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As a young girl who loved pirates, I knew vitamin C treated and prevented scurvy…and that’s about it. But as I got older, wiser and more interested in health and skin support, vitamin C began to show its true colors. From its role in collagen production, brightening skin and targeting dark spots, as well as improving skin texture, this might just be one of the most handy skincare products you can invest in.

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Vitamin C serums have become a skincare staple for good reason thanks to its versatility and variety of de-aging capabilities. But just like with any skincare product, there’s no one-size-fits-all miracle worker, so it’s important to understand how vitamin C serums work, who it's suited for and a few of our top product picks.

Why Use Vitamin C Serums?

There’s a number of benefits to using vitamin C, and topical vitamin C is a favorite ingredient in many skincare products today. When used as a moisturizer or serum, vitamin C is more easily absorbed directly into the topmost layers of the skin.

The main reason vitamin C is so widely used? It’s anti-aging properties. From wrinkles to dark spots, with long-term use vitamin C can reverse certain signs of aging in the face and neck.

1. Sun protection: According to some studies, vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants that can be additional protection against UVA and UVB damage (sunburn cell formation) when used in combination with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
2. Collagen production: Collagen is a protein in your skin that helps it maintain structure and firmness, but will gradually reduce as you age. Vitamin C is considered vital to the synthesis of collagen – without vitamin C, the production of collagen will be slowed, causing weakened skin barrier and leading to signs of aging.
3. Improved skin texture: According to one study, daily use of vitamin C for at least three months helped improve the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck.
4. Brightening complexion and reducing dark spots: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production. Excess melanin can lead to hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots and more.
5. Even skin tone: Similar to melanin production, vitamin C is touted to reduce acne spots and scars due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as assist in controlling sebum production.

Best Season To Use Vitamin C Serums

The short answer: You can use vitamin C serums year round, and it has been recommended by many sources as a “summer essential” in your skincare routine. There are some application considerations between summer and winter, however, that can help take your results to the next level.

Tips for summer use:

As mentioned above, vitamin C topicals are designed to work in combination with sunscreen to provide additional UV defense.

1. Considerations: Vitamin C serums may increase sensitivity to sunlight. You should always use at least SPF 30+ during the day. Be sure to check out our Best Sunscreen top picks for our sunscreen recommendations.
2. Application times: In the morning apply after cleansing but before moisturizer and sunscreen. At night it can be used after cleansing and toning.
3. Vitamin C concentration levels: The ingredient name for vitamin C is ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid. The most effective vitamin C concentration levels fall between 10-20%. Using anything over 20% may cause skin irritation, breakouts, skin purging and itchiness.

Tips for winter use:

If you’re looking for a post-summer skin repair routine, according to some studies vitamin C serums can help reduce skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots and sun spots), with many seeing improvements with little skin irritation.

1. Dry skin hydration: Layer your vitamin C serums with heavier moisturizers, especially at night. During the day, combine it with sunscreen to protect against further skin damage and irritation.
2. Application times: Can be used both morning and evening following cleansing and moisturizing schedules, especially during lower UV months.
3. When to use higher concentrations: If your skin is tolerant of higher concentration skincare products, you may find you’re able to use stronger formulations (15-20%+) when sun exposure is limited during the winter months.

How To Choose The Right Vitamin C Serum Based On Skin Type

Before you rush to buy a vitamin C serum, you’ll want to take stock of your skin type and consider ingredient lists before you choose. When starting a new skincare regimen, be sure to talk to your dermatologist or other specialist to make sure a vitamin C serum is right for you.

Normal to Oily Skin: Choose L-ascorbic acid (10-20% concentration)

L-ascorbic acid is the most common – and potent – form of vitamin C. If you’re not prone to skin reactivity, this is going to be the most ideal option.

Sensitive Or Dry Skin: Choose a mild formula and low concentration

If you have sensitive or dry skin, you’re going to want to use caution when it comes to ingredient lists and concentration levels to avoid irritation, skin purging, redness or itchiness. Using L-ascorbic acid on sensitive skin, especially at higher concentration levels, can cause further redness and dryness.

Start with lower concentrations (between 5-10%), and get a vitamin C serum that also contains other soothing ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.

