Vitamin C Serum — Reddit Reviews
by Trader Joe's
Updated September 7, 2026
15% Vitamin C serum fades hyperpigmentation and brightens skin; sticky and pilling.
What the community says
This 15% L-ascorbic acid serum acts as a budget SkinCeuticals dupe to brighten and smooth uneven tone. It’s popular for rosacea and melasma but can burn eyes and pill under makeup. People with sensitive or oily skin often find it irritating.
What this means for you
Backed by 24 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 1 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- 15% L-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid for brightening and fading dark spots
- Affordable dupe of high-end vitamin C serums with similar ingredients
- Reported improvements in fading acne scars and dullness
Watch out for
- Can cause burning around eyes and irritation on sensitive or rosacea skin
- Thicker texture causes pilling under makeup and longer absorb time
- Dropper packaging exposes serum to oxygen, leading to potential oxidation and staining
Product details
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 37 mentions across 24 threads
Trader Joe's Vitamin C Serum on Reddit, in one place — 24 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 1 more, summarized.
“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
“use Trader Joe’s vitamin c in the AM”
Positive
“Beyond that, I alternate nighttime actives with prescription tret and azeliac acid, use Trader Joe’s vitamin c in the AM, and am religious with sunscreen.”
Positive
“Hope that’s helpful!”
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
