Vitamin C isn’t just great for your body. See how vitamin C serums can help your skin and which one may be right for you.
How vitamin C serum works
To understand how vitamin C works, you first have to understand free radicals.
These natural molecules aren’t bad on their own, but they can become a problem when they build up. In high numbers, they can break cells down over time, contributing to illness and aging.
Antioxidants help fight free radicals, though, keeping everything in balance.
Antioxidants can do this by supplying an electron to a free radicalTrusted Source without destabilizing themselves. The result is a neutralized free radical that is less able to cause damage.
In general, it’s essentialTrusted Source that your diet includes beneficial antioxidants — coffee, berries, and green tea are a few excellent and delicious options.
When it comes to skin care, vitamin C serum is a popular antioxidant, or free radical fighter, if you will.
“In serum form, vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage, which can result in signs of aging,” says Melanie Palm, MD, board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, in San Diego, California.
“Vitamin C has a number of clinically proven benefits,” she adds.
Vitamin C serum benefits for skin
When used on the skin, vitamin C serum can:
- combat signs of skin aging
- decrease hyperpigmentation
- even out your skin tone
- reduce wrinkles
- protect your skin from sun damage
How we chose the best vitamin C serums
In selecting our top vitamin C serums picks, we looked at:
- Price: We included a range of options to suit many budgets.
- Customer reviews: We looked for serums highly rated by online reviewers.
- Potency: Each product contains at least 10% vitamin C.
- Packaging: Vitamin C serum should be packaged in opaque packaging. Otherwise, it can break down when exposed to light, causing it to be less effective.
It’s worth keeping in mind that there are different types of vitamin C, and not all of them are equally effective.
We mostly chose products made with:
- L-ascorbic acid
- ascorbyl palmitate
- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
- magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
We also kept an eye out for products that have additional beneficial ingredients.
Picks for the best vitamin C serums
Best vitamin C serum for dull skin
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Vitamin C Concentrate
- Why we love it: At a reasonable price point, this 10% vitamin C serum is free of fragrances and dyes. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. Users say the formula is light and effective, visibly improving wrinkles.
- What you should know: While many love that this is more of a cream than a serum, some feel it’s too heavy.
Best drugstore vitamin C serum
Pixi Vitamin-C Serum
- Why we love it: This ascorbic acid vitamin C serum includes ferulic acid, which also helps fight free radicals and reduces the effects of sun damage. Caffeine helps brighten skin, too.
- What you should know: This serum has a citrus peppermint scent. While many reviewers say it smells great, some find it too strong.
Best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation
Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
- Why we love it: Vitamin C can be a little unstable, breaking down easily when exposed to light, air, or water. Murad uses gold to stabilize the vitamin C in this serum, which the brand says results in a stronger product.
The convenient pump top is designed to deliver the same dose of vitamin C each time you apply it.
- What you should know: The serum also contains glycolic acid, a type of AHA that can work well for hyperpigmentation. However, it can sometimes be irritating to sensitive skin. Additionally, you may get more benefits from using glycolic acid and vitamin C separately than you will combining them.
Best vitamin C serum for all skin types
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
- Why we love it: This 15% vitamin C formula can be used alone or added into your moisturizer. Just a few drops are all you need for a healthy glow. This is also helpful for reducing the appearance of scars.
- What you should know: Some users with dry skin say this caused irritation
Most splurge-worthy vitamin C serum
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
- Why we love it: This vitamin C serum contains vitamin C in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. At 20% potency, it’s a much higher concentration than most of the other available vitamin C serums.
- The serum also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid.
A 2013 study done on mice suggests that ferulic acid is most effective when combined with vitamins E and C, like in this serum.
- What you should know: Some reviewers report that this serum has an off-putting smell.
Best vitamin C serum for oily skin
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Why we love it: This serum absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. After a few applications, reviewers report fading acne scars and improved appearance.
- What you should know: You don’t need a lot of this product for each use, so one bottle goes a long way.
Like the Murad serum, this product contains glycolic acid. Though glycolic acid and vitamin C can safely be combined, they may work better when used separately.
Best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum
- Why we love it: The combination of vitamin C and salicylic acid makes this nongreasy formula great for acne-prone skin. Those who are concerned about aging skin say they love the improvement in their skin’s appearance.
- What you should know: Salicylic acid is tough on acne, but it may irritate sensitive skin. This formula also has a strong scent, so it’s not a great option for people who are sensitive to fragrances.
Best vitamin C serum for dry skin
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- Why we love it: This 15% vitamin C serum contains L-ascorbic acid, which is the most potent kind of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, as well as glycerin to hydrate dry skin. Reviewers say they like how bright and smooth their skin was after just a few applications.
- What you should know: Some users don’t like the scent.
Best long-lasting vitamin C serum
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
- Why we love it: A vitamin C formula that’s cruelty-free, free of essential oils, and has a fun name — what’s not to love? This Drunk Elephant formula is designed to stay on your skin for 72 hours.
- What you should know: Drunk Elephant relaunched the product in 2021. It now comes in two separate vials you mix to “activate” the vitamin C, so you know the product will stay fresh for at least 6 months.
Best for sensitive skin
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
- Why we love it: This affordable serum by CeraVe contains 10% vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid — enough to be effective but not so much that it overwhelms the skin. Free of fragrances and parabens, this serum contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and three essential ceramides to lock moisture into the skin.
- What to know: Some reviewers complain that the formula turns brown or orange quickly, and others note that it has an unpleasant metallic smell.
Best for improving skin texture
15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
- Why we love it: This lightweight serum contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), as well as 15% vitamin C. EGF encourages cell turnover, which helps smooth uneven skin texture, reducing rough, dull-looking skin. It’s also certified vegan and cruelty-free.
- What to know: Some reviews note that it feels a little sticky on the skin. A few reviewers also dislike the smell.
Best budget-friendly vitamin C serum
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA spheres 2%
- Why we love it: Highly affordable, this serum from The Ordinary is water-free. This helps keep the L-ascorbic acid stable for longer so that it stays fresh for longer. It also contains hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. The serum is vegan and cruelty-free.
- What to know: The texture may be slightly grainy when you apply it — give it time to absorb into your skin. The serum is more concentrated than most, so it may irritate your skin if you haven’t built a tolerance to vitamin C.
Best for glowing skin
Multi Corrextion Revive and Glow Daily Serum
- Why we love it: 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is a water- and oil-soluble type of vitamin C. This serum contains water and oils, both of which are necessary for healthy skin. With added glycerine and peptides, this serum can address dry and dehydrated skin, staving off dullness and giving your skin a glow.
- What to know: While most reviews are positive, some reviewers say that this serum irritated their skin, causing dryness, itchiness, and rashes.
Who is vitamin C serum for?
Vitamin C is safe for most skin types.
“Unless you have an allergy to topical vitamin C, I would recommend that almost everyone incorporates a vitamin C serum into their skin care routines,” Palm says.
She recommends starting in your early 20s and continuing usage throughout adulthood.
If you’re worried about how vitamin C may work with other skin care products in your routine, Palm says this really depends on your sensitivity to active ingredients.
“Generally, vitamin C pairs well with other actives, including alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), BHAs, niacinamide, and retinol. However, in certain individuals, using multiple active ingredients can result in irritation,” she says.
This is why Palm doesn’t recommend introducing multiple new skin care products into your routine at the same time.
It’s also best to use an active like retinol before bed and a vitamin C serum during the day — paired with a good facial moisturizer and topped off with broad-spectrum SPF, of course!
Palm also points out that hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides can complement vitamin C.
What to look for in vitamin C serums
When shopping for a vitamin C serum, it’s important to look for a product made of a potent, stable type of vitamin C.
Look for one of these types of vitamin C on the ingredients list:
- L-ascorbic acid
- ascorbyl palmitate
- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
- magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Palm points out that L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble-based vitamin C form, while tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C.
As Palm explains, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is readily absorbed through the skin’s lipid bilayer. “Therefore, it requires a lower percentage of active vitamin C to be biologically available and productive,” she says.
Palm also says, “In clinical studies, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate has been found to be less inflammatory, reduces redness, decreases pigmentation and uneven discoloration, improves fine lines, and improves skin texture.”
“Even those with sensitive skin types or rosacea often tolerate this form of vitamin C well,” Palm adds.
