Does This Buzzy Vitamin C Serum Work?

We’re never one to turn away new products that promise to help lighten spots leftover from acne, age, or the sun (particularly since a visit to the dermatologist is not only costly but can sometimes mean multiple rounds of treatment). That’s why we were eager to try much-buzzed-about Hyper’s Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum when it came across our desks.

Hyper Clear is a serum that contains 15% vitamin C and E to brighten skin, smooth fine lines and rough texture, and clear dark spots from hyperpigmentation in around a month. It was also created to be effective for all skin types and skin tones (something we wish more brands would try).

The serum is scentless and goes on under your moisturizer and sunscreen. What we weren’t so keen on was the texture – it’s insanely runny and that matters if you’re trying to get the most out of this product ($36 for .5 fl oz). When applied, it dries as a clear, albeit sticky gel, so your face is already going to feel it has something on it when you go to apply anything on top of it. Not to mention when you use at it night, your face is going to stick to your pillowcase. We like products that let our skin breathe and feel weightless and this felt like a mask. We had a lot of hopes for this because it’s been so, well, hyped up in the media. But we didn’t see any change to scar coloration or even skin texture after using it. It’s a pass for us.

Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum, $36

Price point: High