Here's Why You Need Vitamin C in Your Skin-Care Routine (2024)

Table of Contents
Our Top Picks: Frequently Asked Questions Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum Best Luxury Vitamin C Serum: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% Best Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum Best Vitamin C Serum for Dull Skin: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum Best Vitamin C Serum for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Repair Serum Repair Serum Best Stabilized Vitamin C Serum: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum Best Exfoliating Vitamin C Serum: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Best Vitamin C Serum for Inflammation: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum TruSkin Vitamin C Serum Frequently Asked Questions What does vitamin C do for the skin? Does vitamin C help fade dark spots and discoloration? NEW FAQ: What ingredients work well with vitamin C? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Check Out Some of Our 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Winners Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Tata Harper Skincare Resurfacing Body Serum Juvia's Place Culture Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadows One/Size Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palette Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash Tower28 Makewaves Mascara Soft Services Buffing Bar GHD Max Styler Tatcha The Texture Tonic

BRIGHTEN UP

Your skin's forecast: Clearer days ahead, thanks to these vitamin C serums.

By Jennifer Hussein and Deanna Pai

Here's Why You Need Vitamin C in Your Skin-Care Routine (1)

    Collage: Wesley Hall; Source images: Courtesy of brand

    All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    The best vitamin C serums are among the most effective skin-care products for tackling the peskiest of skin-care concerns — from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and uneven skin texture. Why serums? They contain high concentrations of the active brightening ingredient (ahem, vitamin C), which is also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.

    Alongside firsthand testing across our beauty editors (who vary in age, skin types, and skin tone), we asked board-certified dermatologists for their tried-and-true topical skin-care products containing vitamin C that they recommend to their patients. Ahead, the best vitamin C-infused serums for an even skin tone and a glowy, radiant finish.

    Our Top Picks:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What does vitamin C do for the skin?
    • Does vitamin C help fade dark spots and discoloration?
    • What ingredients work well with vitamin C?
    • Meet the experts
    • How our test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

    SkinCeuticals

    SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

    Why It's Worth It: The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum (containing vitamins E and C, plus ferulic acid) has won four Allure Best of Beauty Awards for a reason. Editors and dermatologists alike love it for its fine line-smoothing powers, along with its ability to dramatically lighten dark spots caused by sun damage. Ferulic acid is yet another antioxidant that stabilizes both vitamins C and E when it's combined with vitamin C. "It had a role in brightening my complexion and reducing spotty, all-over redness," says commerce editor Sarah Han, who says you only need a few drops for your entire face, so despite the hefty price point, a bottle lasts a long time.

    Editor Tip: Many brands have started developing serums formulated with the mighty trifecta that is vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, but SkinCeuticals was one of the first companies to come up with this near-magical combination in 2007, as previously explained by Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. SkinCeuticals even patented its combo: 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Who It's For: Anyone targeting both fine lines and discoloration | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

    La Roche-Posay

    La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

    Why It's Worth It: La Roche-Posay is known for bottling top-grade formulas at reasonable price points, and this face serum is certainly no exception. L-ascorbic acid refines skin texture while salicylic acid gently exfoliates clogged pores—making it ideal for those with oily skin. Since that combination can be intense, it also offers a soothing blend of neurosensine (a synthetic peptide), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

    Editor Tip: The brand's signature thermal spring water will pull the brakes on any irritation.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Those who want an active-packed formula with a friendly price tag | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Luxury Vitamin C Serum: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

    Revision

    Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

    Why It's Worth It: Revision Skincare is a favorite of dermatologists we've talked to over the years. Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, told us that it's her go-to vitamin C product because it provides antioxidant benefits and corrects damage incurred from HEV blue light. And Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, has also used it for years. "I love that it's formulated with 30% pure vitamin C and also contains patent-pending MelaPATH technology, making it one of the most advanced vitamin C products on the market," she previously called out. The MelaPATH technology reportedly boosts the skin's production of vitamins C and E.

    Editor Tip: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% has a high concentration of vitamin C, so sensitive skin types may want to try a lower-potency option on this list.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, diglycosyl gallic acid | Who It's For: Anyone looking to max out protective properties | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

    Paula’s Choice

    Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

    Why It's Worth It: New York City board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, recommends this antioxidant serum because it contains THD ascorbate, a highly stable version of vitamin C. "It also includes other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and peptides, as well as ceramides, to help repair the barrier," Dr. Finney says. Because it contains a stable form of vitamin C and soothing agents, it's a solid option for folks with sensitive skin. For those who want a higher concentration of vitamin C, we suggest trying the Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum.

    Tester Feedback: "I have super sensitive skin, so finding a vitamin C serum always comes with a risk of irritation and inflammation," Sarah Kinonen, associate digital beauty director (and author of our Skin Check newsletter!), says. "I've found this lightweight formula brightens and protects—without any side effects."

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ceramides | Who It's For: People who typically find vitamin C too irritating | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Vitamin C Serum for Dull Skin: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

    Why It's Worth It: This serum pairs a potent combination of 20% vitamin C with 10% alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), giving it an additional advantage against dark spots and dullness. Plus, the lightweight formula sinks in quickly. One Allure contributor tested it nightly for about four weeks and noticed their acne scars and hyperpigmentation were less noticeable, and skin looked brighter and more even than it had in a long time.

    Editor Tip: It has a slight floral scent that makes applying this Tatcha serum a luxurious, almost spa-like experience. If you're sensitive to fragrance, you may want to do a small patch test.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, angelica root | Who It's For: People who want to address overall brightening (and can tolerate more intense actives) | Fragrance-Free: No

    Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

    Ole Henriksen

    Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

    Why It's Worth It: The star ingredient of Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum might be, well, vitamin C, but we especially love this formula for its inclusion of polyhydroxy acids. For those unfamiliar, polyhydroxy acids are a group of exfoliating chemicals commonly referred to as PHAs. The acids have similar pore-unclogging properties to alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids without the stinging sensation most of them cause. For added cushioning, this serum is also combined with hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture for dry skin.

    Editor Tip: Since this serum contains a chemical exfoliant, we recommend incorporating it into your nighttime routine so you minimize the chances of UV damage incurred during the day. If you do however use this as your daytime serum, make sure you're applying (and reapplying) enough sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. (This should be easy because you're already wearing sunscreen every day…right?)

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, polyhydroxy acids | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a double dose of acne-targeting ingredients | Fragrance-Free: No

    Best Vitamin C Serum for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Repair Serum

    Why It's Worth It: Dr. Loretta is a dermatologist-founded brand that has won multiple Best of Beauty Awards, most recently in 2023 for its Resurfacing Enzyme Polish. In the realm of serums, we're fans of Repair Serum, which is supercharged with Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super stable, oil-soluble version of vitamin C that penetrates deep into the epidermis to minimize free-radical damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and pollution. Lilac stem cells also help fight free radicals and curb excess oil production, while two types of marine algae increase hydration and support the skin's natural collagen production.

    Editor Tip: If you have 5-10 empty beauty products (from any brand!) that are properly cleansed, you can mail them to Pact for recycling—and Dr. Loretta will cover the associated costs!

    Key Ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (3%), lilac stem cells: fight free radicals and help control excess oils, and marine algae extracts (Undaria pinnatifida and Alaria esculenta) | Who It's For: People who want to target signs of aging (like loss of firmness or fine lines) | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Stabilized Vitamin C Serum: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

    Drunk Elephant

    Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

    Why It's Worth It: Before the first use of the Best of Beauty Award-winning C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, mix the liquid serum base with the antioxidant-rich formula to ensure it's the most potent formula it can be. In addition to repairing UV-damaged skin, this Drunk Elephant serum also features pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract—both of which help to dissolve dead skin cells, thus reducing the appearance of pores and overall dullness.

    Editor Tip: According to senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen, the thin, fluid texture spreads easily and sinks in quickly, leaving behind a brighter complexion and a slight dew after a few uses. Keep in mind: It does have a bitter smell, but it's so subtle that you might not notice.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, pumpkin ferment extract | Who It's For: People who want the freshest possible formula | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Exfoliating Vitamin C Serum: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

    BeautyStat

    BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

    Why It's Worth It: Sure, the BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner is packed with 20% L-ascorbic acid, but that's not the only brightening antioxidant it treats your skin with. It's the ultimate hyperpigmentation reducer for its combination of pure vitamin C and green tea extract, which contains a slew of antioxidants to perk up your complexion. Tartaric acid, an intensive alpha-hydroxy acid, also deserves a shoutout for its ability to tighten, brighten, and even your overall complexion.

    Editor Tip: For an added dose of dark circle-brightening vitamin C for your undereyes, we recommend pairing this serum with BeautyStat’s Universal C Eye Perfector, an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner.

    Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, green tea extract, squalane, tartaric acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants to effectively target hyperpigmentation and discoloration | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Best Vitamin C Serum for Inflammation: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

    TruSkin

    TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

    Why It's Worth It: You've probably heard the term "inflammaging" being thrown around your TikTok FYP, and to put it in the most basic terms, it refers to chronic, low-grade inflammation that can cause the skin to age more rapidly, according to Gretchen Frieling, a Boston-based, board-certified dermatopathologist that previously defined the term to Allure.

    To quell your inflamed, maturing skin against its environmental stressors, we recommend applying a few drops of TruSkin's Vitamin C Serum on your face. TruSkin's serum contains a trifecta of redness- and inflammation-reducing ingredients, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stabilized form of vitamin C), antioxidant vitamin E, and an anti-inflammatory sulfur derivative called MSM.

