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Shop for skin care enough times, and you’ll notice the industry favors one particular ingredient: vitamin C. Depending on who you ask, vitamin C, touted mainly for its brightening properties, can be considered the Beyoncé of skin care. The antioxidant is beloved by many, pairs well with other transformative ingredients (vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, we’re looking at you), and can cost you a pretty penny to get your desired results. Often associated with the color orange, vitamin C delivers a surge of nutrients to boost your skin’s radiance and improve its overall health and look.
While it can be found in facial cleansers, moisturizers, and even body care, it’s commonly used as the star player in serums.
“Vitamin C is a topical antioxidant with many beneficial properties,” says celebrity dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It reduces hyperpigmentation and is a cofactor for many cellular processes to maintain naturally glowing skin. Most of all, it scavenges free radicals that we encounter daily.”
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, some vitamin C serums are potent due to high concentration levels, so those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution. “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.
Our top picks for vitamin C serums in 2024
We consulted dermatologists, perused thousands of customer reviews, and rummaged through our own skin care collections to find the 13 best vitamin C serums for glowy skin.
Best for Deeper Skin Tones
Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Exfoliates to reveal brighter skin
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 fl oz
While pesky dark spots can take forever to remove, Hyper Skin’s vitamin C is your sigh of relief. Vitamin C is the brightening agent in this formula, gradually reducing the appearance of dullness, while kojic acid, another brightening ingredient, gently exfoliates the skin to swiftly eradicate dark spots.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love that this vitamin C serum has kojic acid. Kojic is a great ingredient for brightening, especially melasma. This product contains a low percentage (one percent), but many products over the counter don't include a percentage at all, so this is great. This serum also contains alpha arbutin and turmeric for brightening and improving inflammation in the skin. Vitamin C itself is a more stable form, which is really important to consider. Overall, the ingredient list for this Hyper Skin product is great!”—Dr. Katie Mann, aesthetic nurse practitioner
Pros
- Potent formula
Cons
- Takes a while to see results
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 any major transformation. However, after about three weeks of consistent use, 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
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Pros
- Multi-benefit
Cons
- Can stain
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 result is radiant, glowing skin that’s hydrated and blemish-free.
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This serum includes several active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and vitamin c, which have been proven to significantly improve skin texture and reduce early signs of aging.”—Dr. Mina Amin, board-certified dermatologist
Best for Brightening Skin
Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
Pros
- Brightening effect
Cons
- May be too potent for sensitive skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glutathione, ergothioneine Size
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
Our expert says: “Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps repair the skin's barrier and protect against the negative effects of air pollution. It also supports collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines.”—Dr. Mina Amin
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Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Pricey
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic Acid, vitamin C, vitamin E Size
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 in a month’s time. Now, I’m not so ashamed to go makeup-free as I once was.” — Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Reduces signs of aging
Cons
- Needs time to build skin resistance
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
Our expert says: “This contains 15 percent pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and antioxidant protection. This serum is lightweight and non-greasy, making it an excellent choice for sensitive, dull, or aging skin.”—Dr. Katie Mann
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit pricey
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C Size:
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.”
Best for Fine Lines
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Pros
- Reduces appearance of fine lines
Cons
- It's not oil-free
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, phas, hyaluronic acid Size:
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
Our expert says: “With 15 percent vitamin C and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), this serum targets dark spots while gently exfoliating, giving skin a bright, glowing finish. It’s great for those with discoloration concerns.”—Dr. Katie Mann
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Pros
- Soothing
Cons
- Pricey for the size
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 thought 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!”
Best for Enlarged Pores
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C Size
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.”
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Pros
- Pore-refining
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
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
Our expert says: “This formula contains the highest percent of pure vitamin C allowed in over-the-counter topicals and has a patented encapsulated delivery system preventing oxidation. I never thought that vitamin C worked on my skin, and it often would cause my other serums to pill, so it’s a skin care step I often skipped—until this formula. I have been using this daily for about a month and notice the texture of my skin is smoother and more radiant.” —Danielle James, beauty expert
Best for Beginners
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
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
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Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Pricey
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.”
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.
Dr. Mina Amin is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist.
Dr. Katie Mann is an aesthetic nurse practitioner.
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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.
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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.”
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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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Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoysunpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
