How does vitamin C serum work?

Dr. Turegano says vitamin C serums build collagen and help with hyperpigmentation. She adds that it works by binding to free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin and cause collagen breakdown) to prevent the damage they can cause. It also works on the skin's surface by evening out skin tone.

When should you use vitamin C serum?

Dr. Tureganore recommends using vitamin C serums in the morning, including a thin layer to your neck and décolletage. Dr. Yadav adds that using it in the morning will best protect your skin during the day since that’s when you’re most exposed to free radicals. Dr. Turegano reminds us that if you use retinol serums , it’s best to use those at night and not in the morning when applying your vitamin C serum.

How should you use vitamin C serum?

Dr. Yadav says vitamin C serums are generally good for all skin types and recommends daily use. Vitamin C has a lot of benefits, but it can also irritate sensitive skin since it’s an unstable antioxidant. Dr. O’Connell suggests that if you have sensitive skin, start with a lower potency to prevent potential irritation. Petrillo says this is also a good idea for people with melanated skin or who want to gauge how their skin will react to a vitamin C serum. Performing a patch test is a good way to determine a product’s compatibility with your skin.

The 9 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2024

Vitamin C serums contain antioxidants that can protect the skin from environmental damage, says David Petrillo, a Nevada-based beauty chemist. He adds that they can promote a brighter complexion by stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. When added to a morning regimen, they can also boost the effectiveness and strength of other products, such as sunscreen and retinol serums. Generally, vitamin C is safe for all skin types and is known to help with skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Still, Pretrillo advises that if you live with skin conditions, you should consult a dermatologist to ensure you use the correct amount or formulation of vitamin C. It's important to note as well that some skin conditions, like eczema, can flare up after using vitamin C.

To help you find the right product for your skin, we tested 34 vitamin C serums at home. We assessed them for six weeks based on ease of use, absorption, value, and how they improved skin texture and firmness. At the end of the testing period, we recorded our thoughts and test results to narrow down our list. Finally, a dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum at Amazon ($25)

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil at Walmart ($50)

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner at Amazon ($85)

Jump to Review

Best Formula:

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum at Ulta ($79)

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum at Amazon ($22)

Jump to Review

Best for Hyperpigmentation:

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum at Olehenriksen.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum at QVC ($15)

Jump to Review

Most Recommended by Experts:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic at Dermstore ($182)

Jump to Review

Best Vegan:

Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum at Klur.co (See Price)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
Where We Stand
How We Tested
What to Look for in Vitamin C Serums
Our Experts
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

Best Overall

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum

Target

View On Amazon $25 View On Target $26 View On Walgreens $36

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Fragrance free
Made for sensitive skin
Tube-shaped package

Cons

Thick formula

Key Specs

Benefits: Anti-aging, brightening, moisturizing, firming | Skin type: Sensitive | Dosage: 10% | Size: 1.92 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

Easy to use, affordable, and fragrance-free, L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Serum is our pick for the best overall vitamin C serum. An ideal serum contains 10 to 20% vitamin C. Anything under 10% isn’t very effective, and the efficacy tapers off over 20%, according to Adrienne O'Connell, DO, medical director and president of Laguna Beach Aesthetics. Made with sensitive skin in mind, this serum’s potency sits at the lower end of the spectrum (10%), which makes it good for first-timers who are curious but intimidated by the strength of other options. It’s also affordable and available at most drugstores and online retailers.

The first time we used the paste-like formula, it absorbed seamlessly. It made our skin softer and gave it a pleasing sheen. After testing, we saw an undeniable difference in our skin. It felt firmer and plumper, our complexion improved, and we looked more “awake” with a youthful, brighter glow. Something else that made this product stand out was that it came in a tube instead of the traditional bottle. It was easy to apply and dispensed the perfect amount of product. The overall accessibility, user-friendly design, and effectiveness make this product something we highly recommend.

Keep in Mind

If we could change anything, we’d want this formula to be a little thinner. The thicker consistency made it a little harder to spread and took some getting used to.

Best for Dry Skin

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil

Sephora

View On Walmart $50 View On Biossance.com View On Kohls.com $40

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

4/5
Firming

4/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Absorbs quickly
Lightweight oil formula
Plumps skin

Cons

May not be great for oily skin
Didn’t improve skin texture

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, firming, hydrating, plumping | Skin type: All skin types | Dosage: Not listed | Size: 1 fl oz, 0.4 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

We can’t remember the last time we received as many compliments as we did after using Biossance Squalene and Vitamin C Rose Oil. This vegan vitamin C serum visibly brightens and hydrates skin. It contains sugarcane-derived squalene (an antioxidant and emollient that helps with water retention) and uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) for vitamin C. Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist recommends THD for people with sensitive skin since it can be gentler than L-ascorbic acid (another common form of vitamin C). After six weeks of testing, we can confirm that this product gave us plumper and more hydrated skin.

The dropper became one of our favorite perks because it pulled the perfect amount of serum every time. Our skin quickly absorbed the lightweight oil, giving us a luminous glow. Our editor who tested this product sometimes skipped using foundation and concealer because her skin looked plump and healthy. A little of this product went a long way, and at the end of testing, we still had half a bottle left. At that rate, this product would last us three months before we’d have to purchase it again.

Keep in Mind

If you live in a more humid climate, other options on this list may be better for you. During the hot summer months, we experienced a few breakouts, primarily on muggier days.

Best for Sensitive Skin

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Amazon

View On Amazon $85 View On Walmart $40 View On Skinstore.com $85

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

4/5
Skin Texture

4/5
Firming

3/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Silky consistency
Travel sized
Potent non-irritating formula

Cons

No improvement in skin texture or firmness

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, tightening | Skin type: All skin types | Dosage: 20% | Size: 0.3 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

We didn’t have to compromise on irritated skin to benefit from BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Vitamin C Treatment. We were slightly surprised to see how well this product worked because it contains 20% L-absorbic acid. Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology suggests that people with sensitive skin should try a lower concentration of vitamin C and work their way up as their skin adjusts. 20% is fairly potent, so we were shocked that we didn't see any redness or irritation beyond a slight purge period that didn’t last long. Instead, the only thing we saw at the end of the six weeks was healthy, radiant skin.

During testing, the dropper dispersed two pumps that easily covered our entire face. The silky formula absorbed quickly, resulting in softer skin that remained hydrated hours after application. Regarding the small purge period, blemishes appeared in places we usually don’t see, like the corner of our nose. But once they cleared up, our complexion looked brighter. We suggest following Dr. Yadav’s advice as a general rule, but we had a very positive experience with this formula. With continued use, we expect our skin to get brighter and tighter. The serum is also travel-sized, so you don’t have to worry about TSA taking your vitamin C serum.

Keep in Mind

Although our skin felt brighter and tighter after use, we saw no major difference in skin texture or fine lines. If improved skin texture and wrinkle reduction are your priorities, this may not be the best product for you.

Best Formula

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum

Amazon

View On Ulta $79 View On Sephora $79 View On Kohls.com $79

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

4/5
Firming

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Fresh formula
Immediate absorption
Spill-proof twist and lock cap

Cons

Scent may be off-putting
You have to mix the product yourself

Key Specs

Benefits: Hydrating, plumping, tightening | Skin type: All skin types, dry | Dosage: 15% | Size: 0.94 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

If you’re interested in giving your complexion a radiant boost, the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum may be the product for you. We noticed a huge improvement in our skin between the third and fourth weeks of use. By week six, our skin had transformed so much that others noticed (and complimented) it. If your goal is a more luminous complexion, this option is worth investing in.

The biggest difference between this and other products is that it's as fresh as possible because you prepare it yourself. While that sounds daunting, you don’t need to be a beauty chemist to do it. We found the process simple and appreciated that the top has a twist lock function so you can travel without spillage. The instructions suggest one pump, but we needed two to cover our face, neck, and chest. It absorbed almost instantly and dried down without feeling greasy or sticky. Along with iridescent skin, this vitamin C serum gave us plumper, tighter, softer skin with reduced breakouts.

Keep in Mind

The editor who tried this serum said it smelled weird, “almost like bacon.” The smell went away and didn’t linger, making the unpleasant scent just off-putting versus a deterrent.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

Amazon

View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $22 View On Walgreens $25

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

4/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

3/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Travel sized
Long-lasting hydration
Affordable

Cons

Doesn’t change skin texture

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, hydrating | Skin type: All | Dosage: 20% | Size: 1 fl oz, 2 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum hydrated our skin, gave us a youthful glow, and kept our pores clean. The editor who tested this serum has acne-prone skin and loved that she didn’t experience any breakouts. It also faded her acne scars slightly, contributing to a brighter, more glowy complexion.

We love that the formula has aloe, a great ingredient for retaining skin moisture. Petrillo also likes this product because it hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and has a 20% vitamin C content in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (which can be gentler for the skin). We found that we could use this vitamin C serum without a moisturizer and still have supple, soft skin. It even kept our skin moisturized after a 13-hour flight. All in all, this option is an easy-to-use confidence booster.

Keep in Mind

We appreciated the added hydration from this serum, however, in the six weeks we tested this product, we saw no improvement or change in our skin texture. If that’s your priority, there may be other options on this list better suited to you.

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum

Sephora

View On Olehenriksen.com View On Sephora $68 View On Ulta $68

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

4.5/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Vegan and cruelty free
Lightweight
Non-irritating

Cons

Orange scent

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, firming | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: 15% | Size: 1 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum fights hyperpigmentation by brightening your complexion and evening skin tone. While we did notice smoother skin after testing, we were most impressed by how much it boosted our skin’s natural radiance. The formula's vitamin C and hyaluronic acid pair together to provide strong antioxidant and moisturizing benefits for the skin, according to Dr. O’Connell. She says that the duo can also improve elasticity, decrease the appearance of fine lines, and brighten the skin.

The lightweight, non-irritating formula absorbed quickly and left our skin feeling clean and refreshed. We also maintained a bright, dewy, and hydrated face as the day continued. Plus, the travel-size bottle was compact enough to take wherever we went. The pump made controlling how much product we used easy, so we never worried about using too much. A bonus: The serum is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it.

Keep in Mind

While we liked the natural orange fragrance, this option may not be best for you if you're sensitive to citrus scents.

Best Budget

Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum

Amazon

View On QVC $15

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

4/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Durable bottle
Paraben free
Leaves a subtle glow

Cons

Grapefruit scent

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, firming, hydrating, smoothing | Skin type: Dry | Dosage: Not listed | Size: 0.95 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

The Yes To Grapefruit Treatment Serum gives you brighter, more even skin without breaking the bank. A key ingredient in it is grapefruit. A natural source of vitamin C, grapefruit is full of carotenoids that serve as antioxidants, which protect the skin against free radicals. In simpler terms, grapefruit is a great ingredient in a vitamin C serum because it’s as protective as it is pleasantly fragrant.

It offers a lot of value in a very affordable package. During testing, it notably improved multiple skin concerns: complexion, texture, and firmness. We suggest using this product in your morning skincare routine because it resembles a light moisturizer. As we applied it, this serum felt hydrating and gave our face an instant brightening boost. When it dried down, it left a lingering subtle glow with no traces of greasiness or residue. Days into the testing process, we noticed that our skin texture noticeably improved, and by the end of the sixth week, our skin looked tighter and brighter with a more radiant, even skin tone all around. It’s also worth mentioning that the instructions were easy to understand, and the user-friendly bottle was sturdy.

