We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Beauty Skin The 9 Best Vitamin C Serums to Brighten Skin and Boost Your Glow, Tested & Reviewed Radiate from the inside out. By Irene Richardson Irene Richardson Irene Richardson is a beauty + fashion commerce writer for InStyle. She covers trends surrounding style, makeup, skincare, and more. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on September 24, 2024 @ 03:03PM In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us Photo: InStyle / Emily Nothwehr / Samantha Stevenson / Emily Cieslak You’ll hear it over and over: If you only use three skin care products, they should be sunscreen, retinol, and, last but not least, vitamin C. But for your skin to really soak in the powerhouse vitamin’s benefits, you can’t just consume it—you have to apply it topically. “Vitamin C is one of the very few ingredients that is truly multifaceted,” says David Kim, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. “It can brighten your skin, boost collagen production, and help remove free radicals.” You’ll find plenty of vitamin C devotees applying the ingredient every morning to protect their skin from UV damage and air pollution, but there are still many skin care enthusiasts who have yet to add vitamin C to their regimen. We get it: “Vitamin C can be irritating to the skin, so finding the right formula can be challenging,” says Dr. Kim. And when you’re trying to improve your skin, who wants to incorporate products that may worsen your complexion? That’s why a team of InStyle editors and writers spent three months (and over 648 hours) testing different vitamin C serums for you. According to their insights, the following formulas are completely worth it. Our Top Picks Best Overall : SALE CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $29 $24 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic at Dermstore $182 Jump to Review Best Budget: The Inkey List EGF Brightening Serum at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best for Glowy Skin: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum at Amazon $148 Jump to Review Best for Dark Spots: DIME Hyper Glow Antioxidant + Brighten Serum at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best for Layering Skin Care: Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best for Smoothing Skin: Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster at Amazon $55 Jump to Review Best for Daytime Use: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SALE TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum at Amazon $49 $38 Jump to Review Best Overall CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid PHOTO: Amazon $29 $24 at Amazon $29 at Dermstore $30 at Ulta Why We Love It: This vitamin C serum did more than brighten skin—it demonstrated what an easy, effective skin care routine can look like. In addition to being one of the more affordable options on our list, this serum takes minimal effort to apply. Our tester said it dissolved into her skin upon contact and spread easily, allowing her to seamlessly incorporate it into her nighttime routine or slap it on during rushed mornings. She preferred its simple, squeeze-tube dispenser to a fancy-looking dropper because the slim nozzle made it easy to target areas with discoloration and avoid a messy application. Who It’s For: We feel confident that this vitamin C serum can fade persistent acne scars and dark shadows left behind by bullish blemishes. Acne-prone readers will also appreciate that this serum helped our tester recover from breakouts in less time. Although it felt hydrating on our tester’s oily skin, those with a parched texture can follow it with a rich moisturizer. Concentration: 10%｜Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: Once daily｜Size: 1 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Maggie Andrew PHOTO: InStyle / Maggie Andrew Maggie, tester with oily, combination skin: “After years of using a vitamin C oil with a dropper, I was thrilled with how easy this product was to apply and how nicely the serum sank into my skin. On hot summer days when my skin tends towards being more oily, this serum was all the hydration I needed.” Best Overall, Runner-Up Skinceuticals C E Ferulic PHOTO: Amazon $182 at Dermstore $182 at Bluemercury.com $272 at Skinstore.com Why We Love It: When Shannon Bauer, InStyle’s associate editorial director, tried this product, it legitimately left her skin glowing. Not only did it even out her skin’s tone and texture, but it also smoothed fine lines and wrinkles. The results gave her a touchably soft complexion. The antioxidant-rich formula is very fluid (like water), so it quickly absorbed into her skin. If you’re willing to work for it (a.k.a. apply the serum twice a day), you can expect to see changes in your skin texture around the six-week mark. Who It’s For: Fine lines, wrinkles, dry patches, and acne scars can lead to uneven texture. This vitamin C serum tackles all of these skin concerns, but Bauer said the biggest difference she noticed was fewer fine lines. However, we found that this serum quite literally smelled like boiled hot dog water when we tried it. It wasn’t particularly pleasant, but it did fade very quickly. Concentration: 15%｜Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ferulic acid｜Fragrance-Free: Technically, yes｜Usage: Once in the morning｜Size: 1 oz InStyle / Shannon Bauer Shannon, tester with oily, combination skin: “Whenever a product is really hyped, I'm always critical and hesitant to love it. This