While we mostly hear about the myriad health benefits of vitamin C, especially as an immunity booster, the ingredient is also highly effective in skincare. Considering it currently has 8.4 billion views on TikTok, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call vitamin C the “it” ingredient of the skincare world right now.
As an antioxidant, it protects skin against environmental aggressors such as pollution and even UV when combined with sunscreen. It tackles multiple skin concerns in one go, ranging from uneven skin tone to discolouration. “Free radicals generated by sunlight and pollution pose a constant threat to healthy-looking skin,” says Wanda G. Chandler, master aesthetician at SkinSpirit, a New York-based skin clinic. She suggests that vitamin C makes a great addition to your morning skincare routine, particularly if you’re keen to prevent sun damage and pigmentation.
There is a staggering amount of vitamin C products available on the market, and certainly lots more budget-friendly choices compared to just a few years ago. This is especially true for the serum category, which for many people is a gateway product to the active ingredient. With our exposure to sunlight and pollution set to climb in the warmer months ahead, we have tapped trusted skincare professionals and editors for their go-to vitamin C serums. Read ahead for their tried-and-true recommendations that will work across different budgets and skin types.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
“By now, you probably know my stance on vitamin C serums: They aren’t right for everyone, particularly those with very sensitive or reactive skin. Still, the sway of brighter, protected skin (vitamin C is an antioxidant, so it shields skin against environmental aggressors like pollution and even UV when used alongside SPF) is strong.
“Considering my skin doesn’t do very well with pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid on ingredients lists) I asked GP and dermatology expert Dr Anita Sturnham for advice. She pointed me in the direction of ascorbyl glucoside: It’s derived from vitamin C but is much less potent than L-ascorbic acid. “It’s the only derivative of vitamin C which is converted into ascorbic acid in the skin, so you get all the ascorbic acid benefits without the reaction,” she told me. This serum makes my skin gleam in all the right places and fades red skin staining left behind by acne breakouts quickly, all without the dreaded tingle, or worse, sting of pure vitamin C. Even better? It’s under $15.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
Shop The Ordinary
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution, $, available at The Ordinary
“I like multi-tasking products because they simplify routines. Using a vitamin C product without also using sun protection can dramatically decrease benefits. This Garnier serum-cream is the multi-tasker I would recommend. The pineapple enzymes help to gently exfoliate while vitamin C does the main job of brightening. The formulation also includes SPF 30, which is extremely important for making progress with [minimizing] hyperpigmentation. There are lots of sunscreen products that also contain antioxidants because this does enhance protection, but this one is available at a nice price point and the texture is both lightweight and moisturizing.” — Dr. Hadley King MD
Shop Amazon
Garnier Pinea-C Brightening 3 in 1 Serum Cream, $, available at Amazon
“Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals is one of my favorite vitamin C products. This lightweight serum contains a blend of phloretin [an antioxidant derived from apples] vitamin C as well as ferulic acid [an antioxidant found in the cells of oranges, apples, rice and oats]. Phloretin is a powerful antioxidant that also aids in the absorption of vitamin C and ferulic acid in the skin. Due to its glycerin-free formula and lower dose of L-ascorbic acid [pure vitamin C] this formulation is an ideal antioxidant for oily or sensitive skin types. It delivers protection from free radical damage and improves the appearance of fine lines and discoloration.” — Dali Gandara, master aesthetician at SkinSpirit Manhattan Beach
Shop Dermstore
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, $, available at DermStore
“This stuff is powerful, and you’re only meant to use it for a month at a time before having a break — so those with sensitive skin, beware. If your skin does just fine with strong actives, however, I’m convinced nothing works quite like it. I’m currently on my second bottle of this and when it runs out, I will go ahead and buy a third. When I use this, I always get compliments on how glowy my skin looks and I find marks left over from spots fade considerably fast. I also just break out less often. The serum uses a blend of vitamin C (you ‘activate’ the product when you first open it by dispensing the powder inside) as well as exfoliating acids like glycolic and salicylic acid. My skin tingles lightly when it first goes on, but it’s nothing severe. Always follow this one with SPF the next day!” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Target
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening Vitamin C Face Serum, $, available at Target
“Let me first start by saying that this product is an investment. I wouldn’t normally recommend a 30ml product for $150, but this stuff is the real deal. U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound changed my skin for the better. After just a week of using it, my skin was visibly brighter — dark spots lightened and my overall face just appeared more vibrant. I’ve continued to use it day and night and the texture and tone of my skin continues to improve. The product also contains retinol, which might seem scary, but the combination of the two, plus vitamin E and other antioxidants makes for my ultimate dream team. I can’t recommend it enough.” — Sara Tan, Beauty Director
Shop U Beauty
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound, $, available at U Beauty
“I really like this product because it contains an effective concentration (15%) of the most studied form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid or L-AA). Although vitamin C alone has been shown in studies to protect the skin, this formulation pairs it with vitamin E and ferulic acid which has been shown in studies to increase the protective effect of vitamin C eight-fold. Even better, although L-AA can be irritating to the skin, this formula includes glycerin, castor oil and rice bran extract so it’s much more tolerable.” — Papri Sarkar, M.D., board-certified dermatologist
Shop Sephora
Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster, $, available at Sephora
“If you’re looking to make a serious investment in your skincare, The Good C Vitamin C serum will be worth every penny. It’s formulated with an optimal 5% vitamin C, which is stabilized and can be easily absorbed into the skin without being too harsh on the skin barrier. Other star ingredients include hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture, and zinc to aid faster absorption. I use this in the morning on the days I’m more exposed to sunlight and pollution as an extra shield, and it has done a great job at evening out the hyperpigmentation on my forehead.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Dr Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum, $, available at Dr. Barbara Sturm
“Vitamin C is one of the most common skincare antioxidants on the market. What sets Yon-Ka Intensive vitamin C serum C20 apart is its potent formulation of 20% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C, plus soothing turmeric and richly moisturizing apricot kernel oil. This is a great choice for mature skin for fighting free radical damage that we are all subject to on a daily basis and even more so in the summer months. The serum provides instant glow, but those with acne-prone skin should avoid using it.” — Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, dermatologist and founder of Skincare Junkie
Shop Amazon
Yon-Ka Intensive Vitamin C Serum C20, $, available at Amazon
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