Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant that can repair free radicals created by the sun and help with environmental damage and aging.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Naissan O. Wesley says, "Due to its ability to help with wound healing, collagen synthesis, and even reducing an enzyme called tyrosinase involved in creating dark spots, [vitamin C] has the potential to help with fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots in skincare."
Using a good quality vitamin C serum can give your skin these awesome benefits: boosting collagen production, evening out your skin tone, brightening your complexion, and reducing fine lines. But, if you have sensitive skin or acne, make sure to do a patch test of your new product. "While topical Vitamin C can be helpful in healing after skin procedures, it has a low acidic pH so it can potentially sting or cause irritation depending on the formula," Dr. Wesley said. If this happens, use less product or stop using the vitamin C product altogether.
With so many options out there, we made it our mission to find the best vitamin C serums for all types of skin. Ahead, find the best vitamin C serums at every price, plus picks that contain additional ingredients targeting other skincare concerns.
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Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Youth to the People is known for formulations packed with premium superfood ingredients and the science to back it up. One of the best vitamin C serum formulations out there comes from this brand. It features a 15% vitamin C complex made up of three powerful sources – Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, THD Ascorbate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Blending multiple types of vitamin C helps create a more stable and effective formula, so those with dull-looking skin can expect to see impactful results from consistent use.
Paired with a passion fruit and dragon fruit antioxidant blend for supporting skin health and squalane for added hydration, this serum is the perfect addition to your morning routine.
Remember to always follow your serum with an SPF since sunlight can destabilize or oxidize vitamin C. Check out our top picks for the best sunscreens.
Cocokind
This serum is just as brightening as it is nourishing. Cocokind set out to make the best vitamin C serum for those with dry and dehydrated skin, and they succeeded. The Vitamin C Glow Serum combines vitamin C and azelaic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant, with hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar extract to refine, plump, and nourish the skin. If you're venturing into the vitamin C category for the first time, this serum is a wonderful place to start.
Matter of Fact Brightening + Firming Serum
Commited to clinically effective and dermatologist-approved products, Matter of Fact's groundbreaking formulation is an Insider Reviews favorite. The brand was founded by a former K-pop star who cracked the code for shelf-stable vitamin C after struggling with his own skin. While most vitamin C serums' efficacy drops to about 88% after four months, Matter of Fact's efficacy was clinically proven to stay about 94% after 16 months, meaning this serum uniquely gives you the full benefits of vitamin C for over a year.
EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
This fragrance-free and non-comedogenic vitamin C serum also contains a skincare superstar ingredient called niacinamide, which is known to reduce pore visibility and even out skin tone. These two ingredients are a powerful combination, making EADEM's Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum one of the best vitamin C serums for reducing dark spots, acne blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
This Kiehl's serum boasts about its ability to reduce fine lines, and fans agree — one Sephora customer even calls it "botox in a bottle." The serum uses the much-loved moisture-retaining agent hyaluronic acid and two kinds of vitamin C: the pure thing and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a form that's much less likely to cause irritation.
Plus, while most bottles on this list have 1 ounce of product, this serum contains 1.7 ounces making it one of the best vitamin C serums for the price and value.
Dezi Skin Claro Que C Vitamin C Glow Serum
This skincare drop from beauty YouTuber Desi Perkins has one big thing going for it: Rather than using water-soluble vitamin C, which degrades faster, the Dezi serum uses a more stable, oil-soluble version of vitamin C. The form used (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is also known to help preserve skin's collagen, meaning this is one of the best vitamin C serums for preventing signs of wrinkles.
Honest Vitamin C Radiance Serum
The vitamin C serum from Jessica Alba's clean beauty brand Honest is all about making your skin bright and glowy. It's also made with pearl to make you glow and hyaluronic acid for extra moisture. This is an especially great vitamin C serum for beginners because the vitamin C concentration isn't too intense, so you can gradually get your skin used to using it.
Glossier Super Glow
If you have sensitive skin and need a lower concentration of vitamin C, this is a great option for you. The formula has 5% vitamin C and hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter. This means you get the benefits of vitamin C plus extra moisture, great for dry skin.
Maelove Glow Maker
Maelove's Glow Maker serum has earned a cult following for its high-quality formula that's about a third of the cost of serums that do similar things. The Glow Maker has three main goals: create a smoother texture, tackle hyperpigmentation, and boost hydration. It does this with a 15% vitamin C formula that also contains ferulic acid for antioxidation protection and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Read our full Maelove Glow Maker serum review.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
It's usually best to go for a vitamin C serum with a 20% concentration or less because anything more can be irritating. This super budget-friendly option from The Ordinary, however, has a vitamin C level of 23%. We recommend this product with reservations; you can't beat the price, but you should probably use less than you normally would because of the high concentration.
KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum
This serum from Miranda Kerr's KORA Organics won an Allure Best of Beauty award in 2020. Made with a 12% vitamin C concentration and a superfruit mix full of antioxidants, it works hard to protect you from environmental toxins and damage. Some fans especially love how it has helped with their dark spots.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Unlike the other items on this list, this serum requires a bit of DIY. Before using the 15% vitamin C product, you'll need to mix the powder with the rest of the formula — don't worry, there are instructions. What we love about this serum is that it's also made with ferulic acid and vitamin E which amplify the effect of vitamin C.
Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Murad's serum targets a dull and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C brightens the skin, but this formula also uses glycolic acid to help it penetrate better. Because it contains acid, some customers avoid using this serum daily to prevent skin irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
If you have sensitive skin and struggle with redness, this is a great serum to soothe those issues while still offering the myriad benefits of vitamin C. After just a few uses, dark spots are lessened and skin looks firmer and more plump.
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
This serum doesn't just have vitamin C — it also has squalane, which is a great ingredient for sealing in moisture. If you want the glowy skin that comes with vitamin C and you have issues with dryness, the Summer Fridays serum works wonders.
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