The Best Vitamin C Serums for Radiant, Even Skin, According to Dermatologists

If you’re looking for a cost effective vitamin C serum, Dr. Jeffy recommends this pick from La Roche-Posay. The French pharmacy brand combines a low dose of 10 percent L-ascorbic acid with salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid to brighten, smooth, and hydrate skin. While many experts don’t recommend mixing vitamin C with BHAs, Dr. Jeffy labels this product as the exception because proper stability and efficacy testing has been done to ensure the salicylic acid in the formula interacts well with antioxidants. In fact, she says this quality serum is safe for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity. Apply three to four drops in the morning before following with a moisturizer and sunscreen. 

What testers say: “My dermatologist recommended this as part of my daily routine. I fell in love with the smell and the feel of the serum. When I put it on each morning, it’s like I’m giving myself a face massage. It makes my skin look and feel so healthy. Pro Tip: apply when your face is still damp. A little goes a long way. When I first used it, I applied when my face was bone dry, and I had to use a lot. My dermatologist later told me to apply to a damp face and neck, and since then, I’ve been using a lot less. One bottle lasts 6 months or longer.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $46.99

Ask any dermatologist to name their favorite vitamin C serums, and most will mention SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (three of our experts did!). “This is one of the most effective and recommended vitamin C serums on the market,” says Dr. Turner. “It features vitamin E and ferulic acid as well as 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, which work together to reduce oxidative damage and improve skin texture and tone.” Additionally, extensive research confirms that this sensitive skin-friendly formula increases firmness and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use. 

What testers say: “I have used this product for 3 years, and was first introduced to it by my dermatologist. It has helped just about every area of my skin, reducing lines and discolored areas, and firming and moisturizing my skin. My face is in perfect balance and the lines, discoloration, and firmness are improving. It’s wonderful. I’m very happy for my age, (mid 60s).”

Price upon publish date of this article: $182

While higher percentages of vitamin C are more likely to cause irritation, Dr. Turner assures that this pick from Paula’s Choice isn’t the least bit sensitizing. “it doesn’t use L-ascorbic acid, but gentler forms known as tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate⁠ and ascorbyl glucoside,” he explains. When combined with glutathione, these ingredients’ skin-brightening capabilities are heightened to drastically even out tone and boost radiance, particularly for those who frequently cycle in acne spot treatments. Plus, he adds that “it features a unique, milky texture that feels great on the skin and leaves it feeling hydrated.”

What testers say: “My skin usually breaks out with vitamin C serums, but this has been amazing! I’m light to medium skin tone (fair/light in winter and light/medium in summer). I have acne scarring and this has totally helped fade my scars and discoloration! I only use it as a spot treatment and it has not bothered the areas I’ve covered (cheeks, chin, and forehead). It seems to have helped reduce new acne as well. It does feel a bit drying and absorbs VERY quickly. I like the consistency of the serum and it smells nice!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $62

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A recommendation by Dr. Garshick, the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum evens skin tone and improves radiance with 15% L-ascorbic acid. Along with the hero ingredient, it is formulated with just 10 other ingredients, including vitamin E and pine polyphenol antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors like pollution. “This is lightweight and fragrance-free making it a great option for all skin types.” adds Dr. Garshick. To combat oxidation, Vichy developed a unique dispenser that slows down the process and keeps the formula inside as pure as possible. To use, turn the bottle completely upside down and gently squeeze the air-tight tip to dispense the ideal amount of serum.

What testers say: “I have sensitive skin with some eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea. I get a bit apprehensive trying new products in my face, as I’ve had some negative reactions in the past. This vitamin C serum is really lovely and doesn’t flare up my skin at all! I’m able to use it daily without any kind of negative reaction and my skin feels much more supple and youthful – even at 40!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $34.99

With 1,400 five-star reviews, shoppers adore how silky and refreshing this bestselling Amazon beauty product feels on skin, and it also has Dr. Garshick’s seal of approval. The clean ingredient list reads similar to a citrusy, radiance-boosting smoothie. “It contains fruit stem cell extract, turmeric, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a type of vitamin C that is gentle, helping to brighten the skin without causing irritation,” she explains. Apply it in the morning to your face and neck — beyond making skin feel soft and supple, the natural citrus scent immediately energizes the senses.

What testers say: “I have used a few bottles of this now, and it has become one of my all-time favorite skin care products. I’m not fussy about skin care, so I tend to find just a few products I love and use them exclusively. This is one of them. I sought this out because I had a spot of grayish discoloration on my upper lip. I read that turmeric could be helpful, but I didn’t want the hassle of making my own orange-staining paste every day. So I tried this stuff. After two bottles (probably about a year of use), the dark spot is completely gone. It took some patience, but I believe this is the product that produced the result. Highly, highly recommend. It smells nice too.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $17.01

Although packed with a high concentration of vitamin C and a blend of exfoliating fruit acids, this fast-acting serum is surprisingly gentle. Two forms of vitamin C ward off signs of premature aging and free radical damage. Meanwhile, the 10 percent AHA complex lightly resurfaces skin, removing debris and dead skin cells and revealing a baby smooth surface. Japanese Angelica root extract — a Tatcha signature — optimizes the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C, assisting in the reduction of various forms of discoloration, including dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne scarring. While experts typically say that visible results from vitamin C serums are noticeable after a few months, many testers state that they experienced major positive changes in their skin in as little as two weeks. 

What testers say: “This is the only serum I’ve ever used during the day that truly makes a difference. I have really sensitive skin but I can use this everyday, and I actually see that my skin is brighter, smoother, and less red. I used the whole bottle before writing a review but honestly 2 weeks in I saw noticeable results.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $89

While I rely on the Yse Beauty Morning Cocktail in the winter months (more on that in a moment), the Yon-Ka Vitamin C Serum is my trusty summertime radiance-enhancer. What initially drew me into the luxury French formula was the refreshing citrusy scent, but it’s the bottled golden hour effect that keeps me reaching for it on the regular. Despite the featherlight consistency, this antioxidant serum is chock full of moisturizing and brightening heavyweights. Vitamin C may be the main ingredient, however it also features turmeric and pomegranate cells to illuminate complexions, as well as apricot kernel oil to lightly hydrate. I often forgo makeup on the days I apply this because of the gorgeous, healthy sheen it leaves behind. 

What testers say: “When I saw the price tag of this serum, I was skeptical. I’ve used many different Vitamin C serums before and have been disappointed with the results. Fortunately, this one worked well for my mature, combination skin! This vitamin C serum cleared up the dry patches beneath my eyes and gave my face a dewy glow! It doesn’t have SPF so I reserved it for the evening but now I’m considering using it in the morning as well because people have commented on how much younger I look.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $151.20

Even on days when you’re feeling lazy with your skin routine, you should never skip out on sunscreen. That’s where this multi-purpose, oil-free skin savior from Supergoop! comes in handy. In this formula, SPF and vitamin C are a match made in heaven: “Studies show that vitamin C can increase the photoprotection of SPF,” explains Dr. Turner. “So choosing a sunscreen with vitamin C may increase your protection by fighting free radicals that have formed.” Hyaluronic acid and marine extract also provide ample hydration to round out this one-and-done moisturizer-serum-face sunscreen hybrid.

What testers say: “This product is an absolute game changer. Reading comprehension is crucial. The directions clearly indicate ‘shake well.’ This step is the difference between disappointment and absolute customer satisfaction… shake well!! I promise you will see an ethereal life-changing glow. I applied this and my colleagues on Zoom demanded to know what I had done.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $46

Made with a high concentration of THD ascorbate — one of the most efficient and stable forms of vitamin C — this brightening serum from Sunday Riley instantly provides you with a next level glow. In addition to the inherent illuminating and anti-aging benefits courtesy of vitamin C, it also lessens the look of pores and quells signs of skin sensitivity, like redness, thanks to the advanced Phytosterols complex and saccharide isomerate extract. The expertly-crafted blend boasts a highly moisturizing gel-cream texture that quickly sinks into skin and layers well with other products. 

What testers say: “I’ve been using this product for a little over a month and it’s worked great on me so far. Uneven and dull skin texture were big concerns for me, and I feel this has improved on them a lot and made my skin extra glowy. My skin is also very sensitive and oily and this didn’t irritate my skin or make it feel greasy at all.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $85

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Many vitamin C serums are housed in sunny orange bottles, but this potent formula keeps things lowkey in an opaque black tube. Don’t let the modest dark packaging deter you, though. (It’s actually ideal for preventing oxidation!). This powerful serum-cream is one of Dr Reed’s favorites because it’s formulated with THD ascorbate which is the “most stable and lipid-soluble form of vitamin C,” she says. An array of antioxidants, including vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 enhance the brightening, line-smoothing, and firming effects, while squalane intensely moisturizes skin. 

What testers say: “Using just a small amount 2x per day REALLY improved the appearance of my skin: More glow, tighter, diminished wrinkles & plumper…especially around lips and under eyes. I am 45, fair skinned, and have never worn makeup, my skin is not sensitive to most products but I cannot get a result from a lot of products. My under eye area is naturally blueish because of my fair skin and this helped a LOT. It needs to be used for more than a week, even better if more than two, but it seems to do what the aesthetician says — actually enable skin to boost collagen production.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $138

When you think of fruits with vitamin C, oranges may be the first thing to come to mind. But did you know that pineapples contain a higher level of the antioxidant? This Acure face serum utilizes pineapple extract to amplify radiance and fight free radicals, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this impressive formulation. According to Dr. Nazarian, this serum was “smartly made” with a combination of the gentle vitamin C derivative THD ascorbate and ferulic acid. Paired together, these ingredients increase potency and effectiveness to quickly fade dark spots and even out the tone of your complexion. Furthermore, because it’s formulated without oils, this face serum is ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin. 

What testers say: “I’m only a couple weeks into using this, but it’s the only thing I’ve changed in my routine and WOW. I’m in my mid-30s and still have that lovely combo of acne and fine lines. With this serum I’ve noticed my pores clearing out and acne healing faster, with no/very few new pimples popping up. If you have dry skin, this is not for you. It’s not moisturizing at all.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $15.39

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that celebrity beauty brands are so overdone. Granted, I’m thankful I didn’t totally write off Molly Sims’ Yse Beauty, especially the Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum. Inside the statuesque white bottle is a creamy serum that utilizes three stabilized forms of vitamin C along with a slew of calming skin hydrators, like hyaluronic acid, squalane, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. Collectively, these ingredients address a range of concerns beyond dullness — continued use can reverse signs of photo-aging like dark spots and fine lines, and may also even out your skin tone. I can confirm that this soothing formulation gives me a glow that rivals a professional facial. It’s my vitamin C of choice during the dry winter months when I need an extra burst of luminosity and hydration.

What testers say: “I was a little scared to even try this Vitamin C serum after others have left me red, irritated, and peeling. Not the case with this miracle in a bottle! It feels so good to be able to use this daily without any negative side effects. It is completely unscented, absorbs like a dream and does not pill under my SPF and makeup. The white matte bottle is chic and luxurious to hold.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $82

Chemistry buffs will appreciate this Drunk Elephant serum. To keep the delicate antioxidants as fresh as possible, the formula needs to be mixed together before use. Simply pour the liquid mixture into the powder and shake for 30 seconds before popping it into the opaque container. This mini science experiment maximizes the potency of this dark spot-correcting serum, and honestly, I found that it makes using it much more fun. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty: The combination of L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E work to brighten and firm your complexion, while pumpkin ferment extract and sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid) dissolve dead skin cells and soften skin. The thin serum feels slightly sticky to touch, but that sensation dwindles in mere seconds as it sinks into skin. 

What testers say: “I am fascinated by the packaging of this serum. I love the fact that you activate the product when you are ready to use it. The serum goes on smoothly, feels nice on the skin, and works nicely with other products.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $78