I’m a big fan of La Roche-Posay for their sunscreen and Cicaplast Baume B5, but their vitamin c serum was unknown to me until recently. With so many more “famous” vitamin c serum brands like Skinceuticals or Paula’s Choice, it seems the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10% Serum has flown under the radar. And oh what a shame because it is a hidden gem!
Overview
What is itThis anti-aging vitamin c face serum leaves skin more radiant, softer, and hydrated. As a result, wrinkles look visibly reduced and skin texture and tone are more even and refined.
Best suited forAll skin types. Combo/oily skin prone to congestion may have a love-hate relationship with this serum, as the salicylic acid is beneficial but the silicones can be a hit or miss. Sensitive skin friendly as long as fragrance isn’t an issue.
Things to noteContains alcohol but isn’t drying or irritating. Also contains fragrance and silicones.
PackagingA tinted glass dropper bottle. Not ideal as vitamin c is prone to oxidization and the bottle doesn’t limit air or light exposure.
ScentA noticeable, slightly artificial, citrus scent. Fades once serum is applied.
TextureLightweight and fluid serum. Not sticky at all.
FinishNatural, almost velvet finish. No stickiness or shine, but can pill if you use too much product.
Available For$39.99 for 30ml on Amazon, FeelUnique, LookFantastic, Ulta
La Roche Posay Vitamin C Ingredients
With vitamin c, there are 8 different forms but the most potent and well-researched is Ascorbic Acid (AA), which is the form used here. AA has been shown to fade dark spots, boost collagen production and UV protection when worn under sunscreen1,2,3!
5 – 20% is the recommended Ascorbic Acid %, so at 10%, this serum is gentler than most of the other AA options, but it also has a lower potency. If it’s your first time trying AA or if you use other actives, this is a good option.
What’s interesting about this formula is that it doesn’t feature Ferulic Acid for stabilization (though it does still have Vitamin E), instead it features several anti-inflammatory ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid, an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that can help clear out our pores. An excellent ingredient if your skin is prone to congestions or blackheads.
- Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester (aka Neurosensine) has one study that shows its skin calming benefits, but otherwise it’s not as commonly used4.
- Adenosine has been shown to help with wound healing and protecting our skin barrier5!
For extra hydration benefits, the La Roche Posay Vitamin C Serum includes two forms of hyaluronic acid – the larger Sodium Hyaluronate and smaller Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid. Both attract and retain moisture on the skin while the smaller hydrolyzed HA are also anti-inflammatory and can help with skin repair functions6,7!
While alcohol is listed high up, my dry skin has not experienced any discomfort using this face serum. On the contrary this is one of the most hydrating vitamin c serums I’ve ever tried, but if you are sensitive this may not be the best fit for you.
Usage Experience
✅ So gentle and hydrating!
I’ve tried a LOT of different vitamin c serums, and 95% ascorbic acid based products will sting, even just a tiny bit. I haven’t experienced any discomfort with the La Roche Posay Vitamin C, even on my sensitive skin days!
It’s also surprisingly hydrating. Most AA serums are a liquid or dry oil texture, neither of which will feel hydrating on the skin. But thanks to the hyaluronic acids in this formula (ok maybe not so surprising after all), combo/oily skin types can easily skip their dedicated hydrating product and go right to sunscreen.
✅ Pairs well with other actives
Ascorbic Acid itself is an active and can be sensitizing at higher %, so usually I recommend making it the only active in your routine or even your day. Less is always more with actives to keep our skin barrier healthy!
But due to the lower vitamin c % and inclusion of anti-inflammatory ingredients, you can get away with adding in another low % active in the same routine. With stronger vitamin c’s, usually I pair it with a gentle retinol in the evenings, but with this one, I have no issue using it with tretinoin on the same day.
✅ Regular use gives skin a nice glow
I didn’t notice significant brightening results, nor did I see any improvements in my stubborn dark spots, but at around the 2 weeks mark I do notice that my skin looks less dull. There’s also more of a glow when I wake up in the mornings!
❌ Oxidizes quickly, so use generously
Oxidization is a common problem with ascorbic acid, and strangely La Roche-Posay took none of the precautions to limit that: no ferulic acid for stability, and no airtight opaque bottle to limit exposure. These are all pretty simple changes to make in my opinion, so the missed opportunity here is a shame.
I started noticing a color change at the 3-week mark, with the serum turning that dreaded brown at around 6 weeks. If used twice a day, you should be able to finish the product well before then. Dedication is key here.
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C reviews
Since skincare is so personal, here are some positive and negative reviews from other users to give you more perspective on this serum:
Upon application, the serum feels refreshing and weightless on my skin. It absorbs quickly and does not feel sticky at all. The scent is pleasantly unnoticeable. I apply it once in the morning underneath my daytime skin lotion.
As far as results go, I haven’t seen any glow—like features in my aging skin, but it does appear slightly smoother and, certainly, hydrated.
Ohstacy, Amazon review
It feels good and I’m hoping it will brighten my dull skin however I was hoping to use it in the morning – have to use it at night only as no matter how long I wait or what other product I use, it flakes off and looks awful. Pieces of it clump together and I have to wash it off.
J1305, Ulta review
I really liked this one, although all these companies love droppers and I feel like this one oxidized really quickly. Beyond those minor things, I like this Vitamin C and use it in place of the SkinCueticals one when I’m feeling more budget-concious.
Sabina, Dermstore review
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C dupes
Because this vitamin c serum is so unique, it’s hard to find an exact dupe, but the following 3 delivered the most similar usage experience and results.
🍋 Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin DropIn terms of overall usage experience and results, this is probably the closest, though not identical. The Klairs has a dry oil texture and is less moisturizing, but the bottle will stay fresh for weeks before it even starts oxidizing! Overall I still prefer LRP, but if you don’t want to feel rushed, the Klairs is a nice & gentle option.
🍋 Bliss Bright Idea SerumThis features Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which is probably the most effective vitamin c derivative after Ascorbic Acid. It also includes hyaluronic acid and peptides at a lower price tag! Same lightweight texture and hydrating benefits, but I didn’t notice any skin improvements with the Bliss.
🍋 Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C SerumIf you feel like splurging, the Algenist Vitamin C is a lovely upgrade. Same light texture and but in an airtight bottle to protect the ascorbic acid. This isn’t as hydrating but delivered noticeable brightening results for me!
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Final Verdict
FAQs
Is the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10% Serum cruelty-free?
Is the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10% Serum safe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding?
Will the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10% Serum break me out?