Keep in Mind

If you have a sensitive nose, the grapefruit adds a natural fragrance. We enjoyed it, but there may be better options if you want something completely non-scented.

Most Recommended by Experts

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Bluemercury

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

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

4.5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Precise dropper
Smooths skin
Improves fine lines

Cons

Scent may be off-putting

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, smoothing, firming | Skin type: All skin types | Dosage: 15% | Size: 1 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

We know the price point of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum may be steep for some, so we wanted to ensure this serum delivers. Petrillo, Dr. Yadav, and Dr. Turegano all mentioned this serum when asked for their product recommendations. Petrillo says it’s well known for its vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid combination. Dr. Turegano adds that the patented formula is highly effective because the antioxidants (vitamin E and ferulic acid) support the effects of vitamin C. With three experts suggesting this product, we put it to the test. After six weeks of using this vitamin C serum, we looked in the mirror to find it delivers. Our skin was smoother, brighter, and softer.

This serum has a liquid consistency, and the dropper easily controlled how much we used. It absorbed into our skin quickly and gave it a radiant finish. The editor who tested this had already been using vitamin C serums for eight years, so she was familiar with its effects on the skin. After using SkinCeuticals’ vitamin C serum, she saw a big difference in two areas that past products hadn’t improved: skin texture and fine lines. This serum gave us softer, smoother skin and the glowy, bright look that vitamin C serums are known for. SkinCeuticals says that this product lightens lines, firms skin, and brightens your complexion, and we can confirm that’s true.

Keep in Mind

There’s no added scent, but the natural fragrance wasn’t pleasant in our opinion. The good news is that the scent goes away immediately after application. And the improvements to our skin were so impressive that we didn’t mind the unpleasant smell during those first few seconds of usage.

Best Vegan

Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum

Klur

View On Klur.co View On Credo Beauty $88

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Skin Texture

5/5
Firming

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Hydrating
Packaging protects potency
A little goes a long way

Cons

Overpriced

Key Specs

Benefits: Brightening, smoothing | Skin type: All skin types | Dosage: Not listed | Size: 1.0 fl oz

Why We Recommend It

Our pick for the best vegan vitamin C serum is Klur’s Brilliant Light. This cruelty-free serum is a great option for people who prioritize clean beauty. We love that this product emphasizes skin protection through its impressive ingredient list. Dr. Yadav reminds us that vitamin C protects the skin against free radical damage from UV rays. Squalene assists its defensive properties, while aloe heals and restores. Rosehip and vitamin E serve as antioxidant boosters, which Petrillo says strengthens vitamin C's benefits. The serum also includes vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, which hydrate the skin. To top it off, the serum’s amber glass bottle protects the formula from UV lights and maintains its potency.

We found this product easy to use during testing. While the instructions suggest three to four pumps, one pump gave us plenty to cover our face. It absorbed quickly and felt similar to a face mask while damp. The editor who tried it saw that their mature skin felt firmer, softer, smoother, and more hydrated. The bottle is fairly small, but a little bit of this product goes a long way, so you shouldn’t need to re-purchase frequently.

Keep in Mind

We think this option has a lot of value, but we don’t believe the value matches the price point. We wish it were a little more affordable.

We Also Tested

Hyper Skin Hyper Even: We enjoyed using this vitamin C serum as it improved our complexion. Our skin was more even and brighter with a dewy glow that we loved. However, we didn’t see any differences in our skin firmness or texture, which we would have liked to see given the higher price point.
Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum: This serum gave us more hydrated, smoother skin and it targeted our hyperpigmentation well. However, we weren’t convinced of its value since other products even tone and brighten the skin while firming it (which this product didn’t do).

Where We Stand

We highly recommend L’Oreal Paris’s Revitatlift Vitamin C Serum because it offers great results at an accessible price. It improved our skin texture, complexion, and firmness. It came in an easy-to-use tube instead of a bottle with a dropper, which was unique and contributed to why it ranked so high during testing.

