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<p>Vitamin c comes in many different forms—think <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g44270023/best-oil-free-moisturizers/” target=”_blank”>moisturizers</a>, <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g30444432/top-face-wash-dry-skin/” target=”_blank”>face washes</a>, <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g30852512/best-retinol-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>eye creams</a>, etc—so if you’re not sure where to start, Dr. Rabach says that using vitamin c in serum form is most effective, as it’s able to penetrate the skin deeper than a moisturizer. That said, whether you have <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19895116/butt-acne/” target=”_blank”>acne</a>, <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a30454934/best-products-dryness-aging-redness/” target=”_blank”>dryness</a>, sensitivity, or melanin-rich skin, there are tons of different vitamin c serums out there for you.</p><p>To flesh out the best of the best in the world of vitamin c serums, the <em>Women’s Health</em> team got together and talked favorites. The team also reached out to several dermatologists to see what they recommend to their patients. See below for vitamin c serums derms (and your trusty <em>WH</em> editors) recommend for bright, glowy skin year-round. </p><p class=”body-tip”><a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vitamin+c+serums&i=prime-day” target=”_blank”>Shop the best vitamin c serum deals on Amazon</a></p>” />
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1
Best Vitamin C Serum For Minimalists
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
1
Best Vitamin C Serum For Minimalists
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Super blendable and easy to apply
- Doubles as a moisturizer
Cons
- Some say it stings when applied
“My patients love this for brightening,” says dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott, MD. She adds that it’s a great step for her patients who don’t want a 10-step routine, as it “kind of doubles as a moisturizer.” Dr. Scott also loves the brand’s C.E.O. Glow Oil, raving that the anti-inflammatory turmeric in the formula has been great for her own acne-prone skin.
This serum also gets a stamp of approval from dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, who says its thicker consistency improves the ability to control application, as thinner products can be runny and harder to apply.
| Benefits | Makes skin look plump, illuminated, even, and restored |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | Apply 2 pumps every morning |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
2
Best Vitamin C Serum For Melanin-Rich Skin
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
2
Best Vitamin C Serum For Melanin-Rich Skin
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Pros
- Super gentle
- Helps rid dark marks on the skin
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Scott’s biggest concern with her melanin-rich patients is that dark marks tend to last for a longer amount of time and can be hard to remove. But, this antioxidant-rich serum helps.
For those with melanin-rich skin, Dr. Scott recommends formulations that err on the gentle side. “I have never had a patient not like Revision’s Correcting Complex,” she says. “The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey.”
| Benefits | Reveals a glow, corrects the skin-damaging effects of free radicals, and rids dark marks on melanin-rich patients |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | Use morning and evening after cleansing, but before moisturizing |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
3
Most Affordable Vitamin C Serum
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum
3
Most Affordable Vitamin C Serum
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum
Pros
- Super affordable
- High concentration of vitamin C
Cons
- Some say it feels sticky
Let’s be real—not all of us want to drop tons of cash on skincare. And Dr. Scott says you don’t have to. She’s a huge fan of drugstore skincare brand Naturium; her patients often come back with rave reviews after giving it a try.
“I have yet to try a product from Naturium that I haven’t liked,” she tells us. “Quite a few of my patients love their Vitamin c Complex Serum.” Inside the bottle, you’ll find a solid concentration of pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum, another major source of vitamin c that helps address signs of aging.
“The brand has a lot of products that are some of the best around, and they’re at such a good price point,” adds Dr. Scott.
| Benefits | Improves fine lines and wrinkles |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Acne prone, combination, sensitive, dry, and normal |
| Dosage | Use morning and evening after cleansing, but before moisturizing |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
4
Best Vitamin C Serum For UV Light Protection
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
4
Best Vitamin C Serum For UV Light Protection
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
Pros
- Fights acne
- Adds radiance to the skin
Cons
- One reviewer noted that the serum clumps easily
This Pure Vitamin c Serum from La Roche-Posay is of dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, MD’s favorite vitamin c serums, as it’s made with acne-fighting salicylic acid, (uh, this is a rare find at just $40!).
“A lot of science went into developing this over-the-counter option,” Dr. Gohara says. “It adds radiance to the skin by effectively fighting off free radical damage from UV light and other external sources.”
| Benefits | Boosts skin’s radiance, refines skin texture, and reduces the look of wrinkles |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | Apply 3 to 4 drops every morning to the face and neck |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
5
Best Vitamin C Serum For Acne-Prone Skin
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF® with Ferulic Acid
5
Best Vitamin C Serum For Acne-Prone Skin
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF® with Ferulic Acid
Pros
- Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Also includes ferulic acid
Cons
- Can be aggressive and irritating
Dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD says this serum is super well-known for a reason. “It delivers potent antioxidant effects with help from L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid.” The reason it’s packaged in dark glass is to help preserve its potency, she adds.
