Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter Skin

Updated January 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The Ordinary
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
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High Concentration
Bottom Line

A reliable serum that contains a very high concentration of vitamin C for a surprisingly low price. But it may be too strong for users unaccustomed to vitamin C.

Pros

Contains 23% vitamin C. Reduces the appearance of stubborn dark spots. Affordable, plus you don't need a lot to see results over time. Using a small amount until your skin adjusts will help minimize the burning sensation.

Cons

Texture is gritty. Not ideal for first-time users of vitamin C. A tricky serum to use.

Best Bang for the Buck
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Mad Hippie
Vitamin C Serum
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Affordable and Effective
Bottom Line

Choose this affordable vitamin C serum if you are on a budget and want a product that's packed with skin-loving ingredients. Works well without being harsh or irritating.

Pros

Contains vitamins C and E plus ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid to brighten skin and plump fine lines. Made with plant-based ingredients. Doesn't have a harsh scent. Only a few drops needed for noticeable results.

Cons

Watery. Some users didn't notice much of a difference even after using it consistently.

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
Obagi
Professional-C Serum 20%
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Fan Favorite
Bottom Line

A top-seller that is made with a high concentration of vitamin C for revitalized skin. Has many loyal customers that call it a must-have part of their daily skincare routines.

Pros

Concentrated formula contains 20% vitamin C that is perfect for tackling tough hyperpigmentation. Improves skin's texture and softens fine lines and wrinkles. Scent isn't overpowering, and a little goes a long way.

Cons

Some reports of receiving already-oxidized product. Very pricey.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This top-of-the-line vitamin C serum is formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid to optimize its brightening effects and improve signs of aging and sun damage.

Pros

Made with a combination of vitamins C and E and ferulic acid, this antioxidant serum results in brighter, firmer skin. Lightens dark spots caused by acne and melasma. A holy grail skincare product for many.

Cons

Texture is somewhat sticky. One of the priciest vitamin C serums on the market.

SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
SkinMedica
Vitamin C+E Complex
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Professional Formula
Bottom Line

This professional-grade serum utilizes the skin-brightening capabilities of vitamins C and E to lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation and help minimize the effects of sun damage.

Pros

Formulated by skincare professionals to nourish and improve skin. In addition to vitamin C, this serum also contains vitamin E to brighten skin and even out tone and texture. This serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly.

Cons

A mild burning sensation is common. Can be drying for users with dry skin. Pricey.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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54
Models
Considered
65
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
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If dark spots, sun damage, and aging skin are a concern, a vitamin C serum that brightens the skin may be a product you need to add to your skincare routine. These serums are made to tackle signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and the effects of the sun, resulting in skin that feels soft and appears to glow. What's more, some brightening vitamin C serums contain additional ingredients to plump up skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that highly concentrated vitamin C serums may tingle or burn until your skin adjusts. The key to noticeable results is to use your vitamin C serum consistently.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
CeraVe
Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Noche Y Dia
Vitamin C Serum
Pure Biology
Premium Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Eva Naturals
Vitamin C Serum + Retinol
InstaNatural
Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
L’Oreal Paris
Vitamin C Serum for Radiant & Brighter Skin
ELBBUB
Vitamin C Serum Brighten Hydrate & Plump Skin
b.glen
Pure Vitamin C Serum Brighter Skin
Lift Care
Super Vitamin C Serum Brighter and Tighter Skin
InstaNatural Skin
Brightening Serum with Vitamin C
See more
Our Top Picks
The Ordinary
Best of the Best
The Ordinary
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Bottom Line
A reliable serum that contains a very high concentration of vitamin C for a surprisingly low price. But it may be too strong for users unaccustomed to vitamin C.
Shop Now
Mad Hippie
Best Bang for the Buck
Mad Hippie
Vitamin C Serum
Bottom Line
Choose this affordable vitamin C serum if you are on a budget and want a product that's packed with skin-loving ingredients. Works well without being harsh or irritating.
Shop Now
Obagi
Top Pick
Obagi
Professional-C Serum 20%
Bottom Line
A top-seller that is made with a high concentration of vitamin C for revitalized skin. Has many loyal customers that call it a must-have part of their daily skincare routines.
Shop Now
SkinCeuticals
Top Pick
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Bottom Line
This top-of-the-line vitamin C serum is formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid to optimize its brightening effects and improve signs of aging and sun damage.
Shop Now
SkinMedica
Top Pick
SkinMedica
Vitamin C+E Complex
Bottom Line
This professional-grade serum utilizes the skin-brightening capabilities of vitamins C and E to lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation and help minimize the effects of sun damage.
Shop Now