15 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2023 For a Brighter Complexion

Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, skin dullness, dark marks, or sagging skin, seeking out the best vitamin C serum can help address all of the above. For many of us, the antioxidant has become a mainstay in a thoughtful beauty regimen. “I look at vitamin C as that little black dress in your closet,” Samantha Mims tells Vogue. “It’s definitely one of those things you must have. It works to boost circulation, amplify the skin’s complexion, and stimulate collagen production.” 

Our Top Picks

To learn how to properly incorporate it into our routines, we spoke with seven skin-care experts and tested a handful of formulas to curate this edit of the best vitamin C serums out there. Get ready to give your skin the radiance boost it deserves.

Best All-Around: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

• Why We Love It: “Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works well for those with dry skin,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman. This Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E. 
• Key Ingredients: 15% l-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid
• Benefits: Smoothing, moisturizing, firming, brightening
• Best For: Fine lines, wrinkles, mature skin, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin
• How to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Sensitive Skin: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

• Why We Love It: This iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus delivers skin protection, as well as treatment of acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and insect bites through time-released vitamin C and a blend of botanicals. 
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, olive leaf, vitamin A, vitamin E
• Benefits: Antioxidant protection, soothing, smoothing
• Best For: Oily skin, sensitive skin (redness, rosacea), acne-prone skin
• How to Apply: According to iS Clinical, apply three to four drops across the face and neck.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

• Why We Love It: “La Roche-Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is an affordable option that leaves skin protected and radiant without irritation,” says Hartman. While the price is alluring, what truly sets this apart is its cocktail of pure vitamin C paired with salicylic acid and neurosensine to refine skin texture and tone on the face and neck without harming sensitive skin.
• Key Ingredients: 10% Pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and thermal spring water
• Benefits: Resurfacing, evening skin tone, hydrating
• Best For: Enlarged pores, acne-prone skin, dull skin, all skin types
• How to Apply: According to La Roche-Posay, apply three to four drops to the face and neck in the morning after cleansing.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Enlarged Pores: Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

• Why We Love It: This serum prevents aging in all of its forms: sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles, and replaces it with a radiant, glowing complexion thanks to vitamin C, phytosterols complex to soothe sensitive skin, and saccharide isomerate extract that regulates pore size.
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, a phytosterol complex, saccharide isomerate extract, and glycolic acid
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, exfoliating
• Best For: Enlarged pores, dull skin, all skin types, sensitive skin
• How to Apply: According to Sunday Riley, apply two pumps of this serum to the entire face each morning.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Mature Skin: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

• Why We Love It: Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this serum contains vitamin C in its purest form, with a unique patented formula of stable 20% pure vitamin C and stable epigallocatechin gallate, which is a skin-aiding ingredient found in green tea. The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily. Dr. Shereene Idriss is a fan of the formula, too, because “it is a patented version of stabilized 20% L Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C) that does not oxidize,” though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.
• Key Ingredients: 20% L-ascorbic acid, squalane, green tea active, and tartaric acid
• Benefits: Firming, smoothing fine lines, exfoliating
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, combination-to-oily skin
• How to Apply: According to BeautyStat, apply to clean, dry skin morning and night.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules

• Why We Love It: “Although primarily a vitamin C product, the hyaluronic acid in this serum adds to its appeal,” says Dr. Hadley King. “The sealed tinted glass ampules protect the vitamin C from exposure to air and light. And the addition of hyaluronic acid and proteoglicans makes the formulation very hydrating. The texture is light and the subtle fragrance is clean and refreshing.”
• Key Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, and hyaluronic acid
• Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, smoothing
• Best For: Mature skin, all skin types
• How to Apply: According to Isdin, apply half of the ampoule to the face, neck, and neckline.
• Size: 2 mL per ampoule (30 per package)

Best for Wrinkles: PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum

• Why We Love It: Combating fine lines and wrinkles is of top priority with this PCA Skin serum rich in antioxidants. The ingredient complex comes together to reduce the look of lines and prevent inflammation, cellular oxidation, and increase hydration in this PCA Skin serum.
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, lilac leaf stem cell extract, and glutathione
• Benefits: Smoothing, firming, evening skin tone
• Best For: Fine lines and wrinkles, mature skin, combination-to-oily skin, acne-prone skin
• How to Apply: According to PCA Skin, apply one to two pumps of this serum to the face and neck twice daily.
• Size: 29.5 mL

Best Reparative: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

• Why We Love It: If you’re looking for brighter, more even-toned skin, consider adding the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex to your beauty routine. Using the brand’s MelaPATH technology, this product is meant to deliver antioxidant benefits, protect against free radicals, and support your skin’s production of vitamins C and E.
• Key Ingredients: MelaPATH™ Technology (Revision Skincare’s antioxidant blend, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, diglucosyl gallic acid, and vitamin C
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone, repairing the skin barrier
• Best For: All skin types
• How to Apply: According to Revision Skincare, one pump of this serum can be applied to the face twice daily.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Hyperpigmentation: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

• Why We Love It: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilized vitamin C, Japanese Beautyberry, 10% fruit-derived AHAs, and Japanese Angelica root, this elixir protects against free radicals and combats hyperpigmentation to reveal a radiantly glowing complexion. 
• Key Ingredients: 20% Vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry, 10% mild fruit AHAs, and Japanese angelica root
• Benefits: Resurfacing, brightening, smoothing
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, enlarged pores, all skin types
• How to Apply: According to Tatcha, apply one to two pumps of this serum at night.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

• Why We Love It: Alongside SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is another sought-after formulation created especially for oily and acne-prone skin types. In fact, both Hartman and Dr. Karen Kagha namechecked it as essentials in their daily skin-care regimens. The oil-free elixir blends l-ascorbic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid to protect against free radical damage, stave off excess oil production, and clarify pores.
• Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic Acid, 0.5% Silymarin (a plant-based antioxidant), 0.5% Ferulic Acid, and 0.5% Salicylic Acid
• Benefits: Resurfacing, reducing oiliness, preventing breakouts
• Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
• How to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, four to five drops can be applied to a dry face, neck, and chest each morning.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Moisturizer: InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer

• Why We Love It: “Innbeauty’s Slushy is vegan and contains hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol and vitamin C. The texture is super fun—slushy is a perfect description,” says King, who thinks highly of the retinol-alternative. “Bakuchiol seems to be activating the genes that regulate collagen and elastin production—the same ones retinol activates. And it doesn’t seem to irritate and redden skin the way retinol often does, so it appears to be a gentler option.”
• Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, and yuzu 
• Benefits: Hydrating, resurfacing, smoothing
• Best For: Enlarged pores, all skin types
• How to Apply: According to Innbeauty Project, two to three pumps can be applied to the face morning and night as a serum, moisturizer, or both.
• Size: 50 mL

Best Spot Treatment: Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment

• Why We Love It: Aesthetician Lily Njoroge recommends this serum for acne-prone clients and those for whom irritation is a concern. “It’s the first vitamin C serum I’ve found that I would recommend for acne-prone skin,” she says, “because it has oils high in linoleic acid, such as sunflower seed oil, and this makes it helpful at reducing inflammation.” 
• Key Ingredients: 20% Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a stable vitamin C derivative, camellia extract, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
• Benefits: Evening skin tone, resurfacing, brightening, reducing inflammation
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation (dark spots, post-acne scarring), all skin types, sensitive skin, dull skin
• How to Apply: According to Peach & Lily, this is best applied to clean, dry skin morning or night directly onto discoloration.
• Size: 20 mL

Best Protective: Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C Perfecting Serum

• Why We Love It: “Do not be fooled by the name as it is a combination of ethylated ascorbic acid as well as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate,” explains Idriss. “The ethylated L-ascorbic [in this serum] is a pure form of vitamin C and one of the most proven forms. The tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is the stable oil soluble form of vitamin C that also penetrates your skin to help brighten and provide radical protection.” Essentially, this serum works to protect your skin from stress, pollution, and even lack of sleep.
• Key Ingredients: 25% Ethylated l-ascorbic acid, 10% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
• Benefits: Brightening, firming
• Best For: Dull skin, mature skin, all skin types
• How to Apply: According to Allies of Skin, apply three pumps to the face and neck to damp skin, post cleanser and toner. This can be used morning or night.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Powder: The Nue Co. Topical – C

• Why We Love It: The Nue Co.’s powder is powered by a super blend of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, tapioca starch, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera to protect against free radical damage, address hyperpigmentation, and fade fine lines. It can be mixed with your moisturizer or water to apply with ease.
• Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, tapioca starch, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera
• Benefits: Brightening, evening skin tone
• Best For: Sensitive skin, dull skin, oily-to-dry skin
• How to Apply: According to The Nue Co., mix this powder with moisturizer or water, then apply to the face and neck daily.
• Size: 15 mL

What to Look For in a Vitamin C Serum

As for Dr. Paula Bourelly, she recommends products with ingredients like arbutin and ubiquinone, as they both have “brightening properties which help to lighten brown spots and, as antioxidants, the ascorbic acid and tocopherol add another layer of defense to traditional sunscreens.” Generally speaking, you’re looking for a formula with a stable form of vitamin C that can deliver sufficient antioxidant protection—of l-ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Experts say you’re typically looking for a vitamin C in the 10-20% range. Also, the product’s packaging makes all the difference: dark or opaque bottles help reduce the oxidation that could occur when vitamin C gets exposed to sunlight or heat. Your precious formula is best stored in a cool, dark environment for best usage.

How to Use a Vitamin C Serum

Mims adds that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong way when it comes to applying the serum– what’s more important is what you do afterward. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental factors such as pollution and UV light. So whether you’re deciding to use your serum in the morning, evening, or both, it’s important you’re following up with a layer of broad spectrum sunscreen daily.”

Meet The Experts

• Dr. Paula Bourelly, board-certified dermatologist at Olney Dermatology Associates
• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
• Dr. Shereene Idriss, New York City-based board certified-dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation
• Dr. Hadley King, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Samantha Mims, founder of Dermasaa and in-house esthetician at Brooklyn Face & Eye
• Lily Njoroge, licensed esthetician and acne specialist