The Best Vitamin C Serums For Reversing Sun Damage, Tested By Vogue (2024)

Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, skin dullness, dark marks, or sagging skin, seeking out the best vitamin C serum can help address all of the above. For many of us, the antioxidant has become a mainstay in a thoughtful beauty regimen. “I look at vitamin C as that little black dress in your closet,” Samantha Mims, aesthetician and founder of Dermasaa, tells Vogue. “It’s definitely one of those things you must have. It works to boost circulation, amplify the skin’s complexion, and stimulate collagen production.”

The benefits of vitamin C for your skin

You’ve likely noticed vitamin C serums are mainstays in the vanities of beauty insiders – or really, anyone with great skin. But why? We tapped dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi to give us the inside scoop on the benefits of vitamin C for your skin.

• Reduces hyperpigmentation: “Vitamin C and its derivatives reduce tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for producing melanin, thereby lightening hyperpigmentation,” she explains.“It also enhances protection against UV rays that stimulate melanin production.”
• Anti ageing: “As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralises free radicalsthat lead to premature skin ageing thereby helping support skin structures,” she explains, adding that it is “important for collagen biosynthesis, an important structural protein our skin loses with age.”
• Evens skin tone: According to Shirazi, vitamin C can help even skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and enhance protection from damaging UV rays.
• Brightens the complexion: How exactly does vitamin C brighten one’s complexion? Shirazi notes that “by inhibiting tyrosine’s activity vitamin C reduces discolouration and brightens the skin.”
• Antioxidant protection: “Antioxidants like vitamin C help neutralise free radicals by donating an electron to stabilise them, thus preventing them from causing skin damage,” she says.“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, but also enhances other antioxidants like vitamin E.” Basically, this protection limits factors that contribute to signs of ageing like dark spots, fine lines, and sagging.

What to look for in a vitamin C serum

• Ingredients: As for Dr Paula Bourelly, she recommends products with ingredients like arbutin and ubiquinone, as they both have “brightening properties which help to lighten brown spots and, as antioxidants, the ascorbic acid and tocopherol add another layer of defence to traditional sunscreens.”
• Vitamin C formula: Generally speaking, you’re looking for a formula with a stable form of vitamin C that can deliver sufficient antioxidant protection – of L-ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Experts say you’re typically looking for a vitamin C in the 10-20 per cent range.
• Packaging: Also, the product’s packaging makes all the difference: dark or opaque bottles help reduce the oxidation that could occur when vitamin C gets exposed to sunlight or heat. Your precious formula is best stored in a cool, dark environment for best usage.

How to use a vitamin C serum

Mims adds that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong way when it comes to applying the serum – what’s more important is what you do afterward. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental factors such as pollution and UV light. So whether you’re deciding to use your serum in the morning, evening, or both, it’s important you’re following up with a layer of broad spectrum sunscreen daily.”

To learn how to properly incorporate it into our routines, we spoke with seven skincare experts and tested a handful of formulas to curate this edit of the best vitamin C serums out there. Get ready to give your skin the radiance boost it deserves.

Vogue’s best vitamin C serums at a glance:

• Best all-around: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, £165
• Best for sensitive skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus, £90
• Best drugstore: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, £41
• Best for enlarged pores: Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum, £68
• Best for hyperpigmentation: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, £86
• Best for oily skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, £165
• Best for dry skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules, £48
• Best vitamin C serum with glutathione: Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Gluthiathione Serum, £61

Best vitamin C serum with glutathione: Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Gluthatione Clinical Serum

• Why we love it: Take vitamin C and pair it with the body’s own super antioxidant glutathione, and you have a very good serum for optimal skin health. The buzzy ingredient is known for its ability to neutralise free radicals (aka the molecules in pollution that damage your skin) as well as lighten dark marks, reduce wrinkle formation and boost skin’s elasticity overall. The kind of serum that has a consistency closer to a lightweight cream, this stabilised formula is not only a pleasure to apply – it’s also one you can count on for clearer, plumper skin.
• Key ingredients: 25 per cent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, glutathione, mushroom-derived antioxidants
• Benefits: contains clinical strength vitamin C with additional barrier supporting ingredients to minimise irritation
• Best for: improving stubborn pigmentation and dullness, plus restoring lost volume on mature skin
• How to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount morning and at night on clean skin.
• Size: 30ml

Best all-around: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

• Why we love it: “Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works well for those with dry skin,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman. This Vogue-approved 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.
• Key ingredients: 15 per cent l-ascorbic acid, 1 per cent alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid
• Benefits: Smoothing, moisturising, firming, brightening
• Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, mature skin, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin
• How to apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
• Size: 30ml

