Vitamin C skincare that keeps you glowing through pregnancy and postpartum

Skinceuticals is basically synonymous with Vitamin C. Their best-selling serum is arguably the gold star of Vitamin C, recommended by countless dermatologists, beauty editors and skincare junkies like myself. The reason? Its efficacy is undeniable. The patented formula combines three powerhouse ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, a super potent form of pure vitamin C that can help reverse sun damage and offers anti-aging benefits; 1% alpha-tocopherol, the pure form of vitamin E that works when paired with vitamin C to neutralize free radicals and replenish skin; and 0.5% ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and enhances the antioxidant benefits and stability of vitamins C and E. Skinceuticals is a top choice for all kinds of skin, but it’s an especially fab choice for those with sensitive skin due to its higher PH levels. Unlike competitors, the higher level means it more easily penetrates without disrupting the protective barrier (which can be the cause of redness and discomfort.) Be warned though. The smell is…not great. (Hot dog water is probably the closest descriptor.) That said, the smell does dissipate as it dries and since it’s best to follow up with a moisturizer, it’s not under your nose for long.

Forget Florida oranges—Australia is where it’s at when it comes to natural Vitamin C sources. Australian skincare brand Sand & Sky leverages local heroes Kakadu Plum and Emu Apple to create their cult-worthy, glow enhancing products (and racking up impressive waitlists with each new release!) For everyday use, I love the Dreamy Glow Drops—a bi-phase serum (which means it’s got both oil and water) that sinks in instantly to deliver hydration (thanks to the addition of five types of hyaluronic acids), plumpness and all-over glow. The consistency is more water than oil, so it works fabulously under makeup and doesn’t appear greasy in the least.

To be honest, it took me a while to adopt Vitamin C into my routine because so often it’s sticky and stinky. That’s why I was pretty excited about Goop’s latest launch—a lightweight but super hydrating lotion that’s packed with Vitamin C (courtesy of Kakadu Plum) spirulina enzyme and protein that helps combat dullness caused by sun, computer time or just life in general. It’s an ideal choice for anyone struggling with dry skin as it absorbs easily, without that heavy, bogged down feeling you can get from some moisturizers.

A sheer serum with a soft, citrusy rose scent. After sleepless nights and that lovely postpartum drop in hormones, my skin was desperate for something to bring it back to life; and this serum really brightened up my fatigued skin. Ursa Major’s serum contains all-natural ingredients and none of the bad guys (sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, etc), which is perfect if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You’ll find Ascorbic Acid Polypeptides delivering your Vitamin C kick along with Rose hip, Aloe and Edelweiss to intensify the antioxidant and hydration factor.

Bringing you the ‘slept for 8 hours’ look, Glossier’s Super Glow serum brightens and evens skin texture using Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, a super-stable form of vitamin C. This serum has a thin water-like texture, perfect for oily skin types and that summer humidity. Any new mama dealing with hormonal acne will love this serum — so light, you’re sure to feel hydrated but not oily. Super Glow is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, paraben and fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan so you can get that super glow, super safely.

State of the art, modern scientific formulations meet with Ayurvedic blends in Sahajan, which is based on an ancient mind-body system of medicine developed by Indian sages. This cream is deeply nourishing and features Triphala, a triple-fruit blend including the Amla fruit that has 20 times the amount of Vitamin C contained in an orange. This guarantees brighter, firmer glowing skin, all without any of the harmful ingredients. It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, petroleum and artificial colors/fragrances. upon using this cream, my skin felt hydrated instantly, which was a lifesaver. My skin has been desert dry since day one postpartum, and the Coconut Oil in this cream solved that problem in its first use.

Lightweight and oil free, Maelove is an impressive budget-friendly alternative to Skinceuticals. Similarly, it’s packed with the power trio of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation with the added bonus of hyaluronic acid to hydrate parched skin. As compared to other Vitamin C products we’ve used it’s a little more gentle. Whereas some formulas can leave your face a bit red and/or stingy, we’ve never experienced that with Maelove. It’s also less “hot dog” scented than its more expensive counterpart.