dailynewsnblog
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve personally tested and researched dozens of natural skincare brands — these are our top picks for organic and natural vitamin C serums at a range of price points.
Almost every skincare aficionado we know touts vitamin C serum as a staple in their routine. That’s because it helps heal redness and dullness, reduces hyperpigmentation, and gives your skin new life with a gorgeous glow, to boot. However, not all formulas are created equal, which is why we’ve researched and tested the best organic and natural vitamin C serums on the market.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for the skin?
Vitamin C is a great addition to your skincare routine, whether you’re looking to brighten the skin or to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving you a more even complexion. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your skin from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution, which can speed up signs of aging. (We’re not for anti-aging products, but we do believe in caring for our skin as we grow older!)
“I recommend serums to patients seeking products with active ingredients that alleviate the symptoms of inflammaging — a type of skin aging triggered by chronic, low-level inflammation,” says Tiffany Libby, MD, a Double Board-Certified and Double Fellowship Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Brown Dermatology. “Serums, which are lightweight and easily integrated into your skincare regimen, are typically formulated with potent active ingredients for optimum efficacy.”
Vitamin C can also boost collagen production and help reduce fine lines. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties and calms redness and irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Most people use it as a morning serum, followed by sunscreen to maximize its protective benefits. (Three cheers for sunscreen every day.)
When should you apply vitamin C serum?
A general rule to follow when it comes to order of application of skincare is to layer your steps from thinnest to thickest in consistency. In the morning (recommended by derms), apply your vitamin C serum on dry skin after cleansing and toning, if a toner is part of your routine. From there, you can moisturize, apply sunscreen (always follow morning vitamin C with an SPF 30 or greater), and go in with color cosmetics as you typically would. If you prefer to use a vitamin C serum at night, the order is similar, minus the SPF: cleanse, tone (optional), vitamin C, additional serums as desired, moisturizer.
To avoid irritation, use caution mixing a vitamin C serum with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic or salicylic acid. If you’re a retinol user, stick to a nighttime application and save vitamin C for your morning skincare routine. And keep in mind that while you may see some benefits right away, it often takes about three months of use to really experience the effects of topical vitamin C.
Our criteria:
Our editors have tested, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to determine the very best organic and natural vitamin C serums that are clean, chemical-free, and effective — all at a variety of prices. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.
- AFFORDABILITY | Natural beauty can be expensive! We’ve included brands that are easy on the wallet so we can all benefit from incorporating a little more clean skincare into our routines.
- NATURAL/ORGANIC | Each of these vitamin C serums is made with clean, natural, and organic ingredients that are safe and nourishing for your skin.
- EFFICACY | We’ve tested and researched these skincare brands to ensure their formulas are effective and will support your skin’s needs with consistent use.
Revamping your beauty routine? Check out our skincare guide, as well as our list of the best natural moisturizers and sunscreens, all from sustainable brands with organic ingredients.
1. cocokind
Best For | Budget-friendly
Natural Ingredients | Aloe vera, sea grape caviar extract, ascorbyl glucoside, azelaic acid, sodium hyaluronate
Price | $22 for 1 fl oz; discounted subscriptions available, 8% off
cocokind’s Vitamin C Serum with sea grape caviar makes the top of our list for three reasons: It’s ethically made in the USA, the ingredients are responsibly and organically sourced, and it’s affordable! This serum blends ascorbyl glucoside (a stable vitamin C), plant-based algae, and hyaluronic acid to brighten and support your skin. Learn more about how it works here!
Customer Review | “This serum has made my skin appear much more alive in the mornings after using it. I’ve also noticed a small difference in my acne scars, they seem to be less noticeable. Overall, I’d say this product is worth a try!!” – Elise S. (Read all reviews.)
Also Available At: Ulta, Grove Collaborative, Target
2. True Botanicals
Best For | Powder format
Natural Ingredients | Tapioca starch, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid
Price | $95 for .49 oz powder; discounted subscriptions available, 15% off
True Botanicals makes some of the most in-demand skincare on the market, and their vitamin C booster is no exception. They use ferulic acid, a potent plant antioxidant, to help stabilize and boost notoriously tricky vitamin C (it’s famous for degrading the moment it’s exposed to liquids!). So while this isn’t technically a serum, the powder form does keep it stable and powerful until the moment you use it! Check out our review to learn how to apply this cult fave, and say goodbye to dark spots and dullness.
Customer Review | “As someone with very dry, reactive skin, and managing chronic eczema, it feels like walking a tightrope to keep my skin healthy and calm. I was super afraid to add the Vitamin C Booster to my skincare routine because of this, but wanted to start addressing the discoloration and eczema scarring that’s showing up on my cheeks. I am thrilled to say this product is SO gentle, and almost immediately resulted in brighter, softer skin. I mixed one dash with the Chebula serum and my skin somehow also feels super hydrated. I’ve don’t remember the last time my skin felt like this!!! I’m sold. 🙂“ – Mimi (Read all reviews.)
Also Available At: The Detox Market, Credo
3. Ursa Major
Best For | Brightening
Natural Ingredients | Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl glucoside, Edelweiss, Aspen Bark, aloe, rose hips, rose
Price | $56 for 1 fl oz; discounted subscriptions available, 10% off
Ursa Major‘s Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is a light, nourishing formula that brightens skin, reduces redness and dark spots, and feels heavenly. They use tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbyl glucoside, both highly stable and potent forms of vitamin C, as well as rose hips, which is also high in the good stuff. Stem cell complex Edelweiss is rich in antioxidants, and aspen bark, a natural source of BHA, gently exfoliates the skin while aloe and rose soothe and reduce redness respectively. Talk about a powerhouse!
Customer Review | “Love this serum! Silky mooth texture, not oily like most serums. A must for 50+.” – Paula B. (Read all reviews.)
Also Available At: The Detox Market, Credo
4. CLEARSTEM
Best For | Lightweight oil-based formula
Natural Ingredients | Watermelon seed, orange, and rosemary oils, squalane, hyaluronic acid
Price | $48 for 1 fl oz; discounted subscriptions available, 15% off
If you’ve struggled to find a facial oil that doesn’t feel heavy or trigger breakouts, look no further than CLEARSTEM‘s GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil. This super lightweight oil combines watermelon seed oil, hyaluronic acid, and a stable form of vitamin C to hydrate, visibly brighten, and support the skin barrier — without clogging pores. The silky formula absorbs quickly and leaves behind a healthy glow rather than a greasy finish, making it a great pick for acne-prone and combination skin.
Customer Review | “I absolutely love this oil! I used to be afraid of oils but this has completely changed how I think about them…I use it every night and my skin feels glowy and hydrated! I do a little lymphatic drainage massage when I put it on as part of my nighttime routine.” – Lianne (Read all reviews.)
5. Kari Gran
Best For | Mature skin
Ingredients | THD ascorbate, algica, organic antioxidant super blend (oils of plum seed, hibiscus, cloudberry, lingonberry & sea buckthorn)
Price | $79 for 1 fl oz; discounted subscriptions available, up to 18% off
With 5-star reviews all around, Kari Gran’s Vitamin C Serum is one you won’t want to miss out on. This 100% plastic neutral brand consciously sources natural and organic ingredients for its potent, antioxidant-rich serum. Made with THD ascorbate, this serum includes the most stable form of vitamin C — and the added Swedish algae provides optimal hydration without the stickiness of a hyaluronic acid. Best of all, it’s all cruelty-free!
Customer Review | “I don’t have a large beauty routine, and decided about a year ago to introduce this product into my lineup. I think it has been a game changer! My complexion is so much brighter and sun spots have faded. Whenever I use this and then apply my Kari Gran tinted sunscreen and some argan oil I always get compliments on my skin. Now I don’t think I could go without it!” – Amber (Read all reviews.)
6. Typology
Best For | Minimal ingredients
Natural Ingredients | Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, albizia julibrissin extract
Price | $50 for 1 fl oz
The Radiance Serum L32 by Typology is an essential for promoting glowing, rejuvenated skin. Packed with powerful vitamin C actives to brighten, reduce pigmentation, and combat signs of aging, and albizia julibrissin extract to revitalize dull, tired skin, this serum is designed to restore radiance and elasticity. It’s 99% naturally derived, vegan, fragrance-free, and housed in a recyclable glass bottle. Made in France with a 100/100 Yuka Score, it’s a simple yet effective way to achieve healthier, more luminous skin.
Customer Review | “Made my skin literally glow after a week of using it! I absolutely love this serum.” – Jenna P. (Read all reviews.)
7. OSEA
Best For | Elasticity
Natural Ingredients | Vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, natural peptides, ceramides, laminaria saccharina seaweed
Price | $88 for 1 fl oz; discounted subscriptions available, 10% off
OSEA‘s anti-aging serum has everything you need in a daily skincare product and more. This seaweed-enriched formula helps improve skin elasticity and fine lines with the help of vitamin C, niacinamide, and natural peptides. Our editor uses this serum every night before bed, and swears her complexion has never looked more flawless! A third-party study even shows 91% of consumers agreed their skin looked energized, more youthful, and skin tone after 4 weeks of using this serum. This one’s a staple in our bathroom cabinet for sure!
Customer Review | “After 5 days I noticed a huge difference in my skin. I always had crusty dry spots which are now gone!” – Jill B. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image via Upcircle Beauty