    Editor Tip: Since this formula contains hydrating, skin-soothing ingredients, and no fragrances, we also recommend TruSkin for sensitive skin types.

    Key Ingredients: sodium ascorbyl phosphate, vitamin E, MSM, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants to reduce the look of inflammation and fine lines | Fragrance-Free: Yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does vitamin C do for the skin?

    "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant," explains board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City. "It interferes with pigment production and keeps inflammation at bay." Not only that, but it can also support collagen production. Collagen is an important protein in your body that supports your skin's elasticity and firmness. "It is the scaffold that gives these tissues structure," Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD previously told Allure.

    Vitamin C's antioxidant properties mean that it can neutralize free radicals, which are molecules created by external factors like air pollution and sunlight, says Dr. Zeichner. And since free radicals speed up signs of aging, vitamin C helps address fine lines they cause, too. Think of it as the ideal daytime counterpart to the retinol or acids you might use at night to smooth over your skin, speed up cellular turnover, and treat acne scars left over from breakouts.

    Does vitamin C help fade dark spots and discoloration?

    It's also a staple in brightening products since vitamin C can inhibit your skin's melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place — in addition to evening out skin tone.

    NEW FAQ: What ingredients work well with vitamin C?

    Meet the experts

    • Robert Finney, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist
    • Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia
    • Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
    • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City
    • Patricia Wexler, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of vitamin C serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

    More serum we love this way:

    • 15 Best Serums for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
    • 15 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Dewiest Complexion Ever
    • 17 Best Antioxidant Serums for a Brighter, Clearer Complexion

    Done reading? Now, watch Shakira break down her most iconic music videos:

    Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.

      Check Out Some of Our 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Winners

      SHOP ALL WINNERS

      Jennifer Hussein is a commerce writer at Allure. Previously, she served as beauty editor of BestProducts.com and COOLS, as well as junior beauty editor for L'Oréal's Skincare.com. Her work has been published in Teen Vogue, Paper Magazine, Byrdie, Coveteur, The Zoe Report, and StyleCaster. Jen is also a... Read more

      Commerce Writer

      Deanna Pai is a freelance writer, editor, and copywriter who's been writing about beauty,health, and wellness for more than a decade — as well as a longtime contributor to Allure. Prior to freelancing, she was the senior associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan. When she's not experimenting with skin-care products, you... Read more

      Keywordsshoppingskin carevitamin cvitamin c productsbrightening serumantioxidantskin brightening

      Read More

      Skin

      13 "Botox in a Bottle" Skin-Care Products That Target Wrinkles

      Is smooth, line-free skin achievable without needles? We have your answers.

      By Jennifer Hussein

      Skin

      The Best Wrinkle-Targeting Eye Creams to Tackle Crow's Feet

      These deeply hydrating formulas go the extra mile.

      By Sarah Han

      Skin

      20 Best Face Moisturizers to Get Bouncy Skin on the Spot

      There's something for everyone here.

      By Sarah Han

      Skin

      12 Best Peptide Serums for Baby-Level Bouncy Skin

      Peptides aren’t Botox, but they’re still helpful in any fine line-reducing routine

      By Sarah Han

      Skin

      19 Black-Owned Skin-Care Brands That'll Elevate Your Routine

      We found complexion-perking finds for basically every skin type.

      By Annie Blay

      Makeup

      13 Best Lipsticks for Mature Skin That Won't Accentuate Fine Lines

      Hydrating formulas are key.

      By Deanna Pai

      Makeup

      15 Best Setting Sprays for All-Day Makeup Perfection

      Lock in your look with these lightweight mists.

      By Jennifer Hussein

      Hair

      10 Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair to Stop Brassiness in Its Tracks

      Don’t let your expensive color treatments wash down the drain—switch to these gentle cleansers instead.

      By Sarah Han

      Makeup

      The Best Bronzers for Radiant Skin All Year Round

      All glow, no burn.

      By Jennifer Hussein

      Hair

      15 Best Blowout Creams for Maximum Volume and Shine

      Unlock salon-level smoothness with these pre-styling creams.

      By Angela Trakoshis

      Beauty Product Reviews

      A Fresh-Faced Fall Beauty Routine, In the October Allure Beauty Box

      You’ll get an OleHenriksen exfoliator with AHAs, a cooling Belif eye gel, Olay Cleansing Melts, and more!

      By Allure Editors

      Makeup

      The Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Famers That Keep Winning Awards

      These products are practically covered in the famous red seal after winning multiple times.

      By Marci Robin

      Here's Why You Need Vitamin C in Your Skin-Care Routine (2024)
      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Recommended Articles
      Article information

      Author: Carmelo Roob

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5619

      Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

      Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Carmelo Roob

      Birthday: 1995-01-09

      Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

      Phone: +6773780339780

      Job: Sales Executive

      Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

      Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.