17 Vitamin C Serums That Deliver Serious Skin-Brightening Results
Brighter, tighter skin is just a bottle away.
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Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is having a moment on TikTok, but don’t think it's all hype — vitamin C serum is a true powerhouse skincare ingredient that offers both short and long-term benefits. So if you're not already harnessing the holy-grail powers of a vitamin C serum in your skincare routine, you're missing out on some key benefits. Just like azelaic acid and niacinamide, vitamin C is an expert-approved favorite ingredient that should be in everyone's skincare routine, regardless of your skin type or sensitivity.
The Best Vitamin C Serums
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The only caveat: not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Vitamin C is unstable, meaning it can quickly expire due to light and air exposure. Plus, many serums contain different amounts of vitamin C, so make sure you check the label to see if it's the right percentage for your skin concerns.
Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, chatted with board-certified dermatologists to discuss everything you should know about shopping for a vitamin C serum.
What is a Vitamin C Serum?
A vitamin C serum is a lightweight liquid or gel-textured skincare product that is infused with various concentrations of vitamin C. Most stable vitamin C serums, such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum, are sold in a container that shields them from light or an amber glass bottle, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Supriya Tomar, M.D.
Don’t worry: Vitamin C serums sold in other containers, including InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid, are safe to use, but they might not last as long as other variations. One way to help stabilize and boost the efficacy of any vitamin C serum is to store it in a skincare fridge.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do For the Skin?
For board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., vitamin C is undoubtedly the ultimate multitasker in skincare. “It is a potent antioxidant and neutralizes free radical damage to protect the skin,” he says. Vitamin C also lightens dark spots, promotes collagen production, and strengthens the skin.
But that’s not all: Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, especially when paired with an SPF 30 or higher, according to Tomar. “Most sunscreens only provide up to 99% protection from UV rays, and vitamin C serums can actually act as a booster to that, helping to fill in the missing protection. So not only does it help correct existing damage, but it will help prevent additional damage as well,” she explains.
How We Chose
We know how important your pores are, which is why we only featured the most trusted vitamin C serums on the market. Our beauty editor considered the potency, packaging, texture, and feel of these products, and we combed through hundreds of reviews on Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more. Plus, since vitamin C isn't the only ingredient you want in your overall routine, many of these formulas contain a plethora of other skin-saving ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and more.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Pros
- Ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types
- Remains effective for at least 72 hours
- TSA-size dark bottle
Cons
- Very expensive
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has earned a cult following from beauty obsessives and skincare experts alike, so it’s no surprise this vitamin C serum earned our best overall distinction. This serum delivers advanced environmental protection, and it improves the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness.
The award-winning serum also works to improve the overall brightness of your skin's complexion. It's incredibly effective, and it's worth the splurge, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alain Michon, M.D., of Ottawa Skin Clinic.
“This serum features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid. This combination enhances the protection against environmental stress and damage caused by free radicals,” explains Michon.
Plus, it comes in an amber glass bottle to help stabilize its potency.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Contains seven mild fruit extracts for gentle exfoliation
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's too watery
What's worse than acne? Dark spots. Those pesky spots and scars seem to take forever to fade — but if you want to speed up the healing process a bit, then this vitamin C serum will definitely help.
Not only does this serum contain 20% brightening vitamin C, which also helps even out skin tone, but it also has exfoliating AHAs to help unclog pores and slough away any dead skin cells lingering on your skin. The results: more radiant, even-toned skin.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Free of harmful parabens and sulfates
- More than 11,520 five-star Amazon reviews
- 86% of users saw an overall improvement
Cons
- Slippery feel
For those in search of a more natural serum, the InstaNatural brand boasts a quality product completely free of harmful alcohols, parabens, and sulfates.
With vitamin C as its star ingredient, this serum also contains a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and argan oil to nourish your skin.
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Allergy-tested formula
- Clean aloe scent
Cons
- Slightly tacky feel
Vichy's answer to vitamin C serum combines 15% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for skin that looks brighter and feels firmer in less than 2 weeks. This potent formula is made with 11 ingredients that'll seriously improve the texture and tone of your skin, including skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and moisturizing glycerin.
Olay Tone Perfection Serum Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C
Olay Tone Perfection Serum Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
- Affordable and effective
Cons
- Skip if you have sensitive skin
Why scour through all of the expensive luxurious picks when this drugstore jewel works just as well? This vitamin C serum from Olay also contains vitamin B-3 (niacinamide), which brightens and evens your complexion. There's also panthenol to soothe your dull and tired complexion.
ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros
- Hydrates skin within 1 hour
- Combines vitmain C with hyaluronic acid and ultraglycans
Cons
- Pricey
If you want to give your skincare routine a more luxury feel, then it's time to introduce ampoules into your regimen — they are tiny portioned bottles of serums and oils for single-use. This vitamin C ampoule from ISDIN is one of our favorites for its highly potent formula.
Not only will you soften fine lines and deep wrinkles, but you'll surge your skin with moisture thanks to hyaluronic acid. It also contains ultraglycan, a protein that boosts skin elasticity.
A bonus: The fast-absorbing serum has a clean scent.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Pros
- Improves skin firmness, minimizes dark spots, and uneven skin texture and tone
- Made with clean ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the packaging
This vitamin C serum from Drunk Elephant is packed with a 15% solution of a potent antioxidant complex, l-ascorbic and ferulic acids, and vitamin E.
It also features a reservoir effect, meaning it'll stay active on your skin for up to 72 hours and can't be washed or rubbed off.
