A good vitamin C serum can supercharge your skincare routine thanks to its tightening, smoothing and brightening benefits. Based on thorough research, long-term testing by Forbes Vetted editors, recommendations from a dermatologist, and approval from deputy beauty editor Jane Sung, we landed on the best vitamin C serums for every skin type and budget. The overall winner is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic—an editor and industry favorite—for its impressive brightening power. For first-time users, we chose the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for its high-performing yet simple formula.
We picked the best vitamin C serums that address hyperpigmentation and promote smoother, brighter skin.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
“Vitamin C serums can be highly effective because they have a high concentration of active ingredients, and their smaller molecules allow them to penetrate the skin deeply and efficiently,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City. To get the best results from your serum, choose a formula that suits your skin type, whether you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin. It’s also important to consider the active ingredients (many also contain powerful humectants to hydrate), as well as consistency and concentration. Below, see our picks for the best vitamin C serums that leave skin glowy and bright.
Editor’s Pick
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Active ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol, ferulic acid | Additional benefits: Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces free radical damage | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
All skin types, even those with sensitive skinLayering underneath makeupEvening out skin tone
Skip if:
You’re sensitive to smells; some find the smell unpleasantYou prefer a less sticky texture
A tried-and-true favorite in the industry—recommended by Engelman and our editors—this serum accomplishes a lot. It evens out pigmentation and fights against environmental aging using high concentrations of vitamin C (15% pure L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (1% alpha tocopherol) and ferulic acid. The result is fewer dark spots, less inflammation and a more youthful appearance overall. I’ve been using this serum for many years—I like how well it absorbs, and I notice a stark difference in the brightness of my skin if I stop applying it for a few days. “It’s great for brightening and evening out my skin tone, and really just making it look healthier overall,” says Sung. “It also layers well with skincare and makeup.”
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Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium ascorbyl phosphate | Additional benefits: Improves skin elasticity, texture smoothing | Consistency: Oil
Best for:
Wallet-friendly price tagSensitive complexionsLayering underneath makeup
Skip if:
You’re prone to dryness
A fully vegan formula, TruSkin Vitamin C brightens, reduces hyperpigmentation and revives tired-looking skin with its blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). “As someone who had never used a vitamin C serum previous to this one, I can say that this is a great option for beginners,” says beauty updates writer Claire Epting. “I use it beneath my eyes and on acne spots, and I’ve definitely noticed a positive change in those areas since using it. I love that it doesn’t cause any stinging or irritation on my sensitive skin.” Added bonus: It works well under makeup.
Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, konjac root | Additional benefits: Tightens skin, hydrating, calming | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
Gentle blend that includes hyaluronic acidAcne-prone, sensitive skinIts lightweight feel
Skip if:
You’re used to the benefits of traditional L-ascorbic acid
This serum contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a form of vitamin C that’s more stable than L-ascorbic acid—and less likely to oxidize over time. (According to the brand, the potency is comparable to a 15% or 20% L-ascorbic acid formula.) Plant-based ingredients, including chamomile and konjac root, work to soothe irritated skin, while hyaluronic acid boosts moisture levels and gives you that coveted glow. The bottle’s affordable price also earned it the top spot on our list of the best drugstore vitamin C serums.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
Active ingredients: Vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, bioactive fruit blend | Additional benefits: Improves dullness, evens tone | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
Intensely hydrating formulaReducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinklesIts non-sticky feel
Skip if:
This formula features brightening vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) combined with potent fruit extracts—including Kakadu plum, pineapple, papaya and mango—and hyaluronic acid that act as humectants to deliver moisture to parched skin. The multitasking serum nourishes, improves dullness, decreases the appearance of fine lines, leaves skin feeling firmer and smoother and gives a healthy glow. At the same time, the antioxidant-rich formula protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. Naturium’s serum also doesn’t have some of the negative properties that some other vitamin C formulas do: According to reviewers, it has no orange cast, it doesn’t have a smell and it’s not sticky.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Active ingredients: 12% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Additional benefits: Hydrating, wrinkle-reducing | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
Visibly brightening skinThose new to using vitamin CWallet-friendly price tag
Skip if:
You’re sensitive to fragrance
Featuring 12% pure vitamin C combined with hyaluronic acid, this formula helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and make those pesky dark spots less prominent. Users report decreased pigmentation and a brighter complexion overall. Compared to some competitor formulas, this formula has a lower vitamin C concentration, making it an excellent option for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
MOST POPULAR
SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E | Additional benefits: Protects against free radical damage, improves fine lines | Consistency: Cream
Best for:
Time-release formula that lasts throughout the dayPlumping and firming the skinSmooth, rich feel
Skip if:
Mature skin has the tendency to feel dry, appear dull and show creases. This formula works to address this by supporting collagen production, which means you’ll notice a plumper, firmer appearance and fewer fine lines and wrinkles with continued use. SkinMedica’s vitamin C and E formula is designed to gradually release throughout the day to help fight free radicals and protect against environmental stressors. Engelman recommends it as one of the best vitamin C serums on the market for its highly effective formula. The cream serum is smooth and easy to apply with one pre-measured pump. It absorbs fast and layers well underneath moisturizer, too.