Best cult vitamin C serum: Medik8 C Tetra Luxe

• Why we love it: Medik8’s efficacious formulas have earned the brand a loyal fanbase, with many a Vogue editor rating its vitamin C serum as one of their favourites. At 14 per cent vitamin C, it falls in the middle of our expert’s recommended serum concentration range – the perfect pick for those who have been using an entry-level serum and want to step up their results. Highly stable thanks to its tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate-based formula and dark tinted bottle, it is also blended with squalane to minimise irritation as it resurfaces fine lines and dark spots. Worth noting: this one is oil-based, making it the best choice for those targeting particularly dry skin.
• Key ingredients: 14 per cent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, red ginseng, maracuja oil and squalane
• Benefits: Nourishes the skin, boosting radiance and minimising fine lines
• Best for: rapidly brightening blemishes on all skin types, but particularly effective for dry skin conditions
• How to apply: Apply six drops to the face and neck immediately after your morning cleanse
• Size: 30ml

Best pharmacy: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

• Why we love it: “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.
• Key ingredients: 10 per cent pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and thermal spring water
• Benefits: Resurfacing, evening skin tone, hydrating
• Best for: Enlarged pores, acne-prone skin, dull skin, all skin types
• How to apply: According to La Roche-Posay, apply three to four drops to the face and neck in the morning after cleansing.
• Size: 30ml

Best affordable vitamin C serum: CeraVe Renewing Vitamin C Serum

• Why we love it: There’s little not to love about CeraVe’s vitamin C serum: The formula uses a strong 10 per cent pure L-ascorbic acid to combat free radical damage and promote an even, luminous complexion, while the featured hyaluronic acid and ceramides help ensure skin remains moisturised, nourished, and taut for hours on end.
• Key ingredients: 10 per cent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Benefits: Brightening, rough texture, skin barrier repair
• Best for: All skin types
• How to apply: According to CeraVe, apply the serum to the face and neck once daily.
• Size: 30 ml

Best for sensitive skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

• Why we love it: 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.
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, olive leaf, vitamin A, vitamin E
• Benefits: Antioxidant protection, soothing, smoothing
• Best for: Oily skin, sensitive skin (redness, rosacea), acne-prone skin
• How to apply: According to iS Clinical, apply three to four drops across the face and neck.
• Size: 15ml

Best for acne and blemish prone skin: 4.5.6 Skin Sevenly Delight

• Why we love it: Boasting an expert blend of vitamin C, niacinamide and azelaic acid, choose this serum to brighten your dark marks and in the process, it will do so much more. Its ingredient list is home to nearly every skincare hero there is, from antibacterial azelaic acid that quells acne, to tyronisase inhibitors that reduce excess melanin production and pore minimising powerhouses like niacinamide. “There is no stronger review for a serum than being so good that you order a top up as soon as it runs out, and that’s exactly what this serum made me do.” says Tracy Achonwa, Vogue beauty writer. “It has a watery consistency that absorbs almost immediately leaving no sticky residue behind, so it really is as delightful to use as its name suggests. Best of all, it actually works, and quickly at that – I noticed improvements to acne scars I have had for years within the first two weeks. Thanks no doubt to its cohort of complementary actives, it’s the single most effective vitamin C serum I have tried.”
• Key ingredients: vitamin C complex, niacinamide, glutathione, azelaic acid
• Benefits: softens skin texture, fights acne, boo
• Best for: easing breakouts on acne-prone skin, fading hyperpigmentation and increasing radiance
• How to apply: Apply 1-2 pumps morning and night.
• Size: 30ml

Best for enlarged pores: Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

• Why we love it: This serum prevents ageing 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 extract that regulates pore size.
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, a phytosterol complex, saccharide isomerate extract, and glycolic acid
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, exfoliating
• Best for: Enlarged pores, dull skin, all skin types, sensitive skin
• How to apply: According to Sunday Riley, apply two pumps of this serum to the entire face each morning.
• Size: 35 ml

Best for mature skin: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

• Why we love it: 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 ageing, 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 isa patentedversion of stabilised 20% L Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C) that doesnot oxidise,” though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.
• Key ingredients: 20 per cent L-ascorbic acid, squalane, green tea active, and tartaric acid
• Benefits: Firming, smoothing fine lines, exfoliating
• Best for: Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, combination-to-oily skin
• How to apply: According to BeautyStat, apply to clean, dry skin morning and night.
• Size: 30 ml

Best for dry skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules

• Why we love it: “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.”
• Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, and hyaluronic acid
• Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, smoothing
• Best for: Mature skin, all skin types
• How to apply: According to Isdin, apply half of the ampoule to the face, neck, and neckline.
• Size: 2 ml per ampoule (30 per package)

