With so many different types of serums on the market, it can be tricky to just figure out what each one does, not to mention whether it deserves a place in your skincare routine. If you’re going to invest in just one, board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD recommends opting for a vitamin C serum. One of the main benefits of vitamin C is that it protects against environmental stressors, like UV light and pollution, which can cause free radical damage to the skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that promotes a smooth, clear, and even complexion with consistent use.
"They work to stimulate collagen, lighten dark spots, and protect against sun damage," Madfes tells Byrdie. "They're also great for fine lines, melasma, and rosacea."
We put dozens of vitamin C serums to the test in our lab and at home as part of our daily skincare routine for six weeks, evaluating each product for ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look. Finally, we consulted with two board-certified dermatologists – Jessie Cheung, MD and Jennifer Herrmann, MD–before landing on these 11 top picks for your glowiest skin ever.
Best Overall
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum
Packaging is functional and makes dispensing ideal amount of product easy
Doesn’t leave sticky residue behind
Improves skin’s radiance with time
Helps to smooth skin texture
Doesn’t leave the skin looking immediately glowy
We love that this product is available at your local drugstore, relatively affordable, and highly effective. Over time, we noticed a significant improvement in the radiance of our complexion. After six weeks, our skin appeared brighter and smoother. We also saw a noticeable difference in the firmness of our skin.
As for the texture of the product, it’s not liquidy nor oily; rather, it almost feels like a lightweight paste. While this might not sound super appealing, it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. We also appreciated the squeeze-tube packaging, which made dispensing the right amount of product easy. The one con we found is that, unlike some other vitamin C serums that immediately leave the skin looking radiant due to oily or luminous formulas, this one doesn’t. But given how effective it is over time, this isn’t a major downfall.
Who It's For
This is a great all-rounder for anyone in need of a radiance boost, though it’s best for those with a bit of patience, as results may take time.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, wrinkle-reducing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Apply a dime-size morning and evening | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Splurge
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Lightweight formula is fast-absorbing
Doesn’t create a greasy residue
Improves fine lines and textures over time
While it doesn’t contain fragrance, it has a naturally unpleasant scent
Read Full Review: We Tried the Most Hyped Up Serum on the Market—Here Are Our Thoughts
As avid vitamin C serum enthusiasts, we know a good formula when we try one. Sometimes the most buzz-worthy products don’t live up to expectations, but this one absolutely does. It has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that doesn’t feel sticky or drying on the skin, it’s easy to apply and layer in a skincare routine and yielded some really impressive results.
We noticed a real improvement in the texture of our skin when we used SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. After six weeks of using it, our skin looked and felt softer and smoother. However, we weren’t convinced that contributed to the glowiness of our complexions significantly more than other, more affordable options we’ve used. There’s no denying that we adore this serum, but it’s worth noting that while it doesn’t contain fragrance, it doesn’t have a particularly appealing smell. However, the scent doesn’t linger on the skin, so it’s not a dealbreaker for us.
Who It's For
This SkinCeuticals serum is a winner for anyone concerned about fine lines and photoaging. The addition of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and ferulic acid helps enhance this formula’s protective qualities, guarding against environmental damage caused by free radicals.
Benefits: Brightening, antioxidant protection, improving appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, sensitive | Dosage: A few drops in the morning | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum
Fast-absorbing formula
Provides subtle moisture
Improves skin texture and tone in just a few weeks
Leaves skin with subtle glowy finish
Nothing
This serum is evidence that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on skincare to see a positive change in your skin. The formula is packed with antioxidant-rich grapefruit and vitamin C, as well as polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which work to gently break down dead skin cells.
We adored this serum. It sunk into our skin with ease while leaving it feeling moisturized, and we also noted that after each application, our skin looked radiant. We were also thrilled with how well this serum worked to brighten our complexions and smooth our skin textures over time. We noticed a visible improvement in texture in just a few days, and at the end of the testing period, our skin felt soft and slightly more firm, and our skin tone looked more even.
Who It's For
If you’re seeking a vitamin C serum that works at a very accessible price point, Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum will be your new favorite product.
Benefits: Brightening, retexturizing | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: .95 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Beginners
Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E
Fast-absorbing
Layers under makeup nicely
Helps improve skin’s radiance
Could be slightly more firming
If you’re new to using vitamin C serum, it’s wise to start out with a simple formula that’s easy to use and doesn’t contain potentially harsh, active ingredients that might cause irritation. We love this one for beginners because the formula is foolproof—it absorbs quickly, leaves the skin feeling comfortable, and layers nicely under other makeup and additional skincare products. It contains vitamins C and E, as well as marine peptides known for their firming effect.
