As a beauty editor, I come face-to-face with ingredient trends in skincare on the daily. The thousands of heavy retinol-based products that flooded the shelves of our favorite beauty suppliers for years was followed closely behind by retinol alternatives that gave the same amazing benefits with less irritation for all skin types all with the intent of improving texture and promoting glow. However, there's another effective skincare ingredient that has been trusted throughout history as one of the simplest ways to achieve a more luminous, even complexion with consistent use: vitamin C.
While it's nothing new despite its recent spike in popularity, adding a vitamin C-based serum to your skincare routine can yield transformative effects. The star ingredient boasts several noteworthy benefits like fading the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation promoting an even tone, reversing the harmful effects of UV damage, and shrinking pores all while leaving your skin plump and firm. Yes, all of that can be found in a single product. While it's recommended to begin incorporating vitamin C into your skincare lineup in your 20s to get a head start on a graceful aging process, dermatologists say that using the ingredient is just as important in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Ready to revamp your skincare routine? I compiled the most highly rated vitamin C serums with my personal favorites to make the process easier. Discover them all ahead.
The Best Vitamin C Serums, Listed
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
- Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum
- Ogee Vitamin C THDA 20% Elixir
- Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum
- RéVive Clarte Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Best for Smoothing Skin: The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum
If achieving smooth skin is your goal, you'll want to stock up on this crowd favorite vitamin C serum by The Ordinary. Its formula combines antioxidant and protective technologies to combat environmental stressors, fade signs of aging, and visibly brighten and smooth skin. I'm a huge fan of its texture since it layers beautifully underneath my other products.
Glowing Review: "I love how soothing and nourishing this feels on my skin! My face has been needing a little extra help lately— between lack of sleep and stress I’ve been breaking out more frequently and looking for products to help calm my skin. So happy to have gotten this gifted by The Ordinary!"
Key Ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C), ginseng extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Pros: Protects skin against environmental aggressors while also targeting common signs of aging and boosting radiance
Cons: None
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Brightening Dull Skin: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Serum
If you haven't noticed already that you don't need to break the bank to find a good vitamin C serum, here's another option to consider. This one uses a formula that balances vitamin C with plant-derived peptide EGF to target hyperpigmentation and visibly brighten dull skin. I noticed improvements in the firmness and luminosity of my complexion in about two weeks with daily use.
Glowing Review: "I really love this serum it is so nice in how it leaves my skin feeling and looking. I’ve been applying it on damp skin and the hydration is out of this world plus it has brightened my face so much! It leaves my skin so plump and bouncy. I will definitely repurchase!"
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Epitensive 1% (patented plant-derived peptide)
Pros: Formula is gentle enough for daily use, leaving the skin visibly brighter and firmer looking
Cons: Noticeable scent even when layered under other products
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Fading Dark Spots: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Over the past couple of years, I've been haunted by the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation around my eyes, nose, and lips. While it's not unusual for those of us with deeper skin tones to deal with, using a vitamin C serum can help fade dark spots. Why not add something to your skincare routine that can yield results like the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution? Once I became more consistent with using it daily, I saw the results I was after.
Glowing Review: "I really love how effective this product was at fading my dark spots. It blended easily into the skin and absorbed without leaving my skin feeling greasy. I also found this serum to be hydrating and helped to provide a more youthful appearance on my skin."
Key Ingredients: Activated C, salicylic acid, peony extract
Pros: Works to visibly reduce discoloration and renew skin texture
Cons: Does not work quickly to reduce the appearance of dark spots
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Sensitive Skin: Alpyn Beauty Bearberry & Vitamin C Glow Serum
Alpyn Beauty introduced me to one of my favorite ingredients to pair with vitamin C: burberry leaf extract. The powerful duo not only gave my skin an instant glow but also a brighter and more even tone. Its formula also features bakuchiol and gentle, plant-based AHA resurface and smooth for a healthy skin barrier. The best part? It's ideal for use on all skin types (yes, that includes sensitive skin!)
Glowing Review: "I love Alpyn beauty! Every product is amazing. I was using this serum about a week, and you already can see the difference. Skin is glowing, moist, more firm. Amazing ingredients and the smell!"
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, bearberry leaf extract, AHAs, hyaluronic acid, squalane, licorice root extract
Pros: Promotes brighter, more toned skin over time with daily use
Cons: None
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.7-ounce bottle with pump
Best Dark Spot Prevention: Biossance 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum + Squalane
Another vitamin C serum designed especially for combating the formation of dark spots that I love using is this one by Biossance. Not only does it help visibly brighten and firm the skin without irritating, but its formula also has white shiitake mushroom extract which fights dark spots and prevents the formation of new ones over time. Just remember that to achieve the best results while using it, consistency is key!
Glowing Review: "This is a lovely product. I'm quite sensitive to Vitamin C and this doesn't make me puffy, red, or sore. Beautiful glowy results and doesn't pill under makeup or SPF so it's perfect for a morning routine. I will happily purchase it again."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, white shiitake mushroom extract, licorice root extract
Pros: The addition of white shiitake mushroom extract corrects discoloration
Cons: Does not work quickly to reduce the appearance of dark spots
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Firming and Plumping: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
I earned nonstop compliments from strangers just after a week of adding this Ole Henriksen vitamin C serum to my skincare routine, so you'll catch me continuously singing its praises. The formula balances the benefits of vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, PHAs, and vitamin E to flood the skin barrier with moisture. It also has a light, naturally-derived orange scent that makes using it all the more enjoyable (however, you might want to avoid it if you have skin that's sensitive to fragrances).
Glowing Review: "This is my absolute favorite vitamin C serum and a staple in my skincare routine. Helps even out and brighten skin. I've gotten so many comments from people telling me I'm glowing since I started using it."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, PHAs, hyaluronic acid, banana powder-inspired pigments, vitamin E
Pros: Uses hyaluronic acid to help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier
Cons: Not ideal for use on sensitive skin
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Smoothing Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Obagi Medical Professional C-Serum
For those wanting to take a more clinical approach to using glow-boosting skincare, consider adding the Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum to your shopping cart. It helps brighten skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, combats environmental stressors, and helps it rebound from damage. The brand recommends applying five to seven drops to the skin after cleansing and toning (before moisturizer), and then following with your favorite SPF.
Glowing Review: "I love the tingle you get when applying it to your fresh, clean face. I love the scent, very subtle, no strong odor or fragranc,e and it goes on nicely. I've noticed a difference in some pigmentation on the sides of my face. I've used it for about four months consistently every morning."
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic Acid 15% (vitamin C)
Pros: Formula strengthens the skin's antioxidant defenses
Cons: High price point
Skin Type: Normal, combination
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Fast Results: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Another dark spot serum I'm a fan of is the Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum. It's lightweight, oil-free formula reduces the appearance of discoloration, acne scars, signs of aging, and melasma with the brand's patented vitamin C alternative (Vine Sap Viniferine). Technically, its formula has no vitamin C but delivers the same benefits, making it ideal for anyone with skin sensitive to the popular ingredient.
Glowing Review: "I have some hyperpigmentation or darker splotches on my face from past acne I picked at. I started using this serum and wow it’s like an eraser! I used it daily PM for a week and a half and my dark spots went completely away!"
Key Ingredients: Patented Vine Sap Viniferine, olive squalane, biomemetic emulsifier
Pros: Formulated with a sun-safe alternative to vitamin C to target dark spots
Cons: High price point
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Skin Barrier Repair: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Since moving to a bustling city, my skin has gone through it and needs all the support it can get to stay vibrant and healthy. Sunday Riley's vitamin C–based serum is one of my top picks because it helps strengthen the skin barrier using a formula infused with vitamin C, phytosterols complex, and saccharide isomerate extract. The result will be nourished skin that will look glowy, even, and firm.
Glowing Review: "I rarely write reviews for products this early on, but within two weeks this has become one of my favorite skincare products. Within days I saw dark spots lightening and this gives an amazing glow to the skin. I can’t wait to see my skin once I finish this bottle!"
Key Ingredients: THD Ascorbate (vitamin C), Phytosterols Complex, Saccharide Isomerate Extract
Pros: Minimizes the appearance of pores while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier
Cons: Does not produce immediate results
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Blurring Pores: YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum
Congrats! You've found one of my more recent obsessions. After experiencing this vitamin C serum as part of a facial at New York City's very own Spencer's luxury day spa, I've been using it nonstop. Not only have I noticed the dark spots from this past winter beginning to fade, but my skin also feels so much smoother. I honestly can't believe there was once a skincare lineup of mine that didn't include it.
Glowing Review: "The Morning Cocktail serum has changed my skin! The texture is improved, and skin tone is more even. I will definitely be a repeat customer!"
Key Ingredients: Three forms of stabilized vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Pros: Helps to reduce the appearance of pores, while soothing and hydrating the skin
Cons: None
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce tube
Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas photographed on March 19, 2024, before continuously using a vitamin C Serum.
Thomas photographed on April 23, 2024, after a month of using YSE Beauty's Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum.
Best for Everyday Use: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster
This is the best choice for someone who doesn't want to spend much time thinking about their vitamin C journey, but still wants all the benefits! The Fresh Pressed Daily Booster caught my eye since it can be mixed with moisturizers for a brighter complexion. It's also gentle enough for use on all skin tones and can be used a.m. or p.m.
Glowing Review: "Two days in and already seeing a difference. My skin is brighter and more even. Not cheap, but a perfect 7-day skin boost for before a big event, after a stressful few weeks, or just to treat yourself. Will definitely purchase again."
Key Ingredients: vitamin C
Pros: Potent formula helps rejuvenate and re-texturize skin
Cons: High price point
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: four 0.3-ounce tubes
Best for Creating an Even Complexion: Ogee Vitamin C THDA 20% Elixir
Whether it's an uneven texture or tone you're dealing with, using a vitamin C that can tackle both can make a difference. The Ogee Vitamin C THDA 20% Elixir won me over because it's powered by a potent plant-based vitamin C concentrate (that's nonirritating and oil-soluble) with other nourishing ingredients like elderberry fruit extract, jojoba seed oil, golden sea kelp, and sunflower oil.
Glowing Review: "I have used a few different vitamin C serums and love this one. It goes on smooth, makes my skin feel well moisturized under my makeup, and has lessened the tint of dark spots under my eyes. I couldn't be happier."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C THDA, elderberry fruit extract, jojoba seed oil, golden sea kelp, sunflower oil
Pros: The addition of vitamin C THDA (natural vitamin C) penetrates the skin to improve overall skin tone
Cons: High price point
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Layering Under Skincare and Makeup: Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Learning the art of layering skincare can be challenging without having all the right products on deck to make the weeding-out process easier. Luckily, you won't have to second-guess using Tatcha's The Brightening Serum since it's easy to use and crafted using time-release vitamin C to pump up the brightness of your skin all day long. I'm also obsessed with its stunning packaging.
Glowing Review: "I have combination skin with dark spots and uneven texture, and try to use a serum that works for evening my complexion. This serum applies smoothly and absorbs a quickly, and hydrates my skin evenly. After use my skin looks more radiant and brighter."
Key Ingredients: Time-release vitamin C, ferulic acid, Japanese plum, pro-glutathione antioxidant booster
Pros: Stable, time-release vitamin C that visibly brightens all day with rapid results
Cons: Has a noticeable scent even when layered under other products
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Correcting Uneven Skin Tones: Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
Since embarking on my career as a beauty editor, I've learned a thing or two from dermatologists about the importance of a strong skin barrier. If you struggle with an uneven tone, consider using the Potent-C Power Serum to deliver the nutrients your skin barrier needs to be healthy and happy. Its formula uses a potent form of vitamin C to address dark spots, fine lines, and loss of firmness.
Glowing Review: "Maybe I'm hypnotized by the shiny packaging, but I'm in love with this stuff. It feels almost as rich as the PTR cloud cream, but with an energizing feel, rather than just a soothing one. Pretty much my favorite vitamin C product out there."
Key Ingredients: THD Ascorbate, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
Pros: Potent vitamin C-powered formula is gentle enough for everyday use
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to fragrance
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Combating Redness: Mara Sea Vitamin C Sérum
Did you know you can find vitamin C in the sea? Mara proves it can be done with the Sea Vitamin C Sèrum. Its unique formula offers a hydrating mix of 14 vitamin-rich fruit and herb extracts and marine botanicals to brighten dark spots and smooth uneven textures. Its formula also uses adaptogens to soothe and revive your skin.
Glowing Review: "This vitamin C serum does wonders to my skin. It’s hydrating and gives me a nice glow. All you need is a few drops and then a very small amount of moisturizer. Great for brown spots and even out your skin tone."
Key Ingredients: THD Ascorbate, Vitamin C Supercharge Blend (14 vitamin C-rich fruits and spices), chlorella, reishi, genseng
Pros: Uses three adaptogens (chlorella, reishi, and ginseng) to reduce the look of redness and puffiness
Cons: Formula is quite dense and oily before absorption
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Fighting Free-Radical Damage: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum
If you want to stop the harmful effects of environmental aggressors on your skin in its tracks, consider snagging this cutting-edge serum. After the first few days of using it, I noticed how much more hydrated and glowy my skin looked. K3 Vita C, a form of vitamin C known for its ability to reduce the production of melanin. The addition of Abscorbosilane SP, a highly stable vitamin C derivative, strengthens your skin's natural defenses.
Glowing Review: "Amazing product. Love how it has helped to reduce the crease in between my eyebrows that I have to desperately tried to ease. I see results and I love the way my skin is looking. Wonderful little serum, light, easy to spread and use."
Key Ingredients: K3 Vita C, Ascorbosilane SP, peptides, lactic acid, sophora japonica flower extract
Pros: Uniquely formulated with highly concentrated vitamin C to brighten and firm skin
Cons: Luxury price point
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 2.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Adding Moisture: Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C
While I'm still working on my daily water intake, I know I can 100% trust this Omorovicza's Daily Vitamin C serum to support my skin's moisture barrier and provide daily protection against environmental aggressors. Of course, the magic of this serum doesn't stop there—it also stimulates collagen production to revive dull, lifeless skin in days.
Glowing Review: "One of my absolute favorite Omorovicza products! I use it for my face of course but also neck and hands. My skin not only feels but also looks healthy with a slight glow after application, which is exactly what I want in the morning."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, patented Healing Concentrate
Pros: Prevents signs of aging and promotes a healthy-looking glow
Cons: Luxury price point
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Dry skin can look nourished and glowy when it's pampered with hydration, and Dr. Barbara Sturm's The Good C Vitamin C Serum is by far one of the best ways to make it happen. Powered by glow-boosting vitamin C in three forms and a mix of antioxidants, this serum absorbs quickly and is gentle on the skin, making it a great choice for layering underneath your skincare and makeup favorites.
Glowing Review: "This is second time I've purchased The Good C Vitamin C serum. It goes on so smoothly, does not irritate my skin and I've observed a noticeable even-tone since using it. An excellent product that does some very good things to my skin!"
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid
Pros: Formula boosts the formation of collagen for a firm, youthful-looking complexion
Cons: Luxury price point
Skin Type: Dry, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with dropper
Best for Improving Skin Texture: RéVive Clarte Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Lastly, to improve skin texture, consider adding this to your product rotation. When I tested over two weeks, I noticed how much smoother and even my skin looked. If you're willing to invest in a high-quality, luxurious product that can work quickly, consider snagging the product when it's on sale and using it to the last drop.
Glowing Review: "Loving this product! I have used several different brands of vitamin C, this might just be my favorite! Texture is smooth and not nearly as thick as others have been. It also doesn’t dry my skin out, bonus! I would recommend trying. Thumbs up."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Pros: Reduces the appearance of age spots while improving overall clarity and texture of skin
Cons: Luxury price point
Skin Type: Mature, normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive
Size: 1.0-ounce tube
Using a Vitamin C Serum
Now that you know what the 19 best vitamin C serums can do for even the most basic skincare concerns, let's dive into how they should be used for the best results. Perhaps the most important thing to remember about using vitamin C is that you'll see changes with consistency. Of course, how quickly these improvements can be spotted depends on the unique formula. It's also worth noting that while others may be gentle enough to be used daily in your morning and night routines, other serum formulas may require less frequent use.
Vitamin C serum should be applied after thoroughly cleansing and toning the face and before using moisturizer and sunscreen. The latter is crucial to use following vitamin C serum since your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage. Using a good sunscreen will also prevent the vitamin C serum from oxidizing with wear.
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