If you're not already harnessing the holy-grail powers of vitamin C in your skincare routine, you're missing out on some key benefits. This ingredient is an expert-approved favorite for brightening complexions and reducing acne.
“Vitamin C is the ultimate multitasker in skincare,” says NYC dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. “It is a potent antioxidant and neutralizes free radical damage to protect the skin. Vitamin C interferes with abnormal pigment production and can help lighten dark spots. Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the production of collagen and can help strengthen the skin.”
Clearly, vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient — but not all vitamin C skincare products are created equal. Unfortunately, one downside that comes from vitamin C serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products is that the formulas can be unstable, meaning they can quickly expire due to light and air exposure. Plus, many formulations contain different amounts of vitamin C, so make sure you check the label to see if it's the right percentage for your skin concerns.
We know how important your pores are, which is why we only featured the most trusted vitamin C serums on the market. On top of our resident beauty editor testing out each and every one of these serums herself, we also made sure we provided a variety of formulas that contain different amounts of vitamin C for your skin's needs. But we know vitamin C isn't the only ingredient you want in your overall routine, so many of these formulas contain a plethora of other skin-saving ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and more.Plus, these impressive serums have garnered praise from shoppers on Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more.
For those in search of a more natural serum, the InstaNatural brand boasts a quality product completely free of harmful alcohols, parabens, and sulfates.
With vitamin C as its star ingredient, this serum also contains a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and argan oil to nourish your skin.
Vichy's answer to vitamin C serum combines 15% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for skin that looks brighter and feels firmer in less than 2 weeks. This formula features fewer than 11 ingredients that'll seriously improve the texture and tone of your skin.
Glossier is known for pumping out beauty hit after hit, and this serum definitely does not disappoint. It's a fusion of magnesium and vitamin C to give your skin an instant glow without any sticky residue.
Sunday Riley's C.E.O. vitamin C serum is infused with an impressive 15% ultra stable, advanced vitamin C. It's a fast-absorbing formula that provides equally rapid results.
Use it daily to experience antioxidant benefits, such as improvement of pesky skin issues like fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness.
The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C serum is another pick that's on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it provides serious results. This anti-aging and brightening treatment features 20% THD ascorbate, a mega-potent form of vitamin C.
It also contains 3% vitamin E and 2% ferulic acid to make this vitamin C serum the ultimate anti-aging treatment.
Skinceuticals' C E Ferulic serum has earned a cult following from beauty obsessives and skincare experts alike. This serum delivers advanced environmental protection, and it improves the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness.
It also works to improve the overall brightness of your skin's complexion. It's incredibly effective, and it's worth the splurge.
Why scour though all of the expensive luxury picks when this drugstore jewel works just as well? This vitamin C serum from Olay also contains vitamin B-3, which brightens and evens your complexion.
What's worse than acne? Dark spots. Those pesky spots and scars seem to take forever to fade. But if you want to speed up the healing process a bit, then this vitamin C serum will definitely help.
Not only does this serum contain brightening vitamin C, which also helps to even out skin tone, but it also has exfoliating AHAs to help unclog pores and slough away any dead skin cells lingering on your skin. The results: more radiant, even-toned skin.
If you're new to vitamin C, then your skin may need to start with a lower dose to keep irritation at bay. Enter: this vitamin C serum from Ole Henriksen.
It has 15% vitamin C, which is balanced with gentle exfoliating PHAs and hydrating hyaluronic acid to soothe and comfort even the most sensitive of skin types.
If you want to take your anti-aging routine to the next level, then a combination of vitamin C and retinol will do just the trick.
This powerful vitamin C serum from Kate Somerville is a perfect addition to your nighttime routine to give your skin a brighter, tighter, and more youthful appearance.
Celeb facialist Joanna Vargas helped rescue our skin with this one. The Rescue Serum, designed with dynamic vitamin C, is an anti-aging serum that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage. It's an amazing pick for your daily serum if you have severe wrinkles to battle.
When it comes to your eyes, giving them an extra boost of TLC is a must in skincare 101. So, if your undereyes are looking a little tired, then give them an added dose of this vitamin C serum from Murad. It works to hydrate, brighten, and tighten the skin around your eyes to avoid dark circles, sagging, and puffiness.
If you're into all of the skincare benefits of CBD, then we have news for you: Saint Jane Beauty created a CBD-infused vitamin C serum. Now, you can enjoy all of the brightening properties of a potent 20% vitamin C serum with the calming, soothing results of full-spectrum CBD.
15
Best Ampoule
ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If you want to give your skincare routine a more luxury feel, then it's time to introduce ampoules into your regimen — they are tiny portioned bottles of serums and oils for single-use. This vitamin C ampoule from ISDIN is one of our favorites for its highly potent formula.
This goop-approved vitamin C serum booster is perfect for those who prefer clean beauty products. It's actually a powder form, which keeps the vitamin C's potency intact for longer than your typical serum.
To use, just add it to any serum. You can also mix it with water, making it a great travel option.
If you're all about the clean beauty trend, then Omorovicza need to be on the top of your list. On top of having fully recyclable packaging, this vitamin C serum is made with all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients for everyone to enjoy.
Katie McBroomBeauty EditorKatie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and beauty/grooming expert.
Jennifer HusseinBeauty EditorJennifer is the Beauty Editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io