The 12 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums of 2023 | by Byrdie

Keep scrolling to shop the best and brightest drugstore vitamin C serums on the market.

Serums are generally thinner and more concentrated as far as skincare products go, which is why it makes a great vehicle for vitamin C. But we get the price can sometimes be off-putting (it is a very popular active ingredient, after all), so we’ve taken the liberty of compiling some drugstore vitamin C serum favorites that deliver all the glowy skin goodness minus the price tag.

Anyone interested in skincare (slowly raises hand) has no doubt heard about the benefits of vitamin C serums. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C essentially works by neutralizing free radicals from the environment, assisting in the repair of damaged cells, improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging (like pigmentation), and barrier function. Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antioxidant, but interestingly humans lack the enzyme needed for its synthesis which is why we rely on food, and in this instance topical products, to experience the benefits.

Best for Face and Body:

Best for First Time Users:

What to Look For

Best Overall

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

Revolve

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View On Versedskin.com

What We Like

• Light texture

• Not sticky

• Gentle

What We Don’t Like

• Low concentration of vitamin C

With just 0.5% vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), this gentle serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or those who find vitamin C irritating. As per Appel’s suggestion, it also comes boosted with niacinamide to assist with calming and soothing the skin, plus sodium hyaluronate and licorice root. We’re also big fans of the light, bouncy texture (plus, the smell isn’t too offensive). 

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Boosting radiance, firming, strengthening | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Budget

Lumene Valo Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence

Amazon

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View On Walgreens

What We Like

• Affordable

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• Contains fragrance

This glow-giving serum uses ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble form of vitamin C that’s thought to be gentler and more stable than its pure form, so it’s a nice option if you’re new to antioxidants. Bonus points for hyaluronic acid and cloudberry extract to assist with hydration and the bouncy, fresh-skin feeling. 

Price at time of publish: $25

Benefits: Firming, boosting radiance | Skin Type: Mature skin | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

4.5

Amazon

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What We Like

• Contains botanicals

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• Vitamin C concentration is not disclosed

• Could irritate sensitive skin

True Story: Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum Lightened My Dark Spots in Just 3 Weeks

This serum is designed to balance, refine, and clarify blemish-prone or oily skin. Alongside vitamin C, there’s also clary sage, grapefruit, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile (not to mention, a herbaceous scent). Try patting a few drops onto clean skin after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning. 

Price at time of publish: $33

Benefits: Contains botanical extracts, boosts radiance, refines | Skin Type: Oily | Dosage: A few drops every morning | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

Best for Mature Skin

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum

4.9

Target

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What We Like

• Milky texture

• Dermatologist-endorsed

What We Don’t Like

• L-Ascorbic Acid can be unstable

L’Oreal’s Vitamin C serum was co-created with dermatologists to deliver the best possible results in a short timeframe. The formula contains 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), an active concentration that’s thought to be beneficial when it comes to visible change. Because L-ascorbic acid is known to be unstable, it’s also stored in an air-tight metal tube to protect its efficacy (so keep an eye out for any color changes). The creamy consistency is a nice change to watery serums, especially if you have dry, lined, or mature skin. 

Price at time of publish: $33

Benefits: Firms, boosts radiance, fragrance-free | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Dosage: A pea-sized amount | Size: 1.92 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

The 11 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

4.2

Amazon

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What We Like

• Hydrating

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• L-Ascorbic Acid can be unstable

Formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides, this wallet-friendly serum is a great buy for dry, sensitive skin, or anyone who wants the benefits of vitamin C but finds many formulations irritating. It’s fragrance-free and allergy tested, and with ongoing use can illuminate the skin. 

Price at time of publish: $23

Benefits: Contains vitamin B5 and ceramides to soothe, allergy tested | Skin Type: Dry, dehydrated, or sensitive | Dosage: Small pea-sized amount | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for First Time Users

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Amazon

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What We Like

• Minimal ingredients

• Light texture

What We Don’t Like

• Dropper bottle could allow for air contamination

The Ordinary is arguably one of the best drugstore brands going around, so it would be rude of us to not include the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. The water-soluble form of vitamin C is less intense than L-ascorbic acid, so you can experience subtle-but-noticeable benefits with a lower risk of irritation. The sweet price point is a nice touch, too. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Benefits: Boosts radiance, firms | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

The 21 Best Face Serums of 2023

Best for Sensitive Skin

Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Gentle

• Nourishing

• Soothes sensitive skin

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

If you are reactive, sensitive, or simply enjoy the virtues of French pharmacy beauty, Avene’s A-Oxidative Defense Serum is for you. The creamy formula contains ascorbyl glucoside again and is suspended in the brand’s signature thermal spring water (alongside hyaluronic acid and vitamin E). There’s also a soft, creamy texture that gives it a comforting feeling on the skin. 

Price at time of publish: $46

Benefits: Boosts radiance, nourishes, plumps | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Face and Body

Biologi BF Restore Face & Body Serum

Biologi

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What We Like

• Multi-purpose

• Minimal ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

If you’re chasing a one-and-done serum that can be used on uneven skin across the face and body, this is it. Appel loves it for its “concentrated dose of vitamin C and fruit enzymes” and recommends it for anyone looking to promote even skin tone, hydration, and a strong barrier. 

Price at time of publish: $72

Benefits: Can be used all over the body | Skin Type: All skin types, even sensitive | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Pigmentation

Biologi BD Luminosity Face Serum

Biologi

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What We Like

• Minimal ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

Appel swears by innovative Australian brand Biologi and its single-ingredient formulations. Luminosity is made using pure Davidson Plum, a rich source of vitamin C (alongside other antioxidant properties). With ongoing use, Appel believes it can restore even skin tone and increase radiance.

Price at time of publish: $108 

Benefits: Boosts radiance, restores luminosity | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Absorbs fast

• Includes salicylic acid

What We Don’t Like

• Too much for sensitive skin

Vitamin C for acne-prone skin can be tricky, but La-Roche Posay has come to the table with this multi-purpose serum that claims to boost radiance and clarify the skin simultaneously. Enriched with 10% L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, the bouncy texture sinks in quickly and claims to assist with even and refined skin. And if you’re wondering, the brand explains that the inclusion of salicylic acid is to increase absorption and is formulated in a way so that the L-ascorbic acid allegedly remains intact. 

Price at time of publish: $40

Benefits: Refines, boosts radiance, and clarifies | Skin Type: Oily and congested | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Acne Scars

Rosen Skincare Bright Citrus Serum

Target

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What We Like

• High concentration of vitamin C

• Helps fight acne-causing bacteria

• Evens texture and tone

What We Don’t Like

• Results take time

Looking for something potent to fade pesky acne scars and dark spots? This lightweight serum is rich in powerful tyrosinase inhibitors that work to both prevent and treat existing marks and pigmentation concerns. Formulated with a whopping 20% vitamin C plus mulberry extract, it’ll help even tone and texture while fighting acne-causing bacteria and dullness along the way.

Price at time of publish: $18

Benefits: Fades dark spots and scars, boosts radiance, fights acne-causing bacteria | Skin Type: Combination, oily, and acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes