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15 Best Vitamin C Serums, Tested and Reviewed for 2023
Vitamin C = a modern-day miracle worker.
Vitamin C. It’s one of skincare's holy grail ingredients thanks to its ability to brighten skin, fade dark spots and marks, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It's also one of the few skincare ingredients that really, truly works for all skin types and tones. Virtually every derm and skincare expert I've spoken with agrees that vitamin C—specifically when used in a serum—is a must for healthy, glowing skin.
So please, if you haven't already, hop on the vitamin C bandwagon and try one of these 15 top-rated vitamin C serums, below. I've tested and reviewed countless formulas and consulted multiple experts (shoutout to dermatologists Elyse Love, MD, and Shari Marchbein, MD, and licensed estheticians Candice Miele and Brittany Blancato) to come up with this list of tried-and-true favorites.
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in July 2023 to add new top-rated vitamin C serums, complete with specs and reviews, and delete outdated oldies, just for you.
Our top picks for best vitamin C serum of 2023:
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Keep reading for the entire list of the best vitamin C serums, plus exactly how vitamin works on your skin and the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a new vitamin C serum.
Pros
Clinically proven to fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines
Stays active on skin for up to 72 hours
Cons
Formula can feel tacky on skin
Not suitable for acne-prone or super sensitive skin
Ask any dermatologist which vitamin-C serum they both recommend to patients and personally use, and I guarantee you they’ll say it’s this one from SkinCeuticals. The serum is absolutely iconic, and contains L-ascorbic acid (one of the most stable, well-studied forms of vitamin C) and vitamin E and ferulic acid, which boosts the efficacy of the vitamin C. And very cool fact: The formula stays active for 72 hours after you dab it on, even after washing your face.
Now in my testing experience, C E Ferulic isn't the best option if your skin is oily and/or acne-prone, but don't worry because Skinceuticals has a slightly different vitamin C called Silymarin CF that's specifically formulated to help curb breakouts and give your skin a glow too.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo
- Usage: Morning
THE REVIEW: "This is hands down the best vitamin C serum I've used, and I've tried a range of different brands from The Ordinary to Drunk Elephant," writes a tester. "CE Ferulic is the only product that has made a difference in my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The texture goes on smoothly and is absorbed by my skin quickly, making it easy to integrate into my routine."
Pros
Layers well with moisturizers, sunscreen, and makeup
Helps brighten skin and improve the look of fine lines or uneven texture
Cons
Some reviewers say it made their skin feeling tingly
Another cult-favorite formula, this vitamin C serum with 20 percent l-ascorbic acid and antioxidant-rich green tea extract is a must for brightening, smoothing, and firming skin. Plus, it’s free from skin irritants (like synthetic fragrances or dyes, drying alcohols, and essential oils). I personally like to smooth it over clean skin each morning (the gel-like texture layers perfectly under SPF and makeup products) as the first step in your skincare routine.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and/or evening
THE REVIEW: “I have tried so many vitamin C serums over the years and none compare to BeautyStat,” says a tester. “I have some discoloration as well as melasma and this has made a world of a difference. It’s easy to apply and isn’t sticky or uncomfortable—plus, it layers well with my other skincare.”
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
![Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1690369267-hyper-64c0fce72f50e.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Suitable for all skin types and skin tones
Cons
Some testers say there isn't very much product in the bottle for the price
I kept seeing rave reviews of this vitamin C, so I decided to test it out and let me just say wow, I'm so glad I did. The ultra gentle—yet effective!—formula is now a regular in my skincare lineup. It’s filled with vitamin C, turmeric, kojic acid, and fruit enzymes to fade dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from old breakouts. And unlike many vitamin C serums that be too intense for certain skin types and tones, this one is formulated to be used by all, which is something you rarely see in the skin world.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “This serum is amazing,” writes one tester. “My skin is so glowy after using it and I have dry skin that tends to get dull. I am able to wear it in the day time with SPF and have no issues with burning on my sensitive skin.”
