17 best vitamin C serums for every skin type in 2025, tested by beauty editors
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A vitamin C serum might not change your life, but it can seriously upgrade your skin. This hardworking ingredient helps tackle everything from dullness and pigmentation to fine lines and uneven tone – making it a staple in countless skincare routines. If you’ve heard of it but aren’t clued up on its full list of benefits, allow us to fill you in.
Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, dark spots or just want a brighter, glowier complexion, vitamin C is a solid go-to. It’s best used in the morning, as its antioxidant properties help protect against daily aggressors like pollution and UV rays – even when the weather’s doing its usual grey and gloomy thing.
“Vitamin C is a pigment suppressor, which works to even out skin tone,” says cosmetic doctor Dr Ana Mansouri. "It's also been clinically proven to benefit the skin in a multitude of ways, including brightening pigmentation, protecting from sun damage, stimulating collagen and neutralising free radical damage."
Vitamin C comes in countless formulas and concentrations to suit various skin concerns – and using the wrong formula may result in issues such as irritation or a damaged skin barrier. So, how do you choose which is best for you?
With so many formulas and strengths out there, it's important to find one that works with your skin type as the wrong choice can lead to irritation or sensitivity. That's why we've pulled together a beauty-editor approved guide to the best vitamin C serums, plus expert tips on how to use them for long-term glow.
SKIP TO: How we test | Product reviews | What are the benefits of vitamin C in skincare? | Should you use vitamin C in your morning or evening skincare routine? | Can you use retinol with vitamin C? | Which brand is best for vitamin C serum? | Which skin types is Vitamin C best for?
Meet The Experts:
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC registered, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
- Dr Ana Mansouri, multi-award-winning cosmetic doctor.
How we test vitamin C serums:
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At GLAMOUR, we don't just slap on a serum once and hope for the best - every product in this guide has been tested by the team over several weeks. We're looking for that real-life glow-up – a formula that brightens, smooths, and actually does something to make a difference. Texture matters (no one wants a sticky face), and we pay attention to how it layers under makeup, whether it causes irritation, and how our skin looks and feels after consistent use. Bonus points for powerhouse ingredients like vitamin E or niacinamide, but ultimately, we're after results – brighter, healthier-looking skin that makes you want to skip the foundation.
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What is the most effective vitamin C serum?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare – but some formulas really do go above and beyond. If you’re after a vitamin C serum that actually delivers on the glow front without irritating your skin, let me put you onto this one: Medik8's C-Tetra Serum.
This little bottle has been a firm fixture in my morning routine for good reason. It’s formulated with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C), which basically means you get all the brightening, antioxidant benefits – minus the usual tingling or potential for breakouts. It’s lightweight, sinks in like a dream, and gives that ‘just had a facial’ kind of radiance.
What makes it especially effective is the pairing of vitamin C with vitamin E, a power duo that boosts protection against environmental damage and helps even out skin tone over time. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, pigmentation or just want to future-proof your skin, this serum seriously pulls its weight. - Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
The 17 best Vitamin C Serums of 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors:
- Best for: Beginners.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E and jojoba oil.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: This potent vitamin C serum is one of the best skincare products you can buy, period. It has a gentle formulation that's designed to penetrate your skin deeply to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also shielding it against pollution and other environmental aggressors. Plus, it's cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and free from artificial fragrances. Glowy skin in a bottle. “My dry skin soaked up this gentle formula like a dream. However, do make sure to give it a good few minutes to absorb before going in with your moisturiser, because otherwise, it might result in pilling.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum
- Best for: Brightening.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 15% ascorbyl glucoside, 1% epitensive (EGF).
Why we love it: Whoever told you that skincare has to be expensive in order to prove effective didn't see this facial serum from The Inkey List. Not only is it lightweight and fast-absorbing, but it's also rich in antioxidants and features Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which helps improve uneven skin and increase elasticity.
Dr Sam's Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
- Best for: Boosting collagen production and repairing the skin barrier.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Ferulic acid, squalane, ectoin.
