If you’re chasing luminous, glowing skin, you might think you need to shell out money for high-end treatments or injectables, but the key to a bright, radiant face lies in one ingredient: vitamin C.
Vitamin C is found in many products, including body lotions, but it’s really able to penetrate the skin in serum form. “Vitamin C is a topical antioxidant with many beneficial properties,” says celebrity dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It reduces hyperpigmentation and is a cofactor for many cellular processes to maintain naturally glowing skin. Most of all, it scavenges free radicals that we encounter daily.”
Not only does it make your skin look brighter and more even-toned, but vitamin C may also be a key component of youthful skin. Dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi explains that it also has a hand in collagen production. Collagen is the protein found in our skin that keeps it bouncy and full.
If you want to incorporate a vitamin C serum to your routine, it’s important to choose carefully. “Vitamin C can be irritating at concentrations above 20 percent,” says Lal. The ideal percentage is somewhere around 10 percent. The type of vitamin C matters, too. Ibrahimi advises to choose a vitamin C serum made with L-Ascorbic acid, since it’s an active form of vitamin C. Keep reading for our favorite vitamin C serums, chosen with input from experts and tested by ELLE editors.
Pros
Effective
Cons
- Pricey
Beloved by many a smooth-skinned celeb and knowledgeable dermatologists, this brightening serum contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to replenish the skin. Since vitamin C can be very unstable in skin care, adding ferulic acid helps it last longer–and work better.
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor said: “I can’t remember what life was like before the C E Ferulic acid became a mainstay in my morning routine, but it had to be as dull and lifeless as my skin at the time. As a former scar picker, this serum helped balance my tone and smooth my texture in a month’s time. Now, I’m not so ashamed to go makeup-free as I once was.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Multi-benefit
Cons
- Can stain
This serum does it all and then some. Vitamin C is used to brighten and improve skin texture, hyaluronic acid adds moisture and plumpness to the skin, and salicylic acid reduces oiliness, which leads to breakouts. The result is radiant, glowing skin that’s hydrated and blemish-free.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This serum includes several active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and vitamin C, which have been proven to significantly improve skin texture and reduce early signs of aging.”—Dr. Mina Amin, board-certified dermatologist
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
This affordable vitamin C serum is an Amazon favorite for a reason. Made with L-Ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, it works wonders on stubborn pigmentation and dull skin.
Key ingredients: L-Ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried many different vitamin C serums and this is the only one that does not give me breakouts. I decided to give this one a try after many great reviews. This formula is gentle. I love that it’s a pump and not a dropper. My skin texture has definitely improved. It feels so smooth! I had a minor breakout and it helped fade red scarring very quickly. I do see a noticeable change in brightness in my complexion.”
Best for Deeper Skin Tones
Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Exfoliates to reveal brighter skin
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
While pesky dark spots can take forever to remove, Hyper Skin’s vitamin C is a true sigh of relief. Vitamin C is the brightening agent in this formula, gradually reducing the appearance of dullness, while kojic acid, another brightening ingredient, gently exfoliates the skin to swiftly eradicate dark spots.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love that this vitamin C serum has kojic acid. Kojic is a great ingredient for brightening, especially melasma. This product contains a low percentage (one percent), but many products over the counter don't include a percentage at all, so this is great. This serum also contains alpha arbutin and turmeric for brightening and improving inflammation in the skin. The vitamin C used in this formula is a more stable form, which is really important to consider. Overall, the ingredient list for this Hyper Skin product is great!”—Dr. Katie Mann, aesthetic nurse practitioner
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Pros
- Brightening effect
Cons
- May be too potent for sensitive skin types
With vitamin C, glutathione, and ergothioneine, this serum instantly brightens dull skin. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can use the product alone or add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer for a gentler but equally effective application.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glutathione, ergothioneine
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps repair the skin barrier and protect against the negative effects of air pollution. It also supports collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines.”—Dr. Mina Amin
Pros
- Reduces signs of aging
Cons
- Needs time to build skin resistance
With 15 percent vitamin C, vitamin E, and a special antioxidant derived from pine bark, this anti-aging formula targets dullness, discoloration, and fine lines. With so many powerful ingredients in one bottle, you can probably cancel your next facial appointment.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl oz
Vichy star rating: 4.3/5 stars
Our expert says: “This contains 15 percent pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and antioxidant protection. This serum is lightweight and non-greasy, making it an excellent choice for sensitive, dull, and aging skin.”—Dr. Katie Mann
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Best for Skin Texture
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Pore-refining
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
This serum contains 20 percent potent, stable vitamin C to brighten, firm, and smooth textured skin for fast and effective results. It doesn’t mess around, so be ready to notice results faster than expected. Even Hailey Bieber, aka the queen of glazed doughnut skin, is a fan of its “incredible softening and brightening effects,” she said in a video interview.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This formula contains a high amount of vitamin C. It has a patented encapsulated delivery system that helps ensure the active ingredients stay fresh. This is one of the only vitamin Cs that I have finished an entire bottle of, and I think it really works to brighten skin.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Obagi Medical Medical Professional-C Serum 20%
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit pricey
Obagi’s vitamin C serum is super lightweight, but it still makes a powerful impact on your skin. This L-ascorbic acid-infused blend effectively penetrates the skin while brightening hyperpigmentation. It also provides antioxidant protection from UV damage.
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore star rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “Whenever anyone asks me about my skin, I always tell them I use this. It makes my face more hydrated, smoother, and radiant after use. It’s my amazing holy grail.”
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Best for Fine Lines
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Pros
- Reduces appearance of fine lines
Cons
- It's not oil-free
Environmental damage is often the worst enemy to skin, as it causes irritation, damage, and even fine lines. Ole Henriksen’s vitamin C-infused serum actively fights and protects against environmental stressors while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You’ll notice a less inflamed, smoother, and happier complexion.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, PHAs, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4/5 stars
Our expert says: “With 15 percent vitamin C and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), this serum targets dark spots while gently exfoliating, giving skin a bright, glowing finish. It’s great for those with discoloration concerns.”—Dr. Katie Mann
Best for Beginners
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
What’s not to love about CeraVe? The brand is powered by gentle yet efficacious ingredients and backed by your favorite dermatologists. This vitamin C serum costs about as much as two bottles of orange juice, but the results last longer than the taste of the final sip. Brightening vitamin C works in tandem with nourishing ceramides and hyaluronic acid to whip dull, stressed skin into shape.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Who is a good candidate for vitamin C? In general, all skin types and skin tones can benefit from a vitamin C serum. I love CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum because it’s formulated with 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, which is the most active form of vitamin C, and in the right concentration to deliver peak benefits, like improved skin tone and texture. It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested, so it’s effective yet gentle.”—Dr. Charles Puza
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Karan Lal is a double board-certified celebrity dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey.
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of the Connecticut Skin Institute.
Dr. Charles Puza is a board-certified dermatologist at MOMA Dermatology and CeraVe brand partner.
Dr. Mina Amin is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist.
Dr. Katie Mann is an aesthetic nurse practitioner.
Is vitamin C safe?
Yes, vitamin C is safe. But for maximum efficacy, make sure you store it properly. In addition to choosing the right formula strength for you, it’s important to note that “vitamin C is photolabile, which means it degrades with exposure to sunlight,” says Dr. Lal. “It also degrades upon exposure to air. For this reason, keep your vitamin C product in a dark place and make sure you tightly close your bottle to prevent breakdown of the product.”
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Who is a good candidate for vitamin C?
While vitamin C has impressive benefits for the skin, it's important to understand whether your skin can tolerate it. “In truth, everyone should be using a vitamin C product due to its reparative properties,” says Dr. Lal. “However, those with dry, sensitive skin, or acne should be careful and start out slow to prevent breakouts.” You can begin by patch testing, then gradually incorporate the serum into your routine to build up a tolerance. Keep in mind that noticeable results take up to 12 weeks to see, as pigment needs time to clear and for new cells to begin generating, according to Lal.
When should you use vitamin C?
If vitamin C immediately conjures images of orange juice, then you already have your answer. You should use it every morning. “As a board-certified dermatologist, I consistently counsel my patients on the benefits of adding a vitamin C serum into their routine. I recommend applying a vitamin C serum each morning after cleansing the skin and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen,” Dr. Charles Puza says.
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Can I use a vitamin C serum everyday?
Yes, as long as you’re not mixing too many actives and using sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, patch testing is essential. “If you have sensitive skin, you might want to test the product on the side of your face or neck for a few days before widely applying it,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “Try to use a derivative that tends to be better tolerated. I would also avoid using vitamin C during or immediately after any laser or microneedling procedures as the skin barrier becomes more sensitive and there is a higher likelihood of irritation even in individuals that do not have sensitive skin.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors and contributors spoke to dermatologists to find the best vitamin C serums on the market and how to maximize its benefits.
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