Best Vitamin C Serums 2024

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Active ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol, ferulic acid | Additional benefits: Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces free radical damage | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: No

A gold standard in the industry for many years and a favorite of Chicago-based dermatologist Dr. Pritzker, SkinCeuticals’ serum evens pigmentation and fights environmental aging using high concentrations of a trio of antioxidants: vitamin C (15% pure L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (1% alpha tocopherol) and ferulic acid. They work in conjunction to minimize dark spots, fight future UVA/UVB damage, alleviate inflammation and neutralize free radicals. The result? The word “youthful” will replace “tired” and “blotchy” when describing your skin.

What our editors say: “I’ve tried various vitamin C serums in the past and always come back to this one,” says Sung. “It’s great for brightening and evening out my skin tone—and really just making it look healthier overall. It also layers well with skincare and makeup.”

What you’ll love:

• Combats photoaging
• Stimulates collagen
• Evens skin tone

Keep in mind:

• Unpleasant smell to some
• Expensive

Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C | Additional benefits: Hydrating, wrinkle-reducing | Consistency: Gel | Cruelty-free: No

This formulation features 10% pure vitamin C in conjunction with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Together, they work to reduce wrinkles, even skin tone and make dark spots and pores less noticeable. While some serums leave behind a greasy feel, this one has a powdery finish, which is similar to that of a primer. The lower vitamin C concentration compared to some competitors’ formulas makes this an ideal option for new users or those with sensitive skin; however, experienced users may seek out a more potent product.

What the reviews say: One Amazon customer says, “I have seen amazing results: Fine lines disappear, and dark spots and pores are clearer and much smaller.” Fans also love that it does well underneath other skin products, including moisturizers, SPF and makeup, and it doesn’t have a smelly odor.

What you’ll love:

• Low cost
• Typically well-tolerated

Keep in mind:

• Lower concentration of vitamin C

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium ascorbyl phosphate | Additional benefits: Improves skin elasticity, texture smoothing | Consistency: Oil | Cruelty-free: Yes

Revive your complexion with this fully vegan, high-performance blend featuring vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble form), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). It promises to brighten, reduce hyperpigmentation and promote elasticity to revitalize tired-looking skin. In particular, its 5-star reviewers (there are more than 90,000 of them) rave about its ability to reduce dark spots and redness, decrease breakouts and minimize pore size. You just need three to five drops of this serum applied after cleansing, and it works well with or without makeup.

What the reviews say: “Since adding this vitamin C serum to my morning and evening skincare routine, I have noticed that my complexion appears clearer and brighter,” says one Amazon shopper. “Discolorations from the sun on my forehead have faded almost completely after 4 weeks.” Another standout feature of the brand: Reviewers say this company’s customer service is unparalleled.

What you’ll love:

• Affordable
• Reduces dark spots
• Works well under makeup

Keep in mind:

• Some say it can cause dryness

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid | Additional benefits: Minimizes pores, hydrating, exfoliating | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: No

Wake up “blah” skin, achieve a more youthful-looking glow and target uneven texture with this pure 10% vitamin C serum. It also contains hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid, a known acne fighter that helps exfoliate and minimize the appearance of pores. Keep in mind that this formula is applied with a dropper, so it has the potential to get a little messy. It also contains fragrance, so it may cause irritation for those with particularly sensitive skin.

What the reviews say: “The serum goes on smooth and leaves your skin feeling soft, rather than tacky like other serums I have tried,” says one Ulta customer. “The smell isn’t overly strong, but there is a scent at application. I will definitely be keeping this in my daily lineup.” However, some users don’t love the dropper and say it’s hard to use, and many report that the product can sometimes pill under makeup.

What you’ll love:

• No sticky feel
• Contains acne-fighting ingredients

Keep in mind:

• Dropper can be messy
• Formula contains fragrance

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, konjac root | Additional benefits: Tightens skin, hydrating, calming | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: Yes

This serum from Mad Hippie is formulated with sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a form of vitamin C that’s more stable than L-ascorbic acid—and therefore, less likely to oxidize. (According to the brand, the potency is comparable to a 15% or 20% L-ascorbic acid formula.) Natural ingredients such as konjac root, chamomile and clary sage work to soothe irritated skin, while hyaluronic acid boosts your face’s moisture levels. The bottle’s wallet-friendly price earned it the top spot on our list of the Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums.

What the reviews say: “This serum is not just gentle and non-irritating, but it’s also quite effective,” says one Ulta customer. “I have noticed significantly fewer breakouts and a brighter, more even complexion. I swear it’s also helping with fine lines.”

What you’ll love:

• Natural formula
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Lightweight feel

Keep in mind:

• Exact percentage of vitamin C isn’t listed
• Some skin types may see better results with L-ascorbic acid

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, kakadu plum extract, niacinamide | Additional benefits: UV protection, hydrating, heals acne scars | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: Yes

This SPF-meets-serum formulation is, as the name suggests, a combination of powerhouse SPF and toning vitamin C at a 10% concentration. This two-in-one product works double duty, saving on your beauty budget, time and valuable counter space. The non-comedogenic formula is packed with a slew of natural ingredients like ceramides (for moisture), squalene (for immediate hydration), hyaluronic acid (for long-term hydration) and kakadu plum (for combatting acne scars). It’s also gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin types.

What the reviews say: “I apply it every morning prior to my makeup,” says one Sephora customer. “It’s super lightweight and not greasy at all. I have sensitive skin and this product hasn’t caused any breakouts.”