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C
Active ingredients: 5% vitamin C, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, zinc | Additional benefits: Protects against environmental stressors | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
Sensitive, dry skinBoosting skin’s moisture levelsThose who are sensitive to fragrance
Skip if:
You’re looking for more dramatic results (this has a lower concentration of vitamin C)
This gentle face serum is a unique and highly effective blend of three forms of vitamin C that work together to visibly improve skin tone and eliminate pigmentation. Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid add a welcome kick of intense moisture, while an unexpected addition of zinc works to transport vitamin C effectively into the skin. I find this serum helps to reduce any signs of uneven pigmentation and redness, and it gives my skin a lovely glow with regular use. I also like that it doesn’t have an overwhelming fragrance and is never irritating.
Active ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, copper tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid | Additional benefits: Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brightens, protects against environmental stressors | Consistency: Serum | Cruelty-free: No
Best for:
Non-sticky feelNon-comedogenic ingredientsHydrating formula
Skip if:
You’re looking for a more affordable option
Acne-prone skin types need to be cautious about the products they use, as certain ingredients can trigger breakouts, irritation and more. This lightweight serum from iS Clinical is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars and uneven skin tone. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which work to hydrate and nourish the skin. Commerce editor Katherine Louie uses this every morning and appreciates the non-sticky feel and effective concentration. “I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and struggle to find serums that won’t cause breakouts or irritation but that still work. I recently started using this serum, and I’m pleasantly surprised by how radiant and clear my skin has looked.”
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Serum
Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin C | Additional benefits: Fights signs of aging, minimizes redness, supports natural skin turnover | Consistency: Cream
Best for:
No greasy residueCombination skin-friendlyGentle exfoliation
Skip if:
If lackluster skin is your problem, this popular serum is here to help. The cruelty-free formula evens out skin tone and boosts radiance, featuring a 15% concentration of oil-soluble tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, a type of vitamin C that absorbs quickly into the skin and is typically well-tolerated. Meanwhile, saccharide isomerate serves as a pore minimizer, while phytosterols work to reduce any redness or irritation for those with sensitive skin, making this a great option for anyone with combination skin.
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Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Active ingredients: 30% THD ascorbic acid, vitamin E | Additional benefits: Protects against blue light and urban dust, supports skin’s microbiome, improves fine lines | Consistency: Cream
Best for:
Higher concentration of vitamin C (30% THD ascorbic acid)Pleasant, lightweight feelProtection against blue light
Skip if:
Revision’s serum has 30% THD ascorbic acid, which is one of the highest concentrations on the market. The formula is a multi-tasking miracle, helping to do everything from brighten and even out skin tone to improve fine lines, correct hyperpigmentation and fend off free radical damage. Its lightweight cream consistency makes it a great choice for the majority of skin types. I love the feel of this serum on my skin: It’s lightweight yet packs a very powerful punch, and I can instantly see an improvement in my lackluster tone.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Active ingredients: 15% vitamin C, PHAs, hyaluronic acid | Additional benefits: Improves skin firmness and elasticity, exfoliating | Consistency: Serum
Best for:
Quick results Gently exfoliating the skin thanks to 5% PHA’sLightweight feel
Skip if:
You’re sensitive to fragranceYou’re looking for a less sticky formula
The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum works quickly to brighten and plump skin in as little as one week of consistent use, thanks to a trifecta of hardworking ingredients. The vegan, cruelty-free formula features 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. “It’s so hydrating and lightweight; it immediately gives me a supple, radiant look,” says Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon. “The serum preps my skin so well in the morning that I don’t use primer before makeup application. Plus, the smell is to die for.”
How We Chose The Best Vitamin C Serums
To narrow down this list of the best vitamin C serums, we tapped into our team’s deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer innovative, effective formulas.
What To Consider In A Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C has so much potential to deliver complexion-enhancing results, but choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a vitamin C serum, according to Engelman.
Concentration
To start, consider the concentration of vitamin C in the serum. “The concentration is key—it’s important to look for a formula with 10% to 20% [vitamin C] for optimal effectiveness,” she says. Certain formulas have higher concentrations for more brightening power, but those with sensitive skin should opt for a lower dose to avoid any reactions.
Type Of Vitamin C
Companies use varying forms of vitamin C in their formulations, with the two most common being L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbate. Here’s a quick breakdown on each:
L-ascorbic acid: This is 100% pure vitamin C. It’s water soluble, well researched and effective, but extremely unstable. It begins to oxidize and change color over time and can be irritating to some people’s skin.
Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate: This ingredient is stable and fat soluble, so it can be used in oil-based products. It tends to be well tolerated and permeates the skin easily.
Additional Ingredients
Additional ingredients found in vitamin C serums offer added hydration, minimizing signs of aging, dark spot correcting and more. Some common ones to look for when addressing skin concerns include vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and squalane. “Also, pay attention to stabilizing ingredients such as ferulic acid, which enhance the serum’s efficacy and stability,” says Engelmen.
Formula Type
Vitamin C products come in the form of creams, serums and oils, and some skin types may react differently to each. Although nearly all of the picks on this list can be characterized as a serum due to their highly concentrated ingredients that penetrate deep within the skin, each formula has subtle differences in consistency and overall feel.
Packaging
Engelman says that how vitamin C is packaged is crucial. “The bottle should protect the serum by blocking light and air to preserve its potency,” she says. If the formula itself has turned brown, it has oxidized, which means it’s not as effective. Shelf life varies from brand to to brand, but most vitamin C serums last around three to four months.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has collectively researched, written and published a wide variety of beauty and grooming content, including dozens of stories on skincare.
Coauthor Kim Peiffer is the features and special projects director at Forbes Vetted and has 15-plus years of experience testing and covering beauty and lifestyle content.
Beauty and fashion writer Molly Calhoun coauthored this story. She has two decades of experience writing about lifestyle topics and has covered topics like the best retinol creams and the best concealers for mature skin.
This story was assigned, reviewed and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming section and has spent two decades reporting on skincare, haircare, makeup and more.
We enlisted the insight of Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC, for her take on key formulations, ingredients and the most important factors to look for in vitamin C serums.
We regularly refresh this article to ensure that all of our recommendations are relevant and all product information is accurate. This guide was last updated in November 2025 by commerce editor Katherine Louie. She has over seven years of testing experience and is obsessive about her skincare (she has sensitive, acne-prone skin, and is always looking for the best products to keep her skin bright and clear).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Highest Rated Vitamin C Serum?
We chose the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum as the best vitamin C serum overall; it 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. In terms of potency, the Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30% offers the highest concentration of vitamin C on this list, which is why it’s our top pick for hyperpigmentation.
Which Vitamin C Serums Do Dermatologists Recommend?
Engelman recommends two vitamin C serums in particular: the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and the SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex. In addition to addressing hyperpigmentation, both formulas protect against future free radical damage, which means you’re investing in your skin’s health in both the immediate and long term.
Should I Use A Vitamin C Serum Every Day?
Yes, you can apply vitamin C serum daily, as long as your skin tolerates it. In fact, you’re more likely to see positive results with consistent use. Engelman recommends vitamin C serums for all skin types to protect against free radical damage and environmental aggressors.
Is 10% Or 20% Vitamin C Serum Better?
The concentration of your vitamin C serum depends on your skin type and tolerance; neither one is necessarily “better.” If you have sensitive skin and are new to using vitamin C, a lower concentration, such as 10%, is a better choice. However, if you’re looking for more dramatic results and have used vitamin C before, you’ll likely be fine with a higher concentration.