16 Best Vitamin C Serums For Brighter & Glowing Skin – 2024
Relish the multiple benefits of vitamin C to unveil younger, brighter, and flawless skin.
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.
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Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing might be the best steps of an effective skincare routine, but a good one starts with using the best vitamin C serums. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps keep your skin safe from UV damage, boosts collagen production, eliminates dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and helps reveal healthy, glowing, and bright skin. It is a wonderful ingredient that gives your skin a lot of benefits. More than creams, a vitamin C serum effectively penetrates your skin’s barrier, and it works for most skin types. Keep reading to explore the 15 impressive vitamin C serums that you can add to your skincare routine.
In This Article
16 Best Vitamin C Serums – 2024
1. Best For All Skin Types:TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is an advanced dermatologist-tested facial serum with antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps promote collagen production. The TruSkin serum is a organic plant-powered blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. The antioxidant-rich formula targets the most common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, and gives you firmer skin and a brighter complexion. Here’s a personal review video detailing a reviewer’s experience with the product to help you get a better understanding of the formulation.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Clinically tested formula
- Clinically tested formula
- No harsh chemicals
- No synthetic colors
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Comes with a 90-day money-back offer
None
"This facial serum is excellent to use if you wish to fade spots and enhance your overall skin's appearance. The serum contains hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate and improve the skin tone as well. It protects against sun damage as well."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 23,589 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Daily Use:InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum offers a potent, clinically proven solution to common signs of aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. It is packed with nutrients that help maximize the antioxidant advantages of vitamin C. These nutrients include ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and sea buckthorn oil, which protect against damage and preserve the protective barrier of the skin. The serum also helps control clogged pores, breakouts, acne, and blackheads while enhancing skin luminosity. Click here to take a look at how a skin care reviewer has tested this product.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Safe for daily use
- Prevents signs of aging
- Paraben-free
- No unsafe preservatives
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 7,297 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
3. Best Cruelty-Free: St. Botanica Vitamin C 15% Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum
This face serum is enriched with 15% vitamin C, along with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It is a very effective way of reducing the signs of aging. The HA keeps your skin moisturized and plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C reduces blemishes and age spots, while vitamin E keeps the skin nourished, smooth, and healthy, improving its overall appearance and adding a natural glow.
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan formula
- Suits all skin types
- Feels a bit sticky.
Pro Tip4. Best Creamy Formula: Tree Of Life Vitamin C Serum
Tree Of Life Vitamin C Serum has a luxuriously soft and creamy formula that hydrates, smooths, and plumps your skin, refreshing it while providing pre-emptive defense against the signs of aging. One or two drops are enough for your entire face and will leave you with refreshed and healthy skin. The serum moisturizes and soothes the skin as it is applied, giving it rejuvenating antioxidant relief.
- Non-greasy
- Hydrating
- Dermatologist-tested
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Organic formula
- Paraben-free
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Not suitable for all skin types
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 8,246 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best Plant-Based Formula:Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Vitamin C+ Serum
Eva Naturals Vitamin C serum is affordable, effective, and uses all-natural ingredients to battle dark spots and other common skin concerns. It boosts collagen production. The vitamin C in it is combined with elements like CoQ10 that work on firming your skin and lavender that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Turmeric, ginger, and juniper extracts promote circulation, skin brightening, and radiance, while vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid take care of anti-aging issues.
- Improves skin elasticity
- Plant-based formula
- All-natural ingredients
- Protects against sun damage
- Cruelty-free
- Offered with a money-back guarantee
- May irritate sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 12,463 rave reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum
LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum is a potent and premium formulation that gives you visible anti-aging benefits. It evens out your skin tone, brightens your complexion, helps boost collagen, and improves the overall skin texture. Regular use of this complexion booster serum can help fight hyperpigmentation, scars, and fine lines. You can also use it as a dark spot corrector. It can be applied under the eyes to reduce dark circles and wrinkles.
