Including hero products from SkinCeuticals, L’Oreal Paris, and Biossance
With so many different types of serums on the market, it can be tricky to just figure out what each one does, not to mention whether it deserves a place in your skincare routine. If you’re going to invest in just one, board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD recommends opting for a vitamin C serum.1 One of the main benefits of vitamin C is that it protects against environmental stressors, like UV light and pollution, which can cause free radical damage to the skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that promotes a smooth, clear, and even complexion with consistent use.
“They work to stimulate collagen, lighten dark spots, and protect against sun damage,” Madfes tells Byrdie. “They’re also great for fine lines, melasma, and rosacea.”
We put dozens of vitamin C serums to the test in our lab and at home as part of our daily skincare routine for six weeks, evaluating each product for ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look. Finally, we consulted with two board-certified dermatologists – Jessie Cheung, MD and Jennifer Herrmann, MD–before landing on these 11 top picks for your glowiest skin ever.
Best Overall: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum
We love that this product is available at your local drugstore, relatively affordable, and highly effective. Over time, we noticed a significant improvement in the radiance of our complexion. After six weeks, our skin appeared brighter and smoother. We also saw a noticeable difference in the firmness of our skin.
As for the texture of the product, it’s not liquidy nor oily; rather, it almost feels like a lightweight paste. While this might not sound super appealing, it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. We also appreciated the squeeze-tube packaging, which made dispensing the right amount of product easy. The one con we found is that, unlike some other vitamin C serums that immediately leave the skin looking radiant due to oily or luminous formulas, this one doesn’t. But given how effective it is over time, this isn’t a major downfall.
Who It’s For
This is a great all-rounder for anyone in need of a radiance boost, though it’s best for those with a bit of patience, as results may take time.
Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
As avid vitamin C serum enthusiasts, we know a good formula when we try one. Sometimes the most buzz-worthy products don’t live up to expectations, but this one absolutely does. It has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that doesn’t feel sticky or drying on the skin, it’s easy to apply and layer in a skincare routine and yielded some really impressive results.
We noticed a real improvement in the texture of our skin when we used SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. After six weeks of using it, our skin looked and felt softer and smoother. However, we weren’t convinced that contributed to the glowiness of our complexions significantly more than other, more affordable options we’ve used. There’s no denying that we adore this serum, but it’s worth noting that while it doesn’t contain fragrance, it doesn’t have a particularly appealing smell. However, the scent doesn’t linger on the skin, so it’s not a dealbreaker for us.
Who It’s For
This SkinCeuticals serum is a winner for anyone concerned about fine lines and photoaging. The addition of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and ferulic acid helps enhance this formula’s protective qualities, guarding against environmental damage caused by free radicals.
Best Budget: Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum
This serum is evidence that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on skincare to see a positive change in your skin. The formula is packed with antioxidant-rich grapefruit and vitamin C, as well as polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), which work to gently break down dead skin cells.4
We adored this serum. It sunk into our skin with ease while leaving it feeling moisturized, and we also noted that after each application, our skin looked radiant. We were also thrilled with how well this serum worked to brighten our complexions and smooth our skin textures over time. We noticed a visible improvement in texture in just a few days, and at the end of the testing period, our skin felt soft and slightly more firm, and our skin tone looked more even.
Who It’s For
If you’re seeking a vitamin C serum that works at a very accessible price point, Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum will be your new favorite product.
Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E
If you’re new to using vitamin C serum, it’s wise to start out with a simple formula that’s easy to use and doesn’t contain potentially harsh, active ingredients that might cause irritation. We love this one for beginners because the formula is foolproof—it absorbs quickly, leaves the skin feeling comfortable, and layers nicely under other makeup and additional skincare products. It contains vitamins C and E, as well as marine peptides known for their firming effect.5
We found the application dropper intuitive and the formula sunk into our skin quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. After just a week or two, we recognized a real difference in the brightness of our skin, noting that our complexions looked more radiant even when we weren’t wearing it. Overall, it helped us achieve more luminous, healthy, and youthful-looking skin.
While it doesn’t have hard claims on firming benefits, we would love it if the product provided a bit more of a firming benefit, especially considering that it contains marine peptides. However, it’s still an excellent product in general.
Who It’s For
If you’re a vitamin C newbie and worry about the adjustment period when skin might be slightly more irritated this product is ideal. It doesn’t contain a laundry list of other actives so you can ease into your new regimen seamlessly.
Best for Sensitive Skin: TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
If you have sensitive skin, then you know how important it is to find products that are gentle but effective. This one is just that, and we loved it. Not to mention, tons of our Byrdie readers adore it, too. The product was really comfortable on sensitive and acne-prone skin. While it took about 30 seconds to dry, which is slightly longer than some other options, it dried down to a moisturizing and non-greasy finish. We even noted that we could get away without applying a moisturizer on top of it and our skin still felt hydrated. Another bonus? It didn’t clog our pores.
As for the results after the testing period, we were really pleased with them. Post-acne marks were noticeably lightened, and our complexions looked radiant.
Who It’s For
Considering that it’s effective, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, and doesn’t contain harsh acids, we think it’s a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
Best for Acne-Prone SkinCeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
People with acne-prone skin know that trying new skincare products can often lead to breakouts and irritation. We found that this product actually helped improve the appearance of our oily skin overall. The formula contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C for powerful antioxidant protection, as well as hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration. While we struggled a bit to set up the dispensing part of the packaging for the initial use, once it was complete, the product was easy to use moving forward. We also loved that our skin looked slightly brighter after consistent use, and the fine lines near our mouths appeared to have smoothed out a bit.
Who It’s For
This is a great option if you have acne-prone skin. We appreciated that the serum had a lightweight texture that didn’t feel greasy on our already oily skin, and we noticed that after a few weeks of using it, our post-acne marks were visibly reduced.
Best for Skin Firming: Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum
Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum isn’t a harsh formula that contains potentially irritating acids; rather, it’s a gentle product that actually makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin.
We can’t stop raving about how much this product helped firm our skin. Not only that, but we noticed a real improvement in our skin texture; after the six-week testing period, our faces looked and felt smoother and softer overall. While we didn’t see a major difference in the radiance of our skin, the texture and tone improvements were so great that it wasn’t a deal breaker for us.
Who It’s For
This vitamin C serum has our stamp of approval for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, and our go-to for anyone looking to firm and smooth their skin.
Best Brightening: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum is our fave for brightening because it leaves the skin with a glow right after application and it helps to improve the skin’s radiance over time with consistent use.
We appreciated how user-friendly the packaging is, that the formula absorbed into the skin quickly, and that it left us feeling moisturized and looking glowy. It also layers beautifully with other skincare and makeup products. After the six-week period, our skin was left looking hydrated, illuminated, and refreshed.
While the serum claims to help with skin plumpness thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, we didn’t notice a visible improvement in this area. But given how brightening this serum is, we highly recommend it if you’re dealing with dull skin.
Who It’s For
If you struggle with dull skin, incorporating this brightening vitamin C serum into your skincare routine might be just what you need to achieve a more radiant complexion.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+
Dark spots can result from many things—like post-acne scarring and sun damage—and they can often be tricky to fade. But if you have fairly surface-level dark spots, we highly recommend incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine because the powerful antioxidant has been known to help lighten hyperpigmentation.
This one is excellent for that because, in addition to containing vitamin C, it’s also formulated with niacinamide, another ingredient known for its spot-fading capabilities. This formula is suitable for all skin types, has a lightweight and non-oily finish, and the packaging is simple and effective. Over time, we recognized a significant reduction in the appearance of our post-acne marks, and our complexions looked generally more even in tone.
Who It’s For
If you have hyperpigmentation this powerful formula will help fade it over time. Remember to slather on the sunscreen to prevent dark spots from coming back.
Best Hydrating: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil
Vitamin C serums don’t always provide a ton of hydration, but if you’re looking for one that truly pumps up the moisture, this is the one we recommend for you. The formula feels like a typical, lightweight face oil—as opposed to some vitamin C serums that have a grittier texture—and it nourishes the skin in addition to providing all of the wonderful antioxidant benefits.
We didn’t feel that this formula made our face look or feel greasy, rather, it provided the necessary hydration and a bit of glow. Over time, we noticed a real improvement in the radiance and texture of our skin. The one thing we think is missing? It didn’t do much in terms of firming the skin, but if improving radiance and skin texture is your goal, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this product.
