The 14 Best Vitamin C Serums, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum

View On Amazon $17 View On Riteaid.com $33 View On Target $26

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  4.5/5
• Firming
  5/5

A Vitamin C serum under $35 is hard to find, let alone one potent and efficacious enough to earn itself our best overall prize. Simply put, we were blown away by this L’Oréal product. “I’ve paid this much for other Vitamin C serums that were half as effective,” our tester says. “I was actually shocked by how much brighter and firmer my face started to look after just a few days. It’s given my skin a plumper, more ‘awake’ appearance. I even feel like I can wear less makeup while still looking put-together.” 

Overall, we noticed longer lasting radiance effects with this serum than comparable products, and especially love the metal tube packaging (yay, sustainability!) that keeps the formula fresh, dispenses just the right amount of product, and allows you to squeeze out the very last drop. Just be warned, if you’re into thinner serums, you might not love the texture: It is a bit thicker, but rest assured it melts into the skin relatively quickly. 

Size: 1.76 oz. | Benefits: Brightens and firms | Skin Type: Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin

Best Budget

Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum

View On Amazon $15 View On Yesto.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  4/5
• Firming
  4/5

This Yes To serum uses a mixture of grapefruit and vitamin C to brighten and firm. Meanwhile, polyhydroxy acids act as a gentle exfoliating agent (better for sensitive skin than commonly used alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids) that smooths skin and evens out texture. “After just a few days, I noticed improvements to my overall skin texture. And after daily use for several weeks, my skin feels softer, more even, and radiant,” shares one of our testers. 

With a $15 price-tag, this serum can be a no-brainer for those curious about incorporating vitamin C into their routines. The formula is fast-absorbing and ultra lightweight (no sticky residue here), and perfect for an instant skin-brightening boost. That said, it does have a subtle grapefruit scent — we think it adds to the overall experience, but understand that not everyone enjoys skincare products with fragrance. 

Size: 0.95 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, firms, exfoliates | Skin Type: Dry

Best Splurge

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

View On Dermstore $182 View On Skinstore.com $272 View On Bluemercury.com $182

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  4.5/5

This Skinceuticals serum consistently finds itself at the top of ‘best vitamin C’ lists — it's arguably the most famous product in the category. And with outsized hype like that, we tend to be wary. But this is one of those rare instances where the formula truly delivers. 

“Whenever a product is really promoted, I’m always a little critical and hesitant to love it. But this one really is worth it,” admits our tester. “Not only is it brightening and 'glow-ifying,’ but it smoothes fine lines and the texture of my skin. I’ve used vitamin C daily in my routine for eight years, so I wasn’t expecting a huge benefit with this. But during the six-week test, I ended up seeing a difference. Everything is a bit smoother and softer,” she adds. 

The antioxidant-rich liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin, and protects it from environmental stressors and signs of aging, while providing a long-lasting radiant glow. Don’t be alarmed if the product smells like hot dogs upon opening (this is normal). While it’s not the most enjoyable aroma, it quickly fades after application. 

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, firms, smooths fine lines | Skin Type: Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin

Best for Daytime Use

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum

View On Amazon $71 View On Ulta $78 View On Sephora $78

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  4/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  4/5

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum is a little different than most: It comes with a loose powder that needs to be mixed into the liquid formula before use. This may sound mildly confusing, but we promise it’s super simple, plus, the extra step goes a long way in preserving the freshness and potency of the product’s ingredients. 

“The instructions are very clear and easy to follow,” says our tester, who raves about the serum’s benefits. “I started to notice a significantly brighter glow to my skin around three to four weeks of use. I’d catch myself in the mirror and think, ‘wow, my skin looks so bright and smooth!’ And since using it, I’ve even received a few comments about how good my skin looks,” she says. 

We love the fast-absorbing, lightweight feel, and recommend it for visible, proven results. Similar to other vitamin C products, this has an interesting, meaty scent (our tester compares it to bacon). Fret not, because this smell dissipates a few seconds after application. 

