C THE DIFFERENCE

Double down on free radical protection with these vitamin C heroes

Radian-C Advanced Effector, $65, LANEIGE

Dull and pigmented skin will benefit from this lotion that is super-charged with a vitamin C-rich berry complex and other vitamin C derivatives. Niacinamide also helps to keep new discoloration from appearing and repairs damage to the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.

Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum, $130, Dr Dennis Gross Mature skin with other concerns such as uneven skin tone, sagging, dullness and wrinkles will get a boost from the combo of skin-brightening 15 percent L-ascorbic acid and skin-smoothing lactic acid. Licorice and mulberry extracts are known to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers the production of pigment-causing melanin.

C.E.O Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream, $104, Sunday Riley

If pigmentation is your concern, this gel cream evens out skin tone with THD Ascorbate, said to be more stable and less irritating than other forms of vitamin C, and contains lutein which protects against blue light. Sodium hyaluronate helps skin retain moisture for up to 24 hours.

Vitamin Brightening Serum, $43, THEFACESHOP Suited to drier skins, this serum’s low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates skin better for deeper hydration. It also contains the brand’s Vital Vita Solution—a mix of ascorbyl glucoside and niacinamide—to brighten skin and protect against free radical damage.

C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, $112, Drunk Elephant

The C-Firma Fresh Day Serum comes as a separate serum and powder that is meant to be mixed before the first use so as to preserve the potency of its ingredients, particularly vitamin C which is known to degrade quickly. An antioxidant complex of 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, 0.5 percent ferulic acid and one percent vitamin E retexturises and plumps skin, soothes redness and improves radiance.