We found the application dropper intuitive and the formula sunk into our skin quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. After just a week or two, we recognized a real difference in the brightness of our skin, noting that our complexions looked more radiant even when we weren’t wearing it. Overall, it helped us achieve more luminous, healthy, and youthful-looking skin.
While it doesn’t have hard claims on firming benefits, we would love it if the product provided a bit more of a firming benefit, especially considering that it contains marine peptides. However, it’s still an excellent product in general.
Who It's For
If you’re a vitamin C newbie and worry about the adjustment period when skin might be slightly more irritated this product is ideal. It doesn’t contain a laundry list of other actives so you can ease into your new regimen seamlessly.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, evens skin tone | Skin Type: Dry, combination, balanced | Dosage: A few drops in the morning | Size: 1.01 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
Leaves the skin feeling hydrated but not greasy
Helps to visibly improve radiance
Helps to fade dark spots
Could absorb a bit faster
If you have sensitive skin, then you know how important it is to find products that are gentle but effective. This one is just that, and we loved it. Not to mention, tons of our Byrdie readers adore it, too. The product was really comfortable on sensitive and acne-prone skin. While it took about 30 seconds to dry, which is slightly longer than some other options, it dried down to a moisturizing and non-greasy finish. We even noted that we could get away without applying a moisturizer on top of it and our skin still felt hydrated. Another bonus? It didn’t clog our pores.
As for the results after the testing period, we were really pleased with them. Post-acne marks were noticeably lightened, and our complexions looked radiant.
Who It's For
Considering that it’s effective, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, and doesn’t contain harsh acids, we think it’s a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, improves appearance of dark spots and fine lines | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops daily day or night | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Fast-absorbing
Non-sticky or greasy formula
Helps to lighten post-acne marks
Doesn't make the skin look or feel oily
Helps improve radiance and the appearance of fine lines
Setting up the packaging is a bit tricky
People with acne-prone skin know that trying new skincare products can often lead to breakouts and irritation. We found that this product actually helped improve the appearance of our oily skin overall. The formula contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C for powerful antioxidant protection, as well as hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration.
While we struggled a bit to set up the dispensing part of the packaging for the initial use, once it was complete, the product was easy to use moving forward. We also loved that our skin looked slightly brighter after consistent use, and the fine lines near our mouths appeared to have smoothed out a bit.
Who It's For
This is a great option if you have acne-prone skin. We appreciated that the serum had a lightweight texture that didn’t feel greasy on our already oily skin, and we noticed that after a few weeks of testing CeraVe's Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, our post-acne marks were visibly reduced.
Benefits: Antioxidant protection, helps improve skin tone and radiance | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Skin Firming
Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum
A little bit goes a long way
Fast-absorbing
Helps improve uneven skin texture
Makes an improvement in the firmness of the skin
Could add more radiance
Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum isn’t a harsh formula that contains potentially irritating acids; rather, it’s a gentle product that actually makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin.
We can’t stop raving about how much this product helped firm our skin. Not only that, but we noticed a real improvement in our skin texture; after the six-week testing period, our faces looked and felt smoother and softer overall. While we didn’t see a major difference in the radiance of our skin, the texture and tone improvements were so great that it wasn’t a deal breaker for us.
Who It's For
This vitamin C serum has our stamp of approval for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, and our go-to for anyone looking to firm and smooth their skin.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, antioxidant protection, helps correct signs of aging | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops every other day or night | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Brightening
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Pump is easy to control and dispense the ideal amount of product
Leaves skin looking glowy after application
Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Easy to layer with other skincare products
Doesn’t seem to have any skin-plumping effect
Read Full Review: Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Serum Gave Me a Younger-Looking Complexion in a Week
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum is our fave for brightening because it leaves the skin with a glow right after application and it helps to improve the skin’s radiance over time with consistent use.
We appreciated how user-friendly the packaging is, that the formula absorbed into the skin quickly, and that it left us feeling moisturized and looking glowy. It also layers beautifully with other skincare and makeup products. After the six-week period, our skin was left looking hydrated, illuminated, and refreshed.
While the serum claims to help with skin plumpness thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, we didn’t notice a visible improvement in this area. But given how brightening this serum is, we highly recommend it if you’re dealing with dull skin.
Who It's For
If you struggle with dull skin, incorporating this brightening vitamin C serum into your skincare routine might be just what you need to achieve a more radiant complexion.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, firming, reduces appearance of dark spots | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+
Fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula
Smoothes uneven skin texture
Helps to reduce dark spots and even the complexion
Some online reviewers find the scent to be overpowering
Dark spots can result from many things—like post-acne scarring and sun damage—and they can often be tricky to fade. But if you have fairly surface-level dark spots, we highly recommend incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine because the powerful antioxidant has been known to help lighten hyperpigmentation.
This one is excellent for that because, in addition to containing vitamin C, it’s also formulated with niacinamide, another ingredient known for its spot-fading capabilities. This formula is suitable for all skin types, has a lightweight and non-oily finish, and the packaging is simple and effective. Over time, we recognized a significant reduction in the appearance of our post-acne marks, and our complexions looked generally more even in tone.
Who It’s For
If you have hyperpigmentation this powerful formula will help fade it over time. Remember to slather on the sunscreen to prevent dark spots from coming back.
Benefits: Lightens dark spots, calms inflammation | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops morning and night | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Absorbs quickly compared to most oils
Improves skin texture
Makes skin look radiant after each application and over time
Layers well with skincare and makeup
Doesn’t make a noticeable difference in firmness of the skin
Vitamin C serums don’t always provide a ton of hydration, but if you’re looking for one that truly pumps up the moisture, this is the one we recommend for you. The formula feels like a typical, lightweight face oil—as opposed to some vitamin C serums that have a grittier texture—and it nourishes the skin in addition to providing all of the wonderful antioxidant benefits.
We didn’t feel that this formula made our face look or feel greasy, rather, it provided the necessary hydration and a bit of glow. Over time, we noticed a real improvement in the radiance and texture of our skin. The one thing we think is missing? It didn’t do much in terms of firming the skin, but if improving radiance and skin texture is your goal, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this product.
Who It’s For
This silky formula contains sugarcane-derived squalane–a vegan version of squalane (with an ‘e’), a moisturizing molecule that’s naturally produced in our bodies. Squalane is a highly effective hydrator, making this product great for anyone with a drier skin type.
Benefits: Brightening, firming, hydrating | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops morning and night | Size: 0.5 or 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Vegan Formula
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
Helps lighten hyperpigmentation
Improves and brightens skin tone overall
Improves elasticity of skin
Could be a bit more radiance-boosting
If opting for vegan skincare products is important to you, we think you’ll love the vitamin C serum from InnBeauty Project. It has a lightweight texture that’s packed with vitamin C for brightness and antioxidants, pomegranate stem cells which help reduce dark spots, and a blend of greens to nourish the skin.
Once applied, it doesn’t immediately make the skin look radiant, but over time we did notice an improvement in the overall brightness of our complexions. We also noticed that it helped visibly reduce some of our hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even, less dull-looking skin tone.
Who It’s For
Animal lovers who steer clear of anything containing animal or animal-derived ingredients will love this clean, cruelty-free formula. It’s also fortified with the brand’s “15 Super-Greens Complex” – a blend of vegan collagen and spinach, designed to pump the skin full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Benefits: Brightening, firming, texture-smoothing | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
How We Tested
Over the course of six weeks, each tester incorporated one vitamin C serum into their beauty routine per the directions on the packing of their product. They evaluated their serum based on ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look, and those that scored the highest earned our Byrdie stamp of approval and appear on this list.
What to Look For in a Vitamin C Serum
- Opaque Packing: Vitamin C is inherently unstable and quickly broken down when exposed to light and/or oxygen. For that reason, board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD suggests looking for a product that comes in an opaque bottle—like the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum or the Klur Brilliant Light—or have an air-tight pump dispenser. Similarly, always make sure to store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
- L-Ascorbic Acid: To get the most value from your vitamin C serum, Dr. Cheung suggests looking for this type of vitamin C, the most potent and active version. That being said, it is often pricey and comes with the highest likelihood of irritation. Other less intense versions include sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is a great option with L-ascorbic acid as is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. Another option with ascorbic acid and essential oils is Klairs' Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop.
- Other Antioxidants: Vitamin C works synergistically, meaning it plays very nicely with other antioxidants. Common antioxidants found in vitamin C serums include vitamin E and ferulic acid, says Dr. Cheung. In particular, she says these two increase the efficacy of vitamin C and help stabilize it. The Klur Brilliant Light is a great option that includes vitamin E.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested several vitamin C, including several on this list. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each serum on its active ingredients, skin-feel, and value. She combined dermatologist recommended picks with insights from product testers and hours of research to compile this roundup.
For this story, we got guidance from Jessie Cheung, MD (a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatological surgical and cosmetic procedures based in Willowbrook, IL), and Jennifer Herrmann, MD (a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA).
Byrdie editor and wellness expert Esme Benjamin helped update this article, ensuring all the products selected truly deserved a place on Byrdie’s list.