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The 15 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Firmer Skin

From budget to splurge

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best vitamin c serums 2024 universal: a collage of vitamin c serums
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

The one ingredient that everyone could benefit from adding to their skincare regimen? According to experts, it's vitamin C, which is known as the ultimate multitasker because it treats existing damage (i.e., dark spots and dullness), while protecting your skin against environmental pollutants that can accelerate aging. You can find this powerful ingredient in many different types of skincare products (masks, moisturizers, etc.), but here we’re focusing on the best vitamin C serums to supercharge your beauty routine, including the best overall pick, Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum and the fan favorite Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Serum.

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The Best Vitamin C Serums at a Glance

1

Best Texture

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

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2

Fan Favorite

Sunday Riley CE.O 15% Vitamin C Serum

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3

The Multitasker

StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

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4

Pro Pick

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

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5

Most Hydrating

Isdin Flavo C Ultraglican Ampules

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Meet the Expert

Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City who has received national recognition for her contributions to cosmetic dermatology, including Castle and Connolly America’s Top Doctors, New York Magazine’s 2013-2020 Best Doctors, and inclusion in the 2013-2020 lists of Super Doctors. Before joining UnionDerm Dr. Gmyrek was on the faculty of Columbia University Medical Center, where she was Division Chief of Cosmetic Dermatology and founded Columbia University’s Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center. At Columbia, Dr. Gmyrek was also the Director of the Resident Cosmetic Clinic, instructing the resident physicians in cosmetic procedures, and was in charge of the Fourth Year Medical Student Electives in Dermatology.

How We Chose the Best Vitamin C Serums

To make our list, we polled editors to share their favorite vitamin C serums. They highlighted the benefits (and downsides) of each product found on this list. We also tapped a board-certified dermatologist for her top recommendations. After gathering all of the options, we checked each vitamin C serum against specific criteria, including their ingredients, texture and wearability underneath our other skincare products and makeup. From budget-friendly picks to more luxurious finds, here are the 15 best vitamin C serums.

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Best Texture

1. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

What We Like

  • has 20 percent pure vitamin C
  • smooth texture

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

BeautyStat

The clever concoction of veteran cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this highly concentrated serum delivers 20 percent pure vitamin C (which is the highest concentration that's allowed in skincare). The star ingredient is encapsulated to ensure stability so that you get maximum brightening benefits from using it. We also love the smooth gel cream texture because it makes our skin feel soft and plump and it layers well under makeup.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: gel-cream
  • Key ingredients: stabilized L-ascorbic acid, squalane, green tea

Fan Favorite

2. Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Serum

What We Like

  • silky-smooth texture

What We Don't Like

  • has a slight fragrance to it

Sunday Riley

Since its launch in 2017, this cult serum from Sunday Riley has amassed a loyal following. We’re guessing that has something to do with the smart formulation that includes 15 percent THD ascorbate (aka vitamin C), as well as vitamin E and squalane for a silky-smooth application that doesn’t feel sticky on your skin and leaves a soft glow behind.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: 5 percent THD ascorbate (aka vitamin C), vitamin E and squalane

The Multitasker

3. StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

What We Like

  • dropper applicator

What We Don't Like

  • can be sticky for some

StriVectin

While there are many vitamin C serums on the market, very few also contain retinol because the ingredients are traditionally difficult to formulate together. However, StriVectin’s two forms of stabilized vitamin C make it possible for the two to work in harmony. Senior editor Dana Dickey praises its texture, too. "There’s something about the formula that makes it glide over my skin and sink in quickly, which is good because I am too impatient to wait for anything to dry or set (just being honest!). Admittedly I’m not great with product diligence, but I have been better with this serum because I’ve looked forward to putting it on before my moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, and as part of my routine at night," she says.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside, acerola cherry, retinol

Pro Pick

4. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

What We Like

  • proven results
  • dropper applicator

What We Don't Like

  • has a unique scent to it
  • pricey

Skinceuticals

Dr. Gmyrek is a fan of this cult classic formula, which has been one of the bestselling vitamin C serums since its launch in 2005 (and that's after 40 years of rigorous testing and research). "While vitamin C can be used alone, it works even better in conjunction with vitamin E," explains Gmyrek. "If you add ferulic acid, which is another antioxidant, to the mix you can increase the efficacy by eight-fold. This SkinCeuticals serum meets all of these criteria."

