The 15 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Firmer Skin
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The one ingredient that everyone could benefit from adding to their skincare regimen? According to experts, it's vitamin C, which is known as the ultimate multitasker because it treats existing damage (i.e., dark spots and dullness), while protecting your skin against environmental pollutants that can accelerate aging. You can find this powerful ingredient in many different types of skincare products (masks, moisturizers, etc.), but here we’re focusing on the best vitamin C serums to supercharge your beauty routine, including the best overall pick, Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum and the fan favorite Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Serum.
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The Best Vitamin C Serums at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City who has received national recognition for her contributions to cosmetic dermatology, including Castle and Connolly America’s Top Doctors, New York Magazine’s 2013-2020 Best Doctors, and inclusion in the 2013-2020 lists of Super Doctors. Before joining UnionDerm Dr. Gmyrek was on the faculty of Columbia University Medical Center, where she was Division Chief of Cosmetic Dermatology and founded Columbia University’s Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center. At Columbia, Dr. Gmyrek was also the Director of the Resident Cosmetic Clinic, instructing the resident physicians in cosmetic procedures, and was in charge of the Fourth Year Medical Student Electives in Dermatology.
How We Chose the Best Vitamin C Serums
To make our list, we polled editors to share their favorite vitamin C serums. They highlighted the benefits (and downsides) of each product found on this list. We also tapped a board-certified dermatologist for her top recommendations. After gathering all of the options, we checked each vitamin C serum against specific criteria, including their ingredients, texture and wearability underneath our other skincare products and makeup. From budget-friendly picks to more luxurious finds, here are the 15 best vitamin C serums.
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1. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
The clever concoction of veteran cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this highly concentrated serum delivers 20 percent pure vitamin C (which is the highest concentration that's allowed in skincare). The star ingredient is encapsulated to ensure stability so that you get maximum brightening benefits from using it. We also love the smooth gel cream texture because it makes our skin feel soft and plump and it layers well under makeup.
2. Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Serum
Since its launch in 2017, this cult serum from Sunday Riley has amassed a loyal following. We’re guessing that has something to do with the smart formulation that includes 15 percent THD ascorbate (aka vitamin C), as well as vitamin E and squalane for a silky-smooth application that doesn’t feel sticky on your skin and leaves a soft glow behind.
3. StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
While there are many vitamin C serums on the market, very few also contain retinol because the ingredients are traditionally difficult to formulate together. However, StriVectin’s two forms of stabilized vitamin C make it possible for the two to work in harmony. Senior editor Dana Dickey praises its texture, too. "There’s something about the formula that makes it glide over my skin and sink in quickly, which is good because I am too impatient to wait for anything to dry or set (just being honest!). Admittedly I’m not great with product diligence, but I have been better with this serum because I’ve looked forward to putting it on before my moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, and as part of my routine at night," she says.
4. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
Dr. Gmyrek is a fan of this cult classic formula, which has been one of the bestselling vitamin C serums since its launch in 2005 (and that's after 40 years of rigorous testing and research). "While vitamin C can be used alone, it works even better in conjunction with vitamin E," explains Gmyrek. "If you add ferulic acid, which is another antioxidant, to the mix you can increase the efficacy by eight-fold. This SkinCeuticals serum meets all of these criteria."
5. Isdin Flavo C Ultraglican Ampules
Another derm favorite, this concentrated serum has both vitamin C and an ingredient called UltraGlycans, a combination of proteins and peptides that help make your skin feel firmer, more elastic, and hydrated with every use. Note: Each travel-friendly ampoule comes with a resealable cap and is meant to be used within 48 hours of opening to guarantee maximum freshness and potency.
$50 at dermstore
6. Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon
Meet the vitamin C powder that notably had a 2,000-person waiting list at launch. Packed with a whopping 17 percent ascorbic acid, it makes dull, tired skin instantly brighter and softer to the touch. Plus, the powder formula ensures easier travel and a longer shelf life. To use, mix one scoop with your favorite toner or serum (preferably one that doesn’t contain AHAs, BHAs or retinol) and apply. Note: If the texture is still a bit grainy, just add a little more liquid to the mix.
7. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
For the folks who have super-sensitive skin that seemingly reacts to everything, give this gentle serum from Klairs a try. It has a lower concentration of vitamin C that’s boosted with fruit extracts (like grapefruit) and buffered with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica (aka tiger grass) to quell any inflammation. All you get is brightening without the burn.
8. Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40
Vitamin C and sunscreen are like Bey and Jay: the ultimate power couple. When used together, they boost the effectiveness of the other. This serum from Supergoop! is the first hybrid formula that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, free radicals and blue light damage, while also working to fade existing pigmentation so your skin appears more even-toned and luminous over time. Plus, the oil-free formula won't clog pores and leaves your skin with a dewy sheen after use.
9. Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
"I've been using the Summer Fridays CC Me Serum for a couple of years. I love how smoothly it goes on (I've tried a couple in the past that felt too grainy). It doesn't have a super strong scent to it and isn't too heavy, either. Plus, it's both vegan and cruelty-free, which are bonuses in my book," shares assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera.
10. Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Do you find yourself waking up with a dull pallor lately? This Youth to the People vitamin C serum is just the wake up call your morning routine needs. Formulated with a 15 percent triple-C complex (ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and caffeine, it works double-duty to brighten up your complexion, while boosting microcirculation to reduce any puffiness. Apply a few pumps to freshly cleansed skin before your moisturizer.
11. MZ Skin Brighten & Protect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum
If you're looking to give your vitamin C game a major upgrade, consider this potent serum by MZ Skin. "I recently started using this to target some stubborn dark spots I've developed on the side of my face. The serum is super lightweight and almost pearlescent, and it absorbs into skin *so* smoothly and quickly—with no residue or sticky feeling. It's definitely pricey, but I'm already seeing some results after a few weeks," shares our senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida.
12. Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum
"I've always had a love-hate relationship with vitamin C serums. In the past, I've tried some popular brands that made me break out. I'd get these teeny, tiny whiteheads all over, and after doing some research found out it was due to the high concentration of vitamin C in the product I was slathering on every day. After some trial and error, I finally found this version from Alastin. I love that it's medical-grade and that I can use it daily to help fade sun spots without any adverse effects, plus my skin feels brighter and more even whenever I consistently use it. The packaging is genius too. Since vitamin C can easily oxidize in sunlight, the special pump system helps preserve potency and effectiveness," shares executive managing editor Catrina Yohay.
13. Stratia C+C Serum
"I've been using this serum since last November and so far, I like it a lot. It's a non-irritating formula that doesn't trigger my rosacea and it has a really light, silky texture and it's under $30. My sister even commented that my skin looked good, which is saying a lot considering the new parent sleep schedule I've been on," says senior food editor Katherine Gillen.
14. Educated Mess Golden Hour Vitamin C Serum
"I recently started using this vitamin C serum, maybe over the last month or two. I typically have issues with red patchy areas on my skin, mostly the T-zone, where there is a perpetual acne war. Since using this, I've noticed the redness even out, fewer breakouts, and overall firmness," shares associate SEO editor Marissa Wu.
15. Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
"I've never met a Paula's Choice product I haven't loved, and the brand's vitamin C serum is no exception. It's super lightweight and helps my skin look and feel brighter and smoother for significantly less money than others," says wellness director Sarah Stiefvater.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Vitamin C Serum
An Intro Guide to Serums (If You're Still Not Sure What They Are)
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
