10 Best Vitamin C Serums for Glowing Skin and Texture

Dermatologist-approved and editor-tested.
editors test the best vitamin c serums
Courtesy of brand; Getty Images; Glamour composite by Gabrielle Langdon

Our tester’s review: “I’m rarely one to splurge like this on a beauty product, but I truly think SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is worth its weight in gold. I’ve been using the product on and off for a number of years (at least three!) and can really see a difference, particularly in the tone of my skin, when I’m consistent. My skin skews dry, and this product helps take that dull look away, making my skin look overall brighter and more hydrated. Like most vitamin C serums, it does have a bit of a stink and that deep amber color that comes along with it, but it doesn’t bother me all that much and certainly doesn’t linger. As far as consistency and absorption, the formula feels nice and silky on skin and readily sinks in, so you can move on with your morning skin care routine. Also, a little bit goes a long way, helping to justify the overall value here,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

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  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
  • What we love: Hydrating enough for dry skin; fragrance-free; suitable for sensitive skin
  • What could improve: Only 10% vitamin C
  • TL;DR: This drugstore pick doesn’t sacrifice efficacy for price, evening out dark marks and brightening skin for under $30 a bottle

This CeraVe serum combines the brightening benefits of vitamin C with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Austin Skin in Austin. This makes the drugstore pick ideal for dry or sensitive skin, she says, noting that the gentle formula is also fragrance-free, a plus for those with reactive skin.

Our tester’s review: “I’ve been using this budget vitamin C serum now just about every day for a month, and I’m supremely impressed with how clarified and even-toned my skin has been looking,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I deal with a lot of discoloration and dark spots in areas I usually get pimples (around my nose, on my chin, on my cheeks), and ever since I started using this every morning, I’ve noticed that these blemishes have been slowly fading away. It’s also less messy than a liquid serum thanks to its gel-cream consistency that absorbs in a snap, and I’m a big fan of the fact that it’s a serum that contains both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.”

Best for Dark Spots: OleHenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

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  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Olehenriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Olehenriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

OleHenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing OleHenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
  • What we love: Pleasing citrus scent; provides an instant glow; absorbs quickly
  • What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • TL;DR: Look to this vitamin C formula for a glowy finish—it eliminates dark circles and discoloration quickly and effectively

If you’re experiencing uneven skin tone or dark spots, this is an effective treatment, says Dr. Collins. “The inclusion of PHAs offers gentle exfoliation, which can improve absorption and results,” she says, noting the brightening banana pigments make it a good option for those seeking instant luminosity. On the downside, she says, “the added fragrance may not suit sensitive skin types.”

Our tester’s review: “This vitamin C serum is one of my favorites that I always turn back to,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a silky texture that sinks right into the skin so there’s no need for a ton of rubbing or patting, and it always makes me look radiant and fresh.” She also likes that it doesn’t have a funky smell and has a thicker consistency she finds easier to work with. “I’ve used this serum on and off for about two or three years now, and I definitely think it’s played a part in how much clearer and even-toned my skin looks to this day.”

Best for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

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  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
  • What we love: Little to no smell; lightweight; absorbs quickly
  • What could improve: Strong formula; may not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • TL;DR: If you deal with dark spots and hyperpigmentation due to acne scars, let us introduce you to this potent brightening formula that will become an integral part of your skin care routine

This blend of vitamin C, phytosterols, saccharide isomerate, and glycolic acid gently smooths skin texture and strengthens the skin’s barrier.

“I have a lot of post-acne marks around my nose and on my chin from years of breakouts, so I’ve been on the hunt for a formula that can efficiently remove them,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “This vitamin C formula has done a great job thus far (I’ve been using it for about a month now), and these areas seem to appear much more even-toned and bright.”

Best for Sensitive Skin: Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

  • Courtesy of brand
  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum
  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
  • What we love: Plumps and brightens skin quickly; minimizes redness
  • What could improve: Some users dislike the scent
  • TL;DR: Sensitive skin types will love this gentle vitamin C serum that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry

This fruit-inspired vitamin C serum blends in vitamin E for a nourishing and potent formula that makes skin look plumper and brighter even after just two applications. This one is a personal favorite of Glamour’s Kilkeary, who swears that it has managed to keep her skin in check for a few years now.

Our tester’s review: “My complexion is a lot brighter and more calm when I incorporate this into my routine, so I always find myself reaching for it when I need something to help minimize redness and hyperpigmentation,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “My skin looks more clarified and fresh after I apply this in the mornings, and my makeup slides right on like a dream. I would highly recommend this one if you’re just starting to dip your toe into vitamin C, because it has a lot of other ingredients (read hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid) that make your skin increasingly hydrated and even-toned too.”

