With picks from Versed, Naturium and more
Anyone interested in skincare (slowly raises hand) has no doubt heard about the benefits of vitamin C serums. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C essentially works by neutralizing free radicals from the environment, assisting in the repair of damaged cells, improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging (like pigmentation), and barrier function.1 Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antioxidant, but interestingly, humans lack the enzyme needed for its synthesis which is why we rely on food, and in this instance topical products, to experience the benefits.2
Serums are generally thinner and more concentrated as far as skincare products go, which is why they make a great vehicle for vitamin C. But we get that the price of potent serums can sometimes be off-putting, so we’ve taken the liberty of compiling some drugstore vitamin C serum favorites that deliver all the glowy skin goodness minus the price tag. To find the best options on the market, we combined our research and real-world testing, evaluating each pick based on its ease of use, absorption, and effectiveness at delivering promised results. Ahead, find the options we recommend the most.
Best Overall: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum
This popular drugstore serum was co-created with dermatologists to deliver the best possible results in a short timeframe. The formula contains 10 percent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), an active concentration that’s thought to be beneficial when it comes to visible change. Because L-ascorbic acid is known to be unstable, it’s also stored in an air-tight metal tube to protect its efficacy (so keep an eye out for any color changes).3 The consistency is a bit paste-like, but it’s a nice change from watery serums, especially if you have dry or mature skin.
During our testing, we found that despite there being a slight bit of grittiness in the formula, it absorbed into the skin easily and left it feeling smooth and non-greasy. After using it consistently, we noticed a real improvement in skin brightness and texture; the skin looked more smooth and radiant overall. If you’re looking for an efficacious pick from the drugstore, this one is a fantastic choice.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum
With just 0.5 percent vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), this gentle serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or those who find vitamin C irritating. Leading esthetician Samantha Appel suggests pairing vitamin C with niacinamide, so we love that this one also comes boosted with niacinamide to assist with calming and soothing the skin, plus sodium hyaluronate and licorice root.4 We’re also big fans of the light, bouncy texture (plus, the smell isn’t too offensive).
Best for Dry Skin: TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
This top-rated serum contains a bunch of stellar ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba, and vitamin E to cover all bases in one easy product. Because it includes a host of hydrating ingredients, it’s an excellent pick for drier complexions or those looking to restore the skin’s youthful glow. We also appreciate that the texture is lightweight and non-greasy, and it’s gentle enough to be applied twice daily as part of your skincare routine.
Best for Dry Skin, Runner-Up: Cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum
Another great pick for those with dry skin is this hydrating serum from Cocokind. It’s full of nourishing ingredients to moisturize the complexion, like hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar—a natural algae that boosts water retention in the skin. Made with gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate, it brightens and fades dark spots over time without irritating the skin. We also appreciate that it doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance which can be irritating for some skin.
Best for Oily Skin: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
This serum is designed to balance, refine, and clarify blemish-prone or oily skin. Alongside vitamin C, it also contains clary sage, grapefruit, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile, all of which provide benefits like increasing hydration, providing antioxidants, and soothing the skim. Try patting a few drops onto clean skin after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning—over time, you should see an improvement in your skin’s smoothness and clarity.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Formulated with 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides, this wallet-friendly serum is a great buy for all skin types, though we found it to be particularly effective for those with acne-prone skin during our test. One tester who deals with acne and struggles to try new products that don’t cause flare-ups shared that this serum didn’t create any irritation—rather it helped to improve the appearance of her post-acne marks and even smoothed fine lines near her mouth after using it consistently for a few weeks. We also appreciate that the formula is fragrance-free and non-greasy, and an added bonus is that it helps to increase radiance.
Best for Textured Skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
This multi-purpose serum claims to boost radiance and clarify the skin simultaneously, and we found that to be accurate during our testing. Enriched with 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, the bouncy texture sinks in quickly and helps to smooth texture over time. We also noticed a small improvement in the appearance of dark spots, though the gentle exfoliating and illuminating benefits are what impressed us the most. If you’re dealing with bumps or rough texture and you’re looking for a lightweight product to smooth your skin while also increasing radiance, we recommend giving this serum a go.
Best for Anti-Aging: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum
This serum from Naturium is formulated with three different vitamin C compounds (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a naturally brightening fruit blend) to keep the skin looking radiant and provide protection from environmental free radicals. During a clinical study of 32 subjects, the brand found that 100 percent of participants saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using it daily for eight weeks. So if you’re hoping to incorporate a multi-purpose serum that’s anti-aging and radiance-boosting into your skincare routine, this is the one for you.
Best for Uneven Skin Tones: Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum
Vitamin C serums can offer a host of benefits, one of them being that they can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and yield a more even skin tone overall. We found that this one did an excellent job at fading dark spots and even helping to tone down redness with consistent use, leading to a more even, uniform-looking complexion. We also love that the formula contains 5 percent polyhydroxy acids to smooth textured skin. The texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and not at all sticky, making it easy to layer within your skincare routine. We were incredibly impressed by how well this pick performed, and at just $15, we think well worth your money.
Final Verdict
Your ideal drugstore vitamin C serum will depend on your skin type and condition, but team Byrdie unanimously agrees that the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum is an incredible drugstore pick. It effectively smoothes and brightens the skin, and the packaging ensures that the formula remains stable. If you’re looking for an option that will increase radiance while also improving skin texture, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum.
What to Look For in a Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
The Type of Vitamin C
Vitamin C in its pure form is L-ascorbic acid, but when it comes to topical products it can vary. Some of the most effective ones to look out for are L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 6 palmitate, disodium isostearyl 2-0 L-ascorbyl phosphate, tetris palmitoyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid sulfate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside2.
Some forms are prone to oxidation (L-ascorbic acid especially), so if your product takes on a yellow-ish appearance once opened, chances are it’s lost its efficacy. The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum contains L-ascorbic acid, but because it’s in airtight, opaque packaging, the formula is protected and likely to last you a while.
Additional Ingredients
Esthetician Samantha Appel tells us that mixing B vitamins (like niacinamide) with vitamin C is a beneficial pairing and will “soothe, brighten and refine the skin’s appearance”. The Versed Stroke of Brilliance Vitamin C Serum contains a combination of niacinamide and vitamin C (as well as licorice root) to do exactly that.
Alternatively, Appel explains that AHAs and BHAs (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids) will potentially react with your vitamin C serum, so they are best left for the evening (and don’t mix products containing the two).
Alternatively, Appel explains that AHAs and BHAs (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids) will potentially react with your vitamin C serum, so they are best left for the evening (and don’t mix products containing the two).
FAQ
What are the benefits of drugstore vitamin C serums?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant proven to protect the skin, promote collagen production, and prevent the onset of photoaging (that is, premature aging caused by the sun and other environmental stressors).5
Appel further explains that vitamin C serums are extremely beneficial for anyone with a dull or uneven skin tone, sun damage, or those looking to reduce the signs of aging in the skin.
How do you apply drugstore vitamin C serums?
Appel says it’s important to follow the instructions listed on the back of your product, but as a general rule, you should apply in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen.
How often should you use a drugstore vitamin C serum?
Appel says it’s best to use a Vitamin C serum once a day, especially in the morning, for antioxidant protection.
