The 14 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums for Bright Skin, According to Experts

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Dull skin can be tough to treat. One of the most tried-and-true methods for brightening skin, however, is mixing in a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine. “Vitamin C is the ultimate antioxidant [for] stomping out those pesky free radicals that wreak cosmetic havoc on the skin,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine. “It helps to even out the skin tone, minimize fine lines, reduce and prevent sun spots, strengthen collagen, and bring radiance to skin.”

While there are plenty of vitamin C serums out there that are well worth a splurge, one of the best things about the brightening skincare product is that there are plenty of excellent drugstore options out there. Drugstore vitamin C serums can be just as effective as high-end serums—it all boils down to choosing a serum that you’ll use consistently. We consulted board-certified dermatologists and reviewed customer feedback to find the 12 best drugstore vitamin C serums for brighter, more even-toned skin.

Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine

Size: 3.4 oz

La Roche Posay is a staple French skincare brand for a reason. With 10 percent vitamin C, this serum also includes salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells and the dipeptide neurosensine to help calm stressed skin. The result is smoother, brighter skin.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “LaRoche Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum contains 10% L-ascorbic acid along with salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant and unclogs pores. This product is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.” —Dr. Hogan

Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C

Size: 1.8 oz

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how many drops of serum to put on your face, Neutrogena takes out the guesswork with these ampoules that give you an exact dose. Each capsule contains 20 percent vitamin C, making it a brightening powerhouse.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Capsules [are] little pre-filled [capsules] with the perfect amount of vitamin C.” —Dr. Gohara

Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide

Size: 1.8 oz

If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum contains a potent blend of dark spot-fighting ingredients. Vitamin C brightens while licorice root and niacinamide work to even out skin tone.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum with vitamin C is a low concentration, gentle formulation made to even out damaged skin.” —Dr. Gohara

Even & Clear Vitamin C Glow Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract

Size: 1 oz

Formulated with deep skin tones and mind and made with 20 percent vitamin C, this potent serum works overtime to fade dark spots and discoloration. The addition of natural dark spot-fighter licorice root extract makes this serum even more brightening.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5

An ELLE editor says: “This lightweight serum quickly absorbs into my skin and plays nicely with my other morning serums. One day when I was in a rush, I mixed it with my Tarte BB cream to thin out the formula. It left my face looking bright and glowy. I gifted this to a close friend of mine, a 30-year-old Black woman who struggles with hyperpigmentation, and over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed that the dark spots along her jawline have lightened. I thought she was wearing makeup when she wasn't!” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, salicylic acid

Size: 1 oz

There’s a reason you often see vitamin C and vitamin E together in beauty products—the two are a natural pair. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, helps keep vitamin C stable. In this formula, salicylic acid also exfoliates the skin.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is an affordable option that contains 10% L-ascorbic acid. It absorbs completely and finishes like a primer that layers nicely with sunscreen and makeup.” —Dr. Hogan

Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5

Size: 1 oz

If you have dry skin, this vitamin C serum is a fantastic option. Hyaluronic acid and three different ceramides help keep skin hydrated and this serum also focuses on nurturing the skin barrier.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum also has 10% L-ascorbic acid and is combined with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to yield a milky texture. This is a nice option for dry skin and the protective metal tube packaging is well-done to mitigate oxidization.” —Dr. Hogan

Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin with Ceramides

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5

Size: 1.2 oz

All of Vanicream’s products are made specifically with sensitive skin in mind, making the brand a dermatologist favorite. All the products are made without common irritants like fragrance and parabens. This vitamin C serum is lightweight and works well under makeup.

Walmart rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Vanicream Vitamin C serum is probably my favorite drugstore Vitamin C serum right now. It contains 5% THD ascorbate, the stabilized lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C. It comes in an airless pump, has a lightweight milky texture that blends completely into the skin and is hydrating.” —Dr. Hogan

Eau Thermale Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

Size: 1 oz

If you were to peruse the aisles of a French pharmacy, Avène would be one of the first brands you would see. This vitamin C serum is also infused with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for bright, moisturized skin.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After a lot of research into French skincare, I ordered this product in addition to several others. This is now my favorite antioxidant for my morning skin care routine. The scent is light and pleasant, the product is not thick, heavy or greasy, and it is not colored like my previous product which left my face feeling a little sticky and glossy looking (and maybe a tad yellowish). From my first use, using it twice daily, I have had no issues with irritation or breakouts, and I feel that my skin looks healthier and has a soft glow.”

LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C

Size: 1 oz

If you’re a vitamin C purist, Vichy’s LiftActiv serum is perfect for you. This serum is fragrance-free, oil-free, and the only active ingredient is concentrated 15 percent vitamin C.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This has improved my face a great deal as it helps wrinkles and improves skin tone and texture.”

5% Vitamin C + EGF Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, EGF

Size: 1 oz

EGF, or Epidermal Growth Factor, isn’t often found in a vitamin C serum. However, it’s the perfect ingredient to pair with vitamin C because while vitamin C brightens skin, EGF boosts collagen and elastin production.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Works well. I have noticed my skin is now brighter with reduced pore size. The texture is light and non greasy.”

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, peptides

Size: 1.3 oz

In this hydrating and brightening formula, vitamin C and peptides work together to even and moisturize skin. The formula is also incredibly lightweight, so it’s perfect for wearing underneath makeup.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After having used this for some time now, I can say I really love this product. I don’t go a day without using it. It brightens my skin and makes it feel so soft. I love the scent, too. It’s light, sort of citrusy and clean. I have sensitive skin and there have been no problems with breakouts or irritation either.”

Vitamin C Facial Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 oz

With nearly 100,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this vitamin C serum is a crowd-favorite. The cocktail of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid make it a brightening and hydrating force to be reckoned with.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The product is rich and soothing on the skin. It gives an amazing glow to my skin. I have noticed a difference in the tone and moisture level of my skin, and I loved that it doesn't have a smell which most serums do.”

Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Concentrated Serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C, turmeric

Size: 1 oz

Two brightening superstars, vitamin C and turmeric, are blended together in this highly concentrated serum. Made with natural ingredients, it’s perfect for fading dark spots and discoloration.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “Burt’s Bees never disappoints! This serum is light, not oily, and it works great on my skin. It makes my skin look bright and soft and very moisturized. The price is great as well!”

R&R Day Serum

Key ingredients: kakadu plum, niacinamide, alpha arbutin

Size: 1 oz

Think of this serum as a triple threat: it brightens and fades discoloration, hydrates, and refines pores. Made with plant-based antioxidants and kakadu plum, a naturally vitamin C-rich fruit, this serum leaves skin glowing.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have a lot of skin damage and I love this day serum, it has great skin-brightening ingredients and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It does well with my other skincare and doesn't pill under the Undefined SPF. My skin looks glowy and I get a lot of compliments. This is a holy grail skin care product!”

Meet the experts

Dr. Mona Gohara, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Sara Hogan, Dermatologist, Luxe Dermatology Center, Washington D.C.

How to choose a drugstore vitamin C serum

Concentration: “Vitamin C products range in concentrations from less than 5 percent up to 30 percent,” says Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, FAAD. “Most over-the-counter serums, if they disclose their formulation, are between 5 to 15 percent. It is thought that Vitamin C serums should have concentrations of 10 percent or higher to be effective, though studies have shown concentrations above 20 percent have potential for irritation without much added benefit.” If you have sensitive skin or are just trying out a vitamin C product, Dr. Gohara says it’s better to use a lower concentration and consider working your way up.

Ingredients: There are many different forms of vitamin C—choosing the form that will work best for your skin is important. “L-abscorbic acid is considered the most bioactive form, present in most drug store Vitamin C serums and appropriate for most skin types,” says Dr. Hogan. “If you have dry or mature skin, consider a serum containing lipid-soluble tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate since it can moisturize and brighten.”

Packaging: Vitamin C is an unstable ingredient, so packaging is important since light and air can destabilize it. According to Dr. Hogan, Vitamin C stored in opaque, airtight containers may be more stable and keep longer.

Who is vitamin C best suited for?

Dr. Gohara says that vitamin C is a good option for anyone who wants to prevent further or reverse existing sun damage. Vitamin C serums are well-tolerated by most, but Dr. Gohara says you should talk to your dermatologist before using if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, or any other inflammatory skin condition.

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 beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed dermatologists to find the best drugstore vitamin C serums to brighten skin.

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