Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 1/10

We like The Ordinary’s Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid serum because it’s not only affordable but also effective. Resveratrol and ferulic acid are two potent antioxidants (the former is found in grapes, nuts and certain berries, and the latter appears in tomato, sweet corn and rice bran) that can help reduce the effects of aging by neutralizing free radicals, reduce hormonal acne and lower inflammation. Plus, the only other ingredient in this formula is propanediol — a solvent that improves absorbency and softens the skin.

The downsides: The Ordinary states that this serum should not be used in combination with peptide-containing products. The formula also feels oily, so buyers with oily skin may not enjoy using it.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 4/10

What we like about the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum: This formula contains pure l-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C that has the most research to back up its anti-aging benefits. It also contains ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid, another antioxidant that moisturizes skin.

However, l-ascorbic acid is unstable, and as with all products that contain this form of vitamin C, it’s unclear how effective the formula is at reducing hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging. We therefore recommend using the product within three months of purchasing and opening. In addition, some buyers have experienced product quality issues when purchasing this serum off of Amazon.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 4/10

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant that supports collagen and elastin production, and it may provide many anti-aging benefits in topical form. We like The Inkey List’s Q10 Antioxidant Serum because the Co-Q10 works to gently prevent signs of aging while peptides increase skin elasticity. Squalane also helps hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. Overall, this is a great formula for sensitive and dry skin.

On the other hand, the Co-Q10 (ubiquinone) is pretty far down the list of ingredients, so the serum mostly contains hydrating and stabilizing ingredients. Others wish the bottle had a different design, as it’s not always easy to squeeze out product.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: not yet determined

If you’re looking for a lightweight, oily-skin-friendly serum packed with antioxidants, the Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced Power Berry Serum is a great option. It contains a host of naturally-sourced ingredients that fend off free radicals, including extracts from sea buckthorn, raspberry, elderberry and more. It also contains squalane, a non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory moisturizer.

The downsides: This product is pricey, and some of the extracts could cause an allergic reaction depending on your sensitivities.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 3/10

Oily, irritated and flaky skin isn’t easy to take care of, but an antioxidant serum like the RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum from Paula’s Choice makes it manageable. This lightweight formula contains a host of potent antioxidants that soothe irritation and slow down skin aging, including tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C), niacinamide, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), resveratrol and more. It also contains dimethicone and glycerin for light hydration.

However, this serum is expensive, and some customers complain that the airless pump dispenser does not work well. A few also found that this product irritated their skin.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: not yet determined

While the Aveeno Calm + Restore Age Renewal Serum doesn’t seem like an antioxidant serum at first, it contains two key ingredients with antioxidant properties: cranberry extract and oat extract. Cranberry extract acts as a retinol alternative to gently reduce signs of aging while oat extract strengthens the skin barrier and reduces inflammation. In addition, it contains skin-brightening niacinamide, but not enough to cause irritation. Overall, this is an excellent serum for those who are sensitive to strong antioxidants.

Note that this serum is unlikely to brighten hyperpigmentation like other antioxidant-rich serums. It may also not have as dramatic of an effect as other products.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: not yet determined

What we like about the Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum: This lightweight formula contains the antioxidant ascorbyl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C that is less likely to cause irritation as compared to l-ascorbic acid. It also contains vitamin E, another antioxidant that may reduce signs of aging and lower inflammation.

Bear in mind that ascorbyl glucoside doesn’t have as much research to support its efficacy as l-ascorbic acid. In addition, this formula contains fragrance, which is a common cause of irritation.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 3/10

Korean skincare is known for its innovation, and Beauty of Joseon’s Light On Serum lives up to the expectations. We like that this product contains 10% 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable form of vitamin C that may help lighten dark spots and reduce signs of aging. It also contains 68% centella asiatica extract, which may also increase your skin’s hydration while preventing the negative effects of free radicals.

However, this product has caused an allergic reaction for a few customers, and the tube is small when compared to similar products.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 2/10

There are a few reasons the TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum is one of the top antioxidant serums on Amazon. Firstly, it contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a gentler form of vitamin C that doesn’t break down as easily as l-ascorbic acid, and is also less likely to cause irritation. It also contains aloe vera, which has antioxidant properties, as well as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid which help hydrate and soothe skin.

