19 Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Glowier Skin
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Dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts agree: Finding the best vitamin C serum for your skin type can be incredibly helpful—and challenging. That’s because vitamin C (a.k.a. L-ascorbic acid) is one of those does-it-all ingredients, with benefits ranging from brightening to anti-aging. It’s particularly great at managing hyperpigmentation issues (like acne scars and dark spots) and evening out tone, thanks to its ability to inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment in skin. It’s also everywhere—you can find it in all kinds of serums, face moisturizers, and even cleansers.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can also help neutralize free radicals. These unstable atoms form as a result of exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Over time, free radicals can cause oxidative stress that may harm your skin and cause premature signs of aging. Using sunscreen daily, along with a powerful antioxidant (like vitamin C), is the best way to protect your skin from this type of damage.
The thing is, there are seemingly endless vitamin C products out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we spoke with dermatologists to get their picks for the best vitamin C serums out there and learn how you can find the ideal product for your skin type and goals (more on that below).
Our top picks
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
- Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
- Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum
In this article
The best vitamin C serums
Check out our experts’ recommendations for high-quality vitamin C serums from retailers like Dermstore, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, and more.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinstoreSkinceuticals C E Ferulic
Pros: Contains multiple antioxidants, has soothing and moisturizing ingredients
Cons: Vitamin C concentration may be too high for sensitive skin, bottle isn’t opaque
Perhaps the most well-known vitamin C serum on the market, SkinCeuticals’s C E Ferulic is a dermatologist-recommended combination of powerful ingredients in just the right formulation—dermatologist Jerome Potozkin, MD, calls it a “standout amongst topical vitamin C serums.” It contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, which is a pretty potent dose of vitamin C, along with nourishing vitamin E and ferulic acid for an antioxidant triple threat.
Skin type: Normal, dry | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Soothing, moisturizing glycerin and hyaluronic acid
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
UltaLa Roche-Posay
10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros: Approachable vitamin C concentration, moisturizing ingredients
Cons: May be too drying with the addition of salicylic acid, bottle isn’t opaque
Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a dermatologist with US Dermatology Partners Scottsdale, recommends this product for its additional skin-boosting ingredients—like salicylic acid, which can help exfoliate skin and fight acne, and hyaluronic acid, which provides moisture. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, tells SELF that it’s “easy to layer and cosmetically elegant.” It’s a staple in her recommendation list to patients.
Skin type: Oily, normal | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula's ChoicePaula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Pros: Comes in opaque bottle, contains multiple antioxidants
Cons: Vitamin C concentration may be too high for sensitive skin
This lightweight serum boasts three antioxidants: 15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and ergothioneine, which comes from mushrooms and may help improve skin’s firmness. Unlike other options on our list, it also contains peptides to help smooth wrinkles and minimize fine lines.
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 0.67 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Castor oil to target hyperpigmentation, soothing bisabolol
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
SephoraDrunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Pros: Comes in opaque bottle with pump, contains multiple antioxidants
Cons: Vitamin C concentration may be too high for sensitive skin
Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is perfectly packaged and contains a powerhouse formula of 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid that nourishes skin while brightening tone at the same time. It also includes fruit enzymes to minimize dullness and leave your complexion feeling smooth and glowy. Our favorite feature: It comes in two bottles for you to mix the first time you use it, to keep everything as fresh as possible.
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 0.94 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing vitamin E, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum
Timeless Skin CareTimeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum
Pros: Potent vitamin C concentration, affordable, comes in an opaque pump bottle
Cons: Concentration may be too high for beginners or those with sensitive skin
This one is a favorite of skin care enthusiasts on Reddit because it has that classic winning antioxidant formula—high-concentration vitamin C plus vitamin E and ferulic acid—at a fraction of the cost of other, more expensive serums. We’re also fans of the newly revamped packaging, a secure, airless pump (rather than a dropper bottle) that better protects the product from light and air. However, the 20% concentration may be a bit much if you’re just starting out with vitamin C.
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing hyaluronic acid
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
SephoraThe Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Pros: Hydrating, high concentration of vitamin C, budget-friendly
Cons: Bottle isn’t opaque, vitamin C concentration may be too high for sensitive skin
SELF previously recommended this affordable serum for mature and dryer skin types because it contains the lipid-soluble form of vitamin C (20%), plus more moisturizing ingredients, like anti-inflammatory, skin-barrier strengthening vitamin F.
Skin type: Normal, combination, dry | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing squalane
Beauty Stat Universal C Refiner Vitamin C Brightening Serum
AmazonBeauty Stat
Universal C Refiner Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros: High concentration of vitamin C, opaque pump bottle
Cons: Vitamin C concentration may be too high for sensitive skin
For a “medical grade” amount of vitamin C, according to Dr. Sawaya, turn to Beauty Stat’s Universal C Refiner Serum. It has a light gel-cream texture and a formula that will likely be super effective when it comes to resurfacing and brightening your skin. But the higher concentration also means it may not work well for sensitive skin or vitamin C newbies. Dr. Sawaya also appreciates the brand’s oxidation-fighting packaging and the inclusion of ingredients like squalane, which can help strengthen the skin barrier.
Skin type: Normal, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Green tea extract (antioxidant)
Dr. Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
SephoraDr. Sturm
The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Pros: Contains moisturizing ingredients, opaque bottle, better for sensitive skin
Cons: Low vitamin C concentration may not be effective enough for some
With three different forms of vitamin C, plus soothing aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, Dr. Sturm’s The Good C is a hit with experts. “This serum is unique because it has zinc in it which amplifies the effects of C—it’s like a vitamin C megaphone!” says Dr. Gohara. Dr. Sawaya adds that “this product is the most cosmetically elegant of the antioxidant serums available, both in terms of texture and packaging.” She says it comes at a high price point given its low concentration of vitamin C (5%), though that might be a good fit for folks with sensitive skin.
Skin type: Sensitive, normal, combination, dry | Size: 0.34 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin and vitamin E
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
SkinstoreSkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
Pros: Better for oily, sensitive skin
Cons: Pricey, bottle isn’t opaque
If you want the potency of SkinCeuticals’s C E Ferulic but your skin tends to be on the oily side, dermatologists recommend checking out the brand’s Phloretin CF serum. This version contains a slightly more moderate 10% vitamin C and replaces the vitamin E with phloretin, another plant-derived antioxidant that’s less likely to contribute to oiliness and possible breakouts. Dr. Potozkin notes this is also a great option if you have sensitive skin.
Skin type: Oily, sensitive | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Ferulic acid (antioxidant)
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
UltaPeter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
Pros: High concentration of vitamin C, opaque bottle
Cons: Concentration may be too high for sensitive skin, pricey
If you’re more experienced with vitamin C products or your skin isn’t as sensitive, this potent serum may be a good option. It contains 20% vitamin C, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid. Combined, these ingredients can help brighten skin, minimize discoloration, and protect your skin from damage.
Skin type: Normal, combination, dry | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating squalane and glycerin
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
AmazonRevision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Pros: High concentration of vitamin C, opaque bottle
Cons: May not work for sensitive skin, pricey
This previous Healthy Beauty Award winner features 30% vitamin C, so you’ll definitely want to ease into using it—but it may be just what you need for addressing stubborn hyperpigmentation. It also contains moisturizing vitamin E.
Skin type: Normal, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating squalane
More serums to consider
The picks above are our favorites on the market for their clearly labeled vitamin C concentrations. While we think the rest of these products are also worth considering, note that they don’t reveal how much vitamin C they contain, which may make them too harsh for sensitive skin.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum
SephoraTata Harper Skincare
Resurfacing Serum
Pros: Contains exfoliants and moisturizing ingredients
Cons: Pricey
This Tata Harper serum derives its vitamin C from kakadu plum and includes alpha and beta hydroxy acids “for brightening and exfoliation,” Dr. Sawaya says. These ingredients may be especially helpful for those with stubborn scarring and dark spots, since they promote cellular turnover. “This is a unique serum because it is not only a vitamin C antioxidant serum, but also an exfoliating one,” says Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. “The combination of 5 AHAs and 2 BHAs slough off surface dead skin cells to optimize light reflection for the ultimate glow and collagen boost, while the vitamin C component protects that glow from free radical damage. The ultimate marriage of treat and protect!”
Skin type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin and squalane
Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
MuradMurad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Pros: Opaque bottle, additional exfoliating ingredients
Cons: Unclear vitamin C concentration
For extra brightening power, this serum pairs pure vitamin C with glycolic acid, a chemical AHA that can help tackle fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Just know that glycolic acid can be a little irritating to those with dry or sensitive skin, so start slowly with this one.
Skin type: Normal, combination, oily | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin
Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum
Buttah SkinButtah Skin Vitamin C Serum
Pros: Specifically developed for darker skin tones, opaque bottle, contains hydrating ingredients
Cons: Some Ulta reviewers dislike the scent
This vitamin C serum from Buttah, a Black-owned beauty brand, is formulated specifically for those with darker skin tones (who also tend to be more prone to hyperpigmentation). Along with L-ascorbic acid, this serum also contains ferulic acid, an antioxidant, plus calming green tea and chamomile extracts.
Skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing vitamin E and glycerin
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
UltaMad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Pros: Budget-friendly, nice balance of resurfacing and moisturizing ingredients
Cons: Bottle isn’t opaque
Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum contains a different form of vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which gives it a lightweight (think: not goopy) texture. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin, while ferulic acid provides those free-radical-blocking benefits we love to see.
Skin type: Normal, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing vitamin E and glycerin
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Serum
Ole HenriksenOle Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Serum
Pros: Contains other anti-aging ingredients
Cons: Bottle isn’t opaque
Along with the all-star antioxidant this serum contains, it also includes collagen to help improve firmness and reduce wrinkles. Bonus: Ulta reviewers love it. “It goes on so silky smooth and leaves my skin looking so hydrated and healthy! I use it in the morning before my tinted SPF and primer, and my skin looks amazing all day,” one wrote.
Skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin and aloe leaf extract
SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
DermstoreSkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
Pros: Contains multiple antioxidants, opaque bottle
Cons: Pricey
Dr. Potozkin likes this serum from SkinMedica, which contains the skin-brightening one-two punch of vitamin C and vitamin E and has garnered nearly 200 five-star reviews from Dermstore customers. “Love this and have been using it for years,” one wrote. “Nothing I have tried compares.”
Skin type: Nomal, combination, dry | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Soothing bisabolol
Cellex-C High Potency Serum
AmazonCellex-C High Potency Serum
Pros: Will likely work for oily skin
Cons: Bottle isn’t opaque, pricey
Dr. Potozkin also recommends vitamin C products from Cellex-C, like this high-potency, oil-free serum that has a lightweight feel.
Skin type: Normal, combination, oily | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating hyaluronic acid
Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum
DermstoreJan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum
Pros: Opaque bottle
Cons: Pricey
Jan Marini’s C-Esta Face Serum may be pricey, but it comes with hundreds of glowing reviews. “This stuff is my best friend,” one happy Amazon shopper wrote. It’s formulated to be used twice a day (although, as with any new product, you may want to do a quick patch test first).
Skin type: Normal, combination | Size: 1 fl. oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating hyaluronic acid
What should you look for in a vitamin C serum?
There are tons of vitamin C products available—here’s what to consider if you’re looking to add one to your skin care routine.
Concentration
First, think about the concentration of vitamin C you might need. If your pigmentation issues are mild or you have dry or sensitive skin, definitely start at the lower end (around 5%) because vitamin C products can be irritating at higher concentrations, Sara Hogan, MD, a dermatologist at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, previously told SELF. If your issues are more moderate to severe or you’ve been using vitamin C products for a while without any sensitivity problems, you can go all the way up to 20%.
However, the effects you’ll get from vitamin C products plateau after 20%, so there’s no reason to pay more for anything above that concentration. Unfortunately, not all companies clearly label how much vitamin C their products contain, so it’s a good idea to read the specifications on a manufacturer’s website or consult your dermatologist before buying.
Form
Next, consider the form of vitamin C in the product you’re looking at. Some products contain L-ascorbic acid (the OG), while others contain chemically modified derivatives of vitamin C. These ingredients can be highly unstable, since they’re often sensitive to both oxygen and light, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for products that use more stable and effective forms.
Some forms are also better suited to certain skin types. For instance, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is water-soluble, so you’ll usually find it in lighter, water-based products that are great for oily skin. But ascorbyl palmitate, another form, is lipid-soluble—you’ll often see it in oil-based serums and moisturizing formulas that are better for mature or dry skin.
Design
Finally, pay attention to how the product is designed and stored. Because vitamin C is such a temperamental ingredient that can oxidize and lose effectiveness quickly, opt for products that come in dark or opaque packaging that blocks light. Another plus? Products that have an airless pump, rather than a dropper—this design prevents the contents from being exposed to oxygen.
How should you incorporate vitamin C into your skin care routine?
Dr. Hogan previously told SELF that it depends on what kind of product you’re considering adding to your routine. Serums are best applied directly after cleansing your skin but before moisturizing it (ideally in the morning, since vitamin C can help protect against free radicals throughout the day).
If you use retinol or benzoyl peroxide regularly, dermatologists don’t recommend using a vitamin C serum at the same time, as the combination can cause it to lose potency. Since it’s more effective to use vitamin C in the morning, professionals suggest using benzoyl peroxide and retinol at night or on different days of the week for the best results.
Wondering how a vitamin C serum will play with a different active ingredient in your skin care routine? Do some research to confirm whether it makes sense to combine them first before you dive in. And remember that how you use the product is just as important as the product itself. Using a vitamin C serum consistently and storing it well (in a cool, dark place) to preserve its potency can result in noticeable skin improvements—but not overnight. You’ll probably need to use even the best products for a few weeks or months before you start to see results.
With reporting by Sarah Jacoby.
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
