11 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Healthier Skin (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall

Mary Kay TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E

Pros

• Age-defying formula is great for mature skin
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin
• Combines three sources of vitamin C

Cons

• May not be effective on all skin types

The Mary Kay TimeWise line is nothing new to the Good Housekeeping Institute team: For years, GH Beauty Lab experts have been recommending TimeWise products for various skincare concerns. This GH Seal star replenishing serum contains vitamin C and E for an age-defying combination. Clinical studies have shown the serum is generally mild and does not bother testers with sensitive skin.

2

Best Value

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum

Pros

• Helps promote a more even skin tone
• Softens skin
• Great value

Cons

• High levels of active ingredient could cause irritation

A GH Beauty Award winner and Seal star, RoC's drugstore value serum is rich with antioxidants and vitamins. It features a unique blend of vitamin C, castor oil and glycerin, all of which help brighten and moisturize the skin. According to GH Beauty Lab evaluations, 94% of users found a more even skin tone with daily use. A heads up if you have sensitive skin: the high level of actives could cause irritation.

"I am almost done with my first bottle of this vitamin C serum and my skin tone looks clear," shared one Amazon reviewer. "I love this serum!"

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3

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum

Pros

• Has powerful active ingredients
• Measurably brightens skin and improves discoloration

Cons

• Could cause breakouts

Packed with powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide and lactic acid, Olay's antioxidant serum helps you get your glow on. A GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the formula significantly improves skin brightness and dark spots starting at two weeks of twice daily use, per a study on 120 women. This may not be ideal for those with acne-prone skin, as some users did report breakouts after application.

"It leaves my skin feeling so soft, healthy and hydrated," said one reviewer. "I love it because there is no tackiness or stickiness involved and this doesn't pill up under a good moisturizer."

What Everyone's Shopping

4

Best for Oily Skin

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Pros

• Hydrates and plumps skin
• Lightweight formula

A great option for oily complexions, "this serum has the right amount of vitamin C and brightens, plumps and hydrates," says Ellen Marmur, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare. The product contains additional ingredients such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and fruit enzymes that help brighten and smooth the skin's texture.

It's also a unique formula: You mix the powder with the liquid once before the first use to maximize the potency of the ingredients. Some reviewers complained about the product being too sticky, but others said it's lightweight and sinks into the skin.

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5

Best Dermatologist-Recommended Vitamin C Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum

Pros

• Non-irritating
• High concentration of vitamin C
• Expert go-to

GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann loves this splurge-worthy SkinCeuticals serum, a dermatologist gold standard, for its gentle yet effective performance. “Even with a high concentration of 15% of L-Ascorbic acid — an outstanding and proven form of vitamin C — this serum doesn’t irritate my skin like other products I’ve tried,” she says. "It firms and brightens skin, and leaves it supple and glowy," thanks to the conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties that vitamin E provides.

This is also Dr. Yadav's top pick. "It contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, and this combination has been shown to complement sunscreens and reduce the effects of environmental stressors on the skin," she says.

6

Best for Hyperpigmentation

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Serum

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Credit: L'Oreal Paris

Pros

• Tip applicator is good for spot-treating marks
• Absorbs quickly; doesn't leave residue
• Brightens skin and smooths fine lines

Cons

• Feels oily when applying

Formulated for optimal skin absorption, the airtight packaging on this standout L’Oréal Paris product helps ensure that the vitamin C inside stays stable and therefore effective.

GH Beauty Lab experts think it's especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) since you can use the precise, pointed applicator to spot treat problem areas. Reviewers raved that "skin looks brighter" and "smoother" after using this serum. However, a few also noted that it felt oily or greasy when applying.

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7

Best for Dry Skin

OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Pros

• Slow release delivery system
• High concentration of vitamin C
• Lightweight formula
• Nice scent

Light and powerful without irritation? Yes, really. A GH Beauty Award winner, OAM's featherlight formula utilizes a time-release delivery system to gradually release its 20% concentration of vitamin C (a combination of three different types) into skin. Our Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that in a study of 96 women with a full range of skin tones using image analysis, skin radiance was significantly improved after eight weeks of use.