Drunk Elephant's clean vitamin C serum is also infused with pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract to shrink the look of pores, while chronopeptide provides extra anti-aging benefits.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Serum
Pros
- Minimizes the look of pores
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Creamy feel might be too rich for very oily skin
Sunday Riley's C.E.O. vitamin C serum is infused with an impressive 15% ultra stable, advanced vitamin C. Given its high concentration of ascorbic acid, we advise only those who are used to vitamin C to opt for this potent product.
It's a fast-absorbing formula that provides equally rapid results. Use it daily to experience antioxidant benefits, such as improvement of pesky skin issues like fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Clean, vegan ingredients
- Contains hyaluronic acid for additional moisture
Cons
- Strong scent
If you're new to vitamin C, then your skin may need to start with a lower dose to keep irritation at bay. Enter: this vitamin C serum from Ole Henriksen.
It has 15% vitamin C, which is balanced with gentle exfoliating PHAs and hydrating hyaluronic acid to soothe and comfort even the most sensitive of skin types.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
Pros
- Highly potent formulation
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Relatively small product for the price
The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C serum is another pick that's on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it provides serious results. This anti-aging and brightening treatment features 20% THD ascorbate, a mega-potent form of vitamin C.
It also contains 3% vitamin E and 2% ferulic acid to make this vitamin C serum the ultimate anti-aging treatment.
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum
Pros
- Silky, weightless texture
- Gives skin a brighter and more youthful appearance
- Contains plant extracts and antioxidants
Cons
- Should only be used at night
If you want to take your anti-aging routine to the next level, then a combination of vitamin C and retinol will do just the trick.
This powerful vitamin C serum from Kate Somerville is a perfect addition to your night routine to give your skin a brighter, tighter, and more youthful appearance. It's also enhanced with physalis angulata extract to stop free radicals in their tracks and prevent signs of aging.
Joanna Vargas Rescue Serum
Joanna Vargas Rescue Serum
Pros
- Builds collagen
- Created by a celeb aesthetician
Cons
- Most expensive vitamin C serum
Yes, $150 is an investment, but our former beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein, argues this potent serum 100% rescued her skin.
Appropriately named Rescue Serum, it's designed with dynamic vitamin C and is an anti-aging serum that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage. “It’s an amazing pick for your daily serum if you have severe wrinkles to battle,” she says.
Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
Pros
- Visibly de-puff your under-eyes
- Hydrates to visibly smooth wrinkles
Cons
- Will need to buy a separate serum for your face
When it comes to your eyes, giving them an extra boost of TLC is a must in skincare 101. So, if your under-eyes are looking a little tired, then give them an added dose of pep with this vitamin C serum from Murad. It works to hydrate, brighten, and tighten the skin around your eyes to avoid dark circles, sagging, and puffiness.
Plus, this eye cream illuminates your undereye area thanks to its yellow tint, so you can skip using a color corrector.
Glossier Super Glow Serum
Glossier Super Glow Serum
Pros
- Doesn't irritate sensitive skin
- Jojoba oil and shea butter condition and nourish skin
Cons
- Some reviewers don't care for the scent
Glossier is known for pumping out beauty hit after hit, and this serum definitely does not disappoint. It's a fusion of magnesium and vitamin C that gives your skin an instant glow without any sticky residue. It's also fabulous for normal and dry skin types because it contains several nourishing ingredients, like jojoba oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil.
Plus, this trendy serum has a natural pH level, ensuring its stability even after you open it.
Saint Jane Beauty The C Drops
Saint Jane Beauty The C Drops
Pros
- Infused with clean ingredients, like citrus and florals
- Potent brightening serum
Cons
- Skip if you have eczema
If you're into all of the skincare benefits of CBD, then we have news for you: Saint Jane Beauty created a CBD-infused vitamin C serum. Now, you can enjoy all of the brightening properties of a potent 20% vitamin C serum with the calming, soothing results of full-spectrum CBD.
Even better news: This vitamin C serum earned the Credo Clean Standard badge of approval, meaning it's free of more than 2,700 ingredients.
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C
Pros
- Free of talc, mineral oil, silicone, and sulfates
- Leaping Bunny–certified
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the milky texture
If you're all about the clean beauty approach, then Omorovicza needs to be on the top of your list. On top of having fully recyclable packaging, this vitamin C serum is made with all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients like kiwi berry and watercress extract for everyone to enjoy.
It contains other skincare superstars, including zinc, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Omorovicza's signature healing concentrate.
True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster
True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster
Pros
- Made with nontoxic ingredients
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Reviewers say they finish the bottle quickly
This goop-approved vitamin C serum booster is perfect for those who, again, prefer clean beauty products. It’s actually in powder form, which keeps vitamin C’s potency intact longer than your typical serum.
To use, just add it to any serum. You can also mix it with water, making it a great travel option.
FAQ
Q: What concentration of vitamin C is good for your skin?
A: “The different amounts generally indicate how impactful your results will be, and most come in at 10% because it’s well tolerated by almost any skin type,” says Tomar. “20% will yield stronger results, but sensitive skin types should tread cautiously. Anything above that can lead to irritation. And the rule of thumb is to always keep the concentration above 8%, even for beginners.”
Q: In what order should you put on vitamin C serum?
A: Tomar says that vitamin C serum is considered an active product, so it should go on a freshly washed and toned face and before your moisturizer and sunscreen.
Vitamin C is considered an active product, so it is most effective after the face is cleansed and toned. After you slather on the serum, you should follow up with a moisturizer to seal it in, advises Tomar and Michon.
“Since sunscreen is the most important step of the skincare routine, it is incredibly important to apply sunscreen after applying the vitamin C serum and moisturizer in order to protect the skin against free radicals effectively,” adds Michon.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
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