What you’ll love:

• Built-in UV protection
• Boosts radiance
• Combats acne scars

Keep in mind:

• Chemical SPF
• Matte finish

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, sugarcane-derived squalane | Additional benefits: Hydrating, improves loss of firmness and elasticity | Consistency: Oil | Cruelty-free: Yes

From clean beauty brand Biossance, this product features THD ascorbate, the oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C that is typically easier to tolerate than straight L-ascorbic acid. Its other star ingredients are sugarcane-derived squalane and chios crystal oil, which work to lock in moisture and increase skin firmness. One issue with many oils and serums is that they leave behind a greasy residue, but this hydrator seems to absorb in just a few minutes. Still, bear in mind that less is more—you only need a few drops to improve skin radiance. Unlike some other vitamin C products, this one has a nice, light rose smell, and it works well under makeup without pilling.

What the reviews say: Reviewers report that it fades acne scars and spots and visibly brightens dull skin, leaving you with a youthful glow. “It has drastically changed my dry skin for the better,” one Amazon customer says. “I mix it in with my makeup and always look like I’m glowing. I also use it before bed as a deep moisturizer. It’s definitely worth the money spent.”

What you’ll love:

• Layers well under makeup
• Unlikely to cause irritation
• Oil-based for added moisture

Keep in mind:

• Some find it too greasy

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Active ingredients: THD ascorbic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Additional benefits: Protects against blue light and urban dust, supports skin’s microbiome, improves fine lines | Consistency: Cream | Cruelty-free: Yes

Revision’s seemingly tireless serum brightens and evens skin tone, improves fine lines, helps correct damage and acts as armor to defend against future free-radical damage. Another plus: It’s a lightweight cream formula, which works well for all skin types, says Pritzker.

What the experts say: “This is one of my very favorite serums, and it’s a cult favorite,” says Pritzker. “It has 30% THD ascorbic acid which is not only some of the highest percentage on the market, but it’s extremely stable. The airless pump ensures that the vitamin C will not oxidize. It protects against blue light and urban dust and supports the skin’s microbiome.” 

What you’ll love:

• High concentration of vitamin C
• Lightweight feel

Keep in mind:

• Expensive

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid | Additional benefits: Smooths skin texture, targets fine lines | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: Yes

Black-owned brand Hyper Skin’s Hyper Even Serum is a vitamin C formula that caters to all skin types and tones, including melanated skin. Fruit enzymes and 1% kojic acid tackle hyperpigmentation while 15% vitamin C and vitamin E work together to brighten skin, target fine lines and smooth rough texture. Finally, anti-inflammatory turmeric and salicylic acid (less than 1%) help heal and prevent future breakouts.

What the reviews say: “It’s lightweight and hydrating, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin,” says one Sephora shopper. “It leaves my skin looking so beautiful, especially on the days I don’t wear makeup. This serum has helped brighten a few of my dark acne scars.”

What you’ll love:

• Helps heal acne and blemishes
• Non-sticky
• Works on all skin tones

Keep in mind:

• A little goes a long way

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum

Active ingredients: Vitamin C, PHAs, hyaluronic acid | Additional benefits: Improves skin firmness and elasticity, exfoliating | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: Yes

Many vitamin C serums require some time before you can see results, but this vegan and cruelty-free serum promises brighter, bouncier skin in just one week. It contains a core trifecta of hardworking ingredients: 15% vitamin C to improve elasticity and reduce the look of dark spots, pores and wrinkles, 5% PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) to exfoliate and even skin tone and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. And something else that’s fun: This serum features “banana powder-inspired pigments” that promise to instantly illuminate and color correct. So basically, it’s equal parts glowy concealer and a time machine for your skin.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the smell, say it absorbs quickly and like that it wears well underneath other products. “My skin definitely looks brighter, and I find that I really don’t need foundation or highlighter anymore because my skin is already glowing,” says one Ulta customer. “It also seemed to work well with other skincare products and brands such as my regular moisturizer.” However, some users report that it leaves behind a tacky feel.

What you’ll love:

• Promises results in as early as one week
• Multi-tasking formula also color corrects
• Targets hyperpigmentation and elasticity

Keep in mind:

• Can feel sticky, according to some reviewers

Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin C | Additional benefits: Fights signs of aging, minimizes redness, supports natural skin turnover | Consistency: Cream | Cruelty-free: Yes

If your skin feels dull after a long winter, you’re not alone. This popular serum, which glides on like a light moisturizer, brightens skin, targets dark spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Its star ingredient with a 15% concentration is oil-soluble tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, a type of vitamin C that absorbs quickly. Other standouts in this cruelty-free formulation: Phytosterols reduce signs of skin sensitivity—such as redness—and saccharide isomerate acts as a pore minimizer. Think of this as an IRL smartphone filter: It evens tone, smooths skin and boosts radiance.

What the reviews say: Unlike some funky smelling vitamin C serums, this one has a subtle, refreshing citrusy scent that many users love. “The smell is so pleasant; it smells like an orange dreamsicle, but it’s very light and doesn’t linger,” says one Sephora reviewer. “Absolutely zero burn, sting, tingles or anything.” That said, some users feel that while this serum brightened their skin immediately, it took time to see additional results.

What you’ll love:

• No greasy residue
• Cruelty-free

Keep in mind:

• Takes time to see results, according to some reviewers