I keep my skin care routine as simple — and cheap — as possible: A gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer and skin-friendly Korean sunscreen are usually all I need. As a fan of under-$25 skin care with sensitive skin, I usually steer clear of expensive vitamin C serums, despite their promises for brighter, more even skin. That is, until I found Cocokind’s Vitamin C Glow Serum.
I first heard about this product when doing previous reporting about people’s “holy grail” beauty products. For that story, HuffPost operations coordinator Alexandra Niforos recommended the Cocokind serum. “I’m on at least my 10th bottle of this vitamin C serum,” she said. “I feel like it’s more affordable than a lot of vitamin C serums, and it’s never broken me out. I used to get a lot of acne, and it’s cleared up all the scars I had on my face, which is amazing.”
My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, not to mention my struggles with eczema, so I was immediately intrigued by the Cocokind serum’s seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Like Niforos, I haven’t broken out since adding it to my routine, and instead, the formula feels refreshing, light and gentle on my face (if a little sticky; just wait a few minutes to let it absorb first).
The gentleness stems from the formula: This serum contains a low concentration (2%) of ascorbyl glucoside, a stable and more gentle derivative of L-ascorbic acid, which is the chemical name for pure vitamin C. That’s in addition to other skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid and sea grape caviar extract.
I put this on at night after I shower, and two drops are about all I need to pat into my face. It feels extra-refreshing because I store mine in the fridge to keep it from oxidizing. It leaves my face feeling nice and smooth after it’s fully absorbed, which is when I follow up with my regular moisturizer. I was skeptical at first, because I’m pretty averse to building a skin care routine with a ton of unnecessary steps, but using this couldn’t be easier.
Niforos and I aren’t the only fans, either. Reviewers have hailed the “glowy skin in a bottle” for the non-oily, non-irritating feel and how “it layers really well under moisturizer and sunscreen,” something I agree with.
“I use this once a day, and my skin has been the best it has ever looked in a while. It makes my skin literally glow, and I no longer have to wear foundation since I started using it,” one reviewer wrote. Another claimed they even used the serum to prep their skin to be fresh and soft on their wedding day. “My skin is noticeably hydrated, soft, and supple, especially in my T-zone and around my mouth,” they said.
Considering that so many vitamin C serums retail for well over $30, $50 or even $100, I’m so happy to have found this affordable alternative in Cocokind. “This product works just as great as high end products,” one reviewer wrote. Below, check out more glowing reviews for this serum (pun intended). This one is worth adding to your cart.
“I couldn’t write enough good reviews about this product if given the chance. I have used this everyday for two years, except for the short time I decided to try a different vitamin c serum that was k beauty and highly recommended online. That serum my face was breaking out and my milia came back. The cocokind vitamin c serum keeps my milia gone or almost gone. The first day back to using it after that hiatus I instantly had a milia spot start itching on my cheek and had one of the milia “balls” roll right out (looks like but cannot be popped like a pimple due to layers of skin etc). I recommend this to everyone I know. I have never had such clear, soft skin besides when I’m using it!” — Taylor Motley
“After 3 days of use I’ve already noticed results! This product is amazing. I have sensitive and oily skin, this didn’t bother my skin at all.” — Isabella
“I chose cocokind when I went to ulta because it was on sale as my first time adding a vitamin c serum to my routine. I have sensitive and acne prone skin, and was nervous about adding this in, but I’m so impressed! I bought my second bottle and the first one lasted for months. My friends noticed my bright complexion and I noticed my even skin tone. I put it on after cleansing and using a gentle facial mist/toner. It didn’t burn or itch at all. It is a little sticky after patting in, but this goes away after moisturizing. I wait a few minutes before putting my moisturizer and spf on and the stickiness is gone. Definitely something I will keep in my daytime routine!” — LA
“This is a great product. I couldn’t imagine how many times I’ve repurchased. I use before moisturizer in the morning and notice a difference in the glowiness of my skin, even once makeup is applied. There is a bit of “tackiness” but once I add moisturizer it’s perfect.” — Courtney
“The best Vit C I’ve used and love the azelaic acid component!! In a transitional period with my hormones, I was experiencing acne like I’ve never had before. This absolutely saved my skin and has become a holy grail to brighten skin and regulate dark spots from past breakouts. Love love love!!” — Adriana M.
Check out some more beloved vitamin C serums from previous reporting by HuffPost senior shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe:
Maelove Glow Maker antioxidant serum
Considered by many skin care enthusiasts to be an affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals' cult-fave serum above, this option from Maelove is full of vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. It provides long-lasting hydration as well as all the benefits that come along with a powerful vitamin C serum.
Promising reviews: "So many c serums out there, but Maelove is wonderful. I stopped using SkinCeuticals. Maelove is less expensive and the serum does give me a clean tight glow." — Kay B.
"My derm recommended this product and even he was impressed! Works just as well if not better than that very expensive brand we all know. I'm thrilled that I found maelove!!" — Erica M.
"Glowing skin. I love the texture! I noticed my skin looked a lot more alive, less dull and brightened within a couple of days. I use this consistently every morning after I wash my face." — Danielle K.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic acid serum
If you're into skin care, you've likely heard people sing the praises of this cult-favorite serum, and with good reason. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has been well-regarded for its ability to help lighten fine lines, firm skin, provide environmental protection and brighten a dull complexion. The stabilized formulation means all ingredients are working at the peak of their powers, in tandem with each other.
Promising reviews: "I have tried many vitamin c serums and keep coming back to this one. It’s been highly effective on my skin, and while it’s pricey the results have been well worth it. One thing I have especially noticed is that it helps fade my acne scars pretty quickly." — GG
"When I first bought this, I was so apprehensive because of the price. But it really is amazing! You have to use it consistently for a few weeks to see the results, but it’s worth it. My skin has never looked better. A little goes a long way, so the price is worth it." — Emma
Paula's Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster
This powerful serum from Paula's Choice is formulated with 15% vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid and peptides that can help to fade away sun damage and hyperpigmentation as well as post-acne scarring while moisturizing and smoothing the skin.
Promising reviews: "Products gives a good glow, notice a difference when I forget to apply in the morning. I have very sensitive skin and this product does not irritate my skin at all. Apply a SPF after, always." — tdkh
"Great addition to skincare routine. This is my first time using vitamin C and it’s been almost three weeks since I started. I have dry skin and adding this to my everyday routine has been a game changer. My skin looks brighter and looks/ feels smoother." — gigiatsephora
iS Clinical Super Serum Advance
Sr. Shopping Writer Lourdes Uribe is absolutely devoted to this powerful vitamin C serum. Her esthetician recommended adding it to her lineup, and now she can’t imagine her skin without it. It's an oil-based vitamin C-rich serum that not only has the potential to help reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but can help to reduce scarring as well. While it costs a pretty penny, she thinks it’s absolutely worth it. A little goes a long way, making it less of a financial burden than one might imagine. It’s definitely worth the splurge.
Promising review: "Love this stuff. It might be a tad expensive, but it has done wonders for my skin to even it out and make it so smooth. Lines seem to have almost vanished (I’m 57). I have sensitive skin and this was not harsh, nor did it break out my skin. VERY happy with this product and would recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin who wants their skin to feel soft and look radiant. I get SO many compliments on my skin. Have been using for 5 months and will continue to do so.” — Kindle customer
The Inkey List 15% vitamin C and EGF serum
Ideal for sensitive skin or those who are only just beginning to dabble in active ingredients, this serum from The Inkey List is as powerful and effective as it is gentle. Vitamin C and plant-derived epidermal growth factors can help smooth, brighten and tighten the appearance of skin.
Promising review: "Wonderful for Brightening. I have very sensitive skin, and have tried countless vitamin c serums. This is the only one that doesn’t burn when I apply, and leave my skin covered in red bumps. My skin looks brighter since I’ve started using this, and more plump. I feel like I can get away with wearing way less makeup on a daily basis since starting this." — miaaaa96
Dr. Dennis Gross 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright serum
There are tons of vitamin C serums on the market, but this pick previously recommended by Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, is a powerful, effective option for anyone looking to amp up their routine. It can help tackle sun damage, dark spots, lines, dullness and more.
"Vitamin C serums neutralize the free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins. Used on a regular basis, they can also help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots," Camp said.
Promising review: "Road to clear skin. I agree that this product have a strong scent but it goes away after applying moisturizer. However this is one of the best vitamins c I’ve used. It’s been 1 month, my dark spots are fading quickly. Make sure to use sunscreen. This product works! Won’t stop buying." — Jaiivee
Glow Recipe Guava vitamin C dark spot serum
Looking for a silky, gel-like serum that won't feel heavy or sticky but is still full of all the aforementioned doctor-recommended ingredients? You might want to give this Glow Recipe serum a shot. It's formulated with five kinds of vitamin C, guava, tranexamic acid and ferulic acid that can leave skin more glowy and even.
Promising review: "I wear this everyday, my face looks brighter, healthier and I can tell its made a big difference on my skin. I have acne prone skin and lots of sun damage. Which helped both. Only thing that needs to improve is the bottle of the serum. By the time I'm done with it I have to take out the pump and hit the bottle on my hand lol. same goes with the eye guava eye serum bottle." — Jaqueline G.
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
If you're more interested in a powerful blend as opposed to a serum that is primarily focused on vitamin C, try this compound from U Beauty. It fights free radicals, sun damage, dullness and more with both retinol and vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, mandelic acid and much more to leave skin soft, smooth and vibrant. It's definitely a significant splurge, but reviewers say it's worth it.
Promising review: "I've been using so many products on my skin for years to help with redness, pores, texture, fine lines... You name it and nothing has ever come close to this resurfacing compound!!!! It has everything you need in one bottle. The price is definitely worth it without having to get Botox or pricey fillers!!" — Angel B.
Kiehl's vitamin C eye serum
Don't sleep on the power of eye serums! Camp is also a fan of this particular antioxidant-rich option from Kiehl's, which is as hydrating as it is effective at improving the look of lines and discoloration.
"Eye creams and serums maintain and help prevent the delicate skin around the eyes from showing your true age," Camp told us previously. "Products with vitamin C or retinol are effective for encouraging collagen production and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles."
Promising reviews: "Perfect Hydrating and Moisturizing Serum. This is the perfect serum for me because prepares my skin to put on my eye cream. It is so hydrating and moisturizing. Love it and I wish I had found it before. I don't have dark circles, so I don't know about this matter." — Zabrina
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
This award-winning serum from Revision Skincare is an excellent way to get smooth, glowy and even skin. It helps to support the skin's natural production of vitamins C and E and can help to correct the effects of sun damage and free radicals.
Promising review: "I found my miracle. It really works for me! For years like I mean forever I have been searching for the right product. I have very sensitive skin and I suffer from hyperpigmentation. I even went to a dermatologist and nothing worked. I saw this on Instagram and I thought to give it a try. It was very expensive but I was desperate. And now I don’t regret it. I bought the facial wash and I apply this treatment every night. The amazing thing is that, I saw the difference within a week. Now I am slowly buying other products and would create a routinely regimen for my face." — Verified user
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh day serum
You really can't go wrong with Drunk Elephant. The brand uses high-quality ingredients that users love, regardless of which product it might be. This serum includes vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E, all of which balance each other out and can improve uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the skin while fighting free-radicals.
Promising review: "My absolute favorite. I love this serum so much! My skin feels so much nicer after I use it! If you’re looking for a product that makes your skin feel smooth, firmer, and add a glow then this is amazing! (Great for anyone)." — smstew
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
I'm a huge Sunday Riley lover and it's not surprising to me that this serum is a fan favorite. This powerful and high-quality vitamin C serum was specifically formulated to target dark spots, signs of aging and more, leaving skin smooth and soft. Glycolic acid, a BHA, provides chemical exfoliation while stabilizing the vitamin C, refining and supporting the skin's luminosity.
Promising review: "I purchased the smaller size to try this out, and decided to purchase the regular size. My skin responds really well to this product. It doesn't sting and makes my skin appear refreshed and hydrated. More like a lightweight lotion than a serum, in my opinion, but I really like that about it." — Meena