The 7 Best Vitamin C Serums We Tested and Recommend for Glowing Skin

With so many different types of serums on the market, it can be hard to figure out what each one does, let alone whether it deserves a spot in your skincare routine. If you only want to invest in a single product, board-certified dermatologist Diane Madface, MD, recommends a vitamin C serum. One of the main benefits of vitamin C is that it protects against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, which can damage the skin through free radicals. It’s a powerful antioxidant, and regular use can lead to a smooth, clear, and even-toned complexion.

“They stimulate collagen, fade dark spots, and protect against sun damage,” Madeface told Birdie. “They’re also great for fine lines, melasma, and rosacea.”

We tested dozens of vitamin C serums in the lab and at home for six weeks as part of our daily skincare routine, evaluating each product for ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin radiance, firmness, and overall appearance.

Finally, we had two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Jessie Chang and Dr. Jennifer Herrmann Consulting picked these 7 best products for glowing skin.

Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intense Vitamin C Facial Serum

We love that this product is available at your local drugstore, is relatively affordable, and is very effective. Over time, we noticed a significant improvement in the radiance of our complexion. After six weeks, our skin looked

brighter and smoother. We also noticed a noticeable difference in the firmness of our skin.

The texture of the product is neither liquid nor oily. Instead, it almost feels like a lightweight paste. This may not sound particularly appealing, but it spreads easily and absorbs into the skin very quickly. We also appreciate the squeeze tube packaging, which dispenses just the right amount of product. The only downside we found is that unlike other vitamin C serums that make skin look instantly radiant due to their oily or shine-based formulas, this product does not. But considering how effective it is over time, that’s not a huge downside.

Who’s it for?

This is a great all-rounder for anyone who needs a boost in glamour. However, it’s best suited for those with patience, as results can take some time to arrive.

Best Treatment: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

As avid vitamin C serum fans, we know a good formula when we try it. Sometimes the most hyped products don’t live up to expectations, but this one certainly did. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula doesn’t feel sticky or dry on the skin. It’s easy to apply and incorporate into your skincare routine, and delivers impressive results.

We saw a real improvement in skin texture and reduction in fine lines using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. After six weeks of use, our skin looked and felt softer and smoother. However, we weren’t convinced that this brightened our complexion any more than other, cheaper options we’ve used. Admittedly, we loved this serum, but it’s worth noting that while it’s fragrance-free, it doesn’t have a particularly appealing scent. However, the scent doesn’t linger on the skin, so that wasn’t an issue for us.

Who’s it for?

This SkinCeuticals serum is a win for anyone concerned about fine lines and photoaging. Additional vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and ferulic acid enhance the formula’s protective properties, protecting against environmental damage caused by free radicals.

Best Budget: Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum

This serum proves that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on skincare to see positive changes in your skin. The formula contains antioxidant-rich grapefruit and vitamin C, as well as polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that gently break down dead skin cells.

We loved this serum. It absorbed easily into our skin and left it feeling moisturized. We also noticed that our skin looked radiant after each use. We also loved how effective this serum was at brightening our complexion and smoothing our skin’s texture. After just a few days, we noticed a significant improvement in texture, and by the end of the test period, our skin felt softer, slightly firmer, and our skin tone looked more even.

Who is it for?

If you’re looking for an affordable vitamin C serum, the Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum is your new favorite product.

Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E

If this is your first time using a vitamin C serum, it’s best to start with a simple formula that’s easy to use and doesn’t contain potentially harsh active ingredients that could cause irritation. We love this

product for beginners because the formula is super simple – it absorbs quickly, feels comfortable on the skin, and works well with makeup and other skincare products. It contains vitamins C and E as well as marine peptides and

is known for its firming properties.

We found using the pipette to be very intuitive and the formula absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. After just a week or two, we noticed a real difference in the brightness of our skin and

found that our complexion looked brighter even when we weren’t wearing it. Overall, it helps us achieve brighter, healthier, and younger-looking skin.

While there are no clear claims about firming effects, we wish this product had a slightly stronger firming effect, especially considering it contains marine peptides. But overall it’s still an excellent product.

Who’s it for?

This product is ideal if you’re using vitamin C for the first time and are concerned that your skin might be a little irritated during the adjustment period. It doesn’t include any additional active ingredients on the list, so you can easily get your new treatment started.

Best for Sensitive Skin: TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum

If you have sensitive skin, you know how important it is to find a gentle but effective product. We love this. Not to mention, many of our Birdie readers love it, too. This product is a real pleasure for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The drying time does take around 30 seconds, which is a little longer than other options, but the result of the dry down is hydrating and non-greasy. We even noticed that our skin still felt hydrated even without moisturizer.

Another bonus? It didn’t clog our pores.

We were very happy with the results after the testing phase. Acne marks were visibly faded, and the complexion looked radiant.

Who’s it for?

Since it’s effective, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, and contains no harsh acids, we think it’s a great option for people with sensitive skin.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewal Vitamin C Serum

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 overall appearance of oily skin. The formula contains

L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, which provides powerful antioxidant protection, and hyaluronic acid for extra moisture.

While we had some trouble getting the dispenser portion of the packaging to work when we first used it, the product was easy to use after that. We also liked how our skin looked brighter and more refined with regular use

The wrinkles around our mouth seemed to have faded a bit.

Who’s it for?

This is a good choice if you have acne-prone skin. We appreciated that the serum is lightweight and didn’t feel greasy on our already oily skin, and we noticed a noticeable reduction in acne marks after a few weeks of use.

Best for Tightening: Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correction Repair Serum

Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correction Repair Serum isn’t a harsh formula with potentially irritating acids; instead, it’s a gentle product that actually visibly improves skin texture and tone.

We couldn’t help but rave about how effectively this product tightened the skin. Plus, we saw real improvements in skin texture; after six weeks of testing, our face looked and felt smoother and softer. While we didn’t notice a huge difference in skin radiance, the improvements in texture and tone were so significant that we wouldn’t have worried.

Who’s it for?

This vitamin C serum is our go-to for all skin types, tones, and ages, making it a top choice for those looking to firm and smooth skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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