For a gentler formula, you may want to consider these ingredient options instead of L-ascorbic acid:

1. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP): Less likely to cause irritation in sensitive or acne-prone skin
2. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP): Another effective form of vitamin C, it’s an ideal option for dry or sensitive skin, and one source does recommend it if you’re after skin brightening. It’s more stable than some of the other ingredients, though data suggests it may not be absorbed as well compared to ascorbic acid.
3. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: An oil-soluble form of vitamin C, it’s stable and easy to use in serums, and initial data suggests it does provide antioxidant protection against UV, increases collagen synthesis and has skin brightening effects. It’s a promising ingredient option but not well-proven yet, according to Incidecoder.
4. Ascorbyl Palmitate: Not as potent as other ingredients, but can be used on more skin types (including sensitive skin), however, according to Incidecoder, it’s one of the least favored vitamin C ingredient options – lower stability, does not penetrate as easily, and it has questionable antioxidant properties.

For those with dry skin, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly hydrating and moisturizing your skin when using vitamin C serums, as it can cause further dryness or irritation.

If you have extremely sensitive or reactive skin, you may want to skip using a vitamin C serum entirely.

Acne-Prone Skin: May cause initial purging

Vitamin C serums are considered helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties that are designed to help reduce redness and swelling from acne. It also claims to help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting increased collagen production and helping to heal wounds faster.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, we recommend you speak with your dermatologist or doctor before adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine.

Best Vitamin C Serums of 2025

I’ve used vitamin C serums on and off for a few years, never sticking to any one particular brand. Last summer, however, I was in the sun a lot and noticed some dark spots on my cheeks forming after I slacked off using sunscreen. I’ve been diving into different vitamin C serums ever since.

From topical serums to clay masks, there’s a number of application methods and brands. Here are some of the best selling vitamin C serums according to our testing, reader reviews and based on ingredient lists.

1. Best Vitamin C Serum For Combination Skin: Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid
2. Best High Concentration Vitamin C Serum: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum
3. Best Low Concentration Vitamin C Serum: La Roche-Posay Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum For Face With Hyaluronic Acid & Salicylic Acid
4. Best Luxury Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
5. Best Vitamin C Serum Without L-Ascorbic Acid: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
6. Best Vitamin C Night Mask: Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
7. Best Vitamin C Clay Mask: Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask

1. Best Vitamin C Serum For Combination Skin: Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid

Price: $25.99 at Amazon; $26.95 at Timeless Skin Care

Concentration: 20% | Active Ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Alpha Tocopherol 1% (Vitamin E), Ferulic Acid 1%

Why we chose it:

• Ferulic acid acts as a stabilizer for vitamin C and assists the sun protection abilities of vitamin C and E
• Pump applicator to extend shelf life, a watery texture according to some reviewers
• Alcohol-free, fragrance and essential oil free (Incidecoder)
• Paraben, dye and cruelty-free according to company
• Fair data rating on EWG
• Best for: Oily, combination and dry skin

What to know:

• Reviewers don’t like the smell
• Some ingredients can clog pores
• High vitamin C concentration may sting skin

Effective and affordable sum up this Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum option, coming in at one of our best combination skin picks despite some stiff competition listed below. Between its relatively high vitamin C active ingredient concentration, stabilizing ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid for environmental protections, and easy pump bottle application, this top vitamin C pick is also less than $30 on Amazon.

So with similar ingredients when compared to our top luxury pick from SkinCeuticals, you’d be hard pressed to pass up this price tag. The 20% L-ascorbic acid is the driving force for fading dark spots. One reviewer noted that it’s “not a miraculous overnight remedy, but it does help over time, and you'll see some difference within a couple weeks.” They noted in their review that it works on sun damaged and aging skin.

According to reviewers and testers, it has a watery consistency so you’ll want to be careful when dispensing it on your skin or in hand. Another happy reviewer said it achieved “Holy grail status,” going on to say it worked well on combination skin, and with its hydration capabilities the serum kept their skin looking fresh.

As for complaints, many did not like the smell (one says it “smells like hot dog water, [but] works like a charm”), and others said it arrived already oxidized. More mentioned it will not be ideal for sensitive skin.

2. Best High Concentration Vitamin C Serum: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum

Price: $20.99 at Amazon and Ulta

Concentration: 22% | Active Ingredients: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyaluronic Acid

Why we chose it:

• Budget friendly
• Pump applicator extends shelf life
• Alcohol, fragrance and essential oil free (Incidecoder)
• Vegan, paraben and cruelty-free
• Best for: Most skin types

What to know:

• Sensitive/acne-prone skin: Some reviewers saw skin irritation. This is a high concentration vitamin C, so it should be introduced gradually and patch tested.

The Naturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum has the highest concentration of vitamin C on our list, and was in running for our top pick thanks to its reasonable price tag, solid reviews and its assortment of specialty active ingredients. It currently has 4.6-stars and over 7,000 company ratings on Amazon.

If you do not have sensitive skin, this vitamin C serum comes highly recommended for those looking to brighten complexion and boost collagen production. With an ingredient list touting pure L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E to help support absorption, and hyaluronic acid for hydration, this serum packs quite a powerful punch.

Reviewers have left ‘glowing’ reviews for its quality, skin brightening and moisturizing properties. There’s no fragrance, so many noted it does not seem to have any distinctive smell. One reviewer said, “It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, and I love that it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or greasy. It works well with my moisturizer and SPF too, which is a must. I’ve noticed my skin looks brighter and more refreshed, and it’s gentle enough that I can use it daily without any issues.”

A few reviewers noted the affordable price point, especially when compared to some others on our list. “It is so hard to find a vitamin C serum that works but isn't super expensive. Look no further. I love this one and recommend it to all of my friends.”

The pump dispenser is another helpful addition, as one reviewer noted, “The pump design is great so as to preserve the [vitamin C] and prevent it from oxidizing.” Another called it easy to apply without a mess.

For complaints, similar to many others on this list, some felt the color was off (likely due to oxidation), and some experienced skin irritation and stinging sensations upon use. Others were surprised there was no safety seal.

3. Best Low Concentration Vitamin C Serum: La Roche-Posay Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum For Face With Hyaluronic Acid & Salicylic Acid

Price: $44.99 at Amazon and La Roche-Posay; $46.99 at Ulta

Concentration: 12% | Active Ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Salicylic Acid

Why we chose it:

• Ingredients include vitamin C, Salicylic Acid (which acts as a skin soothing and anti-acne ingredient), and Neurosensine (another skin soothing agent)
• Non comedogenic, oil-free and allergy tested, according to company page
• Targeted for skin hydration and reducing appearance of wrinkles
• Best for: Oily, combination and normal skin

What to know:

• Does include alcohol and fragrance which can be skin irritants (Incidecoder)
• Some reviewers with sensitive skin had reactions
• May oxidize quickly

I purchased the La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum during Amazon Prime Day. I admittedly hadn’t done extensive vitamin C research yet, but I knew I didn’t want to jump into a high concentration serum right off the bat, and having combination skin, I could easily err on the side of oily rather than hydrated.

My testing results: I’ve been very pleased with the purchase and initial results – I haven’t had any adverse skin reactions, it has a thicker, almost jelly-like consistency and feels soothing when applied to my face, neck and chest. It has no problem being layered under makeup or sunscreen. I worry about how quickly it will oxidize, so I’m not being stingy with the application in order to get the most use out of it. I’m waiting to see if any fine lines or sun spots fade with use over time. After almost two weeks of use, my skin is hydrated and glowing without excessive oil, and my skin feels smoother. I do feel it leaves a slightly sticky residue on my skin.

As for reviewers, one said, “This is my second bottle of the La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum C12, and I absolutely love it! I’ve been using vitamin C for a while now, and this one has definitely become one of my favorites. It leaves my skin looking super smooth, radiant and healthy.”

Another said that it is “a great addition to my skincare routine”, mentioning it absorbs quickly without any sticky residue, and after weeks of consistent use, there were noticeable positive changes in skin texture.

As for complaints, some said they felt like it stained their skin (perhaps the product had already started to oxidize), while others did not like that it arrived without a seal. The fragrance added to the ingredients was also a turn off by some buyers.

4. Best Luxury Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

Price: $185 at SkinCeuticals.com, Bluemercury, Dermstore

Concentration: 15% | Active Ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Alpha Tocopherol 1% (Vitamin E), Ferulic Acid 0.5%

Why we chose it:

• Ferulic acid acts as a stabilizer for vitamin C and assists the sun protection abilities of vitamin C and E
• Alcohol-free, fragrance and essential oil free (Incidecoder)
• Paraben, phthalate, sulfate and silicone free according to company
• Best for: Normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin

What to know:

• Should be used within 3-6 months
• Some ingredients can clog pores or cause breakouts

If you’re looking for one of the OG vitamin C serums that everyone raves about, you shouldn’t pass up the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C serum – as long as your pocketbook can support it, that is. Touted as the number one dermatologist recommended vitamin C serum among aesthetic skincare brands, according to the company, this serum has received rave reviews from consumers and product testers alike.

