One of the best vitamin C serums will help with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, pimples scars, and getting your glow on (sure, even within the winter). This antioxidant fights towards free-radical harm (that means it is nice for anti-aging) and is present in so many product—moisturizers, eye lotions, face masks, you identify it. It is broadly touted by dermatologists as one of many key elements for brightening, plumping, and defending pores and skin all of sudden.
That will help you discover the appropriate formulation in your pores and skin kind, our editors have examined greater than 15 of essentially the most widely-recommended dermatologist picks for greater than eight months. Throughout this time, we evaluated all the things from consistency and scent (vitamin C is thought to odor, properly, kinda funky!), plus short- and long-term efficacy.
Our profitable choose is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a formulation that I’ve personally used for not less than three years now. Although I’ve tried dozens of vitamin C serums, I at all times come again to this one—even whether it is on the pricier facet—for its brightening results. My uninteresting, dry pores and skin seems smoother and extra awake with constant use. However for individuals who need one thing totally different—perhaps a extra inexpensive choose or one thing extra hydrating—we reviewed different top-rated choices that tackle quite a lot of pores and skin issues.
One of the best vitamin C serums, at a look
Your vitamin C questions, answered
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and our bodies need it to operate correctly. You may affiliate it with citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, kiwis, and grapefruit, however its well being perks prolong to your pores and skin too.
When it comes to skincare, when ultraviolet mild penetrates your pores and skin, it causes lasting harm by producing free radicals. Vitamin C can forestall that harm by ‘quenching’ the free radicals as they kind, says says Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis. The brightening serum additionally inhibits a key enzyme in melanin manufacturing, so it might act as a darkish spot corrector too. The top end result? A extra radiant complexion and smoother texture over time. (Assume glass-like skin.)
What does vitamin C serum do?
“Vitamin C helps defend towards free radical harm attributable to environmental stressors like UV publicity and air pollution,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Pores and skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “Vitamin C additionally aids in decreasing hyperpigmentation and dark spots attributable to pimples scarring or solar publicity. Analysis has additionally proven that Vitamin C helps stimulate collagen manufacturing, which makes pores and skin seem firmer and reduces the looks of nice traces and wrinkles.”
What to search for in a vitamin C serum
The important thing ingredient in these serums is L-ascorbic acid, a pure type of vitamin C, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis. The sort of serum penetrates extra deeply than different varieties, making it extra prone to attain the layers of pores and skin the place you really want it to work. One other widespread one? Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which tends to be extra secure than its counterparts (learn “it lasts longer”).
Take note of the focus too. “Search for serums that include 10% to twenty% vitamin C,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis. “Lower than 10% just isn’t as efficient, and over 20% could cause pores and skin irritation.” A supporting solid of lively elements, like vitamin E and ferulic acid, can even enhance its efficacy. Some vitamin C serums might even boast nice-to-haves together with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and different hydrators.
As well as, peep the packaging that homes any vitamin C merchandise you’re contemplating. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable, so it might oxidize with mild and warmth. You need darkly tinted glass bottles with airless supply, since air can even trigger pure vitamin C to degrade, says Dr. Rabach.
When to make use of vitamin C serum
“I like to recommend utilizing vitamin C serum within the morning, as soon as every day, adopted by face sunscreen,” says Dr. Hartman. As a result of vitamin C is a robust ingredient, it’s finest to separate utilization from different sturdy elements, like retinol. “Attempt your retinol throughout your night skincare routine and a vitamin C product in your AM skincare routine,” says Dr. Hartman. “Doing so will make sure you get the utmost profit with out risking irritation.”
How typically must you use vitamin C serum?
We all know you wish to see outcomes straight away, however for essentially the most dramatic outcomes, you actually need to make use of vitamin C serum every day, concentrating on one software every morning, for plenty of weeks. Keep in mind to at all times observe the appliance with sunscreen. And if in case you have an allergy or expertise a response resembling burning or stinging, it is best to keep away from placing the product in your face, says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York Metropolis.
How you can apply vitamin C serum
Apply vitamin C serum after cleaning your pores and skin as soon as every day within the morning. Seek the advice of package deal instructions for specifics, however usually, put just a few drops of serum into your palm and pat it onto your face. Permit it to sit down for a couple of minutes for max absorption. As talked about, at all times observe with a broad-spectrum face sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater since vitamin C turns into unstable when uncovered to mild.
Does vitamin C serum expire?
Vitamin C serums do expire, sometimes inside three to 6 months after opening (however at all times test the product label for particular pointers), says Dr. Collins. “Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is very delicate to mild, air, and warmth, which may result in oxidation,” she explains. “As soon as oxidized, the serum turns a brownish or yellowish coloration and turns into much less efficient at delivering its skin-brightening and collagen-boosting advantages. Oxidized vitamin C might even trigger pores and skin irritation for some people.”
To maximise the shelf lifetime of your vitamin C serum, select merchandise with opaque or airless packaging, retailer it in a cool, darkish place. Formulations that stabilize vitamin C (like our high general choose, which is mixed with ferulic acid) additionally are inclined to last more than pure vitamin C.
Can you employ niacinamide with vitamin C merchandise?
Sure, you need to use the niacinamide serums with vitamin C merchandise. General, vitamin C pairs properly with different widespread skincare elements, says Dr. Hartman. “Vitamin C pairs properly with niacinamide, caffeine, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. I like to recommend searching for vitamin C merchandise with complementary lively elements to get essentially the most bang in your buck.”
However, vitamin C doesn’t pair properly with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. “Most individuals use a vitamin C serum of their morning routine, so depart the retinol creams and AHAs in your night skincare routine,” says Dr. Hartman.
Does vitamin C assist with pimples?
Vitamin C does not assist with pimples, says Dr. Hartman, however, “it might decrease redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from pimples.”
- Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis
- Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis
- Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Avenue Dermatology in New York Metropolis
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologists and founding father of Pores and skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
- Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York Metropolis
- Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Austin Pores and skin in Austin
We combed via the most well-liked vitamin C merchandise available on the market, plus received high suggestions from dermatologists. Then, we had greater than a half-dozen of our editors and contributors put upwards of 15 merchandise to the take a look at over the course of the previous yr (although many of those people have spent years experimenting with varied vitamin C serums). Throughout this time, we evaluated all the things from consistency and scent, plus monitored each short- and long-term efficacy. We additionally tapped a further group of dermatologists for much more on vitamin C serums to assist us perceive the way to get essentially the most out of the very best merchandise on the market.
For the reason that final main replace to this story in Might 2024, we now have up to date our listing to take away just a few merchandise we felt didn’t fairly stay as much as the hype in the long term, together with the formulation by Dr. Dennis Gross, which we discovered has a cool odor to start with and tends to oxidize shortly. Rather than these formulation, we added others we’ve had higher experiences with, just like the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, a really inexpensive serum that Kilkeary swears by.
Finest Vitamin C Serum General: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Unique video by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Provides seen outcomes lots quicker than different vitamin C serums due to its three hero elements; can be utilized each morning; nice consistency that absorbs shortly
- What might enhance: Expensive; has that conventional vitamin C odor that some discover disagreeable
Key elements: 15% pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: Regular, dry, delicate, mature / How you can apply: Apply 4 to six drops to wash pores and skin each morning
What dermatologists say: This top-selling vitamin C serum is taken into account among the finest by derms. Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis, likes that it packs the right triple risk towards harm: L-ascorbic acid (15%), vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis provides that this explicit skincare product “delivers the best quantity of antioxidant energy of any product out there” due to its cautious mixture of actives—which is mirrored within the value, however you get what you pay for (after which some).
What our reviewers say: I am hardly ever one to splurge like this on a magnificence product, however I really assume this one is value its weight in gold. I have been utilizing the product on and off for plenty of years (not less than three!), and might actually see a distinction, notably within the tone of my pores and skin, once I’m constant. My pores and skin skews dry, and this product helps take that uninteresting look away, making my pores and skin look general brighter and extra hydrated.
