This Do-It-All Vitamin C Retinol Serum Gave Me The Glowiest Skin Of My Life

My sentiment towards skin-care serums is the same one that I have towards party-sized snack packs: the more variety, the better. But lately, my feelings have changed. Instead of going through my usual routine of four-plus serums a night (don’t be shocked — it’s my job to test products!), I’ve been using just one: StriVectin’s Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum. My skin, as a result, has loved it. Seriously — as I sit here and write this, my face is glowing like an orb. My dark spots look like they’ve faded considerably, and most importantly, my skin looks more smooth and taut than it has in years. As someone who’s tried pretty much every serum under the sun, I have to say that this one from StriVectin really delivers. Read on to find out why.

The Basics

So, what makes StriVectin’s Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum so special? Well, the name gives it away. This serum combines both vitamin C and retinol into one sophisticated formula. The reason this is unique is because these two ingredients — which many dermatologists and cosmetic chemists call the “gold standard” of skin-care ingredients because they’ve been so widely studied — are notoriously hard to formulate together and can even irritate the skin when used at the same time.

Not so the case with this powerhouse serum. StriVectin uses two water-soluble, stabilized forms of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside) and combines them with skin-smoothing retinol, brightening acerola cherry, and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and camellia life extract. The result is a serum that gives a visible brightening and wrinkle-smoothing effect with none of the irritation you might expect from such a powerful formula. In fact, in one study done by the brand, 100% of people reported no irritation to the skin after using the serum for 12 weeks. Another really special thing about this serum: the brand’s patented NIA-114 molecule, which is an optimized form of the ingredient niacin (or vitamin B3) that’s clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier and “supercharge” the performance of other ingredients it’s combined with. So, think of it like a booster for the vitamin C and retinol in this serum, making them more powerful and potent while also decreasing chances of sensitivity.

Why I’m Obsessed

I have oily-combination skin with a smattering of dark spots and the occasional surprise breakout (almost always occurring at the most inopportune time). I’m obsessed with how this serum visibly brightens my dark spots and dullness, giving my skin a brighter appearance overall. I also love that it makes my skin feel smoother — I usually have some small bumps across my forehead and jawline, and I’ve seen a huge improvement in skin smoothness since I started using this serum. Lastly, a lot of other vitamin C serums I’ve used have been sticky or smelly, but this one feels watery and light, sinking in instantly right after I apply and with a fresh, slightly floral scent. Plus, at $72, I consider this worth every penny, especially since it technically replaces the need for two separate serums.

TL;DR

Take it from me: The sophistication of the formulation, the fact that it contains two ingredients backed with years of research to brighten and smooth the skin, and the light, non-sticky texture make StriVectin’s Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum so, so special. I’m making a spot for it in my permanent skin-care lineup – and replacing a few other steps with just this one.