Our Editors Tested Dozens Of Vitamin C Serums. These Made A Huge Difference. (2024)

We've tested tons of vitamin C serums in the past year, and Skinceutical's product nabbed the top spot for its potent formula that delivered long-lasting results for our testers. Dr. Murphy-Rose says this serum is super well-known for a reason. "It delivers potent antioxidant effects with help from 15% L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid," she says. The reason it's packaged in a dark glass is to help preserve its potency, she adds.

WH beauty director Brian Underwood, who's been using this product for years, backs Murphy-Rose's assessment. "Research shows that vitamin E and ferulic acid help to boost the skin benefits of vitamin c, and this product is the OG in that respect," he says. Yes, it's pricey, but the results speak for themselves. And don't be put off by the smell (beauty editors have described it as hot dogs or bologna), it dissipates quickly."

The texture of this one, according to Underwood, is slightly watery, so it absorbs nicely and with long-term use (think six to eight weeks), you'll notice considerable brightening effects. "My skin always looks more refreshed and glowy when I incorporate this classic product into my regimen," Underwood adds. "When it comes to vitamin C serums, it checks all the boxes—you really can't beat it."

Read more: Best Dark Spot Correctors

Let's be real—not all of us want to drop tons of cash on skincare. And Dr. Scott says you don't have to. She's a huge fan of low-cost skincare brand Naturium; her patients often come back with rave reviews after giving it a try. "I have yet to try a product from Naturium that I haven’t liked," she says. "Quite a few of my patients love their Vitamin C Complex Serum."

Inside the bottle, you'll find a solid concentration of pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum, another major source of vitamin c that helps address signs of aging (though the brand doesn't list the percentage of C in the formula). The product has an almost gel-like consistency. "It spreads like a dream and absorbs almost instantly," one tester says. "It's neither sticky nor exceptionally hydrating, which makes it a great pick for a wide range of skin types, too." In tests, we didn't notice much of a scent at all—no funkiness, but no fragrance either.

Sunday Riley's vitamin c serum received top marks from our experts because of its hydrating finish that makes it ideal for dry skin. "My patients love this for brightening," says dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott, MD, who adds that it's a great step for those who don't want a 10-step routine, as it "kind of doubles as a moisturizer." Dr. Scott also loves the brand's C.E.O. Glow Oil, raving that the anti-inflammatory turmeric in the formula has been great for her own acne-prone skin.

This serum also gets a stamp of approval from dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, who says its thicker consistency improves the ability to control application, as thinner products can be runny and harder to apply. Also worth noting: It contains 15% THD ascorbate, a form of C that may be gentler on those with sensitive skin.

Our testers liked the formula for this exact reason, too. "I'm a huge fan of Sunday Riley in general, but particularly love its vitamin C products," says contributor Brigitt Earley. "Since my skin skews dry, this one is ideal." Based on our extensive testing, we found that the finish is hydrating and dewy rather than matte and sticky like some others we've tried. There's no weird scent, either—just a light, almost citrus-like smell.

Dr. Scott's biggest concern with her melanin-rich patients is that dark marks tend to last for a longer amount of time and can be hard to remove. But, she says this antioxidant-rich serum helps speed up the process. "I have never had a patient not like Revision's Correcting Complex," she says. "The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey." It's power-packed, with 30% THD ascorbate, so this is one that may be too aggressive for those with very sensitive skin, even though it features a gentler, more stable version of C.

Like the Sunday Riley serum, our testers liked that this formula is more lotion-like. It's thin enough to spread easily and absorb readily, but it isn't messy to work with. It also leaves skin feeling velvety to the touch, thanks to the addition of nourishing vitamin E. "My skin felt softer and smoother for hours after application," our tester told us. "It has a light perfume-like scent, which is a nice touch, too."

This Pure Vitamin c Serum from La Roche-Posay is one of dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, MD's favorite vitamin c serums, as it's a real multi-tasker. It's made with acne-fighting salicylic acid, she tells us, noting what a rare find that is at this price point. "A lot of science went into developing this over-the-counter option," Dr. Gohara says. "It adds radiance to the skin by effectively fighting off free radical damage from UV light and other external sources."

Our testers like the consistency. "It's thicker than your average vitamin C serum, which makes it easier to work with—it's not dripping down you cheeks," says Earley. "It dries down to a totally natural matte finish, which is great for those with oily skin or anyone who can't stand that slightly sticky or tacky residue that's so prevalent in vitamin C serums."

Underwood, who has combination skin that's acne-prone, also says that the formula's pore de-clogging salicylic acid is a great feature. "I love using this product because it pairs two proven complexion-boosting ingredients, saving me a step in the morning," he says. "The texture is very hydrating but not greasy, another huge plus, and I've never experienced a reaction from using this product."

Got dark spots? Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, says this product stops the two root causes of brown spots in their tracks, lightening them over time. How does it work? The 12% vitamin C blocks enzymatic processes that make more pigment in the skin, she explains.

Underwood says the targeted applicator helps you get the formula exactly where it needs to be if you're only interested in spot-treating patches of hyperpigmentation.

He likes the product's yellow tone, too, noting it left an immediate glow. "It feels almost like a moisturizer (likely from the vitamin E in the formula)," Underwood says. "It also has a very pleasant 'fresh' scent." On that note: It does contain fragrances and does combine vitamin C and salicylic acid, so it may not be ideal for very sensitive skin.

Dr. Gohara swears by Obagi Medical's vitamin C serum, telling WH she uses the product every single morning. "It has highly-concentrated L-ascorbic acid (15 percent, if you're wondering) and it's easy to layer, making it not only very effective at evening out skin tone and minimizing lines, but also a breeze to incorporate into your routine each morning!" she says.

Based on our own extensive testing, we found that it's one of the runnier formulas on this list, but we love that it sinks in swiftly and leaves our skin feeling silky and soft, albeit a tiny bit tacky. In terms of results? One tester says she noticed an immediate brightening effect and a definite difference in overall tone and texture over the course of a few weeks.

Dermatologists we spoke with say that people with sensitive skin should stick with a product that has just 10 percent Vitamin c in it, rather than some that use 20 percent or more. A personal favorite among many WH editors is this one by Biossance, which also features squalane, hyaluronic acid, and white shitake mushroom for an ultra-hydrating boost.

"This product is very milky—slightly runny and light white in color," our tester told us. "It isn't as quick to absorb as some others, but I love that it has more of a cooling effect than your average vitamin C serum—it makes it really unique!"

We also found that it layers really well under makeup, too. "It helps quench dry skin, but isn't overly hydrating," she says. "Instead, it has a soft matte finish that provides the perfect canvas for the rest of your look." There's not much of a scent one way or the other, likely because the formula is entirely fragrance-free.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, but as we noted above, it's ideal to look for a product that has added skin-protecting antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid to further stabilize the formula. This one from Drunk Elephant features both. Another unique feature is that you mix a base liquid with a powder upon opening the bottle, meaning the product is as fresh as possible when you smear it on your face for the first time. Translation: It won't go "off" as quickly as something that's been lingering on a store shelf for months.

"I love the Drunk Elephant C-Firma serum," says WH executive digital director Amanda Woerner. "Since I started using it, I've noticed fewer brown spots on my skin and feel like my complexion looks brighter overall. It also feels very lightweight for use under makeup during the day."

Woerner has experimented with other pricier vitamin C serums over the years, but she keeps coming back to this one because of its results. One important thing to note? As you can see in the product image, you mix the formula yourself. "Go slow," cautions Woerner. "It comes out fast, and I almost spilled the liquid gold!"

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Dr. Laura Scott, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
• Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Dr. Shari Sperling, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.

How often should you use a vitamin C serum?

When it comes to vitamin C, or really any skincare product, consistency is key. "Daily use is recommended for most vitamin C products," says Dr. White.

But, when you apply it matters: "Application of vitamin C products in the morning can help neutralize free oxygen radicals that develop during the day as a result of normal metabolism and exposure to UV radiation and environmental pollutants," notes Dr. Camp.

For that reason, applying vitamin C should always be the first step in your morning routine after cleansing. "But, make sure you use it in conjunction with mineral sunscreen before you head out the door!"

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