Pros
Waterless formula prevents the formula from degrading prematurely
Dries down to a matte finish that's ideal for oily skin types
Cons
Texture is thicker than most vitamin C serums
PCA Skin’s C&E Advanced is one of my favorite vitamin C serums, says licensed esthetician Candice Miele. “It has a creamy texture that’s hydrating but dries down to a matte finish, and the 20 percent l-ascorbic acid is fantastic for brightening dark spots and evening out your skin tone.” In my testing experience, the formula layers beautifully under SPF and makeup and really helps improve discoloration since it's combined with other brightening ingredients like hexylresorcinol and protective antioxidants like vitamin E and silymarin.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Oily, combo
- Usage: Morning and/or evening
THE REVIEW: “Right away I was very pleased with how this felt on my skin, it's not sticky or tacky and it leaves a matte finish after application that feels tightening in a really good way," reads one review. "It absorbs fully into the skin, which gives me confidence that it is getting to work. I feel as though I am already noticing a reduction in redness and discoloration, as well as the fading of a scar I have long wanted gone."
First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
![10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658855022-vitamin-c-fab-1658855012.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
Safer choice for sensitive and redness-prone skin types
Contains squalane to help moisturize skin
Cons
Some testers said the pump dispenser can be finnicky
If you’re dealing with sensitive skin or chronic redness, this ultra-gentle vitamin C serum is about to be your new go-to, thanks to its added vitamin E, colloidal oatmeal, and feverfew extract. Together these ingredient help soothe skin and reduce inflammation while providing a brightening effect. Use it every other morning on clean, dry skin if your skin is ultra sensitive.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, sensitive
- Usage: Morning
THE REVIEW: “My skin has not liked other vitamin C products I have used in the past,” a tester writes, adding that “this one is great for my sensitive skin. I have seen a difference on my dark spots on my chin.”
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
![Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1690325763-51mj0AuMTTL.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
Pros
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and peptides to smooth and plump skin
Cons
Contains essential oils that may cause skin irritation
This is a high-potency serum that visibly brightens, hydrates, and plumps skin, says Miele. The hardworking combo of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides stimulate collagen, hydrate skin, and smooth the look of fine lines for a supremely dewy glow.
- Fragrance-free? No
- Skin types: Dry, combo
- Usage: Morning and/or evening
THE REVIEW: “I started to use this product two years ago and I have seen great results in my skin," writes one tester. "I use it day and night and it's helped me a lot with hydration and wrinkles."
Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
![Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1584400501-s2319382-main-zoom.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Pros
Combines glycolic acid and vitamin C to resurface and brighten skin
Helps minimize the appearance of large pores
Cons
Not suitable for easily irritated skin types
This powerful serum combines vitamin C with glycolic acid (a potent AHA that helps boost cell turnover and get rid of dead skin cells) to make your dark spots lighter, your pores smaller, and your skin surface smoother and more even. It's one of the few vitamin C serums I've tested that successfully lightens dark spots *and* makes the rough, bumpy texture on my cheeks and chin less noticable.
- Fragrance-free? No
- Skin types: Dry, oily, combo, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “This product by Murad is the best stuff I ever used on my face," reads a review. "It smells so good but more importantly it really works. I’ve had several people tell me my face looks brighter. 5 stars for an amazing product."
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
![Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658788345-cerave-1658788329.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Affordable option that’s widely available at drugstores
Cons
Has a gel-like texture that may cause pilling when layered with other products
You don’t need to spend a ton of money or hit up some fancy med spa to find a vitamin C serum that gives good results. This option from drugstore skincare brand CeraVe is accessible, oil-free, and contains 10 percent l-ascorbic acid to brighten your skin tone, says dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. And because it’s made with barrier-boosting ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it’s a safe choice for sensitive skin types too.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, oily, combo, sensitive
- Usage: Morning and/or evening
THE REVIEW: “This vitamin C serum is one of those products that I can honestly say makes a difference with my skin,” one tester writes. “My skin looks brighter and better and my dark spots and sun spots are less noticeable too.”
Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum
![Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658851680-kora-organics-1658851672.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Made with plant-based certified organic ingredients
Cons
Some reviewers say the texture can feel tacky
Contains essential oils
If you’re into green skincare, this vitamin C serum is for you. First, the formula is made without questionable ingredients (like parabens, silicones, or synthetic dyes and fragrances). Second, it contains an all-natural superfruit complex that's made with kakadu plum, one of nature’s richest sources of vitamin C, says Miele.
