These Vitamin C Serums Are Basically Mini Facials in a Bottle

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A tall glass of orange juice delivers a heady dose of antioxidants and nutrients to support a healthy, balanced immune system. Now, imagine a face serum that can deliver all that and more to boost your skin’s radiance and improve its overall health and look. No, this isn’t a ruse—this magical solution actually does exist, and you’ve likely already heard of it or currently house it in your skin care stash: a vitamin C serum.

A universally effective ingredient, vitamin C has cropped up in your favorite formulas, from facial cleansers to face masks to moisturizers, and wrinkle creams. “Vitamin C is a topical antioxidant that has many beneficial properties,” says celebrity dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It reduces hyperpigmentation and acts as a cofactor for many cellular processes to maintain naturally glowing skin. Most of all, it scavenges free radicals that we come in contact with every single day.”

In addition to enhancing skin with a touch of radiance, vitamin C yields the power to make skin appear more youthful. According to fellow dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, “[it’s] a key molecule for optimizing skin health and is an important and necessary cofactor (supporting molecule) that is required for the production of collagen, which is our skin’s main building block and currency for youthful skin.”

However, there’s one caveat that you should keep in mind while selecting a vitamin C serum for yourself. Some vitamin C serums are quite potent due to high concentration levels, so it’s essential to pay attention to this. “Vitamin C can be irritating at concentrations at or above 20 percent,” says Dr. Lal. Especially if you’re new to the vitamin C world, Dr. Lal recommends choosing a serum that includes a 10 percent concentration level. Overall, though, no matter your tolerance, Dr. Ibrahimi says to look for vitamin C formulas with L-ascorbic acid, the true active form of vitamin C. “L-ascorbic acid is the best option for most, as it is the most bioactive vitamin C compound,” he says.

If you think your skin needs a vitamin C boost, look no further. We’ve perused thousands of customer reviews and consulted our personal collection of products to find the 15 best vitamin C serums for glowy skin.

Super C Ferulic

Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Size: 1 fl oz

Vitamin C plays well with a number of ingredients, but none better than ferulic acid. Both vitamin C and ferulic acid are potent antioxidants that address discoloration and ward off free radicals that prompt premature aging. This Medik8 formula packages 30 percent (!) L-ascorbic acid and ferulic, along with vitamin E for added cushion.

Medik8 rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “As a former vitamin C hater, I was skeptical to try a new formula but was pleasantly surprised by how well my skin behaved with Super C Ferulic (read my review here). I have the most stubborn dark marks, so I knew I wouldn’t see anything major transformation. However, after a few uses of this serum, my skin looked brighter and felt smoother, and some marks even lightened up. The consistency is light and absorbs fast, so no sticky residue here!”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Size: 1 fl oz

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.

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% 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

C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum

Key ingredients: Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)

Size: 1 fl oz

Thanks to this formula, an army of antioxidants takes on a slew of tasks to bring you closer to the skin of your dreams. By now, we know vitamin C is there to correct dullness and prevent any damage free radicals cause; simultaneously, the antioxidant-powered serum improves elasticity, boosts collagen, and protects against external stressors that trigger the skin.

Alastin rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Alastin reviewer said: “Love, love, love this serum! It’s the only Vitamin C product I’ve found that isn’t oily and doesn’t sting. It has a wonderful silky texture that absorbs almost immediately. I’ve used this since it was introduced and my skin is brighter and more even-toned.”

C E Ferulic

Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic Acid, vitamin C, vitamin E

Size: 1 fl oz

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. Because vitamin C can be very unstable in skincare, adding ferulic acid helps it last longer–and work better.

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 over time. Now, I’m not so ashamed to go makeup-free as I once was.” — Nerisha Penrose

25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glutathione, ergothioneine

Size: 1 fl oz

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 more diffused but equally effective application.

Sephora star rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This product is absolutely amazing, I am always looking for vitamin C products and recently started trying Paula’s choice products. I use 1-2 pump all over my face and I think it is brightening up my skin tone and texture. I recommend it, I actually bought this for my sister and mom as well.”

Medical Professional-C Serum 20%

Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Size: 1 fl oz

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 and providing antioxidant protection from UV damage.

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.”

Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, phas, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 fl oz

Environmental damage is often the worst enemy to skin, as it causes irritation, damage, and even fine lines. Olehenriksen’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.

Sephora star rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This is honestly a great vitamin C serum, it definitely brightens your face in the span of just wearing it for a few minutes. I noticed it helped smooth and clear my skin due its 15 percent vitamin C.”

Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid

Size: 1 fl oz

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 end result is radiant, glowing skin that’s hydrated and blemish-free.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have hormonal acne that I thought would never go away. Plus, I’m in my late 20s and started to see signs of aging. I love this product. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles while also opening up your pores to release gunk. Fantastic.”

Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root

Size: 1 fl oz

This powerful yet gentle serum uses a version of time-released vitamin C in its formula, so the antioxidant effects of the ingredient last throughout the day as you wear it. It’s also made up of primarily naturally derived ingredients, so you can be sure you’re not putting your skin through too much stress.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This serum is light yet hydrating. I love the fresh scent and texture, which melts into my skin. After several weeks of daily use, my skin feels firmer and more even. I use it once a day under my moisturizer. It is not sticky, either.”

Universal C Skin Refiner

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane

Size: 1 fl oz

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.

Amazon star rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “The things I love about this product are that it contains the highest % of pure Vitamin C permitted, has a patented encapsulated delivery system that prevents oxidation and contains moisturizing ingredients. I have been using this daily for over two weeks and have noticed a considerable difference in the texture of my skin. It’s much smoother and definitely appears brighter and radiant.”

Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane

Size: 1 fl oz

While vitamin C helps fade dark spots on the skin, the combination of squalane and natural extracts protects the skin from future photodamage. That means that over time, you’ll notice your skin tone becoming more even and supple—as did one of Elle’s beauty writers who now swears by the product.

Biossance star rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Biossance reviewer said: “Within a week or two of using this, I had a brown spot on my forehead go away that I never would disappear without going to a dermatologist. I have used every designer cream, but this one is all about the environment and works. So in love. Try this; you’ll be so happy!”

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C

Size: 1 fl oz

In the short term, this potent serum will help skin look radiant and glowy, like you just got a facial. But with continual use, the vitamin C and glycolic acid combo fades dark spots, hyperpigmentation, reduces pore visibility, and smooths out the skin’s texture.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “At 51, I have a couple of age spots, and this serum has lightened them gradually. My skin is glowing. I use this with the Good Genes and have seen a dramatic result in reducing pore size.”

The Good C Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, kakadu plum extract

Size: 1 fl oz

This celeb-favorite skincare line created a gentle vitamin C serum perfect for anyone with reactive skin. Using a combination of synthetic and naturally-derived vitamin C, your skin will be red carpet ready and glowing in no time.

Nordstrom star rating: 3.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor said: “I like this formula for maintenance of my even skin tone. It plays well with my skincare routine and does not pill when I apply sunscreen as my last step. With only 5 percent Vitamin C, this isn’t the strongest of formulas, so if you are looking for something to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots quickly, I’d suggest a formula with a minimum of 10 percent Vitamin C. However, if you have sensitive skin, this will be a great option for you.” — Danielle James, digital beauty director

LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E

Size: 1 fl oz

With 15 percent vitamin C, vitamin E, and a special antioxidant derived from pine bark, this anti-aging formula corrects and treats dullness, discoloration, and fine lines. With so many powerful ingredients in one bottle, you can probably cancel your next facial appointment.

Vichy star rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Vichy reviewer said: “I’ve only been using this for a week and am already seeing great results with reduced fine lines around my mouth and face. It feels rejuvenating when you use it, and I actually feel a tightening happening. My skin is brighter and more illuminated. I am turning 60 this year, so really looking for ways to battle these lines, and they look good!”

Daily Vitamin C Serum

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 fl oz

Omorovicza uses vitamin C to stimulate collagen in your skin, leading to a more plumped, youthful texture. The milky formula absorbs quickly while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated.

Nordstrom star rating: 3.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I really liked how lightweight the product went on. It felt airy and my skin absorbed it so quickly without feeling dry afterward. I was also really impressed with how lustrous my skin looked.”

Is vitamin C safe?

In addition to choosing the right formula strength for you, it’s important to note that “vitamin C is photolabile, which means it gets degraded 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.”

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. Lal also notes that serums are lightweight and usually combined with agents that allow for better penetration, whereas creams and lotions are meant to stay on top of the skin and work superficially. “Vitamin C serums take at least 12 weeks to take effect because it takes time for new cells to regenerate and for pigment to start clearing,” he adds.

When should you use vitamin C?

If vitamin C immediately conjures images of orange juice, then you already have your answer. “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 moisturizing and sunscreen,” Dr. Charles Puza says.

Can I use a vitamin C serum everyday?

Yes, as long as you’re not cocktailing 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 folks that do not have sensitive skin.”

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.

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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