I Said It: This $25 Vitamin C Serum Is as Good as the Buzzy $160 One

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Ready for a short story? I thought I was doomed to have dull, zombie-looking skin until I discovered my holy grail: a vitamin C serum. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is beloved by many dermatologists for its anti-aging properties and brightening benefits, and it's one of the few ingredients that can both protect and repair your skin. But these magical serums can, unfortunately, be pretty damn expensive—if (!) you don't know where to look. Enter: the best drugstore vitamin C serums I slather my face with guilt-free, because they're both affordable and effective.

So if you too want glowy, bright skin on the low-low, you've come to the right place. I consulted two dermatologists to get their drugstore vitamin C recs, as well as their expert insight on how to incorporate vitamin C into your routine and what to look for in a serum. I took their tips and my own testing trials (I’ve been guinea-pigging different serums for months, y'all) to bring you this list of the best drugstore vitamin C serums.

That’s just a snapshot of the best serums on this list. Keep reading for the complete roundup—you’ll find a serum for your exact skin type and skin concern. Plus, tips on if (or how) you can pair other ingredients like retinol and acids with vitamin C.

Vitamin C Face Serum

Wondering why this vitamin C serum has over 90,000 five-star reviews? Because it's the GOAT—at least based on my testing. TruSkin has perfected its formula, because this bb is able to both even my skin tone and soothe inflammation. “This vitamin C is combined with vitamin E, as well as hyaluronic acid, to help brighten your skin while also hydrating and nourishing,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. While its vitamin C is less potent than other forms, it combines witch hazel and MSM to increase efficacy and help penetrate the skin barrier.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid

• Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, combo, normal

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “I put on several spots on my face and rubbed on age spots on my arms and hands. After three or four uses, everything lightened a bit, enough to be noticeable to me anyway. I used a moisturizer on top of it, gently rubbing both into my skin.”

10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

This serum is packed with antioxidants that work together to protect skin from free radicals and environmental stressors without leaving your face with an oily residue. Its key feature is salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates skin and gets all that gunk from your pores while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles. And the gel texture sinks in immediately, which my oily skin <3s. But follow up with your fave moisturizer, bc it can be kinda drying after that mini exfoliation.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid

• Skin Type: Oily, sensitive

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I have tried a lot of vitamin C serums, but L’oreal is one of the best. From packaging to percentage. This is the best formulation. Pair it with sunscreen in the morning and your skin will thank you. I use this only for the daytime.”

Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe was cooking in their labs when they made this ultra-moisturizing serum that gives you a dewy glow. A fan-favorite of dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, the serum is specially formulated with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II) and l-ascorbic acid (aka the strongest form of vitamin C) to help even your skin tone and protect your skin barrier. The serum has a gel-like texture that layers well with sunscreens and moisturizers, even if you have dry skin. (Just apply a thin layer and let it dry before continuing with your skincare routine.)

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ceramides

• Skin type: Dry, sensitive

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I think this is a great product so far, my face is smooth, soft, and hydrated without having to put daytime moisturizer SPF on. I recommend doing it a few times a week in the beginning, as it did make my face a little red and even put it under my eyes. No burning or anything so it’s good for sensitive skin.”

Vitamin C Complex Face Serum

My combination skin changes with the seasons, so it’s super dry in colder temps—but my T-zone gets so oily in the summer, which has made finding a vitamin C serum a headache. My saving grace after months (!!) of trying different serums was this Naturium formula. It’s hydrating and gives my skin a glass-like appearance, which is perf for the winter. It *can* get too oily in the summer if you apply it twice a day, so stick to using it only once if you're prone to a shiny T-zone like me. The serum has a sticky finish that can be somewhat annoying, but it doubles as a primer for my makeup, which cuts down a step in my routine.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

• Skin type: Combination, acne-prone, sensitive, dry

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “I tried this product recommended by the dermatologist. I am in my mid-70s and trying to minimize the age spots on my face and forearms. Within 2-3 months, I noticed a significant improvement and fading of the dark areas. I love the gel because it is scent-free and stable. Unlike other C serums, the bottle is well sealed from light exposure, and the gel does not turn dark brown. It works well on my sensitive skin.”

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant for reducing discoloration, but brightening ingredients (like azelaic acid or retinoids) can be harsh on your bb sensitive skin. However, there are gentle vitamin C serums, and Vanicream is Dr. Garshick’s favorite. It’s her go-to for those with sensitive skin or chronic redness,because it “combines vitamin C derivatives with ceramides that help to support the skin barrier to minimize dryness,” she says. “It is lightweight and absorbs easily and is formulated without dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers." (These can potentially irritate skin.)

FYI: The vitamin C is less potent in this serum than others, so don’t expect those dark spots to fade immediately. However, if you want faster results, you can apply it twice a day if you’re not experiencing any irritation or redness.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ceramides

• Skin type: Sensitive

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “Finally, I have my favorite vitamin C serum. I have been using high-end formulations with higher vitamin C percentages. Unfortunately, they were quite irritating to me and made my hyperpigmentation worse. So far I have used two tubes but have seen a huge change. My skin is resilient to environmental stressors and is brighter. Super affordable and effective.”

10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

I love, love, love La Roche-Posay for its gentle and effective formulas, especially for acne. Their vitamin C serum is a cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts because it has salicylic acid to cut through oils and exfoliate dead skin cells that can otherwise cause pimples. The 10 percent concentration is just enough to brighten without causing any irritation, thanks to neurosensine, an amino acid that can help protect your skin barrier.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, amino acids

• Skin Type: All skin types

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “I was initially disappointed that this only had 10% vitamin C as I was using it to replace a product at 12 percent and another at 15 percent. La Roche actually works as good or better than either of the other products. After two weeks, I was surprised; my skin was visibly smoother with a more even tone and noticeably reduced pore size. It smells wonderful (and I'm generally not into fragrances at all), goes on smoothly, and instantly becomes invisible.”

Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Serum

Dr. Lal loves this serum for its focus on age spots and wrinkles. It targets mature skin with its trio of some of the best anti-aging ingredients around: niacinamide, bakuchiol—a plant alternative to retinol—and ascorbyl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C. This hardworking combo helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and brightens your complexion to even your skin tone. Be aware, though, that this 20 percent concentration can be a lil intense, so try it first three times a week until your skin tolerates it every morning. And def follow with sunscreen (which you should be doing every single day regardless, mmk?!).

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, bakuchiol, niacinamide

• Skin Type: Combo, dry, normal

• Size: 1 oz.

Healthy Radiance Antioxidant-C Serum

She is thick but mighty! And by she, I mean this ultra-brightening serum from Cetaphil. It's got a healthy dose of niacinamide and antixoidants to help reduce hyperpigmentation, acne scars, age spots, and just about any dark spot on your skin. Although this formula is rich, it's non-comedogenic and safe for my acne-prone skin (although, as always, pore-clogging ingredients can be different for every single person). Smooth this serum on once a day in the morning on clean, dry skin.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, glycerin

• Skin type: Combo, dry, sensitive, normal

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “I bought this serum hoping it would reduce the size and color of some prominent brown spots on my face. I'm pleased to say it actually works! My brown spots are now lighter and they aren't peeling, like they used to. There are some spots I can hardly see; the largest spot continues to shrink and dim.”

Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

Versed is a TikTok fave for its gentle formulas and adorable packaging (I’m a sucker for aesthetics—sue me!). But while the virality and pretty bottles inspired me to buy their products, the results made me a long-lasting customer. Its vitamin C serum, specifically, ranks number one in my skincare arsenal because it’s formulated with a trio of brightening ingredients (see: vitamin C, licorice root, and niacinamide) to help fade dark spots.

FWIW, the vitamin C concentration is fairly low, so it’s less irritating on my sensitive skin. I especially love the slight matte finish that pairs nicely with my moisturizer and sunscreen for both daytime and nighttime routines.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide

• Skin type: Combo, dry

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “This cleared my skin so well and it gives such a lightweight and balanced glow. It doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily or greasy at all. I use it after toner and follow up with snail mucin and my favorite moisturizer.”

Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Capsules

This Neutrogena serum contains only one active ingredient: 20 percent concentration of l-ascorbic acid, the purest and strongest form of vitamin C. Unlike other serums, this bb is packaged into biodegradable seaweed-derived capsules for exact dosing—each capsule contains 20 percent vitamin C—and protection against oxidation. The potent formula means it can be harsh for sensitive skin, though, so consider patch-testing it before fully incorporating it into your routine.

Even if your skin can brave the pure vitamin C, apply the tab (pinch and pull to capsule to release the serum) every other day on clean, dry skin. Daily use is not recommended because it’s coarse on any skin type, so opt for two to three times a week in the A.M.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C

• Skin type: Combination, oily

• Size: 30 capsules

Glowing customer review: “First, I don't have sensitive skin, just 72-year-old skin. This product works so well to lighten the spots on the backs of my hands and even out the skin tone of my face. Packaged into these capsules means the vitamin C stays active. Air and sunlight just zap it. So forget the creams or other open containers of vitamin C. This is an amazing product that has other women asking me what I use to keep the backs of my hands looking so young and what a glowing complexion I have.”

