There’s a $10 ingredient that fades dark spots — but it stops working completely if you skip one specific step

the sheer number of skincare products on the market, assuming that high price tags equate to higher quality. In the case of Vitamin C, that is often not the case. You can find excellent, high-quality serums at the local grocery store or pharmacy for less than the price of a takeout meal. When you are shopping, look for three specific things. First, look for a concentration of 10% to 20% Vitamin C, specifically in the form of L-ascorbic acid, which is the most research-backed form available. Second, check the packaging.