How We Tested

After consulting experts and dermatologists regarding what to look for in vitamin C serums, we tested 34 products over six weeks to find the best ones for healthier skin. We prioritized options that were easy to use and provided visible, measurable results. We selected our top picks based on the following criteria:

Ease of use: To determine how easy each product was to use, we analyzed the packaging’s casing and dropper, looking for sturdiness, functionality, and whether the dropper distributed the product as intended. We also looked for seamless application and even distribution in the consistency.
Absorption: We timed how long the vitamin C serum took to absorb into our skin using a timer. The ideal time that would have garnered top marks was 30 seconds and under, with the best being under 15 seconds. We applied our moisturizers and sunscreens afterward to ensure everything layered nicely.
Texture: When the six-week test concluded, we compared our skin’s texture before and after. Ideally, it felt softer and smoother at the end of the testing period.
Brightening: We looked for a visible difference in the brightness of our skin. Radiant, brighter, noticeable glowing skin was rated favorably.
Firming: We gauged how much tighter our skin felt after using the vitamin C serum. We also noted whether it reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and made our skin feel more taut and firm.
Value: Finally, we compared the above to the price point to see if the value matched the financial cost of the product.

What to Look for in Vitamin C Serums

Stable vitamin C form: Dr. Turegano recommends purchasing serums with either of the following two forms of vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid (which is the purest form of vitamin C) and tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate (which is more stable and penetrates the skin deeper). She adds that if you have sensitive skin or you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, you should look for lower percentages of L-ascorbic acid (under 15%) or stick to THD ascorbate.
Antioxidant boosters: Given the instability of vitamin C, Petrillo says it’s important to have it paired with other antioxidants to boost the stability. Dr. Yadav says to look for vitamin E and ferulic acid. When combined, vitamin E strengthens the efficacy of vitamin C, and ferulic acid is incredibly potent and good at stabilizing vitamin C. Petrillo, Dr. Yadav, and Dr. Turegano all suggest SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum because it contains vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid.
Natural extracts: Petrillo says that having natural extracts like aloe vera or green tea extract can soothe and calm the skin. Natural ingredients that benefit the skin are a good thing to keep an eye out for. Petrillo warns that it’s best to stay away from artificial fragrances, essential oils, colors, or high alcohol content when looking for a good vitamin C serum.

Our Experts

Adrienne O'Connell, DO, Medical Director and President of Laguna Beach Aesthetics
David Petrillo, a certified beauty chemist in Nevada and CEO of the Perfect Image skincare line
Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist
Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does vitamin C serum work?

Dr. Turegano says vitamin C serums build collagen and help with hyperpigmentation. She adds that it works by binding to free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin and cause collagen breakdown) to prevent the damage they can cause. It also works on the skin's surface by evening out skin tone.
When should you use vitamin C serum?

Dr. Tureganore recommends using vitamin C serums in the morning, including a thin layer to your neck and décolletage. Dr. Yadav adds that using it in the morning will best protect your skin during the day since that’s when you’re most exposed to free radicals. Dr. Turegano reminds us that if you use retinol serums, it’s best to use those at night and not in the morning when applying your vitamin C serum.
How should you use vitamin C serum?

Dr. Yadav says vitamin C serums are generally good for all skin types and recommends daily use. Vitamin C has a lot of benefits, but it can also irritate sensitive skin since it’s an unstable antioxidant. Dr. O’Connell suggests that if you have sensitive skin, start with a lower potency to prevent potential irritation. Petrillo says this is also a good idea for people with melanated skin or who want to gauge how their skin will react to a vitamin C serum. Performing a patch test is a good way to determine a product’s compatibility with your skin.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Brittany Johnson is a health, media, and culture journalist who moonlights as a children’s author and comedy writer. She’s worked for Verywell Health for over a year as a commerce writer and is proud of the work her team puts out. After researching and writing this article, she’s excited to try our best overall vitamin C serum pick, along with our best pick for brightening to help with acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.