Best for Hyperpigmentation: La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

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  • Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
  • Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
  • What we love: Great for those with acne-prone skin; no sticky residue
  • What could improve: Lower concentration of vitamin C than some other products
  • TL;DR: This more affordable serum is a great choice for sensitive or combination skin, according to one of the dermatologists we spoke with.

“It offers a balance between exfoliation (salicylic acid) and soothing properties (neurosensine), which can help improve skin texture and tone without irritation,” says Dr. Collins. And while more seasoned users may yearn for a heftier punch of the active ingredient, the lower concentration of vitamin C is ideal for newbies.

Our tester’s review: “Whenever I need to inject some life into my skin, I reach for this serum,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor. “It gives me an instant glow thanks to the concentrated 10% vitamin C, while salicylic acid helps clear and minimize my pores.”

Best Vitamin C Serum for Mature Skin: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C 10%

  • Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C 10%

Original video from Charlotte Twine testing Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C 10%
  • What we love: Single-dose application to mix into moisturizer
  • What could improve: Expensive; best used within seven days
  • TL;DR: This 10% booster can be mixed into your moisturizer to help even out mature skin concerns like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and age spots, and improve skin resilience altogether.

A vitamin C serum can help address mature skin concerns like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. This 10% booster can be mixed into your moisturizer to help even out these areas of discoloration and improve skin resilience altogether.

“The main character of this show is definitely the applicator, which, to keep the vitamin C ‘fresh pressed,’ has to have a foil lid removed and a button pressed, then be shaken for 15 seconds. Then you combine it into your daily moisturizer. I did this on the back of my hand, and the rich serum made my moisturizer feel more silky and luscious, and provided an instant gleam and a plumpness to my complexion once applied. Once you get the hang of the applicator, the mixed-in booster does make for a convenient way amp up your skin care routine for aficionados who don’t want to layer in yet another serum,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.

Best Budget: The Ordinary Vitamin C Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

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  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Vitamin C Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

The Ordinary Vitamin C Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Vitamin C Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
  • What we love: The price; the consistency; efficacy after just a few uses
  • What could improve: The smell isn’t great
  • TL;DR: The serum contains a whopping 12% vitamin C for effective antioxidant protection at under $20, which makes us huge fans

You won’t want to skip out on this pick from The Ordinary that works to even out and protect the skin. The formula is a lightweight clear gel that absorbs upon contact, and we’ve found it to be just as effective as some of the more expensive options on this list.

Our tester’s review: “I really liked this formula from the minute I tried it,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “My skin simply drank it up, and I noticed less discoloration in my problem areas (especially around my nose) after using it for around two weeks. The only critique I have is that the smell isn’t the best, but between the price and how well it works, that’s easily forgivable.”

Best Value: E.L.F. Cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

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  • Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary e.l.f. Cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

e.l.f. Cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the e.l.f. Cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
  • What we love: Has a potent blend of vitamins C and E plus ferulic acid for under $20
  • What could improve: Sticky
  • TL;DR: If you want to reap the benefits of a vitamin C serum with ferulic acid without spending over a hundred dollars, this under-$20 serum is just as effective at minimizing discoloration, hyperpigmentation and dark spots

Although this serum is a bit heavier and slightly stickier than the luxury vitamin C with ferulic acid on this list, it definitely gives the expensive formulas a run for its money when it comes to efficacy. It manages to target dark spots, fine lines, and dullness, and gives you an almost instant radiance in just a few uses.

Our tester’s review: “I’m a long-time fan of the more expensive serum on this list with vitamin C plus ferulic acid, so I was skeptical to try this cheaper version. It’s definitely a bit more goopy than the OG, but I was particularly impressed with how well it worked. The acne scars that like to hang out around my nose and chin look a lot less noticeable after trying this for a few weeks, not to mention my skin has an overall glow that actually shines through my makeup a bit all day. Needless to say, I’m pleasantly surprised,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Dry Skin: YSE Beauty ​​Vitamin C Brightening Serum

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  • Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing YSE Beauty ​​Vitamin C Brightening Serum

YSE Beauty ​​Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing YSE Beauty ​​Vitamin C Brightening Serum
  • What we love: Silky texture; skin absorbs the product easily; gives a nice glow
  • What could improve: Pricey
  • TL;DR: Fighting both dry skin and hyperpigmentation can feel like an uphill battle, but this antioxidant brightening serum both hydrates and evens out texture and tone

This pick has a blend of vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to help address dark spots and areas of discoloration, and it makes your skin feel soft and plump.