Fast Facts

  • Texture: oil/serum
  • Key Ingredients: 15 percent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid

Most Hydrating

5. Isdin Flavo C Ultraglican Ampules

What We Like

  • easy to travel with
  • lightweight texture

What We Don't Like

  • vials can be finicky to open

Isdin

Another derm favorite, this concentrated serum has both vitamin C and an ingredient called UltraGlycans, a combination of proteins and peptides that help make your skin feel firmer, more elastic, and hydrated with every use. Note: Each travel-friendly ampoule comes with a resealable cap and is meant to be used within 48 hours of opening to guarantee maximum freshness and potency.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: watery serum
  • Key Ingredients: ascorbic acid, ultraglycans, hyaluronic acid

Most Customizable

6. Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon

What We Like

  • free of alcohol, silicone, paraben, artificial fragrance, surfactants and mineral oil

What We Don't Like

  • can be slightly grainy if not mixed well

Neogen

Meet the vitamin C powder that notably had a 2,000-person waiting list at launch. Packed with a whopping 17 percent ascorbic acid, it makes dull, tired skin instantly brighter and softer to the touch. Plus, the powder formula ensures easier travel and a longer shelf life. To use, mix one scoop with your favorite toner or serum (preferably one that doesn’t contain AHAs, BHAs or retinol) and apply. Note: If the texture is still a bit grainy, just add a little more liquid to the mix.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: powder
  • Key Ingredients: 17 percent pure ascorbic acid, allantoin, hydrolyzed collagen, trehalose and lemon extract

Best for Sensitive Skin

7. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

What We Like

  • affordable
  • helps brighten the appearance of dark spots and post-acne scars

What We Don't Like

  • might not be strong enough for some

Klairs

For the folks who have super-sensitive skin that seemingly reacts to everything, give this gentle serum from Klairs a try. It has a lower concentration of vitamin C that’s boosted with fruit extracts (like grapefruit) and buffered with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica (aka tiger grass) to quell any inflammation. All you get is brightening without the burn.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: serum
  • Key Ingredients: 5 percent ascorbic acid, centella asiatica extract

Best Hybrid

8. Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40

What We Like

  • has SPF
  • non-comedogenic

What We Don't Like

  • can feel a bit greasy

Supergoop!

Vitamin C and sunscreen are like Bey and Jay: the ultimate power couple. When used together, they boost the effectiveness of the other. This serum from Supergoop! is the first hybrid formula that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, free radicals and blue light damage, while also working to fade existing pigmentation so your skin appears more even-toned and luminous over time. Plus, the oil-free formula won't clog pores and leaves your skin with a dewy sheen after use.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene

Best Vegan Formula

9. Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum

What We Like

  • absorbs quickly
  • pleasant scent

What We Don't Like

  • might be too strong for sensitive skin

Summer Fridays

"I've been using the Summer Fridays CC Me Serum for a couple of years. I love how smoothly it goes on (I've tried a couple in the past that felt too grainy). It doesn't have a super strong scent to it and isn't too heavy, either. Plus, it's both vegan and cruelty-free, which are bonuses in my book," shares assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: silky serum
  • Key Ingredients: 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide, squalane

Best for Puffiness

10. Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum

What We Like

  • has caffeine for depuffing

What We Don't Like

  • can be sticky

Youth to the People

Do you find yourself waking up with a dull pallor lately? This Youth to the People vitamin C serum is just the wake up call your morning routine needs. Formulated with a 15 percent triple-C complex (ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and caffeine, it works double-duty to brighten up your complexion, while boosting microcirculation to reduce any puffiness. Apply a few pumps to freshly cleansed skin before your moisturizer.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: 15 percent triple-C complex (ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and caffeine

Best Splurge

11. MZ Skin Brighten & Protect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum

What We Like

  • targets stubborn dark spots

What We Don't Like

  • very expensive

MZ Skin

If you're looking to give your vitamin C game a major upgrade, consider this potent serum by MZ Skin. "I recently started using this to target some stubborn dark spots I've developed on the side of my face. The serum is super lightweight and almost pearlescent, and it absorbs into skin *so* smoothly and quickly—with no residue or sticky feeling. It's definitely pricey, but I'm already seeing some results after a few weeks," shares our senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: vitamin C, peptides, tranexamic acid

