serums can cause irritation)
- Can cause irritation at higher concentrations
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate / Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Synthetic, water-soluble forms of Vitamin C that is very stable and effective.
Safe and effective for all skin types —including sensitive skin.
PROS
- Stable
- Non-irritating
- Clinically proven to be bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
- Converts to ascorbic acid when absorbed
- Increases collagen
- Reduces skin pigmentation
CONS
- No conclusive research on UV damage protection effectiveness
Ascorbyl Palmitate / Sodium Ascorbyl Palmitate
Synthetic Vitamin C. While most forms of Vitamin C are water soluble, ascorbyl palmitate is a fat/oil soluble form of Vitamin C.
Because this form of Vitamin C is usually present in an oil-based formula, it is best suited for dry skin and sensitive skin types.
PROS
- Stable
- Non-irritating
- Protects from UV damage
- Moderately effective at increasing collagen
CONS
- May not penetrate as well as other forms of Vitamin C
- No research indicating that it can reduce pigmentation
- Not super effective at increasing collagen production
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A fat-soluble, synthetic form of Vitamin C that is very similar to L-ascorbic acid. Because of it’s fat solubility, it is said to easily penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin.
Great for all skin types—especially sensitive skin.
PROS
- Stable
- Non-irritating
- Bioavailable (deeper penetration and absorption)
- Protects against UV damage
- Increases collagen production at 2x the rate of ascorbic acid
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduces pigmentation
CONS
- No major downsides
Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide
A synthetic, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that may convert to ascorbic acid once absorbed into the skin.
Should be avoided by sensitive skin types at concentrations above 1%.
PROS
- Stable
- May penetrate deeper than other water-soluble forms of Vitamin C
- Protects against UV damage
- Increases collagen production
CONS
- Can be irritating at concentrations above 2%
Other Great Vitamin C Serum Ingredients by Skin Type
In addition to the type of Vitamin C used in a serum, you’ll also want evaluate the entire formula to see if it includes ingredients that are great at treating your particular skin conditions. These additional ingredients work synergistically with Vitamin C to provide greater results.
DRY & MATURE SKIN
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ferulic Acid
- Astaxanthin
- CoQ10
- Pomegranate
- Coconut, Jojoba, Sunflower Oil
- Aspen Bark
- Aloe Vera
SENSITIVE SKIN + ROSACEA
- Rosehip Seed oil
- Aloe Vera
- Green Tea
- Coconut Oil
- Chamomile
- Rose Oil
- Licorice
ACNE-PRONE SKIN
- Willow Bark (Salicylic acid)
- Rose Oil
- Witch Hazel
- Lavender
- Turmeric
- Tea Tree Oil
- Sage Extract
- Green Tea
HYPERPIGMENTATION / DARK SPOTS
- Rosehip Seed Oil
- Tamanu Oil
- Seabuckthorn Oil
- Turmeric
- Lemon & Citrus Oils
- Almond Oil
- Licorice
Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com
Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.Review Standards & Process
Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review—our reviews remain honest and neutral.
Skin Care Ox is primarily funded through affiliate commissions. Meaning, when you purchase a product via a link from our website, we earn a small commission on the sale from the retailer (at no additional cost to you). Skin Care Ox is a member of numerous affiliate networks representing hundreds of cleans beauty brands and retailers. Because of this, no single brand or company has control over our review decisions. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Finally, every product we review undergoes our Research and Review Process. This includes faithfully trialing the products for a minimum of two weeks, rigorously researching each ingredient, and consolidating real user reviews from across the web.
100% NATURAL
100% ORGANIC
GMO FREE
GLUTEN FREE
VEGAN
Wow, very thorough, helpful, and informative. Have you ever reviewed Eva Naturals?
Should I use the moisturizer first and then the Serum with Vitamin C on the top?
Thanks,
Brazilian Girl
Serum first, massage until fully absorbed, then apply your moisturizer!
Hey, I was wondering, is the Cocokind vitamin C serum is 100% natural and Organic?