27 Best Vitamin C Serums to Fade Age Spots and Boost Your Glow, According to Dermatologists (2024)

We updated this article in July 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

If you want healthy and bright, glowing skin, you should probably be reaching for the best vitamin C serum. It’s an antioxidant that is universal and super beneficial when it comes to adding radiance to all skin tones.

“Vitamin C helps produce collagen (which keeps skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles), and protects skin from sun damage and age spots,” says Ranella Hirsch M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Boston. “Between these varied functions, the majority of folks can benefit from having vitamin C in their skincare routine.” (One caveat: Super strong serums may be irritating if you have highly sensitive skin or just had a peel.)

“The powerful antioxidant also works wonders on dull skin prone to dark spots and pigmentation,” says Roberta Del Campo M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BABOR and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute in Florida.

On top of that, vitamin C has a brightening effect, which leaves your complexion looking radiant. Like all antioxidants, vitamin C works by neutralizing free radicals (a type of molecule in your body) that cause damage and harmful effects to your cells—but unlike other antioxidants, vitamin C is very well studied and in general, well-tolerated at high potencies, allowing for maximum impact.

“It will not only make the skin look more radiant, but it will also help to improve its overall health,” adds. Dr. Del Campo.

Not sure where to start? Consult our list of the best vitamin C serums, per recommendations and insights from multiple dermatologists and product testing done by our own editors.

Our top picks

Apply one of these vitamin C serums in the morning after cleansing—but before sunscreen (yes, you still need sunscreen!)—for the best results.

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

The Good Housekeeping Institute ranked this as the best overall vitamin C serum, and as a derm favorite and best-seller, we can see why. Thanks to its antioxidant blend of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, a medley that boosts the efficacy of vitamin C eightfold, research suggests.

“This is far and away the best product and the one I recommend most frequently,” says Dr. Hirsch. “Once absorbed, it can’t be rubbed off, so you can use it with SPF,” she adds. In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, the formula also works to improve signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your overall complexion, according to the brand.

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules

This rich serum comes in single-dose, biodegradable capsule to “limit the amount of product being put on the skin at one time” so you apply the perfect amount, explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The capsule also helps maintain the potency and efficacy of the highly sensitive vitamin C by shielding it from air and UV light.

“This is the G.O.A.T. [great of all time] of vitamin C,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “This product is something I buy over and over again.”

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

If your skin is prone to irritation, look no further than this nourishing 10% vitamin C serum, which features essential ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and calm the skin. It’s also noncomedogenic (so it won’t clog pores) and fragrance-free for a simple formula that effectively boosts radiance.

It has more than 25,800 five-star ratings on Amazon, including one from a shopper who said, “This product lives up to the hype.”

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector

This vitamin C serum gets a stamp of approval from Dr. Hirsch. It works to treat fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand. We love it for what it doesn’t have (irritating fragrances and parabens) almost as much as we love it for what it does have (15% pure vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid). The approachable price tag of just $23 doesn’t hurt either.

“I am on my third bottle of this little serum,” wrote a reviewer. “I’ve tried expensive vitamin C serums before, and this one is the only one that comes close to their results.”

TruSkin Naturals 20% Vitamin C Serum

Packed with 20% vitamin C, nourishing vitamin E (to soothe the skin), and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, this affordable ($20!) serum contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients that will make your skin glow, fade dark spots, and reduce redness fast. A fan favorite on Amazon with more than 139,000 five-star reviews, testers say this vitamin C serum works effectively with consistent use.

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

“This is an anti-aging face and neck serum that leaves skin looking more radiant, softer, and hydrated,” says Dr. Del Campo. The oil-free, noncomedogenic serum combines the power of vitamin C with a superstar exfoliator: salicylic acid. Together, the powerhouse ingredients visibly brighten, soften, hydrate, and smooth the skin. Bonus: The product sinks in quickly, so no need to worry about that post-application greasy feeling.

Our senior commerce editor, Christie Calucchia, received a sample of the serum to test and used every last drop. “I loved how it instantly gave my skin a brighter, plumper look and seemed to improve my overall complexion over time.”