Best Packaging

12. Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum

What We Like

  • twist up top is secure
  • smooth texture

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

Alastin

"I've always had a love-hate relationship with vitamin C serums. In the past, I've tried some popular brands that made me break out. I'd get these teeny, tiny whiteheads all over, and after doing some research found out it was due to the high concentration of vitamin C in the product I was slathering on every day. After some trial and error, I finally found this version from Alastin. I love that it's medical-grade and that I can use it daily to help fade sun spots without any adverse effects, plus my skin feels brighter and more even whenever I consistently use it. The packaging is genius too. Since vitamin C can easily oxidize in sunlight, the special pump system helps preserve potency and effectiveness," shares executive managing editor Catrina Yohay.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: gel serum
  • Key Ingredients: sodium ascorbate, green tea, physalis angulata

Best for Rosacea

13. Stratia C+C Serum

What We Like

  • affordable
  • safe for sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

  • not available at other retailers

Stratia

"I've been using this serum since last November and so far, I like it a lot. It's a non-irritating formula that doesn't trigger my rosacea and it has a really light, silky texture and it's under $30. My sister even commented that my skin looked good, which is saying a lot considering the new parent sleep schedule I've been on," says senior food editor Katherine Gillen.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: silky serum
  • Key Ingredients: 15 percent vitamin C, CoQ10, bisabolol

Best for Acne Scars

14. Educated Mess Golden Hour Vitamin C Serum

What We Like

  • vegan
  • cruelty-free

What We Don't Like

  • not available at other retailers

Educated Mess

"I recently started using this vitamin C serum, maybe over the last month or two. I typically have issues with red patchy areas on my skin, mostly the T-zone, where there is a perpetual acne war. Since using this, I've noticed the redness even out, fewer breakouts, and overall firmness," shares associate SEO editor Marissa Wu.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: serum
  • Key Ingredients: vitamin C, gold, glutathione, marine bioferment

Best Overall

15. Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

What We Like

  • non-sticky texture
  • paraben-free

What We Don't Like

  • some reviews report not liking the scent

Paula's Choice

"I've never met a Paula's Choice product I haven't loved, and the brand's vitamin C serum is no exception. It's super lightweight and helps my skin look and feel brighter and smoother for significantly less money than others," says wellness director Sarah Stiefvater.

Fast Facts

  • Texture: lightweight serum
  • Key Ingredients: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, glutathione

What to Consider When Shopping for a Vitamin C Serum

  • Concentration: The target concentration of ascorbic acid you’ll most often find in products is between five and 20 percent. You may have heard that 10 percent is “the golden number,” but that’s just a guestimate since it’s the average of that 5 to 20 percent range you see on the market. More doesn't always mean better, especially if it causes irritation. So rather than focus solely on the percentage of vitamin C in a product, pay closer attention to the way it's formulated because that will also affect how it’s used in your routine.
  • Formulation: You can find ascorbic acid in three different formats: water-based serums, powders and anhydrous suspensions, all of which have their pros and cons. The main pros of a water-based serum is that it's the OG, and the most tested with clinical studies. However, they have the shortest shelf-life of the three. Powders are the most stable, but they can be messy, and anhydrous suspensions offer more stability than a water-based serum, but can have inconsistent formulas (some have a gritty texture, which should be avoided). Regardless of the percentage or format you choose, remember that consistency is key. Vitamin C should be used every morning, after cleansing and before any moisturizer or sunscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Use a Vitamin C Serum?

As Gmyrek explains: "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and antioxidants are especially important because they neutralize damaging free radicals, which are created in your skin after any exposure to ultraviolet light and pollutants." In other words, the antioxidants in vitamin C can help protect your skin against environmental damage.

What Other Benefits Does Vitamin C Serum Have?

It also helps to keep your skin firm. "Vitamin C decreases the breakdown of collagen and helps to stabilize the collagen fibers," says Gmyrek.

But perhaps the ingredient is best known for its skin brightening abilities. It does this by "inhibiting an enzyme in the skin called tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin," explains Gmyrek. Less melanin production equals less pigmentation and a more even-toned complexion overall.

Will Ingesting Vitamin C Through Your Diet Help Your Skin?

The answer is sadly, no—or at least not significantly. "No matter how much vitamin C we ingest through our diet or with supplements, only a small fraction of it will be absorbed and delivered to the skin. Therefore, the only way to increase the amount of antioxidants available in the skin is to apply them topically," adds Gmyrek. We prefer to do this through a serum, layered under our sunscreen every morning.


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Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond

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Associate Sales and Deals Editor

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