10090807060504030201
Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments/Face Serums

Top 10 Vitamin C Serums

These Vitamin C Serums Are Proven to Brighten and Smooth—Find Your Perfect Match

Image credits: target

When it comes to skincare essentials, few ingredients rank higher than vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant can singlehandedly stimulate collagen production, lift away dark spots, smooth fine lines, and protect skin from free radicals that cause skin cancer and premature signs of aging. 

Just like SPF, vitamin C is one of those ingredients that is non-negotiable no matter your skin type or age. With that in mind, we're bringing you a list of the absolute best vitamin C serums you can buy. But first, let’s run through a few best practices and need-to-knows.

How To Use A Vitamin C Serum

One of the biggest FAQs about vitamin C is when to apply it. Dermatologists have mixed views on this topic. While most believe it's best to use it in the morning when UV radiation is at its highest, others swear by nighttime use as this is when the skin's vitamin C is most depleted. One thing the experts can all agree on is how to apply a vitamin C serum. To achieve the best results possible, you should apply your vitamin C serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. 

Keep in mind that vitamin C is typically unstable and can interact with other ingredients—meaning, you should avoid using it at the same time as benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and niacinamide. While you can incorporate products with these ingredients in your routine along with a vitamin C serum, we recommend applying them at different times (or on alternate days) to avoid affecting the potency. For example, you can use a vitamin C serum in the morning and a moisturizer with niacinamide at night.

Finally, because vitamin C is so reactive, it can easily lose its antioxidant effect when exposed to heat, light, and air. To prevent it from oxidizing and deactivating, we recommend storing it in a cool, dark place and opting for products that come in airtight, opaque packages. And be sure to close the bottle tightly after each application, as leaving it open is a surefire way to let it go to waste.

How We Found The Best Vitamin C Serums

Now for the fun part: We rounded up this list of vitamin C serums using our data-driven algorithm that ranks and scores products based on best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, and user reviews. In other words, you're only seeing the best vitamin C serums in the biz here. Whether you're looking for something with extra anti-aging power or a formula that works well with oily, acne-prone skin, we're bringing you the best options in every category below. Keep scrolling to shop the Top 10.

Jump To Products

January 21, 2025

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

FacebookPinterest logoTwitter logoEmail icon

Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: sephora
Rank & Style Approved

sephora

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.75

10

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

4.28

3717 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Learn More
arrow

Best Vitamin C Serum For Fine Lines

FORMULA DETAILS
The Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum from Kiehl's contains an impressive 10% pure vitamin C. It also has hydrating hyaluronic acid and ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C known to reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're concerned with the texture of your skin, this is one of the best vitamin C serums for you. It helps smooth and firm maturing skin.


Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.8

09

Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

4.65

3551 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum For Dark Spots

FORMULA DETAILS
Ascorbic and ferulic acids—two potent forms of vitamin C—can be found in this serum, along with grapeseed extract and vitamin A. Together, these ingredients tackle fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dullness, dark spots, and enlarged pores. 

MORE TO KNOW
According to Nordstrom reviewers, Buttah Skin's Vitamin C Serum is "...the best of the best." Shoppers say its water-like consistency helps the skin absorb it quickly. 

Made In Usa

Made In Usa

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

Overall Score

4.8

08

Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

4.58

8976 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin

FORMULA DETAILS
No corners were cut when Naturium's Vitamin C Complex Serum was created. This top-rated serum features a blend of stabilized l-ascorbic acid (AKA, pure vitamin C) and Kakadu plum. Native to Australia, Kakadu plum contains up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is the best Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used. Not only does it brighten your skin and even your tone, but it also hydrates and gives you a really nice natural glow. As someone who suffers from eczema and extremely dry, flaky skin, this has done wonders when it comes to keeping my skin hydrated and radiant! The results are also seen very fast—literally overnight."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.85

07

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

4.39

45269 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

FORMULA DETAILS
Never underestimate a drugstore skincare brand—especially CeraVe. Developed in tandem with dermatologists, this affordable serum contains 10% pure vitamin C, three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and redness-reducing vitamin B5 for brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

MORE TO KNOW
No need to rinse the extra away—rub it on the tops of your hands for extra anti-aging benefits.


Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.85

06

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

4.51

3132 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum For Dry Skin

FORMULA DETAILS
A potent blend of vitamin C, collagen, and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) is behind Mario Badescu's Vitamin C Serum. To balance out the intensity of vitamin C, this serum also contains skin-soothing ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and lavender.

WHO IT'S FOR
This serum was created to address dark spots, dullness, and fine lines. It's a good choice for those with mature, dry skin.


TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.9

05

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

4.31

156704 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum On Amazon

FORMULA DETAILS
Want brighter skin without blowing out your budget? This one's for you. Packed with vitamin E and botanical hyaluronic acid, this vitamin C serum addresses loss of firmness, dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and more—all for $22. Take a look at the 100,000-plus reviews on Amazon for proof.

MORE TO KNOW
In case you need another reason to love this stuff, it's also plant-based and free of synthetic color, additives, and fragrance.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Overall Score

4.9

04

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

4.69

1016 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Advanced Vitamin C Serum

FORMULA DETAILS
The C+ Correcting Complex is infused with Revision Skincare's MelaPATH technology, a patent-pending blend of antioxidants designed to combat the skin-damaging effects of free radicals.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I am 75 years old and have been using Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex for 6 months. It is the best vitamin C serum I have tried. It fades dark spots, brightens my complexion, and makes my skin feel velvety soft. If you’re looking for a great C serum give this a try!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tatcha The Brightening Serum

Overall Score

4.95

03

Tatcha The Brightening Serum

4.45

2404 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum For Acne Scars

FORMULA DETAILS
Here's the rundown: Tatcha's Brightening Serum contains ferulic acid, Japanese plum, and a stabilized version of vitamin C that slowly releases over a 12-hour time period. Apply it day and night for up to 24 hours of brightening power.

WHO IT'S FOR
Those with acne scars will find this serum particularly effective. And because it's free from mineral oil, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, it's perfect for those with sensitive skin as well.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Overall Score

4.95

02

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

4.58

2277 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum For Pores

FORMULA DETAILS
Say goodbye to redness, enlarged pores, and all of the standard signs of aging. Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Serum contains an advanced form of vitamin C, as well as saccharide isomerate (a plant-derived humectant), and an antioxidant-rich phytosterols complex. Together, these ingredients contribute to a glowy, even complexion.

MORE TO KNOW
You can give this serum a trial run by opting for the mini size (.5 oz) from Sephora. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Overall Score

5

01

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

4.57

35104 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum Overall

FORMULA DETAILS
Lauded by estheticians and dermatologists, SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic is formulated to brighten and firm aging skin. This cult-favorite serum is clinically proven to reduce damage caused by free radicals. Plus, it combats signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I have used many vitamin C serums and there are many I like, but this one is definitely superior. It absorbs into my skin in a fast manner, is very lightweight once absorbed, and appears to help makeup go on flawlessly."

View All Top 10 Lists
Arrow white

The Latest

Image credits: st tropez

Self Tanners

Top 10 Self Tanners

The Ultimate List of Self-Tanners That Will Give You a Totally Natural Glow

View All Beauty
arrow

Top Sale Finds

Image credits: j.crew

J.Crew

Early spring styles from $29.50. Plus, extra 50% off sale styles.

Shop Now

Arrow white

Straight-to-the-point emails to make finding what you love even easier.