17 best vitamin C serums for brightening and a lit-from-within glow
You don't need to be a skincare geek to know that introducing one of the best vitamin C serums into your skincare routine can have a transformative effect on your skin. Thanks to their potent and antioxidant-rich formulas, vitamin C serums are best known for their brightening benefits, and their ability to aid reduction of acne scars, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types, vitamin C serums are a shortcut to achieving that “glass-like" glow we all dream of, and with winter in full swing, it's time to supercharge our daily routines with an extra kick.
It's the time when our skin is at its driest and most irritated, and while general advice from dermatologists calls for using a vitamin C serum all year round, doing so during winter is that much more important than it is during the summer.
Not only do they aid our complexions in dealing with the cold by protecting against inflammation and irritation, but the best vitamin C serums can also help keep dry patches at bay too. Making them particularly handy for dry skin types. Plus, let's not forget that vitamin C is widely known for its ability to shield our skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and free radicals.
Long story short, there are plenty of reasons as to why your skin can benefit from vitamin C. And while it's likely that some of your favourite topical skincare products like moisturisers and toners already include the ingredient as part of their formulas, you can maximise the benefits by supplementing with a dedicated vitamin C serum to make sure your complexion is getting all the love it deserves.
SKIP TO: Can I use vitamin C serum every day? | Who should not use vitamin C serum? | Which vitamin C serum is best? | Our full reviews.
In a rush? Best vitamin C serums at a glance:
- Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: Medik8 C-Tetra Serum, £39
- Best Derm-Approved Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum, £165
- Best Brightening Vitamin C Serum: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, £70
- Best Affordable Vitamin C Serum: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum, £29.99
But where to start? There's a plethora of different types of vitamin C on the market – from tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbyl glucoside to tetrahexyldecyl ascorbyl (try saying that three times fast…), and most vitamin C face serums also contain a mix of other ingredients such as vitamin E, glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and even retinol.
Thankfully, there's no need to worry – we've gone ahead and done all the heavy lifting for you. Below, we've put together all you need to know about vitamin C serums including a list of tried and tested favourites from notable brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Drunk Elephant, L'Oreal and The Inkey List.
And no, it's not as gimmicky as it sounds.
Can I use vitamin C serum everyday?
Absolutely. In fact, many dermatologists would recommend it – and as avid testers, so do we. Regularly using vitamin C products can help brighten and improve your skin texture while also dealing with those pesky acne scars. They leaves your skin feeling firmer and looking glowy, while also reducing the appearance of dark circles and keeping your complexion protected from pollution. Just make sure you select the best formulation for your skin type (more on that below).
As for where the vitamin C serums fit into your existing skincare regime? You'll want to apply it after cleansing on clean and dry skin, in the morning and at night (or just in the morning, depending on the form of vitamin C and potency you choose). Follow your vitamin C serum with your favourite moisturiser and face sunscreen or SPF during the day to protect you from sun damage. You can also throw in a night cream in the evening – this will seal the serum and hydrate your complexion further.
Who should not use vitamin C serum?
There are a few skin types which might wish to steer clear. Case in point: those with rosacea. Using a vitamin C serum may cause unwanted irritation and breakouts, so use with caution and try to opt for a fragrance-free option if your skin is on the more sensitive side.
Which vitamin C serum is the best?
In theory, virtually anyone can add a vitamin C serum to their routine, though there are a few things to consider when it comes to shopping for them.
Vitamin C is available in a number of concentrations, from 5% through to 30%, and it depends on your skin type as to the potency you should go for. Generally speaking, we'd recommend products that contain between 10-15% potency as being the most universal.
Vitamin C is highly effective in its pure form, but it's notoriously unstable due to the fact that it can reduce in effectiveness with exposure to oxygen, light, water and high pH. This makes it hard to formulate. With that in mind, while it is a hero ingredient, its properties are difficult to stabilise — so if you can, opt for something a little more expensive and something housed in a darker bottle (they'll block light so it doesn’t oxidize and keep your product working well for longer).