Size: 0.94 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, firms, smoothes texture, fades dark spots | Skin Type: All

Best for Dark Spots

Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+

View On Amazon $21 View On Yesstyle.com $31 View On Target $27

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  4/5
• Firming
  3/5

While Vitamin C is widely utilized as a brightening agent, it's not true that all vitamin C serums actually reduce dark spots across the board. This antioxidant-rich formula from cult-favorite K-beauty brand Goodal specifically targets hyperpigmentation and discoloration with a skin-loving mix of green tangerine extract, niacinamide, and green tea extracts. 

“My dark spots have definitely started to fade,” shares our tester. “And, my skin looks healthier and brighter overall, with a more even tone. I’ve noticed a big difference since starting to use this product,” she adds. Plus, the tangerine scent offsets vitamin C’s typical foul odor and gives this serum a pleasant, soothing experience. 

Size: 1.01 oz. | Benefits: Evens texture and fades dark spots | Skin Type: Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Best Anti-Aging

RoC Daily Serum

View On Amazon $23 View On Ulta $35 View On Walmart $25

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  4/5
• Skin Glow
  4/5
• Firming
  3/5

With over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, we were immediately intrigued by this ROC serum. The product is widely beloved for its supreme moisturization and superior anti-aging benefits, and after trying it out during our six week trial, we couldn’t agree more.

“My skin feels smoother, more hydrated, and [more] elastic after adding this serum to my morning skincare routine. It does its job very effectively,” our tester says, adding that she’d happily re-purchase this serum once empty over other vitamin C products she’s used in the past. 

The formula is fast-absorbing with no oily or sticky residue, and is clinically proven to tighten skin and improve elasticity in under four weeks. Plus, we’d be remiss not to mention that the glass bottle feels fancy and looks pretty displayed on any counter. While this isn’t a major issue, the dropper can be a bit finicky — it will probably take a few tries for it to pull the optimal amount of serum. Once you get the hang of it, using this vitamin C is a breeze.

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Tightens, firms, brightens, reduces fine lines | Skin Type: Safe for sensitive skin and effective for maturing skin

Best Fast-Acting

Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E

View On Sephora $20 View On Kohls.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  3/5

Who doesn’t love an instant brightening boost? Whether a long weekend got the best of your skin or a poor night’s sleep left you looking dull, this Sephora Collection vitamin C serum will come to your rescue with fast-acting results. 

At less than $30, it’s an easy addition to your regular routine and feels like a steal for the high-quality, antioxidant-rich ingredients. We firmly believe that the in-house Sephora brand is a sleeper skincare hit. Upon application, you’ll notice an immediate dose of radiance that’ll wake tired skin. And, according to our tester, you’ll notice an improvement in your overall skin tone after only one week of use. “My skin looks brighter, healthier, refreshed, and dewy — even when I’m not wearing anything on top of it,” she says. 

Though this pick provides near instant results, don’t go overboard with the amount you use. There aren’t clear instructions as to how much you should use, but a good rule of thumb is to dispense three to five drops for your entire face. 

Size: 1.01 oz. | Benefits: Brightens and hydrates | Skin Type: Normal to Dry

Best Drugstore

Olay Vitamin C Peptide 24 Serum

View On Ulta $40 View On Target $30 View On Walmart $20

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  4/5
• Firming
  3/5

Olay is a trusty drugstore fallback that we count on for moisturizers, but the brand’s vitamin C serum is just as noteworthy. This creamy, lightweight serum packs a super glowy punch with vitamin C, vitamin B3, and lactic acid that hydrates for optimum radiance. “My skin looks better after using this serum, both in the short-term and long-term,” says our tester. “Immediately after applying, I noticed a glow and firmness. After continued use, I feel my skin is brighter, softer, and more hydrated.” 

She notes that in the short-term, the immediate glow fades after a few hours, but that the serum is working to improve overall skin tone over time. Bonus points? It performs great under makeup, creating an extra smooth base layer. 

While this pick doesn’t smell like hot dogs (a win!) it does have an added citrusy scent, so if you prefer fragrance-free formulas you may want to look someplace else.

Size: 1.3 oz. | Benefits: Radiance, Glow, Evening skin tone, Hydration | Skin Type: All

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

View On Amazon $22 View On Walgreens $25 View On Vitacost

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  4/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  3/5

Experimenting with facial serums can be tricky for the acne-prone — adding in too many different oils can cause blockage and breakouts. But, we fell hard for this TruSkin serum because its mix of ingredients form the perfect balance of purifying (aloe vera and Vitamin E), hydrating (hyaluronic acid), and brightening (vitamin C) results. 