Who It’s For
This silky formula contains sugarcane-derived squalane–a vegan version of squalane (with an ‘e’), a moisturizing molecule that’s naturally produced in our bodies.7 Squalane is a highly effective hydrator, making this product great for anyone with a drier skin type.
Best Vegan Formula: iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
If opting for vegan skincare products is important to you, we think you’ll love the vitamin C serum from InnBeauty Project. It has a lightweight texture that’s packed with vitamin C for brightness and antioxidants, pomegranate stem cells which help reduce dark spots, and a blend of greens to nourish the skin.
Once applied, it doesn’t immediately make the skin look radiant, but over time we did notice an improvement in the overall brightness of our complexions. We also noticed that it helped visibly reduce some of our hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even, less dull-looking skin tone.
Who It’s For
Animal lovers who steer clear of anything containing animal or animal-derived ingredients will love this clean, cruelty-free formula. It’s also fortified with the brand’s “15 Super-Greens Complex” – a blend of vegan collagen and spinach, designed to pump the skin full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Where We Stand
The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is our top pick due to its accessibility, functional packaging, and effectiveness at improving skin tone and texture. If you prefer an oil-based product that will really boost the radiance of your skin and keep it hydrated, we recommend the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil. And if you’re totally new to using vitamin C in your skincare routine, the Sephora Collection Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum is a great choice for you. Our favorite budget pick was Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum—it performed as effectively as our non-budget picks.
How We Tested
Over the course of six weeks, each tester incorporated one vitamin C serum into their beauty routine per the directions on the packing of their product. They evaluated their serum based on ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look, and those that scored the highest earned our Byrdie stamp of approval and appear on this list.
Other Options We Tested
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
While our tester appreciated that this liquidy serum absorbed quickly and layered nicely in her skincare routine, she didn’t see a noticeable difference in the brightness of her complexion or a reduction in dark spots.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Despite enjoying the results of this popular vitamin C serum, our tester had trouble recommending it because there are other more affordable options on the market that yield the same results.
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Though this brightening serum did a nice job of boosting the radiance of our tester’s skin, she didn’t see an improvement in hyperpigmentation or firmness after the six-week testing period.
What to Look For in a Vitamin C Serum
- Opaque Packing: Vitamin C is inherently unstable and quickly broken down when exposed to light and/or oxygen. For that reason, board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD suggests looking for a product that comes in an opaque bottle—like the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum or the Klur Brilliant Light—or have an air-tight pump dispenser. Similarly, always make sure to store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
- L-Ascorbic Acid: To get the most value from your vitamin C serum, Dr. Cheung suggests looking for this type of vitamin C, the most potent and active version. That being said, it is often pricey and comes with the highest likelihood of irritation. Other less intense versions include sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is a great option with L-ascorbic acid as is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
- Other Antioxidants: Vitamin C works synergistically, meaning it plays very nicely with other antioxidants. Common antioxidants found in vitamin C serums include vitamin E and ferulic acid, says Dr. Cheung. In particular, she says these two increase the efficacy of vitamin C and help stabilize it. The Klur Brilliant Light is a great option that includes vitamin E.
FAQ
What does vitamin C serum do?
According to board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, MD, vitamin C has three main functions. The first is protecting against environmental stressors and free radicals, an antioxidant benefit that slows signs of aging and reduces damage overall. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production, giving skin more support and structure. Finally, it’s a radiance-boosting agent, so a serum that features it can work to even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation.
When should you apply vitamin C serums?
There has been much debate about whether it’s better to use the ingredient to protect skin during the day, or replenish it at night, but Dr. Herrmann says you can choose which time of day to apply— just be consistent.
How should you apply vitamin C serums?
Dr. Herrmann recommends applying your serum after cleansing. Additionally, avoid using it at the same time as certain other active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide. For example, if you use a benzoyl peroxide product at night, it’s best to apply your vitamin C serum in the morning.
How often should you apply vitamin C serums?
According to Dr. Herrmann, you should apply vitamin C serum either daily or every other day, depending on your routine and the result you want. If you already alternate several other actives, you might apply it every other day; if you’re looking to dramatically fade hyperpigmentation, you may want to use it daily.