Vitamin C packaging
It’s also best to look for a product that’s sold in opaque packaging, as vitamin C can break down when exposed to sunlight.
You can also check out the other ingredients, especially if you’re looking to help several skin concerns at once. For example, hyaluronic acid or glycerin are good additions for dry skin, while AHAs can help slough off dead skin. Some products may also be formulated with retinol to help lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Many products are made with 10 to 20% vitamin C, and that’s usually potent enough. Older studies show that maximum absorption is achieved at 20%.
Considerations by skin type
Vitamin C is safe to use for most skin types, but it’s still a good idea to do a patch test before applying serum all over your face.
To do this, apply a small amount of product on the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours for any signs of irritation before using broadly.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like rosacea, you might want to stick to serums with lower concentrations of vitamin C. That’s because concentrations higher than 20% may cause irritation.
Oily skin
For oily or acne-prone skin, look for serums labeled “noncomedogenic” so that they won’t clog your pores. Palm adds that she recommends that oily skin types use a vitamin C serum formulated with L-ascorbic acid, a more potent form of vitamin C.
Dry skin
If your skin tends to be on the dryer side, look for serums with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
Risks and side effects of vitamin C serums
Higher concentrations of vitamin C may cause irritation in some people. But most people tolerate it pretty well.
And while mixing vitamin C with other ingredients won’t necessarily cause side effects, it can render the vitamin inactive. Board certified dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans cautions against mixing vitamin C with the following:
- lactic acid
- salicylic acid
- glycolic acid
When to apply vitamin C serum
You can apply vitamin C serum both in the morning and at night after your cleansing and toning routine.
According to research from 2013, it may be best to apply topical vitamin C after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, not before. This is because UV light lowers the skin’s vitamin C levels.
For your regular routine, such as days when you’re not planning on being in direct sun, Palm says vitamin C is best used in your morning skin care routine. “It should be applied to the face, neck, and chest after cleansing, but before moisturizing and sunscreen,” she says.
How to apply vitamin C serum
First, you’ll want to test the product to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively to it. Here’s the three-step process:
- Choose a small area of skin that’s easy to conceal (the inside of your wrist is a good location).
- Apply a small amount of product, then wait 24 hours.
- If you don’t notice any side effects, the product is safe to apply to your face. Do not use it if you develop a rash, redness, hives, or feel itching or burning on the test site.
Once you’re ready to apply, check the product label for detailed instructions. Typically, you’ll apply twice a day after cleansing and toning, then put moisturizer over the vitamin C serum.
Frequently asked questions about vitamin C
What does vitamin C serum do?
Vitamin C can help minimize the signs of aging, protect against skin damage, reduce discoloration, and more.
Is vitamin C serum really worth it?
Vitamin C is a versatile skin care ingredient that may improve your skin’s appearance. Whether it’s worth it really to depends on your skin care needs and overall budget.
How often should I use vitamin C serum?
You can apply it once per day. Or you can even apply twice daily — once in the morning and again a night. According to Palm, those new to vitamin C may consider applying it two to three times a week at first and then working up to daily application.
“To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, you should apply it daily as part of your morning skin care routine,” Palm says. “Applying vitamin C in the morning allows us to optimize its ability to reduce free radicals during the day from UV exposure.”
What percentage of vitamin C is best for the face?
Look for a formula with at least 10% vitamin C and a maximum of 20%. Anything less may not be effective. Anything over 20% could lead to irritation, and research says the benefits of vitamin C don’t increase after that threshold anyway.
According to Palm, if you’re new to vitamin C, start on the lower end of the spectrum and work your way up to avoid any possible irritation.
What vitamin C is best for oily skin?
Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid may be the best option for oily skin because it’s both lightweight and water-soluble.
What vitamin C is best for combination skin?
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a form of vitamin C that may work well for combination skin. It’s known for being able to prevent the oxidation that causes blackheads, but it also has hydrating properties.
Retinol versus vitamin C: Which should I use?
Both, Palm says. “Retinol and vitamin C are both integral parts of an effective anti-aging skin care routine and should be used consistently to reap the most benefits,” she says.
“It’s critical to also wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more daily, as these actives can make your skin more photosensitive,” she reminds us.