The 13 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Vitamin C is one of the most searched skincare ingredients on the ‘net. Rightfully so, given the number of products on the market and the numerous internet skincare gurus sharing their advice about the how-to’s of getting the most out of the antioxidant, given the fact the powerhouse ingredient actually yields visible results. These results aren't anecdotal. They're scientifically backed.

You may still have questions about selecting a vitamin C serum for your routine. Let's start with some expert-backed information about this ingredient. "Translated to real life, vitamin C is a workhorse for looking great," Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, tells PEOPLE. However, to get benefits like improving wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and helping with skin sagging, Chung says consistency is key. So, using vitamin C daily can be a game-changer for your skin. 

PEOPLE tested 32 vitamin C serums for six weeks and scored each on attributes like ease of use, absorption, skin texture and glow, firming ability, overall look, and value.

Here are the best vitamin C serums that PEOPLE tested. 

Best Overall

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum

Target

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  4.5/5

• Firming

  5/5

Pros

• This serum is just as effective as products that are double the price.

• It drastically improved our skin over the course of a few months.

• The tube shape allows you to get every last drop.

• It glides onto the skin easily and melts in without feeling sticky or weighed down.

Drugstore products are competing with pricier options and becoming best in class. This fragrance-free anti-aging serum features 10 percent vitamin C, with over 3,500 users giving five-star reviews of the fast-absorbing, skin-mattifying formula after seeing visible results.  

During our tests, we found that while the serum didn’t yield immediate results like other serums we tried, it offered longer-lasting results. Over the course of a few months, this L'Oreal serum drastically improved our tester's skin's radiance. “I've paid this much for other vitamin C serums that were half as effective, so I think this is a great price for this product," she said.

On top of that, this serum melted into the skin without any stickiness or added weight and had an immediate glowing and smoothing effect. Plus, unlike pump containers, the L'Oreal Revitalift tube shape prevents you from wasting any serum because you can squeeze every last drop out of this affordable product.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol | Skin Type: All

Best Budget

Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  4/5

• Firming

  4/5

This serum boasts PHAs that gently exfoliate and vitamin C to boost radiance. Additionally, the budget-friendly formula is made with over 95 percent natural ingredients sans parabens, SLS, and silicones. This serum is one of the top-rated options, and in our testing, we saw results in just a few days.

This Yes to Grapefruit vitamin C serum was refreshing, not greasy or sticky, and it imparted a subtle glow upon application. This particular serum can be used morning or night, but we prefer to use it in the morning for the light grapefruit scent and instant skin-radiance boost. However, if you prefer non-scented serums, you should opt for another pick on our list.

Size: 0.95 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C and 5% polyhydroxy acids | Skin Type: Dry

• 

  People / Allison Vancura

• 

  People / Allison Vancura

Best Investment

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Bluemercury

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  4.5/5

Pros

• It improves skin texture while also boosting radiance.

• It works well with other skincare products that might already be part of your routine.

• It doesn't leave a sticky residue.

• We noticed the glowing and smoothing effects of the product.

If you ask anyone serious about their skincare routine, it's a very likely possibility this is — or has been — in their rotation as it is the gold standard of vitamin C serums. Why you ask? Firstly, the science and clinical testing behind the brand's products: In this serum's case, it's patented and clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative damage from free radicals generated by UV, ozone, and diesel exhaust by up to 41 percent. Additionally, the serum improves signs of photodamage, lines, and wrinkles while boosting radiance and even fading dark spots. Though this didn’t earn our highest score — it was close, at 4.8 — we found that this product is worth the hype. Not only did it make our skin glow, but it also smoothed fine lines and texture on our skin. It also pairs well with other products you may already have in your routine and doesn't leave a sticky residue.

We do want to point out that our tester, who has used vitamin C daily in her morning routine for eight years, wasn’t expecting a notable difference. However, they were pleasantly surprised: “I ended up seeing a difference in the texture of my skin and fine lines during this six-week test. Everything is a bit smoother and softer — this is the only product/step that changed.” One other thing we noticed about this product is the odor. It has what might be described as a sour scent, akin to the smell of a hot dog.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid | Skin Type: All, including sensitive

Best Smoothing

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  4/5

• Skin Glow

  4/5

• Firming

  3/5

Pros

• The formula is lightweight and easy to apply.

• We noticed a reduction in post-breakout hyperpigmentation.

• It caused a reduction in fine lines, especially around the mouth.

Drugstore products may offer more budget-conscious prices, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less effective. For sensitive or breakout-prone skin, this dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic formula has all the necessities that lead to healthier, radiant skin, including 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, skin barrier-protecting ceramides, and soothing vitamin B5.

Our tester loved this lightweight, easy-to-apply product and said she will continue to use it at home until she uses the very last drop. She did note that the packaging can be tricky because while it's securely packaged for delivery, there are a few steps to opening the cap that took a second to figure out. But her acne-prone skin with post-breakout hyperpigmentation saw a reduction in the appearance of those spots while the formula felt light on the skin. She even noticed a reduction in fine lines around her mouth area.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 | Skin Type: All

Best for Mature Skin

Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum

Klur

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  5/5

Pros

• It absorbs into the skin quickly and works well with other skincare products you may already own.

• Our 63-year-old tester said it had a firming effect.

• It felt hydrating and smoothing upon application.

Formulated with a blend of 20 percent bioavailable vitamin C in tandem with a skin-strengthening and calming complex of plant extracts to help even skin tone sans unwanted irritation, this clean formula absorbs in seconds and, for some skin types, even helps control excess oil production. It also works well with other products you may already be using.

We found the Klur Vitamin C Serum to be super hydrating and smoothing upon application, and it was easily incorporated into our daily skincare routine. Plus, our tester noted that her 63-year-old skin felt firmer over time. It's expensive, but a little bit goes a long way, so we think you'll get your money's worth.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: 20% bioavailable vitamin C | Skin Type: All

• 

  People / Nellah McGough

• 

  People / Nellah McGough

Best for Dark Spots

Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  4/5

• Firming

  3/5

Pros

• It has skin barrier-protecting and collagen-boosting ingredients like centella asiatica (tiger grass).

• Our skin felt healthier and more radiant after just a few days.

Finding the right vitamin C to fade dark spots can take a lot of trial and error. (And we all know that can get expensive.) However, this dark spot serum is relatively budget-friendly and is packed with a powerful blend of 70 percent fresh green tangerine extract (an ingredient that offers 10x more vitamin C than lemons), 4 percent niacinamide, and arbutin that helps improve dark spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation. It also has centella asiatica (tiger grass) to protect the skin barrier and boost collagen.

We saw a difference in the texture of our skin after just a few days of use, a visible improvement in skin tone, and a reduction of dark spots. While the tangerine scent might not be for everyone, our skin felt healthier, more radiant, and clearer after just a few days, and we think this product is an absolute steal.

Size: 1.01 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C, centella asiatica, niacinamide, and arbutin | Skin Type: All, including sensitive

Best for Clogged Pores

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  4/5

• Firming

  4/5

Pros

• While it didn't stop acne from occurring, it helped dissipate flare-ups quickly.

• For every product sold, INNBeauty Project funds the removal of two units of plastic from landfills, waterways, and marine environments.

• It feels like a lush smoothie for your face.

If you're an oil lover or somewhere in between, a serum-oil hybrid feels like an ideal match. This particular one is infused with 15 super greens, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and 250,000 pomegranate stem cells alongside non-comedogenic hemp, quinoa, and chia oils. It's like a lush smoothie for your face that won't clog pores — though our tester shared the formula didn't completely stop acne from occurring. However, the serum did help acne flare-ups dissipate more quickly than before adding this product to their routine. If you try to avoid oil-based products, this one might not be for you.

You can feel good buying this plastic-negative brand. For every product sold, INNBeauty Project funds the removal of two units of plastic waste from the environment to be recycled and repurposed.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), 15 super-greens complex, and pomegranate stem cells | Skin Type: All

Best for Dry Skin

Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  3/5

Pros

• We noticed dewy results in just a few weeks.

• It's formulated with 97% ingredients that are naturally sourced.

• This is one of the products that produced the biggest impact during testing.

If natural ingredients are your jam, we have some good news. This fast-absorbing serum is made with 97 percent naturally sourced ingredients, including natural forms of vitamins C and E alongside peptides derived from marine algae that firm and hydrate to combat and smooth wrinkles.

In testing, we saw dewier and healthier skin in just a few weeks. Of all the serums we tested, this one definitely had a "wow" factor, and our tester felt that her skin looked younger after using this product for a few months. However, if you have oily skin, this might not be the best serum for you, and it's packaged in a glass bottle, which made our tester a little nervous that she might shatter it at any moment. But from our standpoint, this product, which provided a vast skin improvement from a non-plastic bottle is a fantastic deal.

Size: 1.01 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and natural peptides from marine algae | Skin Type: Dry, balanced

Best for Daytime

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  4/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  4/5

Pros

• This product gave us softer, plumper skin and reduced breakouts.

• It's proven to maintain nearly 95% of active vitamin C for one year after mixing.

• Our skin was noticeably more glowy and smooth after one month of regular use.

Cons

• Because it has a 15% vitamin C concentration, it might not be an ideal starter serum for anyone new to vitamin C.

• It's pricey and comes with an odd smell (that quickly fades, but it's worth noting).

This OG serum is still holding up to its hype. The brand's proprietary C-Firma is designed to be mixed by you before its first use. This helps maximize potency and keep the antioxidant complex of the L-ascorbic and ferulic acids fresh; each bottle is proven to maintain almost 95 percent efficacy up to one year after mixing.

As for real-world results, we found that our skin was softer, plumper, and more glowy by the end of the six weeks, and our monthly chin breakouts were significantly reduced. One of our testers even started receiving compliments on her skin and said after three to four weeks of use, she'd catch herself in the mirror and think, "Wow, my skin looks so bright and smooth!" That self-confidence boost helps justify the price tag. However, this Drunk Elephant serum has a 15 percent vitamin C concentration, so if you're just starting out with a vitamin C step in your skincare routine, it's better to start with a 10 percent concentration. Also, one of our testers noted an odd smell upon application but said it quickly faded.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C (15% L-ascorbic acid), ferulic acid, and vitamin E | Skin Type: All

People / Julia Sayers Gokhale

Best Scent

Olay Vitamin C Peptide 24 Serum

Target

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  4/5

• Firming

  3/5

Pros

• It had an immediate glowing effect, and our skin felt refreshed hours after application.

• It resulted in visible hydration and radiance of our skin.

Olay is a skincare staple. If scent is a vital factor in your skin products, you'll love that this serum wakes up your senses and boosts radiance in the skin. Formulated with vitamin C, skin barrier protecting niacinamide, and hydrating peptides, the citrus-scented formula is clinically proven to help skin look visibly more hydrated in one day and more radiant after one month. 

We loved that this serum resulted in visible hydration and radiant-boosting effects and even after several hours, our skin felt refreshed. It had an immediate glowing effect, but it faded within an hour, so if glowing skin isn't your top priority, but feeling refreshed and hydrated is, this is a great value pick. We absolutely love the scent but realize it may not be for everyone, especially those with fragrance sensitivities.

Size: 1.3 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C and peptides | Skin Type: All

• 

  People / Nicole Harris

• 

  People / Nicole Harris

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  4/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  3/5

Pros

• It absorbed in just 30 seconds.

• It's hydrating enough to use on combination skin as the sole moisturizer.

• Our skin remained glowing after 12 hours.

Looking for a new vitamin C serum? Well, this botanical hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and MSM (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) infused serum may be just what you're looking for. 

In testing, we found that this serum was absorbed in just 30 seconds and was hydrating enough to use on combination skin without the need for any additional moisturizer. One of our testers said she started receiving compliments on her skin's complexion and credits that to this product. "I'm way more confident in stepping outside without any makeup. I took a selfie after flying on a 13-hour flight and my bare skin still looked bright and glowy," she adds. The vitamin C percentage is not listed, so those who are new to vitamin C or anyone with sensitive skin should test a small amount of the product on your skin first before applying it to your face.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All

Best for Dull Skin

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  4/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  4/5

Pros

• This serum absorbed quickly and didn't leave behind a greasy residue.

• It's a great serum for a variety of skin types.

• The plumping effect of this product gave our skin an overall refreshed look.

If your skin is feeling and looking a little meh, this luxe oil infused with Damascus rose oil, vitamin C, and chios crystal oil tag team to provide hydration while boosting radiance and improving firmness. Applying oil to your skin might feel like it goes against everything you learned about skincare. However, squalane soaks right into the skin and is usually well tolerated by most skin types, including oily and combination skin.

In testing, we found that even testers with naturally oily skin loved this product, saying that the oil absorbed surprisingly well and never felt greasy post-application. The glow of this serum is excellent at combating dull skin, and one of our testers said she'd received so many compliments on her skin since incorporating this product into her daily routine. It also made our skin extra plump, as if we'd just gotten a great night's sleep. This product is on the pricier side, but a little goes a long way, so we think it's worth it.

Size: 1.01 oz. | Star Ingredients: Damascus rose oil, vitamin C, and Chios crystal oil | Skin Type: All

People / Madison Yauger

Best Hydrating

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Skin Texture

  5/5

• Skin Glow

  5/5

• Firming

  4.5/5

Pros

• Hyaluronic acid is included in the formula, so you can save time by cutting that step in your skincare routine.

• It has a high concentration of vitamin C.

• It offers gentle exfoliation while improving skin elasticity and evening skin tone.

With this 15 percent vitamin C-infused serum, you won't need to layer hyaluronic acid because it's already in this formula, which is a plus if you're an impatient skincare applicator. The serum is a trifecta of powerhouse ingredients — vitamin C, exfoliating acids, and banana-powder-inspired pigments — that improves skin elasticity, evens skin tone, and combats pollution. 

We love that this serum has such a hydrating effect that we can make it through a full day of Zoom calls while still looking dewy. It made our skin glowy, hydrated, and refreshed, and we loved the slight scent. It has a 15 percent vitamin C concentration, so if you're new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a product with a 10 percent concentration.

Size: 1 oz. | Star Ingredients: 15% vitamin C (ethyl ascorbic acid), PHAs, and hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All

People / Ivy Ford

Things to Consider Before Buying Vitamin C Serum

Concentration Level

Most everyone can benefit from layering vitamin C into their routine, whether it be vitamin C serum or in an eye cream for dark circles. So what concentration of vitamin C should you look for? Stick with a 10 percent concentration if this is your first experience with the antioxidant or if you have more sensitive or reactive skin. You can always work your way up. Our top pick, L'Oreal Revitalift Vitamin C Serum, has a 10 percent vitamin C concentration. Formulas with 15 to 20 percent vitamin C are considered a higher dose.

Skin Type

While most skin types can benefit from adding vitamin C serums to their skincare routine, if your skin is reactive or sensitive, Chung says to avoid high-concentration formulas that may cause irritation. Some vitamin C products are formulated specifically for sensitive skin, like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. If you have dry skin, try Sephora Collection’s Ultra Glow Serum, our top pick for dry skin.

Packaging

Vitamin C serum that is packaged in a dark glass bottle or opaque plastic tube will last longer than one stored in clear packaging. It’s also important to store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place to avoid UV exposure, which can make it less effective. The Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum, which is in a dark glass bottle, and our best overall, L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Serum, in an opaque tube, are examples of the ideal packaging for vitamin C serums.

Other Ingredients

Vitamin C is usually thoughtfully formulated with complementary ingredients. The reason for this? "Vitamin C products often need oiler vehicles to maintain stability," Chung tells PEOPLE. However, she notes this can be problematic for some skin types (think: acne-prone skin). But luckily, brand founders and chemists are considering a range of skincare needs. So if you are acne-prone, seek formulas with squalane and rosehip oils, as they are non-comedogenic. Vitamin C can also be quite effective in hyaluronic acid serums.

As far as the actual vitamin C goes, Chung recommends products that use L-ascorbic acid as its active ingredient, preferably with vitamin E, for the best stability. This is because L-ascorbic acid is the most potent and effective form of vitamin C. Our best daytime serum, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum, contains both L-ascorbic acid and vitamin E.

Retinol Products

If your skin is not sensitive, you can apply both vitamin C and retinol at night. "If I'm going to use either retinol or vitamin C, I'll take retinol," Chung shares. This pairing can be a dynamic duo that gets you a little more bang for your buck if your skin isn't prone to irritation. "Retinol is your gold standard for increasing collagen and improving the turnover of skin cells while Vitamin C acts as a supporting cast," she explains. Prone to irritation? No problem. Instead, stick with vitamin C for the daytime and a retinol formula at night. 

How We Tested Vitamin C Serums

To find the best vitamin C serums on the market, our team used them over a period of six weeks. We tested 32 vitamin C serums altogether on a variety of different skin types. Of the 32 serums tested, seven earned a 4.6 or above, and the ratings ranged from a 2 to a 4.9.

We rated each serum on ease of application and absorption. Then we noted how it interacted with our skin texture and whether it produced a glow or had firming capabilities. We then gave it a general rating based on the overall look of the applied vitamin C serum. Finally, the prices were revealed and we compared the retail price against the quality of the product to get our value rating. All in all, we selected 13 vitamin C serums we feel confident would work well for a variety of people.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does vitamin C serum do for your face?

  Vitamin C is clinically proven to protect against free radical damage caused by pollution, sunlight, and even alcohol while effectively evening skin tone and promoting collagen production — making it a popular active ingredient in eye serums and other skincare products. It also boosts radiance, decreases the appearance of dark spots, and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

• How should I use vitamin C serum?

  There is one must when using vitamin C (and caring for your skin in general): SPF. "I recommend using vitamin C every morning before sunscreen," Los Angeles-based celebrity esthetician Shani Darden tells PEOPLE. "During the day, you want to protect your skin while you're out and exposed to environmental stressors. The combo of vitamin C serum and sunscreen is perfect for daytime protection." It's also a good idea to seek out vitamin C in blue light skincare products. Among her favorite vitamin C-infused serums is iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum. She notes it's an efficacious yet nourishing serum formulated with L-ascorbic acid, a pure and potent form of vitamin C. It is also usually well-tolerated by most skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

• How often should I use vitamin C?

  Darden says a slow start is best if you're starting a vitamin C serum for the first time or adding a new vitamin C serum you haven't used before. Begin by using a small amount once a day, three or four days a week, and work your way up to a daily application. "Vitamin C is a very active ingredient, and it can cause irritation," she explains. "Introducing it slowly will allow time for your skin to acclimate to the product without causing any irritation. Additionally, adding the product in slowly and by itself will make it easier to pinpoint how well it works for your skin. If you're adding in too many products at the same time, it can make it difficult to understand whether or not a product is working." 

• When should I apply vitamin C serum?

  The best time to apply vitamin C serum depends on what other products you’re using as well as your skin sensitivity level. Learning how to layer products and when to use them is a science, but once you get your routine down, it’s super simple. Chung encourages her patients with sensitive skin to use vitamin C serum in the morning, but you can also apply it at night with retinol. If your skin isn’t prone to sensitivity, the combination of vitamin C and retinol may give you faster results. If you are susceptible to irritation, use a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinol at night.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Bianca Lambert is a freelance writer for PEOPLE and is also a contributing writer for Byrdie, specializing in natural hair and skincare. She has worked as a freelance beauty and travel writer for over four years and has an extensive knowledge of beauty ingredients and how they affect your skin, hair, and face. For this article, she consulted our testing results and interviewed Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Los Angeles-based celebrity esthetician Shani Darden.

What Is People Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. 

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. 

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

ncG1vNJzZmiolaS9rbGNnKamZ5KawLV51aKrmqWZo3qkedKeqa6lo2KEdYSRb21v