Vitamin C serum in Kenya: prices, honest picks and alternatives

Vitamin C is one of the most searched skincare ingredients in Kenya, usually by people who want brighter, more even-looking skin. We want to be straight with you: we only stock a small number of vitamin C products right now. Here is what they are, what they cost, how to use them, and the alternatives we suggest if your goal is a brighter, more even look.

What vitamin C does in skincare

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. In skincare it is used for dullness and a more even-looking tone, and it works well alongside sunscreen in the morning. It does not replace sunscreen, and it does not bleach the skin.

Vitamin C serums vary a lot. Pure vitamin C is effective but can sting, and it spoils faster in heat and light. Many newer serums blend vitamin C with other ingredients such as niacinamide to make them easier to use every day.

What to look for

• Dark or opaque packaging, and a storage spot away from sunlight and heat.
• Colour. If a clear or pale serum turns dark orange or brown, it has probably gone off.
• Your skin type. Sensitive skin should start every other day.
• A texture you will use daily. Vitamin C works through steady use, not the odd application.

Our picks

Our main vitamin C serum: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is a vitamin serum with vitamin C and niacinamide, aimed at dullness, dark spots and uneven tone. It is light and easy to layer under moisturiser and sunscreen.

Vitamin C with glutathione: Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot

Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot combines vitamin C and glutathione with niacinamide and panthenol. It is aimed at dullness, dark spots and dark circles. Follow the directions on the pack for use near the eyes.

Budget night option: Palmer’s Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night

Palmer’s Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night is not a serum, but it is the most affordable way to get vitamin C into a routine. It also contains niacinamide, retinol and vitamin E. Because of the retinol, use it at night only, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor first.

Closest alternative without vitamin C: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha Arbutin uses rice and alpha arbutin for a brighter, more even look. It is a good choice if vitamin C serums have stung your skin before.

For stubborn marks: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum pairs niacinamide with tranexamic acid and is aimed at dark spots and uneven tone. We compare it with the other options in our guide to the best niacinamide serums in Kenya.

These range from roughly KSh 1,490 for the Palmer’s night cream to about KSh 3,200 for the Anua serum. The two vitamin C serums cost roughly KSh 2,500 to KSh 2,800.

How to use vitamin C in your routine

Morning

1. Cleanser.
2. Toner, if you use one.
3. Vitamin C serum, a few drops pressed into the skin.
4. Moisturiser.
5. Sunscreen, every day.

Night

1. Cleanser.
2. A second serum if you like, such as alpha arbutin or niacinamide.
3. Moisturiser, or the Palmer’s night cream.

Start every other morning for the first two weeks, then daily. Mild tingling at first can be normal, but burning, itching or redness that stays means stop.

Questions we get asked

How much is vitamin C serum in Kenya?

At Benus Beauty, our vitamin C serums cost roughly KSh 2,500 to KSh 2,800 for 30ml. The Palmer’s night cream with vitamin C is a cheaper option at around KSh 1,500. Live prices are in the list above.

What is the best vitamin C serum in Kenya?

From what we stock, Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is our first pick for most people. Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot is a good choice if you also want something for dark circles.

Do you sell CeraVe, Garnier or La Roche-Posay vitamin C serum?

Not at the moment. We only list products we can guarantee are original. Our current vitamin C options are Numbuzin No.5 and Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot.

Can I use vitamin C serum with niacinamide?

Yes. Both Numbuzin No.5 and the Arencia Booster Shot already contain both. If your skin stings when you layer two serums, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.

Does vitamin C serum lighten the skin?

No. It does not bleach the skin. It helps skin look brighter and more even over several weeks, and only if you also wear sunscreen every day.

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Browse all our serums, and read our guides to fading dark spots in Kenya, the best sunscreen in Kenya and the best toner in Kenya. Delivery across Kenya, free from KSh 3,000, same-day in Nairobi before 5pm, and pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash.