Experts Back Me Up—This Is the Single Most Effective Product for Healthy-Looking, Glowing Skin

Best for: Targeting signs of ageing and environmental damage and boosting glow—the whole shebang

Skin type: Normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15% L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid

The verdict: Pricey, yes, but SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the vitamin C serum I have seen the quickest results from. The blend of 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid protects the skin from pollution and environmental damage as well as brightens the appearance.

Editor review: "Since using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum, my skin has never looked better. And editors agree unanimously that it's the best vitamin C serum out there" says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "I've tried a lot of vitamin C serums in my 10 years as a beauty journalist, but nothing compares to this. I can see why there are so many C E Ferulic 'dupes' out there, but no imitator ever quite rivals the real deal. Upon application, you get an instant 'glass skin' level of glow. But with continued use, you'll notice clearer, plumper and brighter skin that beams with radiance after a couple of weeks. I know it's good because I really notice a difference when I run out. Yes, it's eye-wateringly expensive, but if it weren't for my job in beauty, I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase it. There is also a version for oily or acne-prone skin (SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165) which I like to switch to when my skin is prone to breakouts."

Price shown is member cost.

Best for: Brightening and visibly firming skin

Skin type: All skin types

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (25%), ferulic acid, tranexamic acid

The verdict: If you want a brilliant vitamin C serum that won't make your bank account cry, Beauty Pie's is another editor favourite. It contains vitamin C which work in tandem with ferulic acid and tranexamic acid to brighten pigmentation and smooth uneven skin texture while adding an extra dose of glow to your skin.

Editor review: "I recently reviewed Beauty Pie's Superdose Vitamin C and was blown away by how glowing and clear it left my skin," says Vousden. "As a die-hard fan of SkinCeutical's C E Ferulic (above), this is my second in command on my shelf that performs so well and comes in at just a fraction of the cost. What I love about this serum is that it offers both immediate and long-term benefits. The moment it touches my skin, it gives a glowing radiance. After using it for a month, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my acne scarring and pigmentation. It’s clear that the powerful blend of ingredients is working to brighten my skin and give it a healthy, natural glow."

Best for: Brightening pigmentation

Skin type: Oily, combination or acne-prone skin

Key ingredients: Silymarin, L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid

The verdict: If you have oily skin, some ingredients that you typically find in vitamin C serums (such as vitamin E) can sometimes be too rich, especially if you're acne-prone. That's why SkinCeuticals developed a vitamin C serum that's just as good as the iconic C E Ferulic serum, but tweaked the formula. Dropping the vitamin E, it contains vitamin C, silymarin, ferulic acid and salicylic acid, which work in tandem to control oil production and prevent breakouts, while still offering antioxidant protection.

Best for: Instantly brightening and energising dull skin

Skin type: Normal, combination and oily skin

Key ingredients: 15% THD ascorbate (vitamin C), saccharide isomerate

The verdict: I’m such a fan of Sunday Riley serums and oils, and this is one I recommend a lot. It contains 15% vitamin C, which is my sweet spot of enough that you’ll feel a difference but not too much that it’ll aggravate sensitive skin.

Editor review: "Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Serum is, genuinely, one of my favourite face serums of all time—and this means a lot considering my skin is super reactive to vitamin C and doesn't usually get on with it," says Who What Wear UK beauty director, Shannon Lawlor. "For starters, I love the hydrating, light lotion consistency that helps to deliver plumping moisture, and the fact it doesn't have that tell-tale medicinal vitamin C smell is also an added bonus for those who, like me, appreciate a great sensorial skincare product. Beyond the general joy of use, it is also one of the most visibly impactful vitamin Cs I've ever come across—it delivers glow like nothing else, works a treat on my oily skin and also notably reduces the appearance of the dark spots my complexion is prone to. Everyone who I have put onto this stuff is equally as obsessed as I am—it's a luxury option, but it's a great one."

Best for: Uneven skin tone, dullness and dark spots

Skin type: All skin types

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Japanese plum, ferulic acid

The verdict: Tatcha’s latest serum focuses on brightening and soothing the skin. It targets discolouration and dark spots while improving overall skin texture, leaving a hydrated and dewy finish thats synonymous with Tatcha's products. Expect a lighter than water texture that immediately sinks into the skin.

Editor review: "Put simply—I absolutely love Tatcha’s vitamin C serum, it’s made such a difference to my skin," says Who What Wear UK deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger. "After just a week of using it, my best friend commented on how radiant my skin looked, and I have to say, I agree. My complexion feels so much brighter and more even, and there’s definitely a noticeable firmness. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is that it seems to be keeping my frown line at bay, which I’m thrilled about. The texture of the serum is lovely—lightweight and silky without feeling sticky—and it sinks in in seconds. I also really appreciate how gentle it is, as I sometimes struggle with irritation from other vitamin C products, but I’ve had no issues with this one at all. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but for the results I’m seeing, I think it’s absolutely worth it. I now consider it a non-negotiable in my routine."

Best for: Sensitive skin and boosting skin radiance

Skin type: Sensitive, dry, and normal skin

Key ingredients: 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

The verdict: CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum gently delivers a dose of vitamin C for brightening while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier with ceramides, which help to nourish and restore the skin. The formula is well-suited for those with sensitive skin looking for glow-boosting benefits without irritation—it's a more affordable option that doesn't compromise on results.

Editor review: "I've always struggled with vitamin C serums, but I have finally found a product that works perfectly for my skin," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "Ever since using it, my skin has had a noticeable glow. The lightweight formula glides on, sinks in in seconds and never irritates my sensitive complexion. If your skin is feeling a little dull or lacklustre right now, I highly suggest giving this a go."

Best for: Evening out skin tone and reducing pigmentation

Skin type: Sensitive, combination, and oily skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15%), ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, squalane, sunflower shoot extract

The verdict: This powerhouse serum contains all the ingredients you could want for a bright, clear complexion. It's particularly good for those who want to even out their skin tone and target pigmentation while hydrating their skin in one step. In fact, it has been clinically proven to brighten the skin in 28 days, so it really works.

Editor review: "I swear by Dr Sam's, I almost exclusively use all of her products and have done for years, and it is no exception when it comes to the Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum," say Who What Wear Ecom anaylst, Sophie Cookson. "The texture of the serum is silky-smooth, with a lightweight texture that glides on and dries instantly. I get hyperpigmentation in the summer, and have scaring from spots and it has really helped even out my skin tone. I can tell the difference on my skin when I apply compared to when I haven't applied. I match it with the Flawless Brightly Serum (£48) in the morning for a double boost. The ingredients includes ectoin which helps protect the skin against pollution which is a must when you live in a busy city."

Best for: Treating fine lines and wrinkles, boosting radiance and protecting skin from oxidative stress—a great option for those new to vitamin C

Skin type: All skin types

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (7%), vitamin E, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

The verdict: This serum is known for its stable form of vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection while brightening and boosting collagen production. It's a particularly good choice if you're new to vitamin C, as it contains a 7% concentration which is gentle enough for sensitive skin too.

Editor review: "In all the best skincare clinics, you're bound to spot Medik8. It's one of the most respected skincare brands amongst experts, so I have full faith in the Medik8 C-Tetra Serum," says Vousden. "It contains 7% vitamin C, so it's a good option if you're new to vitamin C or find higher concentrations irritating. It leaves skin glowing, clear and bright, and once your skin has acclimatised to it, you can also go up in strengths by way of the C-Tretra Luxe (£59) and the C-Tetra Advanced (£69) serums which have a higher concentration. The lightweight serum sinks straight in, making it ideal for underneath makeup. I've now progressed to the C-Tetra Luxe and the results keep getting better and better."

Best for: Brightening the skin and improving skin texture

Skin type: All skin types, especially dull skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15%), PHAs, banana powder extract

The verdict: Containing vitamin C and banana powder, this serum is designed to target dullness, fine lines, and uneven tone. It brightens, firms, and smooths the skin for a glowing, radiant finish. A skin-brightening blend of 15% vitamin C, gently exfoliating PHAs and hyaluronic acid to get skin looking glowier short-term and more even in tone and texture in the long-term.

Best for: Sensitive or oily skin that needs a gentle vitamin C formula

Skin type: Sensitive and all skin types, particularly oily and acne-prone skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (12%), salicylic ccid, neurosensine

The verdict: With a mixture of vitamin C and salicylic acid, this serum is hydrating and gives the appearance of plumper skin, all while the salicylic helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. It also contains neurosensine, a peptide that helps to plump fine lines and wrinkles, while the 12% vitamin C is gentle enough not to irritate while brightening and evening the skin tone.

Best for: Those looking for a budget-friendly vitamin C serum with high efficacy

Skin type: All skin types, apart from sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (30%), hyaluronic acid

The verdict: Now, this is not for sensitive skin or vitamin C newbies. However, the 30% concentration of ascorbic acid is great for those who are already used to using a stronger vitamin C and want to enhance their results. This affordable serum works to reduce dullness and even out skin tone, while keeping skin hydrated and plump with hyaluronic acid. It has a thicker consistency than a traditional serum, so it can feel more like a moisturiser for normal to oily skin types.

Best for: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation

Skin type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Viniferine

The verdict: Okay, this is technically not a vitamin C. But the viniferine used, which is extracted from grapevine stalks, is reportedly more effective than traditional vitamin C for free radical protection. So if you haven’t found a vitamin C serum that has worked for your skin yet, this might a good option that is gentle enough for sensitive skin while delivering visible results. The milky serum texture sinks into the skin and leaves your complexion feeling softened and radiant, with dark spots and scarring looking brighter over time.

Best for: Reducing wrinkles and brightening dull skin

Skin type: All skin types

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (12%), vitamin E, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid

The verdict: This high-potency vitamin C serum works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth skin texture while enhancing skin radiance and firmness. All skin types will get on well with this affordable, yet potent, vitamin C—but it's particularly well suited to more mature complexions thanks to the focus on minimising the appearance of pores and fine lines along with plumping and firming the skin.