What to Buy Skincare Products The 8 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2023 Gentle and effective treatments for every skin type By Kayla Blanton Kayla Blanton Kayla is a freelance writer who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle for Prevention, Everyday Health, People, and more. She's always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She thinks therapy is for everyone, and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health. She's a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and ornery tabby cat. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 24, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University.  learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Jaclyn Mastropasqua If you’ve hopped on the retinol train but haven’t incorporated a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine, now is the time. Kristina Collins, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy, explains that vitamin C is a multi-tasker that addresses fine lines and UV damage along with discoloration and texture issues. As an antioxidant, vitamin C works by neutralizing the effects of cellular aging and environmental stressors, therefore preventing general wear and tear on the skin. But Dr. Collins adds that much of vitamin C’s benefit comes from stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin thanks to its acidic nature, which creates a healing response when applied. Translation: It can also make your complexion firmer and smoother over time. Lastly, vitamin C chips away at dark spots and hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production by melanocytes, Dr. Collins says. Available in various strengths (aka concentrations), vitamin C’s versatility makes it suitable for all skin types. To help you find the one that's right for you, we researched the top options online today and then narrowed them down based on dermatologist-recommended criteria. Here are our best vitamin C serum picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Anti-Aging: Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hyperpigmentation: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Why We Like It It’s a gentle, yet effective serum with high-quality ingredients and a middle-of-the-road price point. It’s Worth Noting The concentration of vitamin C is not disclosed. Affordable, effective, and gentle enough for use on all skin types, TruSkin’s vitamin C checks all of the right boxes for this category. It’s been a best-seller for years, and its added hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera give it bonus nourishing, hydrating properties. These ingredients help to leave the skin more even and moisturized than it was before use. We also love that it's fragrance-free, meaning even people with sensitive skin can feel comfortable using this serum. Plus, it comes in a darker bottle to reduce oxidation (which is a process that can render your serum ineffective). Use it to brighten, smooth, hydrate, and reduce discoloration in your complexion. Price at time of publication: $22Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, hydrating, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: All Best Budget The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Sephora Why We Like It It’s a high-concentration, no frills serum for under $15. It’s Worth Noting It doesn’t contain added hydrators or nourishing ingredients. The Ordinary is known for its line of skincare that’s no-frills while still being highly effective, and their vitamin C serum is no exception. The 12% ascorbyl glucoside solution is a stable form of vitamin C that’s combined with sugar, which acts as a buffer and stabilizer that makes it far less likely to cause irritation than l-ascorbic acid, the more common (and more potent) active ingredient in vitamin C serums. In fact, Angela Lamb, MD, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology in New York and advisor to Veracity, says ascorbyl glucoside is stable and easy to absorb, making it less irritating for skin. The formula, combined with a fair price, makes this lightweight serum an easy add to your rotation (and shopping cart). Price at time of publication: $14Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: All Best Drugstore CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Why We Like It This fragrance-free formula comes in airtight tube packaging that keeps vitamin C stable and potent. It’s Worth Noting If the color of the serum darkens or yellows, though the brand advises continued use, dermatologists say it’s likely lost its efficacy. CeraVe, a brand developed with dermatologists, is a drugstore mainstay. Like most CeraVe products, the brand’s vitamin C serum is boosted with a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to protect and replenish the skin barrier. Meanwhile, active l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) gets to work on fine lines, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Even better, the airtight tube packaging minimizes the formula’s exposure to air and sunlight, optimizing its stability and effectiveness. Plus, the squeeze-out dispenser is generally more hygienic than removing and replacing a serum ampule that’s likely to touch the skin during application. Price at time of publication: $29Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, hydrating, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: All Best for Dry Skin Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On IHerb Why We Like It True to the brand’s “clean”-promised ethos, this serum is a simple formula of natural antioxidants, hydrators, and vitamin C. It’s Worth Noting The serum is inherently tinted yellow, so it might be difficult to tell if or when the formula expires. This serum contains a great antioxidant blend, says Dr. Collins, that includes not only sodium ascorbyl phosphate—a stable form of vitamin C—but also konjac root, ferulic acid, grapefruit, and chamomile extract, which work together to enhance the serum’s smoothing and protective effects. It also contains hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf, glycerin, and vitamin E, all of which are superstar hydrating and nourishing ingredients for dry skin. Price at time of publication: $34Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, hydrating, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: Dry Best for Sensitive Skin Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum Amazon View On Amazon View On Walgreens View On Ulta Why We Like It This soothing antioxidant blend contains thermal spring water, a unique ingredient that’s been shown to soften and calm irritated skin. It’s Worth Noting The formula is lightly scented. Dr. Collins recommends this unique formula, which contains thermal spring water, hyaluronic acid, and photo-stable, time-released vitamin E to calm and protect skin from free-radical damage. Its chosen form of vitamin C is ascorbyl glucoside, which is the best fit for sensitive skin types given that it’s slightly less potent and, therefore, less irritating than other forms. People with sensitive skin will also appreciate the serum’s lightweight gel texture, which makes it feel especially soothing when applied. And the airless pump packaging is a major pro for cleanliness and formula stability. While its ingredients make this pick great for sensitive skin, it's important to note that Avene A-Oxitive does have a slight, fresh scent that could irritate extra sensitive skin. Price at time of publication: $41Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, hydrating, calming, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: Sensitive, dry Best Anti-Aging Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum 4.5 Target View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It Vitamin C is complemented by peptides, licorice root, and hydrating glycerin. It’s Worth Noting The concentration of vitamin C is not disclosed. Ethyl ascorbic acid, a patented tri-peptide, licorice root extract, and hydrating glycerin work together in this serum to protect against free-radical damage, but also visibly plump and rejuvenate the skin. Peptides make up proteins that act as building blocks for new skin. And, when applied topically, they signal collagen production, resulting in improved bounciness and elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. Whether you have some wrinkles you’d like to address or want to take preventive measures, this reasonably priced serum can help. Price at time of publication: $25Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, plumping, hydrating, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: All Best for Hyperpigmentation Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex Courtesy by Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart Why We Like It A high concentration of vitamin C (the highest on this list) is delivered in a gentle way for maximum brightening and minimum irritation. It’s Worth Noting At over $100, the price point won’t be reasonable for everyone. The higher the vitamin C concentration, the better the formula will be at reversing and fading hyperpigmentation. Potent formulas also have the potential to be more irritating, but Collins says this one provides the best of both worlds in that it’s strong, yet gentle. She notes the heavy dose of vitamin C at 30%—and without irritating skin. That’s likely thanks to its oil-based delivery of tetrahexadecyl ascorbate, Collins’ preferred stable form of vitamin C. The serum also contains prebiotics that support the skin microbiome, as well as hydrating glycerin and a few other botanical antioxidants. Price at time of publication: $170 Product Details: Bottle Size: 1 fl ozBenefits: Brightening, smoothing, hydrating, protective from environmental damageSkin Type: Normal, oily, acne-prone How We Selected We consulted dermatologists for advice on ingredients to look for in vitamin C serums, how to use them, and what skin types benefit from these serums. They also shared product recommendations. Experts we spoke to include: Kristina Collins, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy Angela Lamb, MD, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology in New York and advisor to Veracity Then, we researched the best vitamin C serums on the market today based on our experts' guidance. We narrowed down our list of best picks based on criteria like price, ingredients, and benefits. What to Know About Vitamin C Serums Who May Benefit from Vitamin C Serum Pretty much anyone can reap the protective perks of a vitamin C serum, with the exception of those with ultra-sensitive or reactive skin. A patch test is recommended by most brands before continued use on the entire face. Dr. Lamb adds that those prone to irregular pigment and sunspots are most likely to benefit from a vitamin C serum. How Often You Should Use Vitamin C Serum Dr. Lamb suggests using a vitamin C serum once a day to start, then build to twice per day if your skin reacts well. If you have a bad reaction initially, she also suggests trying a few different products. Always follow daytime applications with SPF. How to Use Vitamin C Serum in Your Routine Dr. Collins always recommends a basic three-step skincare routine of cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. She notes that it’s best practice to apply skin care products in order of weight, with thicker, denser products going on toward the end of your routine and lighter products like vitamin C serums going on first after cleansing. Your Questions, Answered What does vitamin C serum do for your face? Vitamin C is a major driving force behind lightening dark spots, evening out texture and tone, as well as reducing environmental oxidative stress on the skin, says Dr. Lamb. Therefore, it plays a role in preventing future fine lines, dullness, and pigmentation. Is it okay to use vitamin C serum every day? Yes, but it’s best to first ease in with a patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t react. Then, begin a once daily use before moving up to morning and night application. Who We Are Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for five years. Updated by Rosie McCall Rosie McCall Rosie McCall is a news reporter with a focus on health and sciences. Rosie was previously an editorial assistant at Health Magazine, and then went on to report on health and science news at publications like IFLScience and Newsweek. learn more and Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton is a writer, editor, and content strategist with several years of experience working in digital media. She is an expert in health, pregnancy, and women's lifestyle. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit