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Byrdie / Alex Jiang / Emily Cieslak / Brian Kopinski
TL;DR
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard when it comes to vitamin C serums, and we agree with the hype. It scored well in our six-week test, leaving the skin looking softer, smoother, and brighter overall. Byrdie readers also adore the budget-friendly TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, which delivered glowing skin and a visible reduction in dark spots and marks after the testing period.
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 Dr. Diane Madfes 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.
"Vitamin C serums 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—Dr. Jessie Cheung and Dr. Jennifer Herrmann–before landing on these top vitamin C serums for your glowiest skin ever.
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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 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, smoother, and brighter. 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
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Byrdie
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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
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Byrdie
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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
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Byrdie
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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
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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
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Byrdie
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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
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Byrdie / Lauren Coughlin
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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
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Byrdie / Madison Yauger
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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, 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
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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
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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
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, Jessie Cheung, MD suggests looking for a product that comes in an opaque bottle—like the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum or the Klur Brilliant Light—or has 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.
- 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.
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.
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