As a beauty editor and writer for nearly a decade, take it from me when I say that the best vitamin C serums are my secret weapon to minimizing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, and getting my glow on all year around. What exactly does the ingredient do, you might wonder? Vitamin C works against free-radical damage from the environment or sun, meaning it’s great for antiaging. It’s also widely touted by dermatologists as one of the key ingredients for brightening, plumping, and protecting skin all at once.
To help you find the right formula for your skin type, I’ve tested dozens of vitamin C serums myself, and tapped dermatologists and Glamour editors for their favorite picks. During this time we evaluated everything from consistency and scent (it’s known to smell, well, kinda funky), plus short- and long-term efficacy. Our top pick overall is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a formula that I’ve personally used for over three years. Though I’ve tried over a dozen vitamin C serums, I always come back to this one—even though it’s on the pricier side—for its brightening effects. But for those who want something different—maybe a more affordable pick or something more hydrating—we reviewed top-rated options that address a variety of skin concerns.
The best vitamin C serums, at a glance
Featured in this article
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Oily Skin
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Sensitive Skin
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Serum
Jump to review
We tested the best vitamin C serums for glowing skin by evaluating three categories: ingredients, format/texture and long-term efficacy.
We started with around 25 of the most popular vitamin C products, all recommended by dermatologists and Glamour editors and testers. We narrowed down this list to 15 total products based on their availability, ingredients and recommendations from dermatologists, then had our editors rigorously test them over the past year, Then we had more than a half-dozen of our editors and contributors put upwards of 15 products to the test over the course of the past year (though many of these individuals have spent years experimenting with various vitamin C serums). During this time we evaluated everything from consistency to scent, plus monitored both short- and long-term efficacy. We also tapped dermatologists for tips to understand how to get the most out of these serums. All of the vitamin C serums that made the cut had:
Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- What we love: Offers visible results a lot faster than other vitamin C serums because of its three hero ingredients; can be used every morning; pleasant consistency that absorbs quickly
- What could improve: Pricey; has that traditional vitamin C smell that some find unpleasant
This top-selling vitamin C serum is considered one of the best by dermatologists. Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, likes that it packs the perfect triple threat against damage: L-ascorbic acid (15%), vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City adds that this particular skin-care product “delivers the greatest amount of antioxidant power of any product available” thanks to its careful combination of actives—which is reflected in the price, but you get what you pay for (and then some).
Our tester 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 Vitamin C Serum: 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 and suitable for sensitive skin
- What could improve: Only 10% vitamin C
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 the gentle formula is also fragrance-free, a plus for those with reactive skin.
Our tester 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 Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin: RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum
- What we love: The price, the lightweight texture, the anti-wrinkle ingredients
- What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
We love this vitamin C serum because it’s affordable at under $40, gives skin a bright glow and has a nice scent. It doesn’t feel overly sticky either, and is great for oily skin types who are looking to even out skin texture and tone.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer 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.
Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: 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 and absorbs quickly
- What could improve: Strong formula; may not be suitable for sensitive skin
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 skincare routine. It has a blend of vitamin C, phytosterols, saccharide isomerate, and glycolic acid to gently smooth skin texture and strengthen 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 Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin: Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Serum
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum
- What we love: Plumps and brightens skin quickly; minimizes redness
- What could improve: Some users dislike the scent
This fruit-inspired vitamin C serum blends vitamin E and vitamin C 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’s managed to keep her skin in check for a few years now.
Our tester review: “My complexion is a lot brighter and 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 Korean Vitamin C Serum: Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Original video from Denise Primbet testing innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- What we love: Has green tea to help eliminate redness from acne
- What could improve: A little sticky
If you’re looking for a Korean vitamin C serum that will help minimize redness and post-acne marks, we love this brightening pick. It has a blend of green tea, tangerine peel and vitamin C, E and ferulic acid to help minimize the appearance of dark spots.
Our tester review: “Fun fact: Innisfree was one of the very first K Beauty brands I’ve tried, and this vitamin C serum remains one of my favorite products from their line-up. 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.
Best Vitamin C Serum for Dark Spots: Olehenriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Olehenriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Olehenriksen Banana Bright
- What we love: Pleasing citrus scent; provides an instant glow; absorbs quickly
- What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
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, “the added fragrance may not suit sensitive skin types,” says Dr. Collins.
Our tester 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 Vitamin C Serum on Amazon: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Original video by Jenifer Calle testing TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
- What we love: Hydrates the skin with a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; affordable
- What could improve: Our tester says results appear slowly
An unexpected Amazon favorite, this TruSkin formulation is one of Dr. Rabach’s recommended budget vitamin C options. “It’s an amazing facial serum packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,” she says. That means you’ll reap moisturizing benefits in addition to the brightening ones. Heads up: It also has a high concentration of vitamin C, so consider building up slowly to daily use if you’re new to the ingredient—a few drops go a long way. On the plus side, this improves efficacy and makes the serum last longer at the same time.
Our tester review: Glamour’s Calle approached testing 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 month of consecutive testing, I can see it’s actually been working—albeit slowly.” Glamour’s Calle 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 non-irritating. “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.”
Best Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure 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
This more affordable serum is a great choice for sensitive or combination skin, says Dr. Collins. “It offers a balance between exfoliation (salicylic acid) and soothing properties (neurosensine), which can help improve skin texture and tone without irritation.” 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.