Why we love it: Dr Sam Bunting is one of the most respected dermatologists within the skincare community and for a good reason. Since her NAD-infused vitamin C serum hit the shelves, the GLAMOUR team cannot stop talking about it. This unique formula is powered by 15% vitamin C complex and innovative NAD+ technology – designed to help reboot skin cells, strengthen your skin barrier, reduce pigmentation and UV damage. All without causing irritation. Not to mention, it's also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it a great fit for sensitive and oily skin types.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: Youth-boosting.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycolic acid and jojoba esters.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: An absolute dream to apply, Sunday Riley's C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is super-charged with vitamin C to target signs of ageing, dullness, dehydration, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It's also formulated to reduce the size of pores over time, so if large pores around your T-zone is something you struggle with, this could be the vitamin C serum for you. "It has a refreshing citrus-y scent, a thick; creamy consistency which feels hydrating on application. Over time, I've definitely noticed a change in the brightness of my complexion and plan on continuing using it for the foreseeable," – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
- Best for: Brightening and youth-boosting.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, vitamin E and ferulic acid.
- Tested by: Hattie Cotmore.
Why we love it: Formulated with the main aim of diminishing the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, this potent C15 Super Booster face serum reduces visible signs of ageing for smoother, brighter, and firmer-feeling skin. It contains a blend of 15% stabilised vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH of 3.0, plus potent antioxidants including vitamin E and ferulic acid – and not forgetting the skin-smoothing peptides. “Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster is a hefty investment at £52, so you'd expect it to perform miracles, and while it definitely banished any dull tones and reduced a lot of hyperpigmentation, the results aren't instant - they took a good few weeks - so that's something to bear in mind,” says Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum
- Best for: Refining and balancing out skin tone.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and thermal water.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks.
Why we love it: Best used once in the morning – over your face and neck – this pure vitamin C serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture. It can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin, and it helps correct signs of ageing while evening skin tone, brightening complexion and softening the skin. Alongside vitamin C, it contains hyaluronic acid which effectively hydrates and plumps the skin, as well as salicylic acid (for exfoliation) and thermal spa water (which contains an exceptional mineral diversity to help restore skin’s barrier, soothe sensitivity and fend off pro-ageing free radical damage). And while this product is not fragrance-free, La Roche-Posay is always a favourite among board-certified dermatologists for a reason.
“La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum applied like a dream, having a light and non-sticky texture which makes it ideal for skincare layering. Overall, it played well with my skin and gave me a much appreciated glowy boost," says Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum for Normal/Dry Skin
- Best for: Protecting against environmental aggressors and stressors.
- Skin type: Normal, dry and sensitive skin types.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet.
Why we love it: Delivering an impressively high concentration of its active ingredients to your skin, it includes a 15% L-ascorbic acid content and has a high pH (which, in comparison to its low-pH counterparts, means it can deliver vitamin C through the top layer of your skin without causing redness and irritation). It's water soluble, feels lightweight upon application and sits nicely under foundation or concealer. What's more, vitamin C has been paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which work to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. "My dry skin instantly loved this hydrating formula. It gave me a glass skin look and helped even out my complexion. About the only downside was that it felt slightly tingly upon first application, but this definitely got better within a week.” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Smoothing fine lines and brightening.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive and mature skin.
- Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: “I was one of the first to get my hands on it,” Sophie said, “and I've been loving it and using it almost every day." The CeraVe team told me that Vitamin C is generally well tolerated by all skin types, but when used at higher concentrations it can cause irritation – especially in those with very sensitive skin. That's why this product was launched. They wanted to create something formulated with 10% pure vitamin C that's suitable for sensitive skin works to target fine lines, dullness and texture.
"I love how lightweight this serum feels on my skin. It's never at all sticky, and it doesn't feel oily like other formulations I've tried. My skin definitely feels brighter, as well as more hydrated – thanks to the inclusion of Essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. The price point is great, too. The only thing I don't like is the tin packaging, which I've found to split half-way down during use and create a secondary output for the product,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
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- Best for: Brightening and reducing dark spots.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, squalane, maracuja oil, red ginseng and vitamin E.
- Tested by: Elle Turner.