Our tester’s review: “I deal with hyperpigmentation and acne scars around my nose and on my chin, so I’m always on the hunt for a serum to help mitigate the discoloration. I find that sometimes vitamin C serums or other brightening exfoliants tend to dry my skin out a lot, especially in the colder months, so I was excited to see that this one addresses both dryness and discoloration,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.


Other vitamin C serums we tested:

  • Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum: Glamour’s Kilkeary notes that this is best for those already well-versed in skin care—not only for its potency, but also because you have to mix the formula together yourself before getting started. “This pick comes with the formula in two separate pieces—a liquid and powder—that you have to compound together to create your serum,” she says. “It’s certainly a fun little experience, but you have to make sure the serum is really mixed well to ensure that it’s actually effective.” But boy, does it work, she says. “My skin drank it up, and I was pleased with how glowy I looked after application, which was a major plus,” she told me. “In the long term, I found this one gave me a more even-toned and overall brighter complexion.” On the downside, she found the smell off-putting and the texture a bit sticky.
  • The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum: “I’ve had this vitamin C serum on my radar for quite some time now, and while I’ve only used it regularly (in both a.m. and p.m.) for about a week now, there’s already a lot I love about it. While I can’t speak to long-term results just yet, I love the consistency of the product. It’s a clear liquid that has cooling effects upon application, which wakes up skin, especially first thing in the morning. And despite the fact that it’s very liquidy and a little goes a long way, it absorbs very quickly, so it’s not messy to work with. The skin feels soft and silky while it absorbs, rather than tacky or wet. I also appreciate the lack of smell—it’s nothing funky, but it’s not overtly fragrant either,” says Earley.
  • CosRx Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum with Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid: This antiaging pick has a blend of 23% vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid and is not here to mess around. It will even out your complexion’s skin tone and help minimize dark spots quickly, not to mention you’ll also see an improvement in your skin’s elasticity (think fine lines and wrinkles) after regularly incorporating it into your routine.
  • Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Serum: This vitamin C serum is particularly good for dry skin types thanks to gentle fruit extracts and squalane that help lock in moisture for hours. Glamour’s Kilkeary could go on and on about how it instantly energizes and depuffs her face. “On mornings when I’m looking particularly red or puffy, I always reach for this serum to help even out my skin tone and texture. It’s a lightweight gel that absorbs into the skin basically upon contact, and it never makes my other skin care or makeup products pill, which is a huge plus.”
  • Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster: Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City, recommends this for younger patients who are looking to introduce the ingredient into their skin care routines. It has 15% vitamin C in the formula, which is less than the usual 20% we see in other options. Glamour contributor Leilani McQuay is in her 30s and likes to keep her skin care routine minimal because of her dry and acne-prone skin. “The bottle features a dropper, so it’s easy to dispense the right amount,” she says. “And even though the consistency was a bit watery, it felt very hydrating and absorbed nicely into my skin.”
  • TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum: Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle approached testing this Amazon pick with trepidation but was pleasantly surprised by how well this affordable vitamin C serum worked. “I know this antioxidant has a ton of skin care benefits (namely, brightening skin and minimizing dark spots), but I’ve never noticed any major improvements when using it in the past. I thought the same would be the case for this TruSkin product. But after more than four months of consecutive testing, I can see it’s actually been working—albeit slowly.” She used the recommended five drops every morning on a clean dry face before proceeding with the rest of her beauty routine (toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen). “I noticed my overall complexion did look brighter and my skin felt smoother. It’s not like my freckles or dark spots completely disappeared, but there’s no denying my skin looks more radiant, especially in the mornings.” A nice bonus? Calle says this product doesn’t have the same off-putting smell as others she’s tried in the past. It was also quick to absorb and entirely nonirritating. “I don’t have extremely sensitive skin, but harsh products tend to cause redness. I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any itching, burning, or redness.”
  • Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum: If you’re looking for a Korean vitamin C serum that will help minimize redness and post-acne marks, we love this brightening pick. “Fun fact: Innisfree was one of the very first K-beauty brands I tried, and this vitamin C serum remains one of my favorite products from their lineup. I love its glow-boosting properties and the fact that, despite its potent formula, it doesn’t irritate my skin whatsoever,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet.
  • RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum + Vitamin C: Glamour’s Calle uses this vitamin C serum when traveling. “This is a tiny but mighty vitamin C serum. I like to carry it in my travel bag because it’s so small. But trust me, it’s effective. I feel like my skin is radiant when I’m using it, and it layers well under makeup, which is great because I have oily, combination skin.”