Dr. Scott likes to recommend this serum to patients with acne-prone skin. “It’s not formulated with L-ascorbic acid or ferulic acid, both of which can oftentimes be too aggressive and cause irritation on acne-prone individuals.”
WH beauty director Brian Underwood backs both derms, saying, “Research shows that vitamin E and ferulic acid help to boost the skin benefits of vitamin c, and this product is the OG in that respect. Yes, it’s pricey, but the results speak for themselves. And don’t be put off by the smell (beauty editors have described it as hot dogs or bologna), it dissipates quickly.”
| Benefits | Evens skin tone, increases radiance, and reduces appearance of fine lines |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, oily, combination |
| Dosage | Apply 4 to 5 drops to a dry face, neck, and chest before other products |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
6
Best Vitamin C-Mimicking Serum
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum
6
Best Vitamin C-Mimicking Serum
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum
Pros
- Works on all skin types
- Addresses dark spots and sun damage
Cons
- Might take a while to notice results
If you’re serious about using a vitamin c serum for erasing dark spots and sun damage, Mother Science is a worthwhile investment, says WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon. “Even though it’s technically not a Vitamin c product, the secret ingredient, malassezin, works just like a Vitamin c serum, but better.”
As someone with combination skin, McMahon says this serum brightens and smooths out discoloration and uneven skin, but it’s a solid option for any skin type.
| Benefits | Addresses dark spots, sun damage, and fine lines and wrinkles |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | Apply two pumps every morning and night all over face |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
7
Most Luxurious Vitamin C Serum
111Skin Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum
7
Most Luxurious Vitamin C Serum
111Skin Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum
Pros
- Yields noticiable results
- Looks cute on your shelf
Cons
- Pricey
“Although it’s a splurge, I consider 111Skin my special-occasion skincare,” says WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied, who adds that a little goes a long way. “Even with sporadic and sparing use, I’ve noticed improvements in my biggest skin concerns—texture, coloration, and fine lines. My skin looks brighter and balanced almost instantly.” She also adds that the bottle also looks lovely for shelfies.
| Benefits | Brightens, protects skin from environmental damage, and boosts collagen production |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | Mix one to two drops into the palm of your hand with moisturizer or apply directly to skin |
| Size | 20 mL |
8
Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
L’Oreal Paris 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
8
Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
L’Oreal Paris 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Leaves a matte finish
Cons
- Some say they don’t like the silicone feel
“This serum provides high-quality vitamin c to the masses,” says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD. “It has been clinically tested for stability and efficacy and is available right at your local drugstore.”
Inside the product, you’ll find an optimal concentration (10 percent, to be exact!) of Vitamin c to visibly boost skin’s radiance and overall tone. It also gives skin a matte look and absorbs super quickly, making it great for oily skin types.
| Benefits | Visibly boosts skin’s youthful radiance, evens skin tone, and reduces wrinkles |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive, oily, aging |
| Dosage | Apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck every morning and night |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
9
Best Vitamin C Serum For Minimizing Fine Lines
Obagi Medical Professional C Serum 15%
9
Best Vitamin C Serum For Minimizing Fine Lines
Obagi Medical Professional C Serum 15%
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling silky soft
- Evens out the skin tone
Cons
- Reviews say the dropper can be janky
Dr. Gohara swears by using Obagi Medical’s Vitamin c Serum every single morning. “It has highly-concentrated L-ascorbic acid (15 percent, if you’re wondering) and it’s easy to layer, making it not only very effective at evening out skin tone and minimizing lines, but also a breeze to use each morning!” According to reviews, it sinks right into the skin and leaves it feeling silky and soft.
| Benefits | Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves skin soft |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry, sensitive, oily, combination, normal |
| Dosage | Apply 5 to 7 drops in the morning after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
10
Best Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
10
Best Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Those with sensitive skin should stick with a product that has just 10 percent Vitamin c in it, rather than some that use 20 percent or more, according to Dr. Gohara. A personal favorite among many WH editors is this one by Biossance, which also features squalane and white shitake mushroom for an ultra-hydrating boost.
| Benefits | Brightens dark spots, and dullness and smooths uneven texture |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, dry, combination, and oily |
| Dosage | Massage two to three pumps onto a cleansed face and neck morning and night |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
11
Best Vitamin C Serum For Evening Out Skin Tone
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
11
Best Vitamin C Serum For Evening Out Skin Tone
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
Pros
- Makes complexion appear brighter
- Feels super lightweight under makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers said it caused breakouts
Vitamin c is an antioxidant, but Dr. Gohara notes that if you’re looking for a serum to even out your skin tone, you’ll want to look for a product that has added skin-protecting antioxidants. This one from Drunk Elephant features Vitamin E and ferulic acid for that extra oomph. Dr. Murphy-Rose also loves it for its ability to add a major glow to the skin.
