Vitamin C Serum — Reddit Reviews
by Trader Joe's
Updated August 2, 2026
Affordable dupe of a high-end vitamin C serum with clinically backed active levels
What the community says
Vitamin C serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid plus vitamin E and ferulic acid offers an affordable, thicker alternative to pricier CE Ferulic-type serums but demands patience for absorption and careful storage to limit oxidation.
What this means for you
Backed by 11 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 2 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Affordable dupe of a high-end vitamin C serum with clinically backed active levels
- Contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid for antioxidant protection and brightening
- Faint citrus scent with a dewy finish that some find more pleasant than pricier counterparts
Watch out for
- Thick texture results in slower absorption and can cause pilling if layered too soon
- Dropper bottle packaging exposes serum to oxygen, increasing risk of oxidation and staining
- Can cause sensitivity or layering issues under makeup and may not be ideal for the most sensitive skin types
Product details
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads
11 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction +2 more
“Formulated for us by dermatologists, this Serum includes 15% L-ascorbic acid (AKA Vitamin C), 1% tocopherols (AKA vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid”
Mentioned
“I took a chance on this one and it is the clear color you would expect from a fresh product.”
Mentioned
“TJ will take a bit longer to absorb as it’s a bit thicker whereas most of the comparable ones are more watery.”
Mentioned
“Trader Joe's just released a Skinceuticals CE Ferulic dupe!”
Positive
“I've only been using it a few days, but I already prefer the feel of it to the Skinceuticals version.”
Positive
“OMG I’ve been using this and I absolutely LOVE it.”
Positive
“I agree with recs on Vitamin C (try Trader Joe’s one - I love it) and SPF 50 or higher at all times.”
Positive
“try Trader Joe’s one - I love it”
Positive
“You can get it to fade”
Positive
“Mornings I wash my face with water, apply Trader joe’s Vit c serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.”
Positive
“vitamin c and spf in the morning”
Positive
“Morning - 7 days a week”
Positive
“the Budget Dermatologist on YouTube recently did a short on the Trader Joe‘s vitamin c serum so watch that.”
Positive
“I’ve started using the new $10 Trader Joe’s one and really like it”
Positive
“Watch The Budget Dermatologist YouTube video ‘You Don’t Need Skinceuticals $185 Vitamin C Serum’ to see a number of good and affordable vitamin c serums.”
Positive
“Trader Joe’s makes one that’s $10.”
Positive
“The biggest criticism of the Trader Joe’s formula is that it smells really weird, and it comes in a glass bottle and dropper, which lets more oxygen come in contact with the vitamin C.”
Positive
“it was somehow as good (for me) as the Skinceuticals.”
Positive
