Opening new beauty products is strangely exciting. There’s so much hope and potential wrapped up in that little tub, jar, bar or bottle. Yet that high is often fleeting, and countless products end up collecting dust because they don’t fulfill their promises of magical transformation. Womp, womp. We’ve all been there. But one product that won’t end up in your beauty product graveyard, if chosen well? A good vitamin C serum: The potent antioxidant helps fix hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, leaving you bright-faced and glowy. No, it’s not mysterious beauty voodoo—it’s science.
Concentrated vitamin C serums deliver on complexion-boosting benefits—and are totally worth the ... [+] hype.
“Antioxidants like vitamin C are super important for the skin,” says Dr. Rachel Pritzker, dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “They eat up free radicals, which are the junk molecules caused by exposure to pollution and UV rays.” Not only does this key ingredient protect against environmental stressors and inhibit melanin production, it also works to hydrate, brighten and stimulate collagen (translation: fewer unsightly spots, more radiance).
Whether you’ve got dry skin, acne-prone skin, significant hyperpigmentation or another issue you’re most focused on, there’s a version out there that will be the best fit for you. When putting together our list, we considered factors such as price point, effectiveness, ability to cater to different skin types and ease of use. Read on for our expert-approved picks for the best vitamin C serums on the market today.
“This has been a gold standard in the industry for many years and still is a dermatology favorite,” says Pritzker. “Many companies are doing more research to back up the efficacy of their vitamin C formulations, but this was the first to show us great data.” SkinCeuticals’ version evens pigmentation and fights environmental aging using high concentrations of three dream team antioxidants: vitamin C (15% pure L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (1% alpha tocopherol), and ferulic acid. They work in conjunction to minimizes dark spots, fight future UVA/UVB damage, alleviate inflammation and neutralize free radicals. The result? The word “youthful” will replace “tired” and “blotchy” when describing your skin.
Reviewers report this was a game changer for improving texture and reducing the appearance of dark patches and acne scars. One thing to note: Some say this product has a somewhat stinky odor.
If your skin feels dull after a long winter, you’re not alone. This popular serum—which glides on like a light moisturizer—brightens skin, targets dark spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Its star ingredient is oil-soluble tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, a type of vitamin C that absorbs quickly. Other standouts in this cruelty-free formulation: Phytosterols reduce signs of skin sensitivity—such as redness—and make skin supple, and saccharide isomerate acts as a pore minimizer. Think of this as an IRL smartphone filter: it evens tone, smooths skin and boosts radiance.
Unlike some funky vitamin C serums, this one has a subtle, refreshing citrusy scent that users, including myself, love. Some reviewers feel that while this serum brightened their skin immediately, it took time to see additional results.
This formulation features 10% pure vitamin C in conjunction with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Together, they work to reduce wrinkles, even skin tone and make dark spots and pores less noticeable. While some serums leave behind a greasy feel, I am a fan of this one’s powdery finish, which is similar to that of a primer. The lower concentration compared to some competitors’ is sort of a catch-22: It’s less potent than others with higher concentrations of vitamin C, but at the same time it may be better tolerated by new users or those with sensitive skin. Fans love that it does well underneath other skin products, including moisturizers, SPF and makeup, and it doesn’t have a smelly odor.
“This is one of my very favorite serums, and it’s a cult favorite,” says Pritzker. “It has 30% THD ascorbic acid which is not only some of the highest percentage on the market, but it’s extremely stable. The airless pump ensures that the vitamin C will not oxidize. It protects against blue light and urban dust and supports the skin’s microbiome.” Revision’s seemingly tireless serum brightens and evens skin tone, improves fine lines, helps correct damage and acts as armor to defend against future free-radical damage. Another plus: it’s a lightweight cream formula, which works well for all skin types, says Pritzker.
Many vitamin C serums require some time before you can see results, but this vegan and cruelty-free serum promises brighter, bouncier skin in just one week. It contains a core trifecta of hardworking ingredients: 15% vitamin C to improve elasticity and reduce the look of dark spots, pores and wrinkles; 5% PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) to exfoliate and even skin tone; and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. And something else that’s fun: This serum boasts “banana powder-inspired pigments” that promise to instantly illuminate and color correct. So basically, it’s equal parts glowy concealer and a time machine for your skin. Reviewers love the smell, say it absorbs quickly and like that it wears well underneath other products. However, some report that it leaves behind a tacky feel.
This is one of those insider-y, cult-favorite serums that beauty experts and enthusiasts love. It’s got several anti-aging key players: It’s made with antioxidants vitamin C (15% L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E and ferulic acid for protection from free radicals, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration. It reduces redness, evens tone and fades dark spots so well that reviewers often describe it as “a magic potion in a bottle.” Other ingredients include a botanical blend (aloe, vitis vinifera, aurantium dulcis and magnolia) that helps nourish and provide a base for flawless makeup application.
Resurrect your complexion with this high-performance blend—featuring vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble form), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). It promises to brighten, reduce hyperpigmentation and promote elasticity to revitalize tired-looking skin. In particular, its five-star reviewers (there are more than 60,000 of them) rave about its ability to reduce dark spots and redness, decrease breakouts and minimize pore size. You just need three to five drops of this serum applied after cleansing, and it works well with or without makeup. Another standout feature for TruSkin: reviewers say this company’s customer service is unparalleled.
Core components of this formula include vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to reverse photo-damage, ferulic acid to kick-start cellular turnover and grapeseed extract for additional antioxidant protection. Users frequently use the term “glowy” when referencing this product’s results, and they say it improves dark spots and acne scars. The opaque bottle prevents premature oxidation as well. One con: Some reviewers feel the texture is on the sticky side.
This is an oil, not a serum, but we felt it worth mentioning. From clean beauty brand Biossance, this product features THD ascorbate, the oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C that is typically easier to tolerate than straight L-ascorbic acid. Its other star ingredients are sugarcane-derived squalane and chios crystal oil, which work to lock in moisture and increase skin firmness. One issue with many oils and serums is that they leave behind a greasy residue, but this hydrator seems to absorb in just a few minutes. Still, bear in mind, less is more—you only need a few drops to improve skin radiance. Unlike some other vitamin C products, this one has a nice, light rose smell, and it works well under makeup without pilling. Reviewers report that it fades acnes scars and spots and visibly brightens dull skin, leaving you with a youthful glow.
Wake up blah skin, achieve a more youthful-looking glow and target uneven texture with this pure 10% vitamin C serum. It also contains hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid, a known acne fighter that also helps exfoliate and minimize the appearance of pores. Some users don’t love the dropper and say it’s hard to use, and many report that it can sometimes pill under makeup.
Founded on the premise that good beauty products should be affordable, The Ordinary’s suspension offers high-impact ingredients at a low cost. With 23% L-ascorbic acid—paired with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid—this product combats uneven tone, boosts radiance and gives an overall plumping effect. The texture, however, can be divisive. It’s somewhat watery but also has a gritty feel, almost like an exfoliant. The right play here may be to use this one before bed, because when I tried to wear it under makeup, it pilled. Some reviewers say that it tingles when first applied (although this didn’t happen to me), so it may not be ideal for sensitive skin.
Vitamin C is one of those antioxidants that’s especially compelling because it has so much potential to deliver complexion-enhancing results. There are many factors to consider when looking for the best vitamin C serum. “Choosing the right one can be tricky,” says Pritzker. “Beyond the efficacy of the [ingredient], it’s important to find a formula that works with your skin.”
“There are many factors that go into formulating an effective vitamin C because it can be hard to stabilize,” says Pritzker. “These factors include pH, concentration and other ingredients. It’s important to make sure that the manufacturer has clinical data to back up its claims.”
Not all of them are created equal. Certain formulations offer higher concentrations, or they’re coupled with other star ingredients that give major benefits. Companies use various forms of vitamin C in their formulations, and the two most common are L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbate. L-ascorbic acid is 100% pure vitamin C. It’s water-soluble, well-researched and effective, but extremely unstable. It begins to oxidize and change color over time and can be irritating to some people’s skin.
Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate is stable and fat soluble, so it can be used in oil-based products. It tends to be well tolerated and permeates the skin easily. Separately, vitamin E and ferulic acid are ideal antioxidants to be paired with vitamin C, according to Pritzker. Hyaluronic acid and squalane can also be vehicles within various vitamin C serums as well.
“Vitamin C products have different vehicles that may or may not agree with your skin. There are creams, serums, oils, and depending on these factors some skin types react differently than others,” says Pritzker. Serums, for their part, are typically characterized by highly concentrated ingredients that penetrate deep within the skin.
Because vitamin C is often an unstable ingredient and can start to oxidize in the presence of light, heat and air, it’s a good idea to seek out serums with dark, opaque packaging. If the formula itself has turned brown, it has lost its potency.
The results speak for themselves. “From clinical data as well as anecdotal evidence, we know that vitamin C works,” says Pritzker. “You can start to appreciate the results of a topical vitamin C in as little as a month.”
Experts recommend using it as a first step. “As with most actives, I recommend using a vitamin C after cleansing but before non-active topicals,” says Pritzker. “So you should use it before you moisturize and always before SPF, which you should be using every day. We typically recommend using it in the morning.”
“Vitamin C can be used every day, as long as it is tolerated well and not irritating the skin or causing an adverse reaction,” says Pritzker. However, if you’re new to the vitamin C serum scene, it may be best to start at a lower concentration or apply it less frequently, because it can cause irritation.
“You should not use vitamin C on compromised skin,” says Pritzker. You also need to be cautious using it with other actives, such as retinol.