Vitamin C serums are everywhere right now. Scroll through Instagram, and you will see a promising "instant glow"; the other claims to erase the spots. But which product really lives up to the hype?
Two names keep popping up in India: Pilgrim 10% Vitamin C Face Serum and Lakmé 9to5 VitC+ Serum. Both carry the goodness of Kakadu Plum, though they deliver different results, with varied formulations. Let us closely examine both of the products to know which Vitamin C serum works best for your skin.
The Pilgrim formulation has a
concentration of actives without feeling harsh on the skin. It uses 3-O-Ethyl
Ascorbic Acid, a stable form of Vitamin C that doesn’t lose power as fast as
raw Vitamin C usually does. That stability means your bottle keeps working till
the very last drop.
It also brings in Australian
Kakadu Plum, famous for being packed with antioxidants, and that gives the
formula extra strength against pollution and sun damage. In clinical testing,
users saw visible brightening in just five days — a good promise if spots and
uneven tone are your main worries.
The texture? Lightweight but not
watery, so it sinks quickly without leaving greasiness. The Pilgrim Vitamin C serum
works well under sunscreen in the day, or layered with a moisturiser at night.
Price: ₹545 for 30 ml
Biggest win: Noticeable brightening and spot fading in a short time.
Who it suits: Women who want a stronger Vitamin C formula to tackle stubborn spots, uneven tone, and dullness head-on.
Lakmé has gone for accessibility. Smaller bottle,
lower price, lighter feel. It’s built for daily glow rather than heavy-duty
spot correction.
The star is again Kakadu Plum. The
serum aims to offer a healthy skin barrier by fighting against free radicals
from the sun and pollution. If your concern is tired and lifeless skin, this
Vitamin C serum can be a top pick.
Texture-wise, it’s super light, almost like water. It disappears in the skin within seconds, with no residue. So you can reapply without worrying about piling or greasiness.
Price: ₹276 for 15 ml
Biggest win: Affordable, beginner-friendly, and quick absorbing
Who it suits: Individuals new to Vitamin C, or who want a soft daily glow booster.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
● If you are struggling with dark spots, patch
skin tones, or stubborn dull, go for Pilgrim Vitamin C face serum. High
concentrations of Vitamin C and stable derivatives mean that it packs a punch.
● If you are currently starting with Vitamin C
serum or want to choose a budget-friendly option so you glow each day, then
pick Lakmé. It takes time to remove stubborn spots, yet it adds a glow to your
face.
● Pair
it with sunscreen: Vitamin C
makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, so SPF is necessary during the day.
● Start
slow: If you are using it for
the first time, start once a day. Allow your skin to adjust before going into
morning and night use.
● Don’t
mix with everything: Avoid
layering Vitamin C with strong activities such as retinol or high-strength
AHAs/BHAs in the same routine. You can use them on alternate days.
● Store
it right: Place the bottle in
a cool, dark place. Its effectiveness reduces due to exposure to light and air.
● Consistency
matters: Give it regular use
of at least 4-6 weeks before determining the results.
There’s no one-size-fits-all
answer to which Vitamin C serum is the best — it depends on your skin type and
concerns. Find the one that suits your lifestyle and budget, then stick with it
along with a good skin care regimen.