And according to the company, it’s also been tested with physicians after non-ablative and ablative laser procedures, though you should ask your dermatologist about using it after laser treatments. For that reason, we would say this is probably going to be the best pick for those with sensitive skin.

Longtime users left reviewers on SkinCeuticals.com, saying it’s “worth the money”, noting that they’ve been using it for years. Another commented that it is lightweight, absorbs quickly and there’s no sticky residue left behind like some other serums. Others called it “age defying” and saw a clarifying effect, removing dark spots and smoothing out fine wrinkles.

As for complaints, the cost is prohibitive, while others that used it noticed skin tinting (likely due to oxidation). Others noted they did not care for the smell.

5. Best Vitamin C Serum Without L-Ascorbic Acid: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

Price: $21.99 at Amazon, $26.49 at CVS

Concentration: 20% | Active Ingredients: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Hyaluronic Acid

Why we chose it:

• Budget friendly
• Alternative to L-ascorbic acid for those with skin sensitivities
• Ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, and witch hazel and aloe for skin soothing
• Alcohol free (Incidecoder)
• Best for: Combination, normal and oily skin

What to know:

• Does contain fragrance and essential oils which are skin irritants
• Some reviewers experienced acne breakouts
• Not suggested for dry skin

The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is one of the most popular vitamin C serum options on Amazon, with over 151,000 company ratings and an average of 4.3 stars. It uses a vitamin C alternative (the SAP ingredient we mentioned above), so theoretically it should be more ideal for those with sensitive skin, however, the concentration level is still quite high. Those with sensitive skin or plant allergies may need to be cautious when testing this product.

My testing results: This was one of the earliest vitamin C serums I tested last year. I have combination skin that is sometimes sensitive to harsh, alcohol-based products, but I had no major reaction to this brand. It did not oxidize as quickly as some of the other pure vitamin C serums I’ve tested. It has a thicker consistency, so if you prefer a more watery serum, you may not like the feeling of this product. As for results – when I first tested this product, I didn’t quite know what to look for, so while I can say it did seem to help improve my skin texture and softness, I don’t know that I saw any major brightening effects.

Other reviews are pretty pleased with their results, however, with one calling it “a must-have in my skincare routine.” They went on to mention that even with sensitive skin, they did not experience any irritation. Another said, “It's not too thick and has just the right texture to spread across my face. I have dry skin and this does wonders to keep my skin hydrated and smooth.”

One more reviewer called it the “best $20 ever spent” before going on to say that their skin felt brighter, smoother and dark spots were disappearing.

As for complaints, the largest issue were those who saw an outbreak of acne following use of the product, or had signs of an allergic reaction. Others noted that it dried out their skin, so if you already have dry skin, it might be best to skip this option for something more hydrating.

6. Best Vitamin C Night Mask: Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

Price: $23.20, was $29 at Soko Glam; $24.65 at Amazon

Concentration: Not stated | Active Ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Retinol (Vitamin A), Yuzu

Why we chose it:

• Formulated without artificial fragrances, color, parabens, sulfates, animal products, alcohol, mineral oil or silicone according to the company
• Made with niacinamide to minimize pores, and retinol to smooth skin (Incidecoder)
• Best for: Normal, dry, combination and oily skin
• Use: Apply after cleansing and moisturizer, leaving on overnight. Can build up use averaging three to five times per week.

What to know:

• Does not specify the concentration of vitamin C
• May be irritating to sensitive skin

For those looking for a powerful vitamin C product that works its magic overnight, you should check out the Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask. It has a lot of pretty powerful skincare ingredients, from niacinamide to retinol, and it smells like you’re squeezing a fruit directly on your face.

My testing results: This Yuzu vitamin C sleep mask feels like jelly when scooped on my fingertips, and I experienced an initial cooling sensation on application. After applying, I could tell it packed a punch when my skin started tingling, especially along my cheekbones. I couldn’t use it more than once or twice a week. I did, however, see quite a noticeable difference by the time the jar was completed – my skin was smoother, pore size reduced and saw a brightening effect on my face and neck. If you have any sensitivity to vitamin C or retinol, however, you’ll want to read some of the reviews and do a test patch first.