one really is worth the hype. Not only is it brightening and glowifying, but it smooths fine lines and texture on my skin.” Best Budget The Inkey List EGF Brightening Serum PHOTO: Sephora $16 at Amazon $16 at Sephora View on Theinkeylist.com Why We Love It: We say this in the nicest way possible: Our tester is a skin care snob (her top shelf brims with luxury products). This affordable Inkey List product costs a quarter of what her regular serum does, but after trying it, she still retained her glowing, blemish-free complexion. Since she already regularly used vitamin C, it wasn’t a drastic change, but there’s something to be said about this serum’s ability to hold its own against significantly more expensive products. Additionally, she covered her face and neck with two pumps and only had to wait around 30 seconds for the product to sink into her skin. Who It’s For: This is a low-risk product for beginners easing into vitamin C. It’s not a huge investment, is unlikely to interfere with your current skin care regimen, and is generally nonreactive on sensitive skin. Here’s the catch: During our test, the serum became less effective over time (our tester noticed its color and fragrance started to turn). Consider grabbing it before you head on vacation, especially if you don’t want to risk losing a fancier product to TSA. Concentration: 15%｜Key Ingredients: Epitensive｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: Once daily｜Size: 1 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Michelle Garza PHOTO: InStyle / Michelle Garza Michelle, tester with mature, sensitive skin: “It maintained my skin complexion and tone. The product worked well with my normal skin care routine (vitamin C, hyaluronic serum, moisturizer, SPF, and makeup), and I didn’t encounter any pilling or residue.” Best for Glowy Skin Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum PHOTO: Ulta $148 at Amazon $96 at Nordstrom $148 at Ulta Why We Love It: This Dermalogica formula practically feels like water. Although it doesn’t just sit on top of the dermis—your skin’s middle layer—it takes a little longer than other serums to absorb, so we recommend pressing it directly into the skin to speed up the process. After waiting around two minutes, our tester applied her moisturizer with no problem. Despite being at a higher price point than many of the other options on our list, the serum worked so well that our tester already bought a second bottle. Who It’s For: We have many tips for achieving a no-makeup makeup look, but perhaps we should’ve recommended this serum the entire time. We can’t confidently say it’ll dramatically improve fine lines and wrinkles (yet), but after seeing the luminous glow it gave our tester, we wouldn’t be surprised. Concentration: Not listed｜Key Ingredients: Chia seed oil, sophora japonica flower extract, lactic acid｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: Morning and night｜Size: 1, 2 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Emily Nothwehr PHOTO: InStyle / Emily Nothwehr PHOTO: InStyle / Emily Nothwehr Emily, tester with combination skin: “I've noticed myself using less makeup to correct uneven skin. I felt more comfortable going makeup-less in public places.” Best for Dark Spots DIME Hyper Glow Antioxidant + Brighten Serum PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Why We Love It: Whether your dark spots are from too many breakouts or too little SPF, this Dime serum helps lighten them to match your skin tone. It has a slightly thicker viscosity than most serums, coming out of the applicator in perfectly portioned, non-runny drops that our tester applied directly to her dark spots. The thicker texture also allowed her to focus on areas with the most hyperpigmentation. At the end of the testing period, her overall skin tone appeared more even. Who It’s For: There’s no easy way to correct dark spots, but this serum may be one of the simplest methods we’ve found to fade sunspots and acne scars. It dissolves quickly into the skin, making it simple to incorporate into your everyday routine. Gradually, dark spots fade away until they’re a distant memory. Concentration: 15%｜Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, resveratrol｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: Morning and night｜Size: 1 oz InStyle / Jennifer Tisdel Jennifer, tester with acne-prone skin: “I noticed a huge improvement in dark spots. I get one to two breakouts a week. The dark spots cleared much faster than previously.” Best for Layering Skin Care Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $32 at Sephora View on Innisfree.com Why We Love It: We’d never interfere with your tried-and-true skin care regimen, nor should your vitamin C serum. This Innisfree product integrated seamlessly into our tester’s routine without disrupting the products she currently uses by pilling or causing a negative reaction. The texture felt similar to a satin pillowcase and was slippery as it spread well across the skin. In under a minute, our tester’s complexion soaked up its soothing and hydrating green tea, niacinamide, and vitamin E. Who It’s For: We get it—you’ve got your skin care routine down at this point, but this serum is like finding $20 in a coat pocket on a bad day: It’s a happy surprise you may not have known you needed. If your skin is missing one brightening bulb, this serum is just the ticket. It likely won’t interfere with the rest of your products and raises the dimmer on dull skin. Concentration: Not