Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by omgbart
Potent but polished, Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Serum is proof that high-strength actives don’t have to come with side effects.
When I’m asked about no-nonsense skincare, I think Paula’s Choice. It doesn’t just top the list, it began it. But as much as I enjoy most of the brand’s formulas, the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum made me a tad nervous. Unpopular opinion alert: of all the Paula’s Choice boosters, the Vitamin C was my least favorite. Unlike the Niacinamide and Peptide serums, it felt cosmetically inelegant and left a slightly sticky finish on my skin. Luckily, this addition is everything I like, want, and need in a serum. More below.
What is the new Paula's choice Vitamin C serum all about?
Paula’s Choice made the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione part of their ‘clinical’ range. ‘Clinical’ is industry speak for powerful and/or highly effective. It does not, however, mean prescription strength. Since I’ve always considered Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment a stand-out among Vitamin A formulas (and one of the best products from the brand overall), I was hoping it would surpass my booster experience. It’s a super gentle yet quite advanced solution that brightens and firms a dull, lackluster complexion. And it will work even for those usually sensitive to conventional Vitamin C serums.
What’s in the new Vitamin C serum?
First, the brightening promise comes via a clever blend of two forms of Vitamin C. Paula’s Choice uses a 25% concentration of oil-soluble Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and water-soluble Ascorbyl Glucoside. Unlike the ubiquitous L-Ascorbic Acid, these are extremely stable and won’t oxidize. You don’t have to worry about triggering sensitivities that turn your skin red and inflamed either. The combination of Glycerin with a touch of Dimethicone gives this serum a silky texture that feels almost luxe when applied.
Glutathione is another hero ingredient in this impressive formula. A potent antioxidant, it successfully defends against free radical damage like UV exposure and pollution. Glutathione is unique in its ability to inhibit enzymes that create pigment, which in turn lightens dark spots caused by UV damage. Maximizing antioxidant protection, the serum highlights Vitamin E, Apple Fruit Extract, and mushroom derived Ergothioneine. There isn’t added fragrance, but I do pick up a very faint aroma reminiscent of… wait for it… a vanilla wafer?
How do I use the new Paula's Choice serum?
Since I don’t like to complicate things and refuse to get too adventurous, I stick to Vitamin C during the day and retinoids at night. I know you can technically use both together in the same sequence but I find checking which has the lower pH and then waiting 30 minutes between applications pretty daunting.
This Paula’s Choice serum is definitely safe to use twice a day if you choose to do so. After my morning cleanse, I use an essence, follow with 2 pumps of the 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum, and finish with my favorite sunscreen. Two thumbs up. I've repurchased it since receiving the PR mailer at time of launch.
$68 (30ml) at paulaschoice.com but check out dermstore.com where my code OMGBART will score you 15% off total purchase.
Also available at Sephora.com and SpaceNK.com.
P.S. Take a look at my post rounding up other Vitamin C Favorites right here.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate?
It's an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that is significantly more stable than the more common L-Ascorbic Acid. It won't oxidize, won't turn orange in the bottle, and is far less likely to cause the redness and irritation that puts many people off high-concentration Vitamin C serums. The tradeoff is that it's less researched than L-Ascorbic Acid, but the stability and tolerability advantages make it a smart choice for anyone who has struggled with traditional Vitamin C formulas.
Can you use Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C with retinol?
Technically yes, but keeping them in separate routines is the simpler approach. Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night is a reliable, low-maintenance strategy that avoids any pH compatibility concerns and lets each ingredient do its job without interference.
Is Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C good for sensitive skin?
Yes — more so than most high-concentration Vitamin C serums. The formula uses stable, non-irritating Vitamin C derivatives rather than L-Ascorbic Acid, which is the main culprit behind the stinging and redness people associate with potent Vitamin C products. If you have avoided Vitamin C serums because of sensitivity concerns, this is the formula worth reconsidering.
What does Glutathione do in a Vitamin C serum?
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that defends against free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution. What makes it particularly useful in a brightening formula is its ability to inhibit the enzymes responsible for pigment production — which means it actively works to lighten dark spots caused by UV damage rather than just preventing new ones from forming.
When should you apply Vitamin C serum in your routine?
Morning is the ideal time. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works best when it can defend against the environmental stressors you encounter during the day — UV exposure, pollution, and general oxidative stress. Apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Skipping SPF after a Vitamin C serum defeats the purpose entirely.
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