CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

10% pure L-ascorbic acid -- the form with the most evidence behind it -- with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. It brightens dullness and fades dark spots, while the ceramide base keeps it tolerable for people who normally find vitamin C stings. It ships in an opaque airless pump rather than a dropper bottle, which matters more than most buyers realise: pure vitamin C oxidises on contact with air and light, and a dropper bottle turns orange and useless within weeks in a warm climate.

Every morning on clean, dry skin, before moisturiser. Four or five drops covers face and neck. Always follow with sunscreen -- vitamin C and SPF work considerably better together than either does alone. If it tingles at first, use it every other morning for two weeks.

10% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Ceramides NP, AP and EOP, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, MVE delivery technology.

Ingredient lists are transcribed from the packaging of the batch we hold. Manufacturers reformulate — always read the carton you receive, and patch test if you react easily.

Check the batch code and expiry first. On a genuine unit both are printed or embossed directly into the carton and the container rather than added on a stuck-on label, and the two match each other. The seal should be intact and machine-applied, the pump or dropper should move cleanly and firmly, and the ingredient list on the pack should match the one shown on this page. Texture and smell are worth a moment too: a thinner, more strongly perfumed version of a familiar product is a common sign of a copy. We photograph every unit as it arrives and record its batch code and expiry from the carton, so the item you receive is the one we checked. If anything does not match, send us photographs before you use it and we will sort it out with you.

Read the full counterfeit-spotting guide

• This one is a pre-order. We buy it in the United States for you and bring it over with our next shipment — normally about two to three weeks. That is an estimate, not a promise: we give you the date we expect when you order, and tell you if it moves.
• In and around our own area we deliver ourselves. Anywhere further goes by courier, and you are welcome to collect from us instead.
• The delivery charge is quoted and paid up front, never added afterwards. The rest is paid when the item reaches you.
• Damaged, incorrect or expired: tell us within 7 days with a photograph and we replace it on our next shipment — or refund you if we cannot. See our delivery and returns policy.