12 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Glowing Skin

Makeup optional.

Danielle Fontana Dooley

Updated: Apr 4, 2024

Vitamin C serums have become a must-have in any skin-care routine, and for good reason. As Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD notes, “Vitamin C is helpful as an antioxidant to reduce the cascade of damage caused by environmental damage. That’s why we often recommend using it in the morning to add to the benefit of sunscreen.”

Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help protect skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors. Additionally, Dr. Waldorf explains that “Vitamin C also has benefits to treat hyperpigmentation caused by photodamage.” Whether you’re looking to prevent future damage or treat existing hyperpigmentation, a vitamin C serum is a great addition to your skin-care arsenal. Ahead, the options skin-care lovers can’t quit right now.

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SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($182)

This cult-classic serum is a powerful blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E that offers advanced protection against environmental stressors while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a popular choice among skin-care enthusiasts and dermatologists for its proven results—the brand sells one bottle every 30 seconds globally.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

BUY NOW – $182

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La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum ($47)

A true multi-tasker, along with vitamin C, this derm-approved serum also contains ingredients like blemish-busting salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, salicylic acid

BUY NOW – $47

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Maelove Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum ($33)

For UV-shielding, collagen-boosting, hydrating benefits in one budget-friendly bottle, the buzzy Maelove Glow Maker can’t be beat.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid

BUY NOW – $33

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TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum ($20)

This facial serum is packed with vitamin C and other skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to brighten and even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. It’s a budget-friendly option that has more than 142K positive reviews on Amazon.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, witch hazel

BUY NOW – $20

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Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum ($96)

This advanced serum harnesses the power of vitamin C to protect and brighten the skin while also containing lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate and promote cell turnover, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The combination of vitamin C and lactic acid works to leave the skin smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, lactic acid, chia seed extract

BUY NOW – $96

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The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum ($16)

Certified Clean at Sephora, this under-$20 option has made waves for brightening skin and evening tone and texture with continued use. Plant-derived peptide epidermal growth factors make this plumping serum a great option for mature skin types.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, plant-derived peptide epidermal growth factors

BUY NOW – $16

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Revision Vitamin C Lotion 30% ($138)

A favorite of countless derms, this medical-grade vitamin C does a number on dark spots and dullness. “It really helps to brighten and achieve a more even skin tone and youthful appearance,” says New York plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger, MD, who counts this formula as her personal favorite.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, squalane

BUY NOW – $138

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Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum ($68)

This serum is a brightening powerhouse that helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and leave skin with a radiant glow. As one Sephora reviewer noted, “I’ve only been using this for a week, and I’ve already seen a noticeable difference in the brightness and texture of my skin.” Count us in.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, PHA

BUY NOW – $68

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum ($29)

Experts and users alike love this affordable serum that provides a potent dose of vitamin C to brighten skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula, this formula helps to restore skin’s natural radiance while hydrating and protecting it.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

BUY NOW – $29

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Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum ($85)

This serum combines the brightening power of vitamin C with the exfoliating benefits of lactic acid. Lactic acid gently sloughs away dead skin cells and helps to smooth and firm the skin’s texture. The result is a brighter, more radiant complexion with improved tone and texture.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: L-Ascorbic acid, lactic acid, licorice

BUY NOW – $85

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Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment ($45)

This “game-changing” brightening serum features a potent blend of vitamin C, guava extract, and tranexamic and ferulic acids to fade the appearance of dark spots and enhance overall radiance. Its lightweight formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and looking bright.

Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: vitamin C, guava, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid

BUY NOW – $45