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Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, skin dullness, dark marks, or sagging skin, seeking out the best vitamin C serum can help address all of the above. For many of us, the antioxidant has become a mainstay in a thoughtful beauty regimen. “I look at vitamin C as that little black dress in your closet,” Samantha Mims, esthetician and founder of Dermasaa, tells Vogue. “It’s definitely one of those things you must have. It works to boost circulation, amplify the skin’s complexion, and stimulate collagen production.”
To learn how to properly incorporate it into our routines, we spoke with seven skin care experts and tested a handful of formulas to curate this edit of the best vitamin C serums out there. Get ready to give your skin the radiance boost it deserves.
Vogue’s Favorite Vitamin C Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
- Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum, $36
- Best Brightening: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe, $68
- Best with Salicylic Acid: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, $40
- Best Affordable: CeraVe Renewing Vitamin C Serum, $29
- Best for Pigmentation: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, $89
- Best for Normal Skin: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, $79
- Best for Mature Skin: Beautystat Universal C Skin Refiner, $85
- Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules, $115
- Best for Sensitive Skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus, $165
In This Story
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
- Why We Love It: I’ve spoken with many dermatologists who call the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic the “gold standard” vitamin C serum, including board-certified dermatologists Dr. Corey L. Hartman and Dr. Vicki Rapaport. “The CE Ferulic has become the gold standard antioxidant product that dermatologists and other skin-care professionals recommend be used every morning like a prescription to achieve healthy skin,” Rapaport explains. “It is substantially more than a vitamin-C serum, containing the three most utilitarian antioxidants available in skin care today.” Via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E, this Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens.
- Key Ingredients: 15% l-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid
- Benefits: Smoothing, moisturizing, firming, brightening
- Best For: Fine lines, wrinkles, mature skin, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin
- How to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
- Size: 30 mL
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
- Why We Love It: Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant, calls this potent serum “a great introductory option for those looking to incorporate vitamin C into their regimen without making a big investment”—emphasizing its affordable, under-$40 price point. “Formulated with L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, this brightening serum is made without water (anhydrous), in an air-tight tube and produced in controlled conditions to minimize oxidation and ensure stability of the product,” dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp adds. Plus, it’s fragrance-free.
- Active Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid
- Concentration of Vitamin C: 10%
- Benefits: Brightening, firming
- Best For: Dull skin, mature skin, a drugstore find
- How to Apply: According to L’Oréal, apply to the face and neck each morning.
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl. oz
Best Brightening Vitamin C Serum: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe
- Why We Love It: Improving skin’s radiance is no easy feat. You could tackle dullness via potent exfoliators, but one could also consider a brightening vitamin C serum. Medik8’s is excellent for this: powered by potent, 14% stabilized vitamin C (specifically, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), this helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and illuminate the complexion in just a few weeks of consistent use. Plus, the formula features squalane, maracuja oil, and vitamin E to nourish skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Active Ingredients: 14% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, squalane, maracuja oil, red ginseng, vitamin E
- Concentration of Vitamin C: 14%
- Benefits: Brightening, dark spots
- Best For: Dull skin, all skin types
- How to Apply: According to Medik8, massage six drops into clean, dry skin
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz / 30 mL
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
- Why We Love It: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilized vitamin C, Japanese Beautyberry, 10% fruit-derived AHAs, and Japanese Angelica root, this elixir protects against free radicals and combats all sorts of hyperpigmentation (think: post-acne scarring and signs of sun damage) to reveal a radiantly glowing complexion.
- Key Ingredients: 20% Vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry, 10% mild fruit AHAs, and Japanese angelica root
- Benefits: Resurfacing, brightening, smoothing
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, enlarged pores, all skin types
- How to Apply: According to Tatcha, apply one to two pumps of this serum at night.
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Sensitive Skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus
- Why We Love It: This iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus delivers skin protection, as well as treatment of acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and insect bites through time-released vitamin C and a blend of botanicals.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, olive leaf, vitamin A, vitamin E
- Benefits: Antioxidant protection, soothing, smoothing
- Best For: Oily skin, sensitive skin (redness, rosacea), acne-prone skin
- How to Apply: According to iS Clinical, apply three to four drops across the face and neck.
- Size: 30 mL
Best with Salicylic Acid: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
- Why We Love It: “La Roche-Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is an affordable option that leaves skin protected and radiant without irritation,” says Hartman. While the price is alluring, what truly sets this apart is its cocktail of pure vitamin C paired with salicylic acid and neurosensine to refine skin texture and tone on the face and neck without harming sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: 10% Pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and thermal spring water
- Benefits: Resurfacing, evening skin tone, hydrating
- Best For: Enlarged pores, acne-prone skin, dull skin, all skin types
- How to Apply: According to La Roche-Posay, apply three to four drops to the face and neck in the morning after cleansing.
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Enlarged Pores: Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Why We Love It: This face serum prevents aging in all of its forms: sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles, and replaces it with a radiant, glowing complexion thanks to vitamin C, phytosterols complex to soothe sensitive skin, and saccharide isomerate extract that regulates pore size.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, a phytosterol complex, saccharide isomerate extract, and glycolic acid
- Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, exfoliating
- Best For: Enlarged pores, dull skin, all skin types, sensitive skin
- How to Apply: According to Sunday Riley, apply two pumps of this serum to the entire face each morning.
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Mature Skin: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
- Why We Love It: Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this serum contains vitamin C in its purest form, with a unique patented formula of stable 20% pure vitamin C and stable epigallocatechin gallate, which is a skin-aiding ingredient found in green tea. The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily. Dr. Shereene Idriss is a fan of the formula, too, because “it is a patented version of stabilized 20% L Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C) that does not oxidize,” though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.
- Key Ingredients: 20% L-ascorbic acid, squalane, green tea active, and tartaric acid
- Benefits: Firming, smoothing fine lines, exfoliating
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, combination-to-oily skin
- How to Apply: According to BeautyStat, apply to clean, dry skin morning and night.
- Size: 30 mL
Best Affordable: CeraVe Renewing Vitamin C Serum
- Why We Love It: There’s little not to love about CeraVe’s vitamin C serum: The formula uses a strong 10% pure L-ascorbic acid to combat free radical damage and promote an even, luminous complexion, while the featured hyaluronic acid and ceramides help ensure skin remains moisturized, nourished, and taut for hours on end.
- Key Ingredients: 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Benefits: Brightening, rough texture, skin barrier repair
- Best For: All skin types
- How to Apply: According to CeraVe, apply the serum to the face and neck once daily.
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Normal Skin: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
- Why We Love It: Easily one of Drunk Elephant’s most-loved products, C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is surely one of the industry’s best-selling vitamin C serums. The acclaimed cruelty-free elixir is packed with a potent 15% L-ascorbic acid plus ferulic acid and vitamin E—a similar composition to SkinCeuticals’s CE Ferulic—for a powerful brightening and firming treatment that can transform the skin with consistent use. It’s also worth noting that C-Firma arrives with a separate powder and liquid that need to be mixed together before using. The resulting liquid is oil-like in my opinion, making it best for normal to dry skin types or anyone looking to really nourish the skin.
- Active Ingredients: 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, 1% tocopherol
- Concentration of Vitamin C: 15%
- Benefits: Brightening, firming
- Best For: Normal to dry skin types
- How to Apply: According to Drunk Elephant, apply one pump to clean, dry skin each morning and follow with SPF.
- Size: 28 mL / .94 fl oz
Best Feel: Naturium Vitamin C Complex
- Why We Love It: Another excellent drugstore option is Naturium’s Vitamin C Complexion, which boasts a gel-like texture that feels incredibly hydrating on the skin. Feel aside, the formula is potent—drawing upon both pure L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, alongside a bioactive fruit blend (think: pineapple, papaya, and mango extracts) for optimal regenerative benefits. “[This] is also made with Kakadu plum, a rich source of vitamin C, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leave skin looking more radiant,” according to Dr. Camp.
- Active Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Kakadu plum, bioactive fruit blend
- Concentration of Vitamin C: Not listed
- Benefits: Brightening, firming
- Best For: Dull skin, normal to oily skin types, a drugstore find
- How to Apply: According to Naturium, apply an even layer to the face, neck, and chest each morning, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Size: 1 fl. oz
Best Pure Vitamin C: Westman Atelier Suprême C
- Why We Love It: Say you want a serum with vitamin C in its purest form—without any filler ingredients or clean beauty no-nos like silicones, parabens, and phthalates. If that sounds like you, Westman Atelier’s Suprême C is certainly the one. Powered by 100% THD Ascorbate, a stable vitamin C derivative from Japan, famed makeup artist Gucci Westman delivers a potent serum known to brighten your complexion and fade dark spots in a matter of weeks. Though we’re impressed by its single-ingredient composition, what’s equally as intriguing is its gel-oil texture that sinks into skin with just 1-2 pumps. Its best applied in the morning, so in expected Westman Atelier fashion, it layers well under the label’s tried-and-true Complexion Drops and Baby Cheeks Blush Stick.
- Key Ingredients: 100% THD Ascorbate
- Benefits: Brightening, dark spots
- Best For: All skin types, mature skin
- How to Apply: According to Westman Atelier, apply one to two pumps to clean, dry skin along the face and neck in the morning.
- Size: 20 mL
Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules
- Why We Love It: “Although primarily a vitamin C product, the hyaluronic acid in this serum adds to its appeal,” says Dr. Hadley King. “The sealed tinted glass ampules protect the vitamin C from exposure to air and light. And the addition of hyaluronic acid and proteoglicans makes the formulation very hydrating. The texture is light and the subtle fragrance is clean and refreshing.”
- Key Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, and hyaluronic acid
- Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, smoothing
- Best For: Mature skin, all skin types
- How to Apply: According to Isdin, apply half of the ampoule to the face, neck, and neckline.
- Size: 2 mL per ampoule (30 per package)
Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
- Why We Love It: Alongside SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is another sought-after formulation created especially for oily and acne-prone skin types. In fact, both derms Hartman and Dr. Karen Kagha namechecked it as essentials in their daily skin-care regimens. The oil-free elixir blends l-ascorbic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid to protect against free radical damage, stave off excess oil production, and clarify pores.
- Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic Acid, 0.5% Silymarin (a plant-based antioxidant), 0.5% Ferulic Acid, and 0.5% Salicylic Acid
- Benefits: Resurfacing, reducing oiliness, preventing breakouts
- Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
- How to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
- Size: 30 mL
Best Protective: Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum
- Why We Love It: “Do not be fooled by the name as it is a combination of ethylated ascorbic acid as well as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate,” explains Idriss. “The ethylated L-ascorbic [in this serum] is a pure form of vitamin C and one of the most proven forms. The tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is the stable oil soluble form of vitamin C that also penetrates your skin to help brighten and provide radical protection.” Essentially, this serum works to protect your skin from stress, pollution, and even lack of sleep.
- Active Ingredients: 25% Ethylated l-ascorbic acid, 10% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
- Concentration of Vitamin C: 35%
- Benefits: Brightening, firming
- Best For: Dull skin, mature skin, all skin types
- How to Apply: According to Allies of Skin, apply three pumps to the face and neck to damp skin, post cleanser and toner. This can be used morning or night.
- Size: 30 mL
“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays several important roles in skin health,” Brezavscek explains. “It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, supports collagen production, and helps even out skin tone by fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In short, it’s one of the most well-studied and effective ingredients we have for brightening and protecting the skin.”
Benefits of Vitamin C for Your Face
You’ve likely noticed vitamin C serums are mainstays in the vanities of beauty insiders—or really, anyone with great skin. But why? We tapped dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi to give us the inside scoop on the benefits of vitamin C for your skin.
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation: “Vitamin C and its derivatives reduce tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for producing melanin, thereby lightening hyperpigmentation,” she explains. “It also enhances protection against UV rays that stimulate melanin production.”
- Anti Aging: “As a powerful anti-oxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that lead to premature skin aging thereby helping support skin structures,” she explains, adding that it is “important for collagen biosynthesis, an important structural protein our skin loses with age.”
- Evens Skin Tone: According to Shirazi, vitamin C can help even skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and enhance protection from damaging UV rays.
- Brightens complexion: How exactly does vitamin C brighten one’s complexion? Shirazi notes that “by inhibiting tyrosine’s activity vitamin C reduces discoloration and brightens the skin.”
- Antioxidant Protection: “Antioxidants like vitamin C help neutralize free radicals by donating an electron to stabilize them, thus preventing them from causing skin damage,” she says. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, but also enhances other antioxidants like vitamin E.” Basically, this protection limits factors that contribute to signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, and sagging.
What to Look for in a Vitamin C Serum
- Active Ingredients: As for Dr. Paula Bourelly, she recommends skin-care products with ingredients like arbutin and ubiquinone, as they both have “brightening properties which help to lighten brown spots and, as antioxidants, the ascorbic acid and tocopherol add another layer of defense to traditional sunscreens.”
- Concentration of Vitamin C: Choosing the right concentration of vitamin C is one of the most important parts of adding it to your routine. “Begin with a low concentration of 10% and increase to 15% or 20% as tolerated,” New York City dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler previously told Vogue.
- Type of Vitamin C: Generally speaking, you’re looking for a formula with a stable form of vitamin C that can deliver sufficient antioxidant protection—of l-ascorbic acid, for oily and normal skin types, or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate for sensitive skin types and beginners.
- Packaging: Also, the product’s packaging makes all the difference: dark or opaque bottles help reduce the oxidation that could occur when vitamin C gets exposed to sunlight or heat. Your precious formula is best stored in a cool, dark environment for best usage.
What form of vitamin C is best for the face?
The form of vitamin C plays a major role in its efficacy for certain skin types and conditions. According to Camp, “L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) is the form of vitamin C most likely to cause skin irritation because of its low pH level. Other forms of vitamin C, while potentially weaker, may be better tolerated. These include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.” A bit more on the different vitamin C forms below, according to Brezavscek.
L-ascorbic acid: Brezavscek calls L-ascorbic acid the purest and most potent form of vitamin C, making it “great for normal to oily skin types looking to fade pigmentation and boost collagen, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.”
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate: “[This] is an oil-soluble derivative that penetrates deeper into the skin and tends to be less irritating,” she explains—ideal for dry or mature skin.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP): “[MAP] is a water-soluble form that’s gentler and more stable than L-ascorbic acid,” according to Brezavscek, often recommended for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP): Those prone to breakouts might gravitate towards sodium ascorbyl physphate, which Brezavscek explains as “a stable, water-soluble form that’s especially good for acne-prone skin due to its antimicrobial properties.”
Ascorbyl glucoside: Brezavscek describes ascorbyl glucoside as “a milder option that’s well tolerated by most skin types, though it may take longer to see visible results.”
How to Use a Vitamin C Serum
Mims adds that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong way when it comes to applying the serum– what’s more important is what you do afterward. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental factors such as pollution and UV light. So whether you’re deciding to use your serum in the morning, evening, or both, it’s important you’re following up with a layer of broad spectrum sunscreen daily.” Of course, before SPF, be sure to lock in hydration with your favorite lotion or face cream.
Who should use a vitamin C serum?
Dr. Camp explains that vitamin C is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, and a mainstay in many regimens for its brightening abilities. “Vitamin C is known for its ability to encourage collagen production and address concerns like fine lines and wrinkles,” he says; plus, it can help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Brezavscek is also a fan: “It’s one of those ingredients I’ll never stop recommending, it’s foundational, versatile, and backed by real science,” she says. “Whether you’re just starting a skin-care routine or fine-tuning an advanced one, vitamin C earns its place.”
Who should avoid vitamin C?
Though vitamin C is well-tolerated, it should be used strategically—and for incredibly sensitive skin types—with caution. Dr. Camp warns against pairing it with other active ingredients. “For example, vitamin C can be used with retinols, but it is recommended that they not be applied at the same time of day to minimize the risk of skin irritation,” he says; to be safe, apply vitamin C products in the morning and retinols at night. Brezavscek, on the other hand, insists those with compromised skin like those experiencing a rosacea flare, eczema, or after a procedure like microneedling, to avoid stronger forms like L-ascorbic acid. “If irritation occurs, try a gentler form or reduce how frequently you use it,” he instructs.
Does the packaging of a vitamin C serum matter?
In short, yes—the packaging totally matters. “Vitamin C is notoriously unstable—it breaks down quickly when exposed to light, air, or heat, which makes it less effective over time,” Brezavscek explains. “Look for packaging that’s air-tight, opaque, and preferably a pump rather than a dropper bottle. If your serum changes color, especially turning dark orange or brown, it’s likely oxidized and time to replace it.” And per Dr. Camp, it may be wise to look for formulas that “include stabilizing agents, like vitamin E and ferulic acid, [which] may improve efficacy and shelf life.”
- Dr. Paula Bourelly, board-certified dermatologist at Olney Dermatology Associates
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant and founder of Azala Skin Clinic.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
- Dr. Shereene Idriss, New York City-based board certified-dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation
- Dr. Hadley King, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Samantha Mims, founder of Dermasaa and in-house esthetician at Brooklyn Face & Eye
- Lily Njoroge, licensed esthetician and acne specialist
- Dr. Vicki Rapaport is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and founder of SKN Beverly Hills.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Patricia Wexler is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery including state-of-the-art cosmetic surgical procedures.