“The water-like formula soaked instantly into skin, leaving no residue and has a pleasant citrusy scent unlike some other vitamin C serums,” one tester said. This serum may not be ideal for combination or oily skin, as a few reviewers noted breakouts after use.

8

Best for Beginners

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum

Pros

• Gentle on skin
• Brightening

Cons

• Not as hydrating as other serums

This Yes To serum is dermatologist-recommended for those who are new to vitamin C treatments. "For something a little more accessible, and a great entry into vitamin C, I love this treatment," says Dr. Yadav. "It’s widely available, gentle on the skin and contains grapefruit, which adds another citrus ingredient into the mix!" You can use it directly on your skin or mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer.

"My skin hasn’t looked this good since I was a teenager," shared one reviewer. "I noticed a change within a week and it has only continued to get better." A few did note they had to use a lot of product to nourish their skin, though, so it may not be best for very dry skin.

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9

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum

Pros

• Contains acne-fighting active ingredients
• Clarifies skin
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive
• Strong smell

A GH Beauty Award winner and variation on SkinCeuticals' popular CE Ferulic serum, this formula contains salicylic acid and is specially formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. Though it's a splurge, it delivers results: “Based on data review, this is effective for improving skin clarity and texture,” Wizemann reports.

**"**This lightweight, quick-absorbing serum is a two-for-one," says Wnek. "I enjoy getting the antioxidant benefits from the vitamin C and the pore refining benefits from salicylic acid." She recommends this for those with acne-prone skin who still want to incorporate vitamin C in their routine. "The two downsides are the steep price, and its hot dog water smell can be a turn-off for some, but the smell doesn’t linger on skin."

10

Best for Sensitive Skin

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Collagen Serum

Pros

• Good for sensitive skin
• Helps with collagen production

Cons

• May feel tacky on skin

Perfect for easily aggravated skin, this serum from Bliss is formulated with a newer form of vitamin C called 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, which is thought to be less irritating without sacrificing efficacy. The formula is collagen-protecting and brightening to fade dark spots, firm skin and improve texture. The brand claims the formula is ultra-stable, so it can live right in your medicine cabinet or vanity.

"I love its fresh — not cloying! — citrus scent," said GH Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich. While most reviewers loved the texture, a few noted that it left skin sticky.

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11

Best for Mature Skin

SOBEL SKIN Rx 35% Vitamin C Fusion Serum

Pros

• High percentage of vitamin C
• Gentle lotion texture
• Brightens and fades dark spots

Cons

• May be too strong for easily irritated skin

Think of this one as a super serum for dull or uneven skin**. It combines three types of vitamin C for a grand total of 35% — significantly higher than many others we've seen — to brighten and tighten skin**. You may want to steer clear if you have sensitive skin as it is extremely concentrated and potent.

**"**Vitamin C serums tend to irritate my skin, which is susceptible to eczema flares, but not this formula created by New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D.," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "Even though it has a high level of vitamin C, it’s more of a lotion texture that’s super gentle and feels softening — it doesn’t sting or create a rash like some others can."

How we test vitamin C serums

The vitamin C serums on this list are a mix of GH Seal holders and recommended favorites from our own analysts and editors, as well as dermatologists.

While we did not test every pick in the Beauty Lab, our scientists have performed many tests on the best anti-aging serums. In these tests, the products are first label-masked to eliminate bias, then distributed to dozens of consumer testers, who apply the products daily for a set time period between four and 12 weeks. In the Lab, analysts use the Visia Complexion Analyzer device to track changes in skin during the product's use, including hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles, and pores.

Testers also share feedback on how their skin looks and feels during and after use and any perceived changes in skin. They comment on many elements of the formulas, including texture, absorption, ease of use and scent. Hundreds of data points are then tallied to find the best vitamin C serums.

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What to look for when shopping for vitamin C serums

In theory, almost everyone can incorporate a vitamin C serum into their skincare routine. However, Dr. Marmur cautions that too much vitamin C can potentially irritate skin. It depends on your skin type, but she personally recommends products that contain between 10 to 15% potency for best results.

Vitamin C is highly effective in its pure form, according to Wnek, but it is a tricky ingredient to formulate with because it is very unstable and can degrade with exposure to oxygen, light, water and high pH. That means that while it is a hero ingredient, its properties are difficult to stabilize — and because of that, some vitamin C serums and other skincare products work better (and for longer) than others.

The powerful ingredient comes in a variety of forms, which "differ primarily in their stability, solubility and ability to penetrate the skin," says Wizemann. "Some types may be better suited for certain skin types or concerns, while others may provide improved stability for products that face exposure to air or light."

If you have dry skin, you might want to look for added moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid; if you have very sensitive skin or rosacea, start slowly and carefully as your skin is already compromised and prone to irritation. Wizemann explains the differences in the most common forms seen in OTC products:

**✔️ L-Ascorbic Acid: The most well-studied form of vitamin C used in skincare products, L-ascorbic acid is highly effective at brightening the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and promoting collagen production. However, it can be unstable and prone to oxidation when exposed to air or light.

**✔️ Ascorbyl Palmitate: A more stable form of vitamin C, ascorbyl palmitate is often used in formulations where stability is a concern, such as in moisturizers. However, it does not penetrate the skin as effectively as L-ascorbic acid.

**✔️ Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: More stable than L-ascorbic acid, this type of vitamin C is less irritating and better for those with sensitive skin but less potent than L-ascorbic acid. It also has antioxidant properties, can help brighten the skin and reduce inflammation.

**✔️ Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Another stable form of vitamin C, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is often used in skincare products targeting acne-prone or sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and irritation while brightening the complexion.

**✔️ Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: This lipid-soluble form of vitamin C is highly stable and penetrates the skin easily. It is often used in anti-aging formulations to promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

What are the benefits of Vitamin C serums?

Wizemann shares the benefits of this all-star ingredient:

• Fights free radical damage: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals generated by UV radiation and environmental pollutants which helps prevent oxidative stress and damage to skin cells.
• Increases collagen production: It helps reduce collagen breakdown which keeps skin elastic and youthful-looking and also slows down aging by stabilizing collagen fibers.
• Reduces signs of aging: By promoting collagen production, vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve overall skin firmness.
• Diminishes dark spots and hyperpigmentation: It inhibits melanin production by interfering with tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for creating melanin; this can lead to reduced age spots or sunspots.
• Improves dull skin texture and tone: Using vitamin C can help create a more even skin tone due to its ability to reduce tyrosinase activity and discoloration in skin.
• Hydrates: Vitamin C indirectly contributes to skin hydration by promoting collagen synthesis and improving the skin barrier.
• Brightens: By reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting skin from damaging UV rays, vitamin C can have an overall brightening effect.
• Provides anti-inflammatory effects: Vitamin C prevents the release of certain pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body; this also makes it a treatment option for skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
• Helps wounds heal faster: In addition to speeding up healing, it can also prevent dark spots from forming after an injury or acne.

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Do vitamin C serums really work?

Yes! When used on a daily basis, a vitamin C serum can help brighten dull skin, diminish acne scars, even out skin tone, hydrate skin and protect it from pollution and UV damage. Once you find the most effective vitamin C product for your skin type, simply apply the vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin once or twice a day, and follow with your favorite face moisturizer to seal in the serum and further hydrate skin.

What’s the best way to apply a vitamin C serum?

"It is most common to apply vitamin C in the morning, but some dermatologists feel that nightly application is also beneficial if the serum is well tolerated," says Wizemann. She advises to follow the directions on the packaging, as some mention once daily in the morning while others may say "am and pm."

Wizemann adds that vitamin C is safe to use daily for long periods and works synergistically with other anti-aging agents like sunscreens, tretinoin, antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids. If it's too strong for your skin, it may cause stinging, redness and dryness, which typically can be managed with a moisturizer. "When applying vitamin C around the eyes, use caution, as it can irritate," she says.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek helped select the picks listed above and contributed her knowledge and research of vitamin C and the effects it can have on skin. She has been testing skincare products including eye creams, serums, night creams and neck creams for over seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment, regularly polls our consumer panel and weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide.

GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price recently updated this article, adding in more details about the product picks and additional info about testing protocols. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories and is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, niacinamide serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

Dori consulted GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann on her most recent update, with Wizemann contributing information about different forms of vitamin C, how to shop for serums as well as all of the benefits the ingredient offers. Since joining Good Housekeeping, Sabina has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more.

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.