Liftactiv Supreme Vit C 20 Ml

“This serum contains 15 percent L-ascorbic acid to help even skin tone and improve radiance,” Dr. Garshick says. “It contains a blend of other antioxidants, including moisturizing vitamin E, and is lightweight and fragrance-free, making it a great option for all skin types.” It's also great for strengthen your skin barrier and building resistance against environmental stressors, especially with the combo of vitamins C and E. Aside from the anti-aging benefits, this serum is formulated to work for all skin types and is lightweight enough to be combined with different retinoids and acids (more on this later).

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E

• Skin type: All

• Size: 0.67 fl. oz.

Glowing customer review: “I have had hyperpigmentation around my mouth for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always hated it! I tried everything on YouTube to get rid of it like turmeric, etc. But this is the only product that has worked for me!! I only started to notice changes after finishing my first bottle. I still have some hyperpigmentation left and I will continue to use this!”

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum

Hyperpigmentation is a concern for many, but especially for those with deep skin tones who struggle 1) to recognize discoloration on their skin, and b) find a vitamin C serum concentrated enough to fade dark spots. But what if I told you there’s a strong vitamin C serum that’s packed with acids and antioxidants to tone uneven skin? Yup, the Olay Vitamin C Peptide serum is derm-approved for “visibly brightening the skin without leaving a sticky residue behind,” explains Dr. Garshick.

It uses brightening vitamin C and dark-spot fading lactic acid, as well as peptides, which can help boost collagen to make your skin thicker and healthier. It also has a lightweight feel and is super easy to layer under makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers too.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, lactic acid

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1.3 oz

Glowing customer review: “I couldn’t find a daily serum that is great alone or under my makeup, and this does both. It feels like silk on my skin and I have loved this brand for a long time. I truly didn’t realize we needed a vitamin C serum for our daily face care regimen.”

What does vitamin C do for your skin?

“Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has evidence in improving skin brightness, skin tone, as well as stimulating collagen production to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Lal. Basically, it gets rid of dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, while also boosting collagen to reduce age spots and wrinkles.

Another benefit is that it targets “signs of photodamage including brown spots and discoloration,” adds Dr. Garshick. Allow us to translate: Vitamin C works to counteract the signs of premature aging, including wrinkles and fine lines, caused by environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage.

How often should you wear a drugstore vitamin C serum?

It’s totally safe to use vitamin C serum every day, says Dr. Garshick. In fact, she encourages daily application, especially in the morning so your skin is protected against environmental damage. While using vitamin C every day is fine for most people, it can’t be paired with some other skincare ingredients because certain forms of vitamin C are unstable. To that end, Dr. Garshick recommends skipping vitamin C serum if you’re using retinoids or exfoliating acids because it destabilizes your skin's pH, which can damage your skin barrier, leading to potential dryness and irritation. Instead, make sure to use retinoids at night and vitamin C in the morning.

Dr. Lal adds that actives such as glycolic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide cannot be used alongside vitamin C because these “can break down the other ingredients or itself,” he says.

So, if you want to incorporate a drugstore vitamin C into your routine, double-check and make sure you’re not using any acids and retinoids at the same time.

What to look for in a drugstore vitamin C serum:

Consider the concentration.

The higher the concentration, the more potent and thus, the more irritating it can be. So, it’s important to consider your skin type and how prone you are to splotchiness and inflammation. Most vitamin C serums are at 10 percent, but Dr. Lal says that might be too high for beginners. He recommends starting at the lowest effective concentration (usually 5 percent) and working your way up.

For those with sensitive skin, he says to choose magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate as they are gentle and more tolerable forms of vitamin C (we noted a handful above, ofc).

Check the packaging.

When exposed to air, light, and humidity, vitamin C oxidizes and loses its effectiveness. It’s important to look at the packaging and see if it's in an air-tight and opaque bottle or tube. Or you could try capsules, like the Neutrogena formula we mentioned, which skirt that altogether with single-dose applications. Also, remember to place your vitamin C in a cool, dark place to ensure its longevity (bc a hot humid bathroom sounds like a great spot to oxidize).

Meet the experts:

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey. Dr. Garshick is an expert in cosmetic procedures and services to treat acne, eczema, rosacea, signs of aging, wrinkles, and other skin concerns.

• Karan Lal, DO, is a double-board certified dermatologist specializing in pediatric and adult dermatology. His areas of expertise include laser surgery, pigmentation of the skin, and body sculpture.

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

Melanie Curry is a contributing writer at Cosmopolitan with two years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup, hair, and nail related stories that range from the best makeup bags to round brushes. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to drugstore vitamin C serums, thanks to years of testing formulas on her sensitive, combination skin and interviewing dermatologists.

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