“As someone prone to acne, I love that this product doesn’t cause breakouts or clog my pores,” says our tester. “I’m way more confident in stepping outside without makeup. I took a selfie after a 13 hour flight and my bare skin still looked bright and glowy,” she says, adding that she’s noticed her sun spots and acne scars fading since beginning use. And an added benefit? For oily skin, this hydration-packed serum suffices as a moisturizer, reducing the need for another step. “It’s impressive that I can use this serum alone without a moisturizer and have soft, supple skin.”

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, fades dark spots, hydrates | Skin Type: Combination, Oily, and Acne-Prone

Best Hydrating

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

View On Amazon $45 View On Sephora $40 View On Biossance.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  4/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  4/5

First things first, this product is more of a true oil than it is a serum. So, if you’ve got oily skin, we wouldn’t recommend it. That being said, for dry or even normal skin, using this oil is a quick way to achieve major glow. 

“I have never gotten as many compliments on my skin’s glowiness than I do when I wear this,” says our tester. “I think this makes my skin look extra plump, like I’ve had a really good night of sleep. With this product, I usually go without foundation because it makes my skin look that nice and healthy.” 

For dry skin or cold-weather climates, the squalane in this formula works to lock in moisture and provide long-lasting hydration, while rose oil and chios crystal oil improve firmness and boost radiance. 

Size: 1.01 oz.  | Benefits: Boosts radiance, hydrates | Skin Type: Dry

Best Brightening

Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum

View On Maelove.com $33

Maelove is a beloved indie skincare brand known for using the highest-end ingredients without the luxury retail markups. We’ve heard excellent things about their Glow Maker serum for some time and were excited to finally conduct our own test. “So! Much! Glow!” were our tester’s exact words. “I was very impressed. This gave my skin the brightening boost it needed. It looks very hydrated and dewy without appearing greasy.” 

With an impactful mix of vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid, you’ll be receiving long-lasting moisturization and skin-smoothing nourishment. Keep in mind, because Maelove uses a potent 15% vitamin C active, the brand advises using up your serum within three months of opening (doable, considering it’s not the biggest bottle).

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, boosts radiance, hydrates | Skin Type: All

Best Plumping

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

View On Amazon $58 View On Sephora $68 View On Ulta $68

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  4.5/5

Tired skin looking a little saggy and dull? This OleHenriksen serum will bring back your radiance with its plumping, firming, and brightening ingredients. Plus, with 5 percent polyhydroxy acids, it’ll work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and restore a smooth texture with boosted elasticity. 

“My skin looks glowy, hydrated, and refreshed,” says our tester. “I’m excited to keep using it and see even longer-lasting effects.” While some online reviews note an adverse scent and trouble layering with other skincare and makeup products, we didn’t have that experience. “It smells amazing and layers really well with my other skincare products,” our tester mentions. While your own experience may come down to personal preferences, it's undeniable that this highly-concentrated, antioxidant-rich plumping serum is packed full of nourishing goodness. 

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, evens texture, plumps | Skin Type: All

Best Vegan

Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum

View On Klur.co View On Credo Beauty $88

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Absorption
  5/5
• Skin Texture
  5/5
• Skin Glow
  5/5
• Firming
  5/5

Another small-batch indie beauty fave, Klur is known for their high-powered vegan ingredients, sustainable (California-based) production practices, and beautifully-crafted products. We’re particularly drawn to the Brilliant Light serum for its potent vitamin C concentrate (20 percent) and rosehip seed combo that works to repair and protect the skin barrier and impart the most natural glow. 

“At 63, I honestly do feel like my skin is firmer, and I’ve seen an improvement in my skin’s texture: It’s softer, smoother, and more hydrated,” says our tester. The amber glass bottle, though fragile, keeps out UV light, protecting the formula’s potency, and maintaining freshness for longer. Though the bottle is small, one pump is more than enough to cover your entire face, leaving your skin radiant and refreshed. 

Size: 1 oz. | Benefits: Brightens, firms, hydrates | Skin Type: Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin