For Vitamin C Day, Five Vitamin C Products Worth the Splurge

Along with a good cleanser, plenty of sunscreen, and an evening retinoid, Vitamin C is an essential component to one's skincare routine. Not only does it protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and the environment, but it can help stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eradicate sun damage, and impart a glow that will land you compliments all day long. But not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. Here are five that actually deliver.

Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

You can't just throw any old Vitamin C under your eyes, which is why a C-centric eye product is key for reducing fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. What Dr. Gross did here is combine three forms of Vitamin C with lactic acid to increase absorption and enhance performance. In fact, his entire Vitamin C line has been reformulated the same way and each product – a serum and two moisturizers – are worth a look. $68, Sephora.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

A well-formulated topical Vitamin C – like this knockout product from Peter Thomas Roth – can promote collagen production, diminish lines, and help promote firm skin. What's more, it helps minimize the damage caused by UV exposure. While most Vitamin C comes in the form of a serum rather than a moisturizer, this potent treatment manages to harness the power of Vitamin C in a complete anti-aging moisturizer that absorbs instantly with no oily finish. $72, Sephora.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

Not only does this fresh-to-death serum firm, brighten, and correct signs of photoaging (a.k.a. sun damage), but the antioxidants in Vitamin C also help the skin resist other terrors like pollution and environmental stressors. But Vitamin C is a notoriously complicated ingredient to stabilize due to the fact that it oxidizes so quickly, which means that the vast majority of topical Vitamin C isn't doing all that much on your skin. That's why Drunk Elephant revamped theirs, and this new version gets high marks for its extreme freshness and potency. $78. Sephora.

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid

You can't go wrong with any of SkinCeuticals' antioxidant serums, but I am partial to this one that is ideal for oily, combination, or pigmentation-prone skin. Three to five drops a day will protect your entire face from the harmful effects of free radicals, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution. $182, SkinCeuticals.

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

Years ago, this was the first Vitamin C serum I had ever heard of, and it was the first Vitamin C serum I ever tried. For nearly a decade, I was loyal to this very product; it nearly eradicated my fine lines and gave me a glow that landed me compliments for years. I've since graduated to stronger products more suitable for my skin type, but the fact remains that this is one of the most effective and affordable Vitamin C serums on the market. $78, Kiehl's.