There’s a reason that vitamin C is one of the most talked about ingredients in the skincare world: it’s the ultimate multitasker. “Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C has shown to improve dull skin texture and tone, fight free radical damage, reduce signs of aging, dark spots and hyperpigmentation, hydrate, increase collagen production, brighten and provide anti-inflammatory effects,” says Geeta Yadav, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Science Dermatology.
One of vitamin C’s most well-known benefits is its antioxidant properties. “It donates electrons to neutralize the free radicals found on skin from environmental stressors like solar radiation and pollution,” explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Another big one: brightening skin, thanks to its ability to block the enzyme responsible for melanin (or pigmentation) production. A water-soluble nutrient, you’ll find vitamin C in many topical products, including face serums and moisturizers.
1 Best Overall
Mary Kay TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E
Pros
- defying formula is great for mature skin
- entle enough for sensitive skin
- Combines three sources of vitamin C
The Mary Kay TimeWise line is nothing new to the Good Housekeeping Institute team: For years, GH Beauty Lab experts have been recommending TimeWise products for various skincare concerns. This GH Seal star replenishing serum contains vitamin C and E for an age-defying combination. Clinical studies have shown the serum is generally mild and does not bother testers with sensitive skin.
2 Best Value
Pros
- Helps promote a more even skin tone
- Softens skin
- Great value
A GH Beauty Award winner and Seal star, RoC’s drugstore value serum is rich with antioxidants and vitamins. It features a unique blend of vitamin C, castor oil and glycerin, all of which help brighten and moisturize the skin. According to GH Beauty Lab evaluations, 94% of users found a more even skin tone with daily use. A heads up if you have sensitive skin: the high level of actives could cause irritation.
3 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum
Pros
- Has powerful active ingredients
- Measurably brightens skin and improves discoloration
Packed with powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide and lactic acid, Olay’s antioxidant serum helps you get your glow on. A GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the formula significantly improves skin brightness and dark spots starting at two weeks of twice daily use, per a study on 120 women. This may not be ideal for those with acne-prone skin, as some users did report breakouts after application.
4 Best for Oily Skin
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Pros
- Hydrates and plumps skin
- Lightweight formula
A great option for oily complexions, “this serum has the right amount of vitamin C and brightens, plumps and hydrates,” says Ellen Marmur, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare. The product contains additional ingredients such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and fruit enzymes that help brighten and smooth the skin’s texture.
It’s also a unique formula: You mix the powder with the liquid once before the first use to maximize the potency of the ingredients. Some reviewers complained about the product being too sticky, but others said it’s lightweight and sinks into the skin.
5 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Vitamin C Serum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Pros
- Non-irritating
- High concentration of vitamin C
- Expert go-to
GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann loves this splurge-worthy SkinCeuticals serum, a dermatologist gold standard, for its gentle yet effective performance. “Even with a high concentration of 15% of L-Ascorbic acid — an outstanding and proven form of vitamin C — this serum doesn’t irritate my skin like other products I’ve tried,” she says. “It firms and brightens skin, and leaves it supple and glowy,” thanks to the conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties that vitamin E provides.