Like most vitamin C serums, it does have a little bit of a stink and that deep amber coloration that comes together with it, however it does not trouble me all that a lot and definitely doesn’t linger. So far as consistency and absorption, the formulation feels good and silky on pores and skin and readily sinks in, so you possibly can transfer on along with your morning skincare routine. Additionally, somewhat bit goes a great distance, serving to to justify the general worth right here.
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
Finest Worth Vitamin C Serum: The Bizarre Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- What we love: Very inexpensive; gives quicker outcomes on account of its excessive efficiency; non-irritating
- What might enhance: Considerably gritty texture
Key elements: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: Regular, mixture, dry, oily / How you can apply: Apply a pea-size quantity to wash pores and skin each night time
What dermatologists say: With regards to general worth, you actually can’t beat The Bizarre’s line of skincare merchandise. (Take a look at our Ordinary review for extra inexpensive standouts from the model.) “That is an inexpensive, potent possibility (23% vitamin C!), however the excessive focus of ascorbic acid could cause irritation, particularly for delicate pores and skin,” says Dr. Collins, who says it’s finest fitted to these with resilient, non-sensitive pores and skin who desire a budget-friendly possibility to focus on uneven texture and uninteresting pores and skin tone, plus enhance indicators of growing older like nice traces and wrinkles.
What our reviewers say: Our tester, Glamour contributor Sarah Morse, says she—relatively unsuccessfully—looked for a powerful formulation for months earlier than touchdown on this one. “You may’t beat the worth, in fact, however I’m joyful to report this formulation works in addition to the model guarantees.” She did not expertise any redness or burning, both. The key, says Morse? “Combine it along with your favourite hydrating serum or face moisturizer to scale back its considerably gritty texture.”
Finest Vitamin C Serum on Amazon: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
- What we love: Hydrates the pores and skin with a robust mix of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; inexpensive
- What might enhance: Our tester says outcomes seem slowly
Key elements: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties / How you can apply: Apply 3 to five drops to wash pores and skin morning or night time
What dermatologists say: An sudden Amazon favourite, this TruSkin formulation is one in all Dr. Rabach’s advisable finances vitamin C choices. “It’s a tremendous facial serum full of hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,” she says. Meaning you’ll reap moisturizing advantages along with the brightening ones. Heads up: It additionally has a excessive focus of vitamin C, so take into account increase slowly to every day use should you’re new to the ingredient—just a few drops go a great distance. On the plus facet, this improves efficacy and makes the serum last more on the similar time.
What our reviewers say: Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle approached testing with trepidation however was pleasantly stunned by how properly this product labored over the course of a month. “Though, I do know the antioxidant has a ton of skincare advantages (particularly, brightening pores and skin and minimizing dark spots), I’ve by no means seen any main enhancements when utilizing it up to now. I believed the identical could be the case for this TruSkin product, particularly since after two weeks I nonetheless hadn’t seen any main modifications. However after greater than a month of consecutive testing, I can see it’s truly been working—albeit slowly.” Glamour’s Calle used the advisable 5 drops each morning on a clear, dry face earlier than continuing with the remainder of her magnificence routine (toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen). “I seen my general complexion did look brighter and my pores and skin felt smoother. It isn’t like my freckles or darkish spots utterly disappeared, however there’s no denying my pores and skin seems extra radiant, particularly within the mornings.”
A pleasant bonus? Calle says this product doesn’t have the identical off-putting odor as others she’s tried up to now. It was additionally fast to soak up and completely non-irritating. “I haven’t got extraordinarily delicate pores and skin, however harsh merchandise are inclined to trigger redness. I’m joyful to report that I didn’t expertise any itching, burning, or redness.”
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Unique picture by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
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Unique picture by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
Finest Vitamin C Serum for Delicate Pores and skin: Paula’s Alternative C15 Tremendous Booster
- What we love: Doesn’t trigger extreme dryness; can be utilized as much as twice every day; lends an on the spot glow
- What might enhance: Barely medicinal scent; extra marked outcomes take time
Key elements: 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid / Consistency: Runny / Dimension: .67 ounces / Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties / How you can apply: Apply 2 to three drops to wash pores and skin each morning and night time
What dermatologists say: New to vitamin C skincare merchandise? Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Avenue Dermatology in New York Metropolis recommends this for younger patients who want to introduce the ingredient into their skincare routines. It has 15% vitamin C within the formulation, which is lower than the standard 20% we see in different choices. It’s an actual candy spot for these with delicate pores and skin, since it really works to even pores and skin tone however isn’t as prone to irritate. You may also combine the serum along with your favorite moisturizer for glowing skin for much more skin-brightening advantages and safety towards irritation.
What our reviewers say: Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay is in her 30s and likes to maintain her skincare routine minimal due to her dry and acne-prone skin. “The bottle contains a dropper, so it’s straightforward to dispense the correct quantity,” she says. “And although the consistency was a bit watery, it felt very hydrating and absorbed properly into my pores and skin.” Like many different vitamin C serums, Glamour’s McQuay cited a slight medicinal scent, however instructed us it disappeared as quickly as she utilized her every day SPF. “The serum felt light-weight upon software, lends a refined glow, and—most significantly—did not trigger any irritation or burning. I believe I would like extra time to see seen outcomes concerning wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, however general, it hasn’t precipitated any breakouts and leaves my pores and skin feeling hydrated and glowy each time I apply it.”
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Unique picture by Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay
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Unique picture by Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay
Finest for Nice Strains and Wrinkles: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C & Turmeric Face Oil
Unique video by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Light-weight; pleasing citrus scent; bottle is travel-friendly
- What might enhance: Some customers say it’s a bit too heavy for greasy pores and skin
Key elements: Vitamin C (THD ascorbate), golden turmeric, ginger root extract / Consistency: Oily / Dimension: 1.18 ounces / Pores and skin kind: Regular, dry, mixture / How you can apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops into face and neck, morning and/or night
What dermatologists say: “This product is great for dry or mature pores and skin on account of its oil base, which nourishes whereas delivering antioxidant advantages,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Austin Pores and skin in Austin. The inclusion of turmeric gives anti-inflammatory properties, making it appropriate for redness-prone pores and skin, too, she says. Simply notice: Oily or acne-prone pores and skin varieties may discover the oil-heavy formulation too wealthy.
What our reviewers say: It might be an oil, however customers say it’s truly comparatively light-weight for an oil, plus has a refined citrus scent that’s way more refreshing than your common vitamin C serum. “My pores and skin appeared barely brighter after three weeks of constant use,” says Madison Flager, senior commerce editor at Condé Nast Traveler. “I recognize the dimensions and form of the bottle, too,” she provides. “I occurred to be touring just a few instances throughout this era, and it didn’t take up a lot room in my toiletry bag (plus it’s TSA-friendly in measurement).” Most significantly, Flager instructed us it’s a fantastic addition to her morning routine. “As the very first thing I placed on my pores and skin after washing it, it appears like a pleasant light-weight base, mixing in properly and giving off a slight glow.”
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Madison Flager
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Madison Flager
Finest Vitamin C Serum for Darkish Spots: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
- What we love: Nice for these with acne-prone pores and skin; no sticky residue
- What might enhance: Decrease focus of vitamin C than another merchandise
Key elements: Pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 3.44 ounces / Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties / How you can apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops throughout the face and neck every morning
What dermatologists say: This extra inexpensive serum is a good alternative for delicate or mixture pores and skin, says Dr. Collins. “It affords a stability between exfoliation (salicylic acid) and soothing properties (neurosensine), which will help enhance pores and skin texture and tone with out irritation.” And whereas extra seasoned customers might yearn for a heftier punch of the lively, the decrease focus of vitamin C is good for newbies.
What our reviewers say: “Every time I have to inject some life into my pores and skin, I attain for this serum,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior magnificence editor. “It provides me an on the spot glow due to the concentrated 10% vitamin C, whereas salicylic acid helps clear and decrease my pores.”
Finest Drugstore Vitamin C Serum: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum
Unique video by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Finances-friendly; hydrating; somewhat goes a great distance
- What might enhance: Formulation might not be as potent as some others
Key elements: 10% pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Barely oily / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: All / How you can apply: Apply 2 to three drops to wash pores and skin each morning or night time
What dermatologists say: Derm-approved vitamin C formulations will also be discovered on the cabinets of your nearest drugstore. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York Metropolis, and Dr. Rabach each nominate this soothing formulation from L’Oréal Paris. In keeping with Dr. Rabach, the inclusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid (an ingredient that holds 1,000 instances its weight in water) makes it a delicate—but efficient—possibility. Dr. Zeichner additionally emphasizes the low focus of vitamin C; at 10%, it’s nonetheless efficient however gentle sufficient to be a great alternative for these with delicate pores and skin.
What our reviewers say: Our tester was impressed by the prowess of this formulation, particularly contemplating the worth level. “Vitamin C serums are too clogging for my pores and skin kind, and make me escape,” says Susie Plotkin, affiliate director of e-mail viewers technique at Condé Nast. “This one went on actually easily and wasn’t sticky in any respect. And somewhat goes a great distance, which makes it even higher for the worth level.”
The jury remains to be out on simply how highly effective it’s when it comes to brightening properties, although. Our tester referred to as it “a pleasant serum,” pointing to its hydrating powers, however stated within the month-long take a look at they did not discover marked modifications of their general complexion.
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
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Unique picture by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
Finest Drugstore Vitamin C Serum: Cerave Pores and skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Unique video by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- What we love: Hydrating sufficient for dry pores and skin; fragrance-free and appropriate for delicate pores and skin
- What might enhance: Solely 10% vitamin C
Key elements: 10% ascorbic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties / How you can apply: Apply evenly to face and neck every day
What dermatologists say: In true Cerave trend, this serum combines the brightening advantages of vitamin C with ceramides to strengthen the pores and skin barrier, says Dr. Collins. This makes the pharmacy choose supreme for dry or delicate pores and skin, she says, noting the light formulation can be fragrance-free, a plus for these with reactive pores and skin.
What our reviewers say: “I’ve been utilizing this vitamin C now nearly each day for a month, and I’m supremely impressed with how clarified and even-toned my pores and skin has been wanting,” says Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I cope with quite a lot of discoloration and darkish spots in areas I often get pimples (round my nostril, on my chin, on my cheeks), and ever since I began utilizing this each morning, I’ve seen that these blemishes have been slowly fading away.” It’s additionally much less messy than a liquid serum due to its gel-cream consistency that absorbs in a snap.
Unique picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
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Unique picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Finest Vitamin C Serum for Darkish Spots: Olehenriksen Banana Brilliant 15% Vitamin C Darkish Spot Serum
Unique video by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
- What we love: Pleasing citrus scent; gives an on the spot glow; absorbs shortly
- What might enhance: Will not be appropriate for delicate pores and skin
Key elements: 15% ethyl ascorbic acid, PHAs, and hyaluronic acid / Consistency: Easy / Dimension: 1 ounce / Pores and skin kind: Regular, dry, mixture, oily / How you can apply: Apply evenly to face and neck every day
What dermatologists say: In case you’re experiencing uneven pores and skin tone or darkish spots, that is an efficient therapy, says Dr. Collins. “The inclusion of PHAs affords light exfoliation, which may enhance absorption and outcomes,” she says, noting the brightening banana pigments make it an excellent possibility for these in search of on the spot luminosity. On the draw back, “the added perfume might not swimsuit delicate pores and skin varieties,” says Dr. Collins.
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