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum

RoC may be known for its quality OTC retinol cream, but its vitamin C serum lives up to the hype, too. Packed with 10% vitamin C, it firms, brightens, and evens out the skin with little to no irritation. Reviewers swear they can “see the difference” in skin luminosity for a fraction of the price of its high-end competitors.

“I am 70 years young and try to always buy products that maximize my routine with the best results. This doesn’t disappoint. It really refines fine lines and wrinkles,” added one reviewer.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Another pick from Dr. Hirsch, this hydrating and fragrance-free serum contains a highly effective combination of vitamin C, vitamin E (to soothe), and ferulic acid (to firm), along with pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract to break down dead surface skin cells, minimizing the appearance of pores. The result? An evened-out skin tone that looks firmer and brighter.

“Love the new formula format! I really appreciate that the brand separated the ingredients in order to maximize potency prior to first use,” wrote one satisfied Sephora customer. “It definitely firms and brightens my skin giving me a more even complexion. I have used C-Firma for years, and I will continue to be a loyal user.”

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

At only $12, this affordable serum packs a punch of 8% vitamin C, which is pretty impressive. It also contains alpha-arbutin, an ingredient that works to reduce the look of spots and hyperpigmentation, and propanediol, which helps draw in moisture.

“I’ve been using this product now for about three to four years. I’ve tried other vitamin C serums/creams along the way, but I always come back to this one,” said one reviewer. “It absorbs nicely and behaves well with other skin care products. It makes my skin look and feel even and more dewy.”

Olehenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

This product smooths out rough texture thanks to its blend of 15% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It also packs 5% polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to gently exfoliate. PHAs have a larger molecule size than alpha hydroxy acids, so they may not sink into the skin as deeply, potentially reducing irritation, says Dr. Feely. The formula also contains Ole’s highest concentration of vitamin C for daily use and its yummy scent is naturally derived from oranges.

“I have tried a lot of Vitamin C products, and this is the only one that does not cause irritation with daily use,” said one reviewer.

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin

Add a few drops of this fragrance-free vitamin C serum to your soothing moisturizer and slather it on all at the same time, says

Anne Chapas, M.D., board-certified dermatologist of UnionDerm in New York City. It’s easy to incorporate into your skincare regimen. No need to worry about feeling dry, as it contains hydrating glycerin, dimethicone, and squalane. Thanks to its addition of salicylic acid, those with acne-prone skin will love this option.

“It’s an expensive product to add to my routine but so worth it,” said a Sephora shopper. “I saw almost immediate improvement with my dark spots and skin texture.”

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate

This 10% vitamin C concentrate sinks deeply into the skin to reduce wrinkles and boost overall radiance, making it a great base underneath makeup. Free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and mineral oil, the sensitive skin-friendly formula will only cost you $17. The air-tight tube also helps preserve the product.

“I saw immediate results the first time I used it,” wrote one Amazon user. “I strongly recommend getting this. The box arrived on time, intact, and the tube itself was sealed. I don’t notice any scent, its creamy, slightly sheer formula absorbs and brightens. It’s also very soothing.”

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

This classic concentrate was recently reformulated to include a higher dose of vitamin C (from 10.5 to 12.5%) thanks to the addition of ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C). Because it contains superstar moisturizers like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, your thirsty skin will instantly feel quenched. Our favorite part? The silky-smooth formula feels like it melts straight into your skin. It’s also formulated for all skin types and works to penetrate deep down into the skin, where it can remain effective for up to six days, according to the brand.

“The texture is a dream—leaves my skin feeling nourished and smooth,” said a shopper.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

This potent serum packs 20% vitamin C, moisturizing squalane (derived from olive seeds), and tartaric acid (a natural exfoliant) to stabilize the skin’s pH and unclog pores for top-notch penetration of the product. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. Together, these ingredients work to boost collagen production, even tone, soothe inflammation, and leave the skin looking plump and radiant. The formula is also great for mature skin types, as it helps boost collagen to tighten and firm the skin.

“I love this stuff,” said Amazon reviewer. “It has a fairly short list of ingredients that I’m satisfied with. It’s one of the few products that I feel makes my pores appear a little smaller when it’s applied...It helps to balance my skin tone and makes my skin look a bit more firm, too.”

Olay Regenerist Max Tone Serum

This unique facial product feels more like a lotion-serum hybrid, and it deeply hydrates skin with a rich, non-greasy formula that leaves it visibly glowing and smooth. A stable form of vitamin C brightens and protects, while niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) soothes irritation, tames oil production, and calms redness. The formula also includes a special energizing complex, that works to brighten up your overall complexion, thanks to its extra dose of vitamin B3.

“I was skeptical, but after two to three weeks of consistent use, it’s definitely made my sun spots lighter!” according to one Amazon reviewer.

Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum

This anti-aging vitamin C serum gets a glowing recommendation from Dr. Sperling. It sinks deep into the skin, protects from UV damage, and brightens those pesky dark spots. It’s a great pick if your skin is prone to irritation since the formula is lightweight.

“As somebody with acne prone skin, I’ve always had a hard time finding a vitamin C serum that works for me, but this one takes the cake,” said a reviewer.

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

The Good Housekeeping Institute rated this pick as the best for dull skin thanks to its ultra-potent serum that contains 15% vitamin C to treat the look of dullness, dark spots, and discoloration all over the face. The key ingredient is its THD ascorbate, which is a highly stable form of vitamin C that rapidly absorbs into the skin, according to the brand. More benefits include improving firmness in the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The formula is also packed with saccharide isomerate extract, an ingredient that helps to make pores appear smaller and strengthens the skin’s barrier.

“I use this serum day and night and have done now for the past six months. It is incredible!” said a shopper. “I’ve noticed a real improvement in the brightness and plumpness of my skin.”

SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex

If you want to improve the appearance of your skin tone and texture, this pick will be your best bet. It has a rich blend of vitamin C and E to soothe and provide protection from the sun all day long, according to the brand. Any skin type can also benefit from dabbing on a dose of this fragrance-free treatment from SkinMedica. “In addition to pure vitamin C, it has a time-release effect, so it doesn’t sputter out mid-day,” says Dr. Sperling.

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

This serum packs a punch with 15% pure, stable vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid for an extra dose of antioxidants, smoothing peptides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and decrease the risk of irritation. Reviewers note that it works wonders on acne scars, sun spots, and melasma.

“After reading the reviews I decided to purchase this product. I was a little hesitant but I’m so glad I bought this! My skin is glowing! A complete overnight difference. I have struggled with dry and dull skin. I have used this product for one week and my skin looks better than it ever has. It’s pricey, but it is worth it to me,” wrote one happy customer.

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

What do you get when you combine a lightweight serum, exfoliating acid, and fast-acting vitamin C blend? This must-have product from Tatcha. Gentle alpha hydroxy acids get to work by breaking down dead skin, while vitamin C helps firm, hydrate, and brighten. The fact that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of oils and fragrances makes it that much better.

“The best in the whole wide world,” according to a Sephora customer. “Sounds exaggerated, but there are literally no words how thankful I am to this.”

Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

This powerful and lightweight vitamin C for dark spots serum features a rich white shiitake mushroom extract blended with the brand’s unique derivative of vitamin C and delivers faster, longer-lasting results. Not only does it work to lighten dark spots immediately, but it also keeps working every day to prevent new ones from forming. Plus, it contains natural squalene oil to keep the skin from drying out. No wonder Reese Witherspoon loves it.

“I have cystic acne and this product helps keep the breakouts at bay, reduces the appearance of acne scars, and aids in clearing away any active breakouts fairly quickly,” said one reviewer.

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

This serum is a dream blend of antioxidants: Vitamin C gets a boost from vitamins E and A, and olive leaf extract keeps things smooth and moisturized. Not to mention, kojic acid helps prevent blemishes making it a great all-in-one product.

“I have combination, oily acne-prone skin. This serum has been a lifesaver for me. I’ve tried everything from prescriptions to OTC. Nothing has worked like this. My doctor thought I may have slight rosacea which led me to try this in the first place. So glad I did,” added one satisfied Skinstore customer.

Babor Power Serum Ampoules Vitamin C

Dr. Del Campo recommends this serum because it contains a “highly effective” combination of vitamin C ester, which is a stable form of vitamin C that helps boost collagen production. “It also contains hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids to help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles as it helps to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier and combat oxidative skin-aging.” Plus, formula is vegan and free of fragrances, silicones, parabens, and mineral oils, so it’s likely safe even for those with sensitive skin.

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum

Ideal for all skin types, Yes To’s brightening treatment serum is formulated with grapefruit (which is loaded with antioxidants), vitamin C, and 5% of polyhydroxy acids (a gentler substitute for AHAs/BHAs) to help exfoliate and smooth the skin. The Good Housekeeping Institute rated this pick the best for beginners thanks to its ingredient list. The serum works to improve your skin tone and texture, while also leaving it super moisturized. Customers love that the product absorbs quickly into the skin and dries down with no sticky residue. The best part? It also works as the perfect base for layering on moisturizer and makeup.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Radiance Boosting Face Serum

The Good Housekeeping Institute dubbed this the best vitamin C serum for dark spots, and it’s in part because it’s designed to strengthen and create an overall healthy-looking glow. Formulated with bifidus prebiotic (an ingredient that supports good bacteria on the skin’s surface), hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, the formula works by speeding up the skin’s surface barrier recovery to create a protective moisture barrier. It also improves elasticity which reduces the look of fine lines. The brand notes that it will visibly plump, hydrate, and tone the skin in just seven days of consistent use.

“This face serum is a staple for me! I have gone through seven bottles already and will need to restock again,” wrote one Sephora customer. “It’s definitely worth the price! This product makes my skin so soft and hydrated. It doesn’t break me out, so this girl who struggles with hormonal acne is happy.”

Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment

This vitamin C serum contains all the heavy hitters: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. It’s brightening, hydrating, and protecting, and third-party testing reveals people saw results after just 12 weeks of consistent use.

“Best vitamin C I’ve tried! Normally they leave me feeling sticky and gross while this one feels more moisturizing,” said a reviewer. “It has added a lot of brightness with my complexion and I’m in love with the design.”

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop

For those looking for a gentle vitamin C formula to use on sensitive skin, Kairs’ serum is a great place to start. It contains 5% vitamin C. While that’s less than most of the products on this list, it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin who still want to experience the brightening and evening benefits of vitamin C.

“This is a good basic vitamin c,” wrote one shopper. “I’ve used it many times over the years. It’s very gentle and does the job.”

How to choose the best vitamin c serum

✔️ Go for pure vitamin C. “Your product should say ‘L-ascorbic acid’ (a.k.a. pure vitamin C) on the label,” says Marguerite Germain, M.D., a dermatologist practicing in Charleston, SC. L-ascorbic acid mixes well with other forms of vitamin C, too, like ascorbyl glucoside and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. “They feed out the vitamin C at different rates, allowing long-term protection with less irritation,” she adds.

✔️ Spot standout ingredients. The perfect vitamin C serum has additional antioxidants, like green tea polyphenols, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. “Products that contain L-ascorbic acid along with other antioxidants offer the most protection against skin damage because there are lots of different types of free radicals that break down collagen,” Dr. Germain says. It’s a little like food: “You don’t want to eat only one thing, even if that one thing is healthy.”

✔️ Look for A+ packaging. Vitamin C is the diva of the skincare world, meaning it’s super unstable and loses its power if you store it in a well-lit, humid place (like in your bathroom!). “Any vitamin C product that turns brown or discolored is breaking down and should be returned,” says Dr. Germain. This is why you’ll often see vitamin C serums in dark or opaque bottles.

How we chose the best vitamin c serums

We consulted the following dermatologists to learn what to look for when shopping for a vitamin C serum and what their favorite products are.

• Ranella Hirsch M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Boston
• Roberta Del Campo M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BABOR and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute in Florida
• Marguerite Germain, M.D., board-certified dermatologist practicing in South Carolina
• Meghan Feely, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor in Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology
• Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Shari Sperling, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Sperling Dermatology in New Jersey
• Anne Chapas, M.D., board-certified dermatologist of UnionDerm in New York City

We also utilized insights from the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item. Lastly, we combed through customer reviews of top-rated products from popular brands and took editor experience with particular products into consideration to share the best vitamin c serums for brighter skin.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.