    Frequently asked questions

    What is vitamin C?

    Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and our bodies need it to function properly. You might associate it with citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, kiwis, and grapefruit, but its health perks extend to your skin too.

    In terms of skin care, when ultraviolet light penetrates your skin, it causes lasting damage by producing free radicals. Vitamin C can prevent that damage by “quenching” the free radicals as they form, says Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The brightening serum also inhibits a key enzyme in melanin production, so it can act as a dark spot corrector too. The end result? A more radiant complexion and smoother texture over time. (Think glass-like skin.)

    What does vitamin C serum do?

    “Vitamin C helps defend against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “Vitamin C also aids in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by acne scarring or sun exposure. Research has also shown that vitamin C helps stimulate collagen production, which makes skin appear firmer and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

    What to look for in a vitamin C serum

    The key ingredient in these serums is L-ascorbic acid, a pure form of vitamin C, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. This type of serum penetrates more deeply than other forms, making it more likely to reach the layers of skin where you actually need it to work. Another popular one? Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which tends to be more stable than its counterparts (read “it lasts longer”).

    Pay attention to the concentration too. “Look for serums that contain 10% to 20% vitamin C,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Less than 10% is not as effective, and over 20% can cause skin irritation.” A supporting cast of active ingredients, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, can also boost its efficacy. Some vitamin C serums may even boast nice-to-haves including hyaluronic acid, squalane, and other hydrators.

    In addition, peep the packaging that houses any vitamin C products you’re considering. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable, so it can oxidize with light and heat. You want darkly tinted glass bottles with airless delivery, since air can also cause pure vitamin C to degrade, says Dr. Rabach.

    When to use vitamin C serum

    “I recommend using vitamin C serum in the morning, once daily, followed by face sunscreen,” says Dr. Hartman. Because vitamin C is a powerful ingredient, it’s best to separate usage from other strong ingredients, like retinol. “Try your retinol during your evening skin care routine and a vitamin C product in your a.m. routine,” says Dr. Hartman. “Doing so will ensure you get the maximum benefit without risking irritation.”

    How often should you use vitamin C serum?

    We know you want to see results right away, but for the most dramatic outcome, you really need to use vitamin C serum daily, targeting one application each morning, for a number of weeks. Remember to always follow the application with sunscreen. And if you have an allergy or experience a reaction such as burning or stinging, you should avoid putting the product on your face, says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.

    What percentage of vitamin C should you look for?

    According to Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona, you should start with a vitamin C in the 5% range and build up your tolerance to something stronger (up to 20%). “Stronger percentages will be more likely to cause irritation, so it’s best to start lower,” she says.

    How to apply vitamin C serum

    Apply vitamin C serum once daily in the morning after cleansing your skin. Consult package directions for specifics, but in general, put a few drops of serum into your palm and pat it onto your face. Allow it to sit for a few minutes for maximum absorption. As mentioned, always follow with a broad-spectrum face sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher since vitamin C becomes unstable when exposed to light.

    Does vitamin C serum expire?

    Vitamin C serums do expire, typically within three to six months after opening (but always check the product label for specific guidelines), says Dr. Collins. “Vitamin C [ascorbic acid] is highly sensitive to light, air, and heat, which can lead to oxidation,” she explains. “Once oxidized, the serum turns a brownish or yellowish color and becomes less effective at delivering its skin-brightening and collagen-boosting benefits. Oxidized vitamin C may even cause skin irritation for some individuals.”

    To maximize the shelf life of your vitamin C serum, choose a product with opaque or airless packaging, and store it in a cool, dark place. Formulations that stabilize vitamin C (like our top overall pick, which is combined with ferulic acid) also tend to last longer than pure vitamin C.

    Can you use niacinamide, retinol, or other acid serums with vitamin C products?

    Yes, you can use the niacinamide serums with vitamin C products. Overall, vitamin C pairs well with other popular skin care ingredients, says Dr. Hartman. “Vitamin C pairs well with niacinamide, caffeine, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. I recommend looking for vitamin C products with complementary active ingredients to get the most bang for your buck.”

    On the other hand, vitamin C does not pair well with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. “Most people use a vitamin C serum in their morning routine, so leave the retinol creams and AHAs for your evening skin care,” says Dr. Hartman.

    Does vitamin C help with acne and acne scars?

    Vitamin C doesn’t help with acne, says Dr. Hartman, but “it can minimize redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.”

    Are vitamin C serums effective for dark spots?

    Vitamin C serums can be effective for dark spots, when combined with other dark-spot fighting ingredients like niacinamide or tranexamic acid, according to the dermatologists we spoke with.

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