Why we love it: This trending skin-brightening treatment contains twice the amount of vitamin C as the original Medik8 C-Tetra formula. It has a gentle, deeply nourishing consistency that gives your skin the radiance it deserves while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. “Its gentle yet effective formula is perfect for rocasea-prone sensitive skin. Over the course of four weeks, it visibly brightened my complexion and gave my skin the most beautiful glow” – Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Reducing appearance of pores.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet.
Why we love it: Infused with salicylic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, this effective, antioxidant-rich serum helps reverse sun damage and provides great hydration and protection while helping smoothen out your skin texture. One of the best drugstore options out there if your goal is to plump your complexion and brighten it all at once. “I loved how hydrating it felt on the skin and how it visibly improved the appearance of my acne scars over time. I did find it a bit tingly at first, but as my skin got used to the formula, I was more than comfortable applying it on the daily. Within a month, this concoction became a must in my daily skincare routine," – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: Brightening and protecting the skin’s barrier.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide and Melasyl™
Why we love it: Garnier’s bestselling Vitamin C Brightening Serum has just had a major glow-up - literally. As part of a full refresh across the brand’s brightening range, the formula now features a patented new ingredient called Melasyl™ – backed by dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad and developed over 18 years of research. Designed to visibly reduce dark spots, target hyperpigmentation and shield against pollution, it’s a clever addition to a serum that already contains vitamin C, salicylic acid and niacinamide for a smooth, even-toned glow.
“I went to the launch where Garnier introduced the revamped range, and I’ve been testing the updated serum ever since. I haven’t seen a big difference just yet – the brand says results kick in after two weeks – but I’m already loving how it feels on my skin. The texture is light and blends effortlessly under makeup, it’s not sticky or drying, and I haven’t broken out once (which is rare for my sensitive skin). I also love that it’s designed to protect against pollution – a huge plus when you’re on the tube most days like me.” – Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
111SKIN Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Booster
- Best for: Brightening, balancing, smoothing, firming.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 3% vitamin C, 3% resurrection plant extract, 2% niacinamide.
Why we love it: There's nothing not to love about this serum tbh. Clinically proven to improve skin brightness by 30% in 4 weeks using clinical grade vitamin C, this is your golden ticket to an even, radiant complexion. Inspired by in-clinic brightening treatments, this staple serum also stars 3% resurrection plant extract, which hydrates, repairs, firms and encourages collagen production. There's also a potent 2% niacinamide, which works hard to reduces the appearance of pores, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Helping to prevent future discolouration and signs of inflammation, this lightweight, antioxidant-rich formula is a complexion essential that all skin types will benefit from.
Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Clarifying and evening out skin tone.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside (1.0%), and Triple-Antioxidant Brightening Complex.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Already a fan of the bestselling C-Firma Fresh Day Serum? You're probably wondering what the difference between that and C-Luma is. C-Firma is perfect when you want a potent daytime serum to brighten uneven skin tone and firm skin with the freshest vitamin C around. C-Luma, on the other hand, is much gentler – and can be used both day and night. It’s perfect for when you want a lightweight serum that evens, clarifies and hydrates too with a vitamin C blend.
“I loved the packaging, as always, and loved how the pump dispensed exactly the right amount of product to cover my face. The product felt lightweight, which mirrors the formulation: a gentle vitamin C blend and a triple-antioxidant brightening complex. As per its promises, I felt the vitamin C serum improved hydration, my post-breakout marks and brightened my skin – and after further testing, I'll hope for a general reduction in blemishes,” says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
- Best for: Brightening.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid and L-ascorbic acid.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes.
Why we love it: This powerhouse of a vitamin C serum contains glycolic acid, which boosts cell turnover and banishes the skin of dead skin cells. This results in the ultimate glow – alongside reduced pore appearance and all-round brighter skin served up by the vitamin C itself. “The serum effortlessly glides on with its hydrating oil-like texture, drying down quickly without any stickiness, imparting a natural glow. Through consistent use, the potent blend of vitamin C and glycolic acid markedly brightened my complexion and improved my skin texture, leaving my skin feeling brighter and smoother,” Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C + Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
- Best for: Firming and reducing appearance of fine lines.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid and antioxidants.
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, this powerful antioxidant-rich serum is formulated with l-ascorbic acid and plenty of collagen amino acids that help boost your collagen production and aid the natural skin repair process. This is especially great if you have breakout-prone or dull skin – just a dropper or two a day can keep your face and neck in tip-top shape.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Space NK discount codes.
Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Vitamin C & E Serum
- Best for: Brightening, firming, and smoothing.
- Skin type: All skin types (but those with sensitive or oily skin should introduce into their routine gradually).
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E and a double dose of pure vitamin C.
Why we love it: Housed in 100% biodegradable capsules made from red seaweed, this potent vitamin C is like a shot of orange juice for your skin everyday. One capsule is enough for the face, and you can use another capsule for the neck and décolleté — it even faded an area of pigmentation on our hand. Starring vitamin E acetate and 10% pure vitamin C, this brightening buy visibly firms and smooths, lessens the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and evens out your skin tone.
What are the benefits of vitamin C in skincare?
Dr Ana Mansouri, a multi-award-winning cosmetic doctor, explains that “vitamin C is a pigment suppressor, which works to even out skin tone. It's also been clinically proven to benefit the skin in a multitude of ways, including brightening pigmentation, protecting from sun damage, stimulating collagen and neutralising free radical damage." And of course, it gives that healthy, lit-from-within glow to the skin.
And there's more. Dr Christine Hall, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics, shares that vitamin C can reverse some skin damage that has already been caused.
“Vitamin C is proven to reverse damage caused by oxidative stress – the process that damages cells, proteins and DNA, resulting in premature skin ageing, loss of collagen, pigmentation and the formation of lines and wrinkles,” she says.
Dr Hall's top tip? “Look for a vitamin C serum that is housed in an airtight container, in a dark or tinted packaging to protect it.”
Should you use vitamin C in your morning or evening skincare routine?
Vitamin C is a friend of your morning skincare routine, Dr Hall explains.
“Vitamin C should always be the first ingredient that is applied in the morning after cleansing," she says.
"Allow a few minutes for it to sink into the skin before applying your other skincare products. As once it's absorbed, vitamin C has been shown to remain active in the skin between 8 and 24 hours — meaning the skin then creates a reservoir of vitamin C that it can use when needed,” shares Dr Hall. Clever.
Can you use vitamin C with retinol?
Yep.
Dr Hall explains that the best regimen is to use a vitamin C and SPF in the morning, alternated with a retinol at night. But if you want to incorporate both actives, start slowly.
“For some, starting off with a retinol and a vitamin C together may be too much for their skin as each can be irritating in their own right," she comments. “It's always better to introduce new actives gradually, one at a time.” Shop GLAMOUR's edit of the best retinol serum formulations and best retinol eye creams.
Which skin types is vitamin C best for?
According to Dr Hall, L-ascorbic acid is the most stable type of vitamin C for all skin types.
But if you have dry skin, Dr Hall advises pairing it with ferulic acid, which is packed with hydrating properties.
If you're more of an oily skin or acne skin type? Go for silymarin-infused formulas.
If you have sensitive skin, look for sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It's a gentle form of vitamin C that's less potent than the more commonly used form, l-ascorbic acid, but still excels at brightening dull skin.
And if you're wondering what concentration of vitamin C to look for, Dr Hall recommends in the region of around 10-15%. "Any more and it may cause irritation, but any less and it may not be doing much,” she reveals.
However, if you're an experienced vitamin C user, Dr Mansouri recommends potentially opting for a 20% concentration, as this is considered the most effective concentration on the market.
Whichever you choose, ensure to patch test and start slowly.
Which brand is best for vitamin C serum?
Dr Hall recommends the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum for most skin types, largely because of its highly effective formula and long-term benefits.
For context, this vitamin C serum features a blend of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, which adds to its antioxidant properties. Designed to help improve skin texture and brighten your complexion, it's hardly a surprise as to why it comes endorsed by beauty editors and dermatologists alike… *adds to bag immediately*.
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