Best single ingredient vitamin C serum: The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

• Why we love it: Here, The Ordinary proves that an efficacious vitamin C serum can be bought for the same price as your lunchtime salad. Ringing in at just £14, the formula blends 12 per cent ascorbyl glucoside (described as “a water-soluble vitamin C derivative”) into a lightweight water-based serum that is suitable for any skin type – meaning improving dull, uneven complexions is seamless as can be.
• Key ingredients: Ascorbyl glucoside
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, antioxidant support
• Best for: All skin types
• How to apply: According to The Ordinary, apply the serum to the face morning and night followed by sunscreen in the daytime.
• Size: 30ml

Best for wrinkles: PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum

• Why we love it: Combating fine lines and wrinkles is of top priority with this PCA Skin serum rich in antioxidants. The ingredient complex comes together to reduce the look of lines and prevent inflammation, cellular oxidation, and increase hydration in this PCA Skin serum.
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, lilac leaf stem cell extract, and glutathione
• Benefits: Smoothing, firming, evening skin tone
• Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles, mature skin, combination-to-oily skin, acne-prone skin
• How to apply: According to PCA Skin, apply one to two pumps of this serum to the face and neck twice daily.
• Size: 29.5 ml

Best for hyperpigmentation: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

• Why we love it: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilised 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.
• Key ingredients: 20% Vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry, 10% mild fruit AHAs, and Japanese angelica root
• Benefits: Resurfacing, brightening, smoothing
• Best for: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, enlarged pores, all skin types
• How to apply: According to Tatcha, apply one to two pumps of this serum at night.
• Size: 30 ml

Best for oily skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

• Why we love it: Alongside SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is another sought-after formulation created especially for oily and acne-prone skin types. In fact, both Hartman and Dr. Karen Kagha namechecked it as essentials in their daily skin-care regimens. The oil-free elixir blends l-ascorbic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid to protect against free radical damage, stave off excess oil production, and clarify pores.
• Key ingredients: 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, 0.5 per cent silymarin (a plant-based antioxidant), 0.5 per cent ferulic acid, and 0.5 per cent salicylic acid
• Benefits: Resurfacing, reducing oiliness, preventing breakouts
• Best for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
• How to apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
• Size: 30 ml

Best protective: Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum

• Why we love it: “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. Thetetrahexyldecyl 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.
• Key ingredients: 25 per cent ethylated l-ascorbic acid, 10 per cent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
• Benefits: Brightening, firming
• Best for: Dull skin, mature skin, all skin types
• How to apply: According to Allies of Skin, apply three pumps to the face and neck to damp skin, post cleanser and toner. This can be used morning or night.
• Size: 30 ml

Best powder: The Nue Co. Topical-C

• Why we love it: 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 moisturiser or water to apply with ease.
• Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, tapioca starch, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone
• Best for: Sensitive skin, dull skin, oily-to-dry skin
• How to apply: According to The Nue Co., mix this powder with moisturiser or water, then apply to the face and neck daily.
• Size: 15 ml

Best reparative: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

• Why we love it: 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 product is meant to deliver antioxidant benefits, protect against free radicals, and support your skin’s production of vitamins C and E.
• Key ingredients: MelaPATH™ (Revision Skincare’s antioxidant blend), sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, diglucosyl gallic acid, and vitamin C
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, repairing the skin barrier
• Best for: All skin types
• How to apply: According to Revision Skincare, one pump of this serum can be applied to the face twice daily.
• Size: 30 ml

Best spot treatment: Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment

• Why we love it: 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 acne-prone skin,” she says, “because it has oils high in linoleic acid, such as sunflower seed oil, and this makes it helpful at reducing inflammation.”
• Key ingredients: 20 per cent ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a stable vitamin C derivative, camellia extract, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
• Benefits: Evening skin tone, resurfacing, brightening, reducing inflammation
• Best for: Hyperpigmentation (dark spots, post-acne scarring), all skin types, sensitive skin, dull skin
• How to apply: According to Peach & Lily, this is best applied to clean, dry skin morning or night directly onto discolouration.
• Size: 20 ml

Meet the dermatologists

• Dr. Paula Bourelly, board-certified dermatologist at Olney Dermatology Associates
• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
• Dr. Shereene Idriss, New York City-based board certified-dermatologist who specialises in facial rejuvenation
• Dr. Hadley King, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Samantha Mims, founder of Dermasaa and in-house aesthetician at Brooklyn Face & Eye
• Lily Njoroge, licensed aesthetician and acne specialist
• Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specialising in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.