Consider your skin type, too. If you have oily skin, look for "ascorbic acid" on the label. If you have dry skin, look for vitamin C serums which also include moisturising ingredients like (everyone's favourite) hyaluronic acid. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is tough on blemishes. Make a beeline for the La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum.
After more skincare content? Shop the best moisturiser for dry skin, best moisturiser for combination skin and the best moisturiser for oily skin. We've also got the best face masks, best eye cream, anti-ageing creams, night creams, gradual tanner, sun cream, best cleansers and the best moisturisers and lotions. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet. And for more from our Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
Scroll down for our full edit of the very best vitamin C serums to brighten your skin…
Best vitamin C serum overall
Best for: Beginners.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E and jojoba oil.
Why we love it: This potent vitamin C serum has a formulation that's designed to penetrate your skin deeply to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also shielding it against pollution and other environmental aggressors. Plus, it's cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and free from artificial fragrances.
Best dermatologist-approved vitamin C serum
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum for Normal/Dry Skin 30ml
Best for: Protecting against environmental aggressors.
Skin type: Normal, dry and sensitive skin types.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid.
Why we love it: Delivering an impressively high concentration of its active ingredients to your skin, it includes a 15% L-ascorbic acid content and has a high pH (which, in comparison to its low-pH counterparts, means it can deliver vitamin C through the top layer of your skin without causing redness and irritation). It's water soluble, feels lightweight under application and sits nicely under foundation or concealer. What's more, vitamin C has been paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid which work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best brightening vitamin C serum
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Best for: Youth-boosting.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
Key ingredients: Squalane, glycolic acid and jojoba esters.
Why we love it: An absolute dream to apply, Sunday Riley's C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is super-charged with vitamin C to target signs of ageing, dullness, dehydration, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. We also found it to reduce the size of pores over time, so if large pores around your T-zone is something you struggle with, this could be the vitamin C serum for you.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best affordable vitamin C serum
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Reducing appearance of pores.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Why we love it: Infused with salicylic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, this effective, antioxidant-rich serum provides great hydration and protection. One of the best options out there if your goal is to plump your skin and brighten its appearance all at once.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum for gentle exfoliation
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, LookFantastic
Best for: Brightening and evening out skin tone.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid and L-ascorbic acid.
Why we love it: This powerhouse of a vitamin C serum contains glycolic acid, which boosts cell turnover and banishes the skin of dead skin cells. This results in the ultimate glow – alongside reduced pore appearance and all-round brighter skin served up by the vitamin C itself.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum
Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C + Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
Best for: Firming and reducing appearance of fine lines.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid and antioxidants.
Why we love it: This powerful antioxidant serum can be applied daily, containing both vitamin C and collagen amino acids to support skin repair and collagen production. Perfect for age-damaged or dull skin, it has been formulated in conjunction with acclaimed dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross to strengthen skin’s natural defences against the elements. You should use it on the face and neck, once daily – a dropper a day keeps the blemishes away.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Space NK discount codes.
Best multi-tasking vitamin C serum
Best for: Evening out your skin tone.
Skin type: Acne-prone skin.
Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, glycerin and citric acid.
Why we love it: After an all-rounder vitamin C serum? Say no more. The viral Summer Fridays CC Me Serum sports a unique and gentle formula that's bound to help brighten up your complexion, enhance your natural glow and even out your skin tone. Supercharged with two forms of vitamin C, this serum also features squalane, which is an incredible skincare ingredient for locking in the moisture. 10s all across the board.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Space NK discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum for daily use
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Best for: Firming and brightening.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract, as well as a sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer.
Why we love it: Looking for an effective vitamin C serum that's free of essential oils, silicones and fragrances? No need to look any further, because this vitamin C serum is great for everyday use. It features a wide range of antioxidants and fruit enzymes, including chronocycline and vitamin E to gently peel and dissolve dead skin cells while also soothing and hydrating your skin. You can even pair it with a reliable moisturiser for a hydrating boost too.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Boots discount codes.
Best K-beauty vitamin C serum
Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Best for: Brightening and evening out skin tone.