- Fragrance-free? No
- Skin types: Dry, oil, combo
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “I really like Kora Organics products, especially this serum,” reads one review. “I put it on after toner and before my moisturizer. It smells great, although the scent doesn’t last long. After I smooth it all over my face, I’ll dab a bit more on my dark spots. It really helps to keep my aging skin look youthful and glowing.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
![15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658930082-dr-gross-1658930073.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
Pros
Helps stimulate collagen production for smoother, firmer skin
Cons
Contains exfoliating acids that may be sensitizing for some skin types
If your skin is too sensitive for a retinol face cream or serum but you still want the tightening and smoothing benefits, try this firming vitamin C serum from Dr. Dennis Gross. It uses 15 percent vitamin C to help repair and rebuild collagen—a protein that is naturally found in skin and is responsible for skin firmness and plumpness—plus lactic acid to nix dead skin cells and smooth the surface your skin.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “I love this vitamin C serum,” writes one reviewer. “It’s really helped to brighten my skin and has made it more firm too. The packaging is so pretty too. The quality is the best!!”
Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
![Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658789436-alto-1658789387.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
Pros
Contains vitamin C and 17 other antioxidants to improve skin tone and texture
Loved by derms and skincare experts
Cons
Most expensive option on the list
Not widely available at mass beauty retailers
This vitamin C serum is def on the pricey side, but the formula is truly as effective and science-backed as they come. “The gentle, oil-free formula combines a stable form of vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) with vitamin E and 17 additional antioxidants to decrease redness and discoloration,” says Dr. Love, who adds, “The formula is suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin unlike other vitamin C's on the market.” I love using this under water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 on days that I'm exercising outside and it's been incredibly helpful at protecting my skin from environmental damage.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, oily, combo, sensitive, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and night
THE REVIEW: “The serum is worth every penny, IMO. It’s never once irritated my skin and I’ve noticed a clear difference in my dark spots and overall skin tone after using it for a month,” writes a tester.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
![15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1584401585-the-inkey-list-15-vitamin-c-1584401574.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
Pros
Super affordable for a vitamin C serum
Cons
Some testers said it made their skin feel dry
At just $15, this is the least expensive vitamin C serum on the list—but it’s by no means the least potent. The formula combines 15 percent ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C) with plant-based epidermal growth factors to fade dark spots and marks and minimize lines and rough texture.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily
- Usage: Morning
THE REVIEW: “I have been using this for a few months now and I really like how it’s brightened my face. Plus, it’s very affordable and the tube lasts awhile.”
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum
![Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1617107538-neutrogena-1617107479.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Capsule-type packaging ensures the formula stays as fresh and potent as possible
Tested to be non-comedogenic
Cons
Some testers say the formula feels greasy on skin
These single-use capsules aren’t just clutch for weekends away. The squishy shell protects the vitamin C that’s inside from light and air to keep it super potent (light and air oxidize vitamin C and reduce its efficacy, which is why any vitamin C in a jar is usually ineffective after a few uses). Just twist off the top and squeeze the serum onto your skin.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, oily, combo, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “I really like how the perfect little amount of product is in each capsule,” writes one reviewer. “I have used other brands of vitamin C in the past which were a bit harsh, but this formula is great.”
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
![C15 Super Booster C15 Super Booster](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1558372869-54588.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Pros
Booster formula is easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine
Cons
Some testers say the product has a short shelf life
You don’t have to switch up your existing skincare routine just to incorporate some vitamin C. Mix a few drops of this vitamin C booster serum into your daily face moisturizer or SPF (in my testing experience, it blends perfectly with cream-based formulas) to give your skin some added protection against UV damage and pollution.
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily
- Usage: Morning and/or night
THE REVIEW: “This is so easy to use and mix with my other skincare products,” writes a tester. “It has no added fragrance and doesn’t irritate my skin either.”
ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating
![10% Vitamin C Self-Activating 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1658855510-zo-skin-health-1658855502.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating
Pros
Quickly fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Good choice for acne-prone skin or those dealing with acne scars
Cons
Not widely available at traditional beauty retailers
Before you splurge on a pricey peel or a laser treatment (like Fraxel or Clear and Brilliant) to get rid of your dark spots, give this brightening vitamin C serum a try. It quickly fades surface discoloration and dark spots while providing your skin with much needed antioxidant protection against free radical damage,” says Blancato. “It’s a product that I can count on to do exactly what its supposed to do: give your skin an even-toned glow and protect it from future damage.”
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
THE REVIEW: “This is truly one of the best vitamin C serums I've tried,” writes a tester. “It has made my skin look clearer and feel firmer—my dark spots are nearly gone!”
What does vitamin C do for your face?
![black line black line](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/black-line-1658851155.png?crop=0.866xw:0.169xh;0.0612xw,0.355xh&resize=980:*)
Vitamin C has many skin benefits. It inhibits the production of excess melanin in your skin, which, in turn, helps prevent and fade acne scars, melasma, and dark spots. Vitamin C also plays a critical role in the formation of collagen, so it's also able to smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time, says Dr. Marchbein.
Not only that (told you to brace yourself), but vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help prevent free-radical damage from things like UV and pollution to keep your skin healthy and glowy, says Dr. Marchbein. In fact, using a vitamin C serum can actually make your sunscreen work better, so applying one every morning is ideal in order to protect your skin from harmful sun damage, explains Dr. Marchbein.
What is the best vitamin C recommended by dermatologists?
![black line black line](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/black-line-64c795356d5cd.png?crop=0.888xw:0.169xh;0.0493xw,0.358xh&resize=980:*)
Dermatologists say the best vitamin C serums contain one of the seven commonly used forms of vitamin C, below.
- L-Ascorbic Acid
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD)
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate/Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
- Sodium Ascorbate/Calcium Ascorbate
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
Can you use vitamin C everyday?
![black line black line](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/black-line-64c7954bf2969.png?crop=0.893xw:0.169xh;0.0459xw,0.348xh&resize=980:*)
Absolutely, vitamin C can—and should!—be used every day, says Dr. Marchbein. "Unlike Retinoids which can be drying or irritating to the skin and require time and gradual usage for your to acclimate, vitamin C serums are typically well-formula and should be used every morning."
The key is finding the right formula, so be sure you’re using a vitamin C serum that’s well-formulated (like the 15 on this list) and designed for your skin type. "Those with sensitive skin may do best with an emollient-based vitamin C serum where those with acne- prone or oily skin might prefer an alcohol based formula," says Dr. Marchbein.
How to choose the best vitamin C serum:
![black line black line](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/black-line-1658949739.png?crop=0.866xw:0.169xh;0.0629xw,0.345xh&resize=980:*)
Be mindful of the packaging.
Depending on the formulation, vitamin C can oxidize (or become less effective) when exposed to light and air. To ensure your serum stays fresh and effective, choose a formula that's housed in opaque, airtight packaging when possible.
Take a look at the percentage.
In general, vitamin C serum’s with 10 to 30 percent of the ingredient are more likely to be effective on dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while anything under 10 percent functions as a powerful antioxidant and will protect skin from free radical damage.
Keep an eye out for other key ingredients.
Specifically, vitamin E and ferulic acid. "Studies have shown that
the effectiveness of vitamin C is increased when paired with other antioxidants, like vitamin E and ferulic acid," says Dr. Marchbein.
Meet the experts:
![black line black line](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/black-line-1658949271.png?crop=0.861xw:0.169xh;0.0595xw,0.348xh&resize=980:*)
- Candice Miele is a licensed esthetician and the owner and operator of Candice Miele Skincare in Beverly Hills, California. Miele trained under dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD. Her clients include A-list celebs and fashion models.
- Elyse Love, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm in New York, NY. Dr. Love is an expert in clinical and cosmetic dermatologist and takes a holistic approach to skin wellness that includes fitness and diet.
- Brittany Blancato is a licensed medical esthetician based in New York, NY. Blancato’s trusted expertise and simple but effective methods using the best technologies and devices in the medical-grade aesthetics world has made her one of the most sought-after experts in the industry.
- Shari Marchbein, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Niche Dermatology in New York, NY, who specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Dr. Marchbein is also a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone in New York City.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
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