- Suitable for daily use
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- No oily residue
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- May cause dryness.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 11,859 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
7. Best Clinically Proven:Serumtologie Vitamin C Serum 22
Serumtologie Vitamin C Serum 22 is a carefully formulated serum with 22% vitamin C – the highest concentration of this ingredient among serums available on the market. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E. This dermatologist-recommended serum from Serumtologie is painstakingly designed to be both safe and effective on all skin types. It hydrates, softens, and brightens your skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It also provides the skin with defense against sun damage.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Contains 22% vitamin C
- 100% vegan
- Clinically proven ingredients
- Helps boost collagen
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,268 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
8. Best Pleasant Fragrance:TruSkin Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum blends vitamin C with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and several nourishing plant extracts. The C-Plus Super Serum is an upgrade of the original TruSkin Vitamin C Serum and provides more comprehensive skin care. This dermatologically tested all-in-one product impacts your skin on the surface as well as deep within to give you a youthful and healthy complexion.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Smoothes uneven skin tone
- Pleasant fragrance
- Clinically tested formula
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Cruelty-free
- May irritate sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 3,116 great reviews on Amazon.
9. Best Non-GMO Formula:Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C of the highest quality. This makes it a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production and brightens your skin tone. The anti-aging skin care formula of this serum combats fine lines and wrinkles to give you a youthful appearance. It also fights against free radical damage and prevents hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of harmful preservatives
- Non-GMO formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Unpleasant smell
- May dry out the skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 4,621 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
10. Best Affordable:Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Mad Hippie combines vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid with exotic ingredients, which makes it a highly popular dermatologist-recommended product on beauty shelves. Its other unique components are Konjac root powder, which is rich in nutrients like zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and folic acid; grapefruit extract, which is a rich source of vitamin C; chamomile extract that creates a protective shield while calming your skin; and sage that is a natural astringent. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review, which details a tester’s experience with the serum.
- Pleasant fragrance
- Protects from environmental stressors
- Value for money
- All-natural
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- Not effective on all skin types.
- May cause breakouts.
"This vitamin C serum delivers a well-rested glow. It is easy to apply and spreads quite easily over the skin. It also reduces redness and inflammation without triggering any previous allergies. The scent is mild and citrusy and does not cause headaches. It is great for daily use to achieve a smoother and even-toned complexion."
11. Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended. It possesses amazing skin-brightening, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties that help improve the signs of sun damage while promoting collagen health. It also contains hyaluronic acid that rehydrates dry, aging skin. The antioxidants fight and protect against free radical damage and leave you with smoother, softer, and younger-looking skin. The aloe and vitamin E in the formula provide intense and soothing moisturization.
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Provides intense hydration
- No harmful preservatives
- May irritate sensitive skin.
- Unpleasant fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 4,025 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
12. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum helps brighten your skin tone, combats the visible signs of aging, and provides long-lasting, intense hydration. It is clinically examined and confirmed to soften and smoothen the skin to improve its radiance. Consider it a multivitamin for your skin. This popular anti-aging serum is designed with the belief that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, combined with its collagen-boosting abilities, make it a crucial ingredient of healthy skin care. The serum contains orange and green tea extracts in a fast-absorbing, oil-free formula that rejuvenates your complexion.
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens complexion
- Expensive
- Not effective on all skin types.
- May dry out the skin.
13. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 10% ascorbic acid – the purest form of vitamin C – to give you the ultimate antioxidant protection. This intensely hydrating dermatologically approved serum improves your skin tone and texture significantly to provide you with the healthy and radiant complexion you have always desired. This rejuvenating formula contains several moisture-retaining ingredients, such as vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides. It comes in a protective packaging that prevents oxidation and preserves performance.
- Delivers hydration
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Protective packaging
- May irritate sensitive skin.
- Greasy formula
- Not suitable for oily skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,109 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
14. Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence
Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence is a miracle serum with super-concentrated vitamin C. It gives you a brighter complexion and skin that is intensely hydrated. The formula contains a host of innovative ingredients that work wonders for your skin. The serum blends Wild Arctic cloudberry extract, pure Arctic spring water, and two types of hyaluronic acid with vitamin C to give you younger-looking skin that feels plump and smooth.
- Provides intense hydration
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Gets absorbed easily
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Contains added fragrance
- May cause breakouts.
- Not effective on all skin types.
15. No B.S. Vitamin C Serum
No B.S. Vitamin C Serum is a silky smooth serum that adds a dewy glow to your complexion. It has a skin-loving formula packed with antioxidant ingredients like green tea and pomegranate that reduce inflammation, repair damaged skin, and prevent premature aging. It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and vitamins C and E for promoting collagen health. Using this serum regularly will give you visibly tighter and brighter-looking skin.
- Cruelty-free
- No harmful ingredients
- Dermatologist-recommended
- May cause breakouts.
- Not suitable for daily use.
- Not very effective on sunspots.
"This vitamin C serum is very easy to incorporate in my daily routine. It makes my skin look brighter and smoother. The texture is lightweight and the formula absorbs quickly without leaving a residue."
16. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pure Vitamin C Serum
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pure Vitamin C Serum is a dermatologist-approved product with 10% pure vitamin C. It has a proven efficacy in promoting a younger and radiant complexion that is visible within one week of use. The creamy formula is lightweight and gets absorbed quickly, leaving you with an even skin tone, reduced wrinkles, and a matte appearance. It is ideally applied before face cream or moisturizer. The packaging – in an airtight metal tube – prevents UV and oxygen exposure and keeps the serum stable and effective.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Clinically verified
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oil
- May cause breakouts.
- Is not absorbed well.
- Unpleasant fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 4,331 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Why Use A Vitamin C Serum?
Dermatologists, bloggers, and beauty enthusiasts around the world are raving about vitamin C. Why? It reduces fine lines, battles signs of aging, boosts collagen production, and protects your skin from free radicals. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that soothes your skin and provides relief from skin burning caused by inflammation. It does all of this through topical application.
Naturally, the most significant confusion lies in choosing a tested skin care product based on its price and efficacy. But we cannot always take a product at its face value. Some factors can help you compare products before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum
- Look at the ingredients. Try to choose products that are not harsh and filled with too many chemicals. Ensure the product contains other ingredients that complement vitamin C – like vitamins A and E, ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and other plant-based nutrients.
- Consider the potency of the serum. It should be at least 20-25% potent for it to show results.
- The pH level of the product is another crucial factor you need to consider while buying a serum. The serum should be slightly acidic to penetrate your skin quickly. The typical range is anywhere between 2 to 3.5, but you can even go up to 5 or 6, depending on your skin type.
- Your skin type plays a significant role in choosing a serum. People with oily skin should choose a serum that contains L-ascorbic acid. Dry skin needs something with sodium and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate because they protect your skin from irritation, inflammation, and redness.
- Choose a serum that is colorless and odorless (unless it is naturally scented). Colored serums contain additives that reduce the effectiveness of the product.
- Be wary of cheap products as well as expensive ones that are not necessarily of good quality. Try and test out a few products before you finalize something tailor-made for you.
The Bottom Line
While cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are the backbone of any good skin care regimen, a great routine begins with applying the best vitamin C serums. Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant that combats free radicals, boosts collagen production, inhibits melanin, and reveals a brighter complexion and glowing skin. For instance, the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum promotes brighter skin along with anti-aging benefits while the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum protects your skin from environmental damage. The Ole Henriksen Truth Serum stands out for its collagen-boosting benefits and calms sensitive skin. However, it is important to remember that vitamin C is available in several concentrations, and depending on your skin’s needs, you have to choose a formula with 5 to 30 percent. So consider your skin type before picking the best vitamin C serum for your skin!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, has a deep interest in skin care and loves writing about different products in this domain. She rounded up these vitamin c serums after reviewing numerous user reviews on trusted online forums and brand websites and researching their ingredients. The shortlisted serums help prevent UV damage, boost collagen production, eliminate dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and reveal healthy glowing skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vitamin C serum every day?
Yes, you may use vitamin C serum once or twice daily for the best results.
Who should not use vitamin C serum?
People with extra sensitive skin must always do a patch test to avoid irritation. Also, if you get inflammation due to the oxidizing effect of vitamin C, stop using it immediately.
How long can I use vitamin C serum?
Once the seal is opened, you must finish the vitamin C bottle by 3-6 months, depending on the brand.
Does vitamin C serum really work?
Yes, vitamin C is an active ingredient that reduces signs of aging, boosts collagen production, and protects your skin from free radicals. It also helps fight against sun damage.
Can we apply Vitamin C serum directly on the face?
Yes, after cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of vitamin C directly to your face and pat it lightly.
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