Skin type: Sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Green tangerine extract, centella asiatica and green tea extract.
Why we love it: Formulated with 70% green tangerine extract as a more gentle vitamin C alternative, this brightening serum is designed specifically for those of us with more sensitive skin. It has a lightweight gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and deeply hydrates the skin as it goes.
Best vitamin C serum for dark spots
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C + Ferulic Dark Spot Serum
Best for: Brightening.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin E and guava extract.
Why we love it: Resurfacing? Check. Brightening and Glow-boosting? Check aaand check. The Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C + Ferulic Dark Spot Serum is a must for anyone looking for a lightweight formula that will have your skin looking plump and glowy in no time. Featuring the ultimate brightening trio of vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E, this serum is also infused with guava extract and texture-refining acids, both of which are known for its brightening and glow-boosting properties. A must.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
Best for: Firming and hydrating.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive, acne-prone and combination skin.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend and sodium ascorbyl phosphate.
Why we love it: Firming and hydrating your complexion has never been easier. Made with L-ascorbic acid, a bioactive fruit blend and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, this potent product is suitable for almost all skin types – and yes, that includes sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Space NK discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum 30ml
Best for: Refining and balancing out skin tone.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and thermal water.
Why we love it: Best used once in the morning – over your face and neck – this pure vitamin C serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture. It can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin, and it helps correct signs of ageing while evening skin tone, brightening complexion and softening the skin. Alongside vitamin C, it contains hyaluronic acid which effectively hydrates and plumps the skin, as well as salicylic avid (for exfoliation) and thermal spa water (which contains an exceptional mineral diversity to help restore skin’s barrier, soothe sensitivity and fend off pro-ageing free radical damage). After all, La Roche-Posay is always a favourite among board-certified dermatologists.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum for pigmentation
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
Best for: Brightening and youth-boosting.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E and ferulic acid.
Why we love it: Formulated with the main aim of diminishing the appearance of dark spots and discolouration in mind, this potent C15 Super Booster diminishes visible signs of ageing for smoother, brighter, and firmer-feeling skin. It contains a blend of 15% stabilised vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH of 3.0, plus potent antioxidants including vitamin E and ferulic acid – and not forgetting the skin-smoothing peptides.
Best vitamin C serum for sun damage
SUPERDOSE C C- Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Best for: Brightening.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Vitamin c, ferulic acid and tranexamic acid.
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, this Rapid Action Power Brightener vitamin C serum has been formulated in Switzerland to target dull, uneven or UV-damaged skin. It uses actives Ferulic Acid and Tranexamic Acid in high concentrations (which does give the serum a potent smell – but fret not), and it can be used under moisturiser or face sun cream. One of the best beauty products you can buy, period.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Beauty Pie discount codes.
Best vitamin C serum with ceramides
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Brightening.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
Why we love it: CeraVe's done it again – this drugstore vitamin C serum is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, thanks to a formula that contains hyaluronic acid and soothing vitamin B5. Ideal for brightening your complexion and reducing the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and discoloration on a budget – your skin looks better just reading this description.
Best gentle vitamin C serum
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Gentle absorption.
Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature and sensitive skin types.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C THD, vitamin C glucoside, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid.
Why we love it: As good as vitamin C serums are, not all are created equal, and some overly potent formulas may actually result in a stinging feel. However, this is definitely not the case with Dr. Barbara Sturm. Featuring an optimal 5% concentration of vitamin c, this quick-absorbing serum is gentle yet effective, largely due to the included combination of not one, not two but three types of vitamin C
Best vitamin C serum for an even skin tone
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum
Best for: Brightening.
Skin type: All skin types.
Key ingredients: 15% ascorbyl glucoside, 1% epitensive (EGF).
Why we love it: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF serum is ideal for anyone who's after a lightweight and quick-absorbing formula that doesn't compromise on its effectiveness. Proven to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars and dark spots, this plant-based vitamin C formula is also rich in antioxidants and features Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which helps improve uneven skin and increase elasticity, resulting in a firmer-looking complexion.
Enjoy savings when shopping for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
