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La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 SerumLa Roche-Posay
Pure 12% vitamin C in a stable formula — the safe starting point.
Full product page →Pharmacist picks
The best vitamin C and dark-spot serums
Vitamin C is not the only option for pigmentation, and sometimes not the best one. Six picks: three vitamin C forms and three alternatives for skin that cannot tolerate it.
The picks
Daily use
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum (20%)Dr. Althea
A stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) with niacinamide — gentle enough for daily use.
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Sensitive skin
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%The Ordinary
A gentler vitamin C derivative for skin that stings with pure formulas.
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Vitamin C alternative
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumAnua
Niacinamide with tranexamic acid — a different pigmentation route without vitamin C sensitivity.
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Stubborn spots
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 SerumLa Roche-Posay
Aimed at stubborn spots and melasma — the strongest of our picks for that case.
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Arbutin
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HAThe Ordinary
Alpha arbutin that works on spots gradually and layers easily.
Full product page →Common questions
Morning is more common, since it complements sun protection, but night is fine too.
Separate them: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night, to limit irritation.
Oxidation. Oxidised vitamin C gradually loses potency — keep it away from light and heat.
Not sure which one suits you?
Send us a photo or describe your skin on WhatsApp — a pharmacist answers, free of charge.