“I love the Drunk Elephant C-Firma serum,” says WH executive digital director Amanda Woerner. “Since I started using it, I’ve noticed fewer brown spots on my skin and feel like my complexion looks brighter overall. It also feels very lightweight for use under makeup during the day.” She adds that she’s experimented with other pricier vitamin c serums over the years, but she keeps coming back to this one because of its amazing results.
| Benefits | Brightens, diminishes dark spots, and evens out skin tone |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, dry, combination, and oily |
| Dosage | Apply to clean skin in the morning |
| Size | 29 mL |
12
Best Vitamin C Serum For Dry Skin
Inde Wild 15% Vitamin C
12
Best Vitamin C Serum For Dry Skin
Inde Wild 15% Vitamin C
Pros
- Extra hydrating
- Features anti-inflammatory turmeric
Cons
- May feel sticky
This is another great product to add to your collection if you struggle with acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. But, it’s extra suitable for those with dry skin, as it has hyaluronic acid in it, per Dr. Gohara.
Bonus: This serum also features turmeric, which (as mentioned above!) is a great anti-inflammatory ingredient for those who are acne-prone, according to Dr. Scott.
| Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, increases brightness, deeply moisturizes, relieves redness |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | acne-prone, dry, redness-prone, sensitive |
| Dosage | Apply in the morning and before moisturizer |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
13
Best Non-Vitamin C Serum
Vivant Skin Care 8% Mandelic Acid Serum
13
Best Non-Vitamin C Serum
Vivant Skin Care 8% Mandelic Acid Serum
Pros
- Great for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Prevents dark spots
Cons
- May make your skin purge
First things first: this isn’t actually a vitamin c product. But, Dr. Scott repeatedly notes that the potent skincare ingredient simply isn’t for everyone, and can oftentimes cause irritation in her patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have rosacea. But, you can still get all the glowy vitamin c benefits with Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum.
“When I was pregnant and breastfeeding, I used this serum and loved it. It’s moisturizing, prevents dark spots, and was the only thing that didn’t bother my skin during that time,” she says.
| Benefits | Targets acne, aging, and irregular pigmentation |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, combination, oily |
| Dosage | Apply a few drops after cleansing |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
How Our Team Chose The Best Vitamin C Serums
For the past few years, Women’s Health editors, including associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been researching the most popular, and top-rated vitamin c serums. Our team consulted other WH editors and dermatologists Dr. Morgan Rabach, MD, Dr. Laura Scott, MD, Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, and Dr. Shari Sperling, MD for the story.
What should I look for in a vitamin C serum?
It should have vitamin E or ferulic acid in the formula:
“You should look for a vitamin c serum that has vitamin E or ferulic acid in the formula, as they help to stabilize the serum,” says dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling, MD. “Vitamin c is not a stable acid, so it’s really important to get one that is compounded in a way that makes it effective.” Among the natural factors that can alter the stability of your serum: Air, heat, and light.
It should have opaque packaging:
Like Sperling explained, Vitamin c is an unstable molecule. But, Dr. Camp adds that it’s also prone to degradation and oxidative stress. “To make sure your vitamin c lasts, make sure you buy one that is packaged in an opaque or dark-colored bottle.” He also notes that it’s important to store vitamin c products at room temperature in the dark, such as in a medicine cabinet, so they’re not effected by sunlight.
It should have a higher concentration of Vitamin c:
Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends buying a serum that has a vitamin c concentration of about 10 to 20 percent. “Studies have found that concentrations of less than eight percent may be ineffective. On the other hand, concentrations that are higher than 20 are more likely to cause skin irritation.”
How often should you use a vitamin C serum?
When it comes to vitamin c, or really any skincare product, consistency is key. “Daily use is recommended for most vitamin c products,” says Dr. White. But, when you apply it matters.
“Application of vitamin c products in the morning can help neutralize free oxygen radicals that develop during the day as a result of normal metabolism and exposure to IV radiation and environmental pollutants,” notes Dr. Camp.
According to Murphy-Rose, applying vitamin c should always be the first step in your morning routine after cleansing. “But, make sure you use it in conjunction with mineral sunscreen before you head out the door!”
Senior Commerce Editor
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women’s Health—she’s an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother’s magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper’s Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Associate E-Commerce Editor
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
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