One reviewer with combination skin on Soko Glam noted, “Not only does this smell amazing but it is so soothing and your skin feels buttery soft the next morning! I use it two to three times a week and I absolutely love it!” Another called it “pure magic in a jar”, with a few others noting that they saw results fairly quickly. Overall, customers were satisfied with its hydration and brightening effects.

As with complaints, some with sensitive skin noted bad reactions, and a few customers that ordered from Amazon received poor quality products. I purchased it from Soko Glam with no issues.

7. Best Vitamin C Clay Mask: Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask

Price: $40 at Soko Glam and Amazon

Concentration: Not Stated | Active Ingredients: Kaolin clay, Turmeric powder, Aloe, Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Vitamin E

Why we chose it:

• Clay mask designed to manage excess oil production, clear blemishes and soothe skin
• Free of alcohol, gluten, paraben, sulfates, and dyes according to the company
• To use: Brush on and leave for 10 minutes, rinse and pat dry. Can be used as a spot treatment or full face use

What to know:

• Ingredients include essential oils which are skin irritants (Incidecoder)
• Ingredient list does not list specific type of vitamin C, referred to as “Gleam C”

Clay masks have been touted to help control oil production, unclog pores, reduce redness and act as a deep cleanser when used in a weekly skincare routine. If you want to add a little vitamin C to the mix, take a peek at the Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask, which uses kaolin clay, turmeric and a variety of fruit extracts to create this unique face mask. It has over 14,000 reviews on Soko Glam, and over 8,400 ratings on Amazon.

This clay mask is designed to help control oil production, reduce blackheads, clear blemishes and soothe skin (especially with the aloe), and you can get up to 20 full face uses per jar according to the company.

Reviewers say it’s great for dark spots and uneven skin tones, even for sensitive skin. One reviewer on Soko Glam said, “The mask works wonders! My facial spots are lightening up just from three weeks of using the product.”

Another reviewer on Amazon said it’s great for anyone struggling with dry and acne-prone skin when combining it with a cleanser. They noticed after using the product that their skin was “healthier, more hydrated and more consistently one even skin tone.”

For complaints, many reviewers noted that despite the hefty price tag, the container is incredibly small (sometimes only half-filled) or arrived without the applicator brush. Others felt like it didn’t work as well as expected.

How We Made Our Decision

Firsthand testing

I’ve personally tested a number of products on this list, noting what I experienced during my testing. My testing includes the La Roche-Posay Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum that I’m actively using right now, as well as the TrueSkin Vitamin C Serum and Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask.

Each had different concentration levels, ingredients, application methods and final results, and I did not add any to this list that didn’t perform its function.

Functionality

Does it do what it’s designed to do? When pulling together our best-selling list of vitamin C serums, we measured it by a few different criteria, including: skin brightening, spot reduction, skin smoothing, hydrating and fewest reports of skin irritation. While not all products are created equal (and there are no popular skincare products on the market with zero skin reactions), we’re looking for the highest number of reviewers that note the product works for a variety of skin types.

Ingredient list

While products with L-ascorbic acid are considered king of vitamin C serums, we made sure to also include products that feature other premium ingredients, such as:

• Ascorbic acid, or counterpart (such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
• Vitamin E
• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide
• Retinol

Vitamin C concentration levels

Not all vitamin C serums are created equal, and depending on your skin type and sensitivity, it will be critically important to pick the right concentration levels. If the concentration is too high, you risk skin irritation and breakouts. If concentration levels are too low, you may not see the results you are expecting. In our list, we included concentration levels starting at 12% up to 22% for a broad range of vitamin C serum effectiveness.

Price point

We did include one luxury pick (and at $185 per bottle, that’s quite a chunk of change), however the glowing reviews and product performance outweighed the price point. Other than the SkinCeutical vitamin C serum, we wanted to ensure there were price-friendly options starting at $20-25, up to slightly more costly at $40+.

Reviews

When not testing ourselves, we defer to the reviewers who use the product and provide helpful, comprehensive feedback. If a product has few or poor reviews, we make sure to include the complaints, and if the negative feedback outweighs the intended use, we will not include it in our list.

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.