This Vitamin C Serum Is a Miracle for My Sensitive Skin

The gentle glow is real.

This Vitamin C Serum Is a Miracle for My Sensitive Skin

You could definitely say that my face and vitamin C serum are best friends. I've tried almost every option, from the famed Skinceuticals CE Ferulic to the most effective drugstore versions. And honestly, I love them all. Dermatologists frequently recommend vitamin C because it noticeably brightens, evens texture, combats free radical damage from UV rays, and helps stimulate collagen. It's a superstar of the skin care world.

My one issue with vitamin C is that the most powerful versions do their jobs with flair, but can also cause irritation in sensitive skin types. I usually stay away from my carefully guarded hoard of vitamin C serums during the winter, when the radiator—my face's mortal enemy—greedily sucks the moisture out of me, leaving my face a parched, dried-up husk that's more sensitized than usual.

By far the best workaround I've discovered? The new Beekman 1802 Golden Booster Amla Berry Vitamin C Brightening Serum, which is specifically developed to play nicely with sensitive skin. While most vitamin C serums feature a form of the ingredient called L-ascorbic acid, this one swaps it out for 2% amla berry extract: a plant-based source rich in vitamin C that's also completely shelf stable and boasts additional benefits (vitamin B, phenols, and amino acids).

“Based on our research, 2% amla berry was the optimal amount recommended amount for sensitive skin types,” says Brent Ridge, M.D., physician and Beekman 1802 cofounder. “Most of our customers have very sensitive skin. So we researched and tested many ingredients until we found a potent alternative active, with all the clinical-proven benefits for vitamin C but without any downsides, like irritation or stability and storage issues.”

The result is a very cute and cheerful-looking bottle of the aptly named Golden Booster. Along with amla berry extract, the formula contains ashwagandha and holy basil to illuminate skin and help boost your natural barrier function (your face's first line of defense in preventing moisture loss). While I was a little surprised at the small size at first, all became clear once I took it for a test run. As the name suggests, this is designed to work as a booster serum, which means you need no more than 1-2 drops max to enjoy the effects. Beekman 1802 recommends pairing it with the Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer by dropping it directly into the center of the dispenser and swirling the combination together.

“The serum becomes encapsulated in between layers of goat milk and probiotics that help your skin absorb the ingredients more effectively for longer lasting results,” says Ridge. “The combination of the goat milk and probiotics also helps prevent irritation by boosting the moisture levels in your skin and soothing irritation.” This method creates a very pretty, flower-like effect that makes my morning skin care routine look way more aesthetic than usual, but you can also add the serum to any of your favorite gentle moisturizers. I also frequently use mine with the ceramide-rich Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream.

Whichever way you wear it, the results easily speak for themselves. Every morning, I mix in a drop or two of the sunny Golden Booster with my daily moisturizer, then smooth it all over my face. For such a small amount of product, it feels incredibly nourishing. Although it's not something I can show you in a selfie, I'm assuming it does the invisible work of fighting free radicals and environmental aggressors as I apply it.

What I can attest to (thanks to my camera roll) is that it's been visibly boosting brightness and fading dark spots from acne with consistent use. It also makes me look incredibly glowy, leading one friend to text me unprompted that my skin has been especially “plush and plump” lately. And just as the brand promised, I haven't had the slightest hint of irritation or dryness. All the benefits with none of the potential side effects? My winter face has officially found its vitamin C soulmate.