While studies show that sodium ascorbyl phosphate has antioxidant properties and may be beneficial for acne, it doesn’t have as much research behind it as l-ascorbic acid. In addition, this product contains geranium, a natural fragrance that may cause irritation. It has also caused an allergic reaction for a few buyers.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: not yet determined

Looking for a gentle, antioxidant-rich serum that isn’t likely to cause irritation on a beginner? If so, try Honest Beauty’s Daily Green Juice Antioxidant Super Serum. This gentle, hydrating and lightweight formula contains a host of antioxidant-rich extracts, including a mushroom complex, carrot, kale and lemon extract, green tea oil and apple extract. It also has niacinamide, which can help brighten skin and reduce redness.

Since this formula is gentle, it may not have a dramatic effect in terms of skin brightening or the reduced appearance of fine lines. A few customers also disliked the product’s unscented scent.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 3/10

What we like about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum: This fragrance free formula is designed to improve skin texture, discoloration and signs of aging with just two key ingredients: niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. At a 10% concentration, the niacinamide in this formula is strong enough to brighten skin, reduce redness and diminish signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid then helps hydrate and soothe skin.

While this formula is a great pick for oily and combination skin, it may not be hydrating enough for dry skin. It also has a tacky finish, and the high percentage of niacinamide may make the skin more susceptible to irritation.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 3/10

If you want to start incorporating vitamin C into your routine but you’re afraid of the irritation it can cause, consider trying The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution. Ascorbyl glucoside is a gentler and stabler form of vitamin C as compared to l-ascorbic acid, so it is usually easier for the skin to tolerate and doesn’t oxidize (and lose its potency) as quickly.

Note that ascorbyl glucoside does not have as much research behind it as l-ascorbic acid. In addition, the serum has a slightly tacky finish which may bother some users, though applying a moisturizer on top should mitigate this issue. Keep in mind that certain moisturizers will not be compatible and may cause the product to pill.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 4/10

An oil-based serum helps strengthen your skin’s lipid barrier, which in turn may make it easier for your skin to tolerate potent antioxidants. If you are ready to try an oil-based product, we recommend the Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil Serum. It contains non comedogenic, non-greasy oils like jojoba oil and camellia oil which also work as antioxidants. Other ingredients like sea buckthorn extract, chamomile flower extract and basil flower extract help reduce inflammation as well.

Though this product absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, it may not be hydrating enough for dry skin types. It also has a thin consistency and can be tricky to apply. A few customers have experienced quality issues when buying from Amazon.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 2/10

The best features of the Timeless Skin Care Coenzyme Q10 Serum: This product has a simple ingredient list designed to deliver hydration and reduce signs of aging without causing irritation. In addition to Co-Q10, it contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide-based ingredient that reduces the appearance of fine lines, as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Overall, this is a lightweight serum that would work well on all skin types.

Note that this formula is runny, so it isn’t easy to apply. It also isn’t as potent as other antioxidant serums, so may not deliver dramatic results.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 3/10

Dermatologist and influencer Dr. Andrea Suarez notes that the research on combining antioxidants with sunscreen is mixed (ie. it may make antioxidants ineffective). However, she says some studies suggest that it is beneficial, and that it makes for an easier skincare routine. If you’re hoping to try a combination product, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Daily Antioxidant Face Serum SPF 50. This lightweight serum uses chemical sunscreens to protect the skin while vitamins C and E help reduce damage from oxidative stress.

On the other hand, some buyers note that this serum left their skin sensitive and irritated, especially around the eyes. It also has a noticeable sunscreen scent which may be off putting, and it’s expensive.

Toxicity and Irritation Rating: 4/10

What we like about the DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum: It contains multiple antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and aloe vera, all of which may combat signs of aging. It also has deeply hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to increase moisture and help deliver the antioxidants into skin cells. Overall, we like that this formula is absorbent and lightweight, and it works well under moisturizer.

Bear in mind that this formula uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a form of vitamin C that is more stable than l-ascorbic acid but may not be as effective. Indeed, a few buyers found that the product wasn’t very effective at reducing signs of aging. Lastly, this product contains fragrance which may be irritating.