listed｜Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea-derived enzyme｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: Morning and night｜Size: 1 oz InStyle / Erin Keefer Erin, tester with oily combination skin: “This serum did help smooth my skin, and it served as a nice base layer for my moisturizer and concealer.” Best for Smoothing Skin Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster PHOTO: Amazon $55 at Amazon $55 at Sephora $55 at Dermstore Why We Love It: Our tester had two big goals going into this test: end it with brighter skin and fewer signs of aging. This Paula’s Choice serum delivered on both fronts. With continued use, it brightened her complexion and faded her sunspots, improving her skin’s overall texture. Who It’s For: We tend to forget something every time we rush out the door (usually, it’s our headphones), but this product is the one thing we always, always remember. It feels soothing and welcoming to tired skin and glides onto complexions so easily it practically applies itself. Concentration: 15%｜Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, ergothioneine｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Usage: Morning and night｜Size: 0.6 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Carrie Knapp PHOTO: InStyle / Carrie Knapp Carrie, tester with dry skin: “My sunspots are slightly less noticeable, and my skin feels clearer and brighter.” Best for Daytime Use Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum PHOTO: Amazon $80 at Amazon $79 at Ulta $79 at Sephora Why We Love It: This Drunk Elephant serum has "fresh" in its name for a reason. Its active ingredient comes separately in powder form, so you can mix it in the fluid formula once you’re ready to use the product. This extra step means that the 15-percent concentration of vitamin C is especially potent, so you’re likely to see significant results. Our tester noticed dramatically more radiant skin after a few weeks of using this product, and by the end, she said she couldn’t stop checking herself out in the mirror. She even got a few compliments from friends and family. Who It’s For: Fancy a little chemistry? This product requires you to mix the solution yourself to ensure it’s as fresh as possible. It absorbs nicely, feels very light on the skin, and is safe to wear in the sun. One note: The serum has an interesting aroma that reminded us of bacon (yes, you read that correctly). However, it dissipates just a few seconds after you slather on the serum. Concentration: 15%｜Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, licorice root extract｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: In the morning｜Size: 0.9 oz InStyle / Julia Sayers Gokhale Julia, tester with acne-prone skin: “I normally have a few chin breakouts a month, but those were significantly reduced. I would catch myself in the mirror and be like, ‘Wow, my skin looks so bright and smooth!’ It has definitely brightened my skin, and it looks healthier.” Best for Acne-Prone Skin TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum PHOTO: Amazon $49 $38 at Amazon $22 at Target $24 at Riteaid.com Why We Love It: Experimenting with facial serums can be tricky for those of us who are acne-prone. After all, adding in too many different oils can cause blockage and breakouts. But we were quite pleased with this formula. It uses jojoba oil to nourish skin while infusing it with balancing, brightening vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid. At no point did it cause breakouts or clog our tester’s pores, and she was impressed with how it continued to improve her complexion, fading dark spots left behind by previous breakouts. Who It’s For: This formula is pretty lightweight, which makes it ideal for those with acne-prone skin. If you have this skin type, you may find that this formula is nourishing enough to skip moisturizer. However, if you have dry skin, be prepared to really layer on your richest creams after using this serum. Concentration: Not listed｜Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Usage: In the morning｜Size: 1, 2 oz Emily Cieslak Emily, tester with combination skin: “I'm way more confident in stepping outside without any makeup. I took a selfie after flying on a 13-hour flight, and my bare skin still looked bright and glowy.” Our Testing Process Before testing 44 popular, top-rated vitamin C serums for three months, we researched ingredients, reviewed medical journals, and consulted highly-rated experts for the most up-to-date information. We relied on board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, nurse practitioners, and celebrity aestheticians to help us vet formulas and dig into their ingredients. We evaluated each product across four categories: ease of use, wearability (noting any annoyances, like smelly formulas or slimy textures), product packaging, and overall results. Our editorial team tallied the scores to identify the vitamin C serums that excelled in each category. What to Keep in Mind Type of Vitamin C: Out of the many forms of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid is the purest and most potent, says Dr. Kim, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) is a close second. Being water-soluble, L-ascorbic acid can't reach the deeper layers of the dermis without a supporting cast of hydrators and antioxidants, like vitamin E, ferulic acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. "Although L-ascorbic acid can be irritating, it's the best option for oily and acne-prone skin," says Dr. Kim.THD is a precursor of vitamin C and is known to be more stable and oil-soluble, so it can penetrate skin easily without triggering irritation. However, it’s newer on the skin care scene, so there’s less clinical evidence backing its efficacy. That said, some studies show that the ingredient is less irritating than L-ascorbic acid, says Dr. Kim, who recommends it to his patients with sensitive and dry skin. It can protect skin from free radicals, inhibit the formation of hyperpigmentation, and promote new collagen production. Concentration: To reap all of vitamin C’s benefits, Dr. Kim says to look for a product with an active concentration of at least 10 to 15 percent (if not more) of it. “Most studies demonstrate clinical benefits like brightening, decrease in sunburn cells, and more when vitamin C is at that range,” he says. However, he adds that it's wise for people with sensitive skin to start with a lower dose of vitamin C and slowly increase as your skin gets used to it. “If you're using a serum that contains a concentration of 20 percent or more, it's normal to experience some sensitivity as your skin adjusts to the new product,” says Nicole Frontera, a nurse practitioner. Additional Ingredients: Vitamin C serums formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients can help reduce the risk of potential irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive or your skin barrier is compromised. “Studies show vitamin E and ferulic acid can improve L-ascorbic acid’s stability,” says Dr. Kim. "There’s also evidence that these ingredients make them all work more effectively to fight sun damage." To boost moisture levels, Dr. Kim recommends products packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, along with a generous dose of calming ingredients, like allantoin, centella asiatica (also known as cica), colloidal oat, and niacinamide. For even more defense against discoloration, serums made with licorice can help strengthen vitamin C’s abilities to reduce hyperpigmentation. Packaging: How a vitamin C product is stored—both by the manufacturer and you at home—can make all the difference in its efficacy. “Vitamin C is relatively unstable and can oxidize with light or exposure to oxygen,” says Dr. Kim. “It's ideal for it to be housed in an opaque, airless tube or an opaque, glass bottle with a dropper." For extra insurance, keep your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place (a.k.a. not your bathroom or, at the very least, not next to your shower). Your Questions, Answered When should I use vitamin C serum? “Vitamin C is best applied to dry, clean skin after you wash your face and before you apply your moisturizer,” says Purvisha Patel, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. “It has been proven to be an especially useful additive to your morning regimen before sunscreen, as it prevents damage caused by UV radiation.” How often should I use a vitamin C serum? According to Dr. Patel, you can use a vitamin C serum every day. However, “If you notice increased dryness or your skin starts to peel or flake, then the concentration in the vitamin C serum you're using may be too high for you," she explains. "Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, can't tolerate strong vitamin C serums, so I always recommend starting with just a small amount of product first to see how your skin responds,” says Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician at SkinLab. "From there, you can increase the amount and frequency as your skin acclimates to the active." If you're prone to eczema or rosacea flare-ups, you should consult your dermatologist before integrating a vitamin C product into your regimen. What are the disadvantages of using vitamin C serum? “Although higher concentrations of vitamin C will yield better visible results, if you're using a serum that contains a concentration of 20 percent or more, it's normal to experience some sensitivity as your skin adjusts to the new product,” says Frontera. Rest assured, this sensitivity will be short-lived, subsiding within two or three weeks. Can vitamin C serum cause acne? It’s generally safe to use vitamin C actives on acne-prone skin, says Ross, but there are several caveats. "If breakouts increase or sensitivity occurs, you should discontinue use," he says. Dr. Patel says anyone with acneic skin should avoid formulas made with strong exfoliating ingredients, like retinol or AHAs, in addition to vitamin C, as it’s likely to overwhelm the skin and trigger a negative reaction. Instead, choose a vitamin C serum with only one of these ingredients alongside hydrating or soothing supporting ingredients. Why Shop With Us Irene Richardson is a beauty and fashion writer for the InStyle evergreen team. Her entire life she’s sought a glowy, cherubic complexion yet always falls short. In her quest to find the best vitamin C serums, she considered what she wanted for her own skin type while diving deeper into insights reported by the testing team. She also relied on previous reporting from Emily Orofino, a beauty writer, editor, and consultant, who interviewed the following experts: Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab in Los Angeles. Nicole Frontera cosmetic nurse practitioner, an expert in clinical aesthetics and wellness, and a cosmetic injector. Dr. David Kim is a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist and a Mohs surgeon. She also founded and owns Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, Tennessee; Arlington, Tennessee, and Olive Branch, Mississippi.