The Best Vitamin C Serums for a More Vibrant Complexion

Here, 22 options to help you find the best vitamin C serum to give your skin the radiance boost it deserves.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

“Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works well for those with dry skin,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman. This Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E. 

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

This iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus delivers skin protection, as well as treatment of acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and insect bites through time-released vitamin C and a blend of botanicals. 

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

“La Roche-Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is an affordable option that leaves skin protected and radiant without irritation,” says Hartman. While the price is alluring, what truly sets this apart is its cocktail of pure vitamin C paired with salicylic acid and neurosensine to refine skin texture and tone on the face and neck without harming sensitive skin.

Beauty Stat Universal C Skin Refiner

Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this serum contains vitamin C in its purest form, with a unique patented formula of stable 20% pure vitamin C and stable epigallocatechin gallate, which is a skin-aiding ingredient found in green tea. The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid which helps the skin absorb product more easily. Dr. Shereene Idriss is a fan of the formula too because “it is a patented version of stabilized 20% L Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C) that does not oxidize,” though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster

Wave goodbye to dark spots and dull skin when you incorporate True Botanical’s booster. Powered by vitamin C and ferulic acid, this works to support skin cell turnover and keep skin healthy. Just mix some of the powder with your favorite water-based serum or moisturizer.

Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules

“Although primarily a vitamin C product, the hyaluronic acid in this serum adds to its appeal,” says Dr. Hadley King. “The sealed tinted glass ampules protect the vitamin C from exposure to air and light. And the addition of hyaluronic acid and proteoglicans makes the formulation very hydrating. The texture is light and the subtle fragrance is clean and refreshing.”

PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum

Lilac leaf stem cell extract, resveratrol, glutathione, L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ergothioneine all work together to prevent inflammation, cellular oxidation, and increase hydration in this PCA Skin serum.

Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

This serum prevents aging in all of its forms: sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles, and replaces it with a radiant, glowing complexion thanks to vitamin C, phytosterols complex to soothe sensitive skin, and saccharide isomerate extrace that regulates pore size.

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilized vitamin C, Japanese Beautyberry, 10% fruit-derived AHAs, and Japanese Angelica root, this elixir protects against free radicals and combats hyperpigmentation to reveal a radiantly glowing complexion. 

InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer

“Innbeauty’s Slushy is vegan and contains hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol and vitamin C. The texture is super fun—slushy is a perfect description,” says King, who thinks highly of the retinol-alternative. “Bakuchiol seems to be activating the genes that regulate collagen and elastin production—the same ones retinol activates.  And it doesn’t seem to irritate and redden skin the way retinol often does, so it appears to be a gentler option.”

Klaris Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop

K-beauty brand Klaris’s Freshly Juiced Vitamin C serum has garnered positive reviews for its ability to transform bumpy, dull skin. Powered by the powerhouse antioxidant, centella asiatica extract, and yuja fruit extract, this serum is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Klaris Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop

$23

at SOKO GLAM

Plantkos Phyto Triple C Serum

According to King, the Plantkos Phyto Triple C Serum “contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as three forms of vitamin C: amla, a plant-based form of vitamin C; tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C; and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid.  [It] also contains sunflower seed oil and shea butter to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture.”

Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20%

Packed with antioxidants and 20% L-ascorbic acid, the Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum works overtime to minimize fine lines and protect the skin from damage. And due to the featured hyaluronic acid, it won’t dry out your skin either.

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

If you’re looking for brighter, more even toned skin, consider adding the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex to your beauty routine. Using the brand’s MelaPATH technology, this is meant to deliver antioxidant benefits, protect against free radicals, and support your skin’s production of vitamins C and E.

Pai Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster

Pai’s vitamin C is formulated as an oil—that way even sensitive skin types can experience its brightening and skin tone-evening benefits. The antioxidant is sourced from corn, and stabilized for slow release for high-impact wear. 

Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment

Aesthetician Lily Njoroge recommends this serum for acne-prone clients and those for whom irritation is a concern. “It’s the first vitamin C serum I’ve found that I would recommend for acneic skin,” she says, “because it has oils high in linoleic acid such as sunflower seed oil, and this makes it helpful at reducing inflammation.” 

Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment

$43

at ULTA

Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum

“Do not be fooled by the name as it is a combination of ethylated ascorbic acid as well as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate,” explains Idriss. “The ethylated L-ascorbic [in this serum] is a pure form of vitamin C and one of the most proven forms. The tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is the stable oil soluble form of vitamin C that also penetrates your skin to help brighten and provide radical protection.” Essentially, this serum works to protect your skin from stress, pollution, and even lack of sleep.

Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum

$144

at DERMSTORE

Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C

Those who prefer more of a milky formula should consider Omorovicza’s Daily Vitamin C. With Hungarian thermal water, glycerin, and niacinamide, expect lasting hydration along with brightening and boosting elasticity. 

The Nue Co. Topical – C

The Nue Co.’s powder is powered by a super blend of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, tapioca starch, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera to protect against free radical damage, address hyperpigmentation, and fade fine lines. It can be mixed with your moisturizer or water to apply with ease.

Hyper Skin Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum

Hyper Skin is a brand “hyper-focused on treating the needs of people of color,” says founder Desiree Verdejo. The line’s debut product, Hyper Clear, helps to heal hyperpigmentation while simultaneously enhancing glow with its blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, and bearberry.

Biopelle XCP Brightening Serum

“This serum brightens skin complexion and prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in skin, which keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay,” says Dr. Adeline Kikam. “I also love that it has phytic acid as well to fight hyperpigmentation which brown skin like mine is very prone to. I love using it as part of my melasma treatment plan, and patients love it because they see results.”

Heraux Molecular Anti-Inflammaging Serum

According to Hartman, the “Heraux Molecular Anti-inflammaging Serum contains a specialized ingredient called HX-1 that acts as a guardian against stress molecules and shields stem cells from the harmful effects of oxidative stress and inflammaging. It also has vitamin C to provide antioxidant support, protect the skin from environmental aggressors, and promote a brighter, more even skin tone.” He adds that “the texture is silky, lightweight, has a pleasant light fragrance and absorbs into [his] skin quickly.”