12 Best Vitamin C Serums That Dermatologists Say Are Worth Your Money

Dr. Howe and Dr. Rabach both recommend this top-selling vitamin C serum, which has earned countless accolades from Glamour readers and is considered to be the best vitamin C serum recommended by dermatologists. “It packs the perfect triple threat against damage: L-ascorbic acid (15%), vitamin E, and ferulic acid,” says Dr. Rabach. Dr. Howe adds that this particular beauty product “delivers the greatest amount of antioxidant power of any product available” thanks to its careful combination of actives—which is reflected in the price, but you get what you pay for (and then some).

• Pros: Offers visible results a lot faster than other vitamin C serums because of its three hero ingredients; can also be used every morning
• Cons: Pricey
• Skin type: Normal, dry, sensitive, mature
• How to apply: Apply 4 to 6 drops to clean skin every morning
• What our tester says: I started using this daily a few years ago and noticed visible results within days. In fact, I love it so much that this is always in my medicine cabinet—even though I don’t typically splurge on beauty products. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor

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An unexpected Amazon favorite, this TruSkin formulation is one of Dr. Rabach’s recommended budget options. “It’s an amazing facial serum packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,” she says. That means you’ll reap hydration benefits in addition to the brightening ones. Heads up: It also has a high concentration of vitamin C, so consider building up slowly to daily use if you’re new to the ingredient—a few drops go a long way. On the plus side, this improves efficacy and makes the serum last longer at the same time.

• Pros: Hydrates the skin with a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; affordable
• Cons: Some users report only a temporary difference in their skin
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply 3 to 5 drops to clean skin morning or night.
• What our tester says: I recommend this to all of my friends who want something more budget-friendly. It goes on so smooth and seems to brighten instantly. —B.E.

Derm-approved vitamin C formulations can also be found on the shelves of your nearest drugstore. Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Rabach both nominated this soothing formulation from L’Oréal Paris. According to Dr. Rabach, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid makes it a gentle—yet effective—option. Dr. Zeichner also emphasizes the low concentration of vitamin C; at 10%, it’s still effective but mild enough to be an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

• Pros: A trusted drugstore and budget-friendly option
• Cons: Formula could be too mild for someone with normal skin
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin every morning or night

There’s a lot to love about this vitamin C. Yes, it’s affordability is top of the list, but users also appreciate the smooth gel texture that never feels sticky or heavy. And because it contains salicylic acid, it exfoliates the skin for better penetration of the pure vitamin C. You’ll also get a boost of hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid—an ingredient that holds 1,000 times its weight in water.

• Pros: Great for those with acne-prone skin because of the inclusion of salicylic acid in the formula
• Cons: Can dry out the skin if you’re not prone to acne
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops across the face and neck each morning
• What our tester says: Whenever I need to inject some life into my skin, I reach for this serum. It gives me an instant glow thanks to the concentrated 10% vitamin C, while salicylic acid clears and minimizes my pores. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior beauty editor

This slow-release serum works all day to infuse the skin with both vitamins C and E. It contains multiple forms of the brightening agent too: ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. With daily application, say Joanna Garcia, a medical-grade esthetician, users will reap the benefits of increased collagen production and a brighter, smoother complexion free from any pesky dark spots—even acne scars don’t stand a chance.

• Pros: No harsh smell; lightweight creamy texture
• Cons: Expensive
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply a single pump allover clean face daily
• What our tester says: It’s expensive, but since it’s medical-grade, it works a lot faster than many other brands. My esthetician suggested it for my dark spots because my skin tone responds to acne scars with further damage, and I was having a really hard time getting them to fade. — Andrea Navarro, Glamour commerce writer

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New to vitamin C skin care products? Dr. Birnbaum suggests this for younger patients who are looking to introduce the ingredient into their skin care routines. It has 15% vitamin C in the formula, which is less than the usual 20% we see in other options. It’s a real sweet spot for those with sensitive skin, since it works to even skin tone and smooth, but isn’t as likely to irritate. You can also mix the serum with your favorite moisturizer for even more protection against irritation, he says.

• Pros: Doesn’t dry out skin; can be used up to twice daily
• Cons: Slightly sticky finish
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin every morning and night
• What our tester says: This has been a game changer in my skin care routine. Having used it for about a year, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects it has had on my skin. Within months of consistent use, I noticed my skin looking more radiant and alive. The dullness that once plagued my complexion seemed to vanish, replaced by a youthful glow. —Christina DiFerdinando, a nurse and skin care expert

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Looking for something a little stronger? You can’t beat the vitamin from The Ordinary’s line. (Check out our The Ordinary review for more affordable standouts from the brand.) It’s budget-friendly, but contains 23% of the hero ingredient—well over what dermatologists say you should target and more than most other serums we tested. Because it packs such a punch, this serum works wonders, targeting dullness as well as uneven texture and skin tone, and improving signs of aging.

• Pros: Very affordable, provides faster results due to its high potency
• Cons: Somewhat gritty texture
• Skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily
• How to apply: Apply a pea-size amount to clean skin every night
• What our tester says: I’ve been on the hunt for a strong but nonirritating option for a while, and this formula is just that. Perfect for my pre-bedtime ritual, it’s less than $10; plus it can be mixed with my other favorite serums to reduce its somewhat gritty texture. —Sarah Morse, Glamour contributor

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While the combo of alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C is usually not advised, this derm-formulated serum—powered by the ultragentle lactic acid—is the exception to the rule. That lactic acid gently clears dead skin cells, allowing the 15% vitamin C to better penetrate skin and deliver even better brightening and firming benefits. Apply four to six drops daily for noticeably improved elasticity and firmness, plus diminished signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

• Pros: Fast brightening results thanks to lactic acid that gently buffs skin
• Cons: Some testers don’t like the smell
• Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• How to apply: Apply 4 to 6 drops to clean, dry skin daily
• What our tester says: I used this product for a long time and never experienced anything but flawless results—glowy, smooth skin. Sure, it smells a little funky, but so do most of the best vitamin C serums I’ve tried. —B.E.

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For an everyday, lightweight formula with advanced brightening benefits, look no further than Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. serum. The serum packs a punch of THD ascorbate (that super-stable version of vitamin C), as well as another well-known brightening agent: turmeric. Other key ingredients? Gingerroot extract and bisabolol, which work to even skin tone and soothe any redness associated with skin sensitivity. It may be an oil, but users say it’s nice and lightweight, plus has a subtle citrus scent that’s execptionally refreshing first thing in the morning.

• Pros: Lightweight; pleasing citrus scent
• Cons: Some users say it’s a bit too heavy for oily skin
• Skin type: Normal, dry, combination
• How to apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops into face and neck, morning and/or evening
• What our tester says: Packed with vitamin C and antiaging agents, this hero product is what I depend on to keep my skin glowing all year round. From fading acne scars on my chin to smoothing out baby wrinkles around my eyes—I can definitely see a positive change on my skin. —Elisee Browchuk, production and marketing manager for Vogue 100

This jam-packed formula is versatile enough to use on clean skin or mixed in with your favorite moisturizer or sunscreen. It has vitamin C mixed with ferulic acid (protects against free radical damage) and tranexamic acid (a superhero ingredient for dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation). You can use it in the morning and at night daily—all you need is five to six drops to let the magic happen.

• Pros: Unlike most serums, can be used both in the morning and at night
• Cons: Product finishes faster because of consistent use
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Use 5 to 6 drops daily on clean skin post-toner
• What our tester says: I was recently introduced to Beauty Pie products, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. This serum goes on super smooth and is light enough to layer with other products. —B.E.

Luxury skin care lovers, listen up. Tatcha’s brightening formula includes 20% natural vitamin C and 10% AHAs to help improve both the texture and tone of the skin. It’ll help brighten and exfoliate your face with the two hero ingredients, alongside fruit extracts like grapefruit, lime, and orange for a smoother, more glowy base. According to the brand, this serum delivers rapid results. In tests, 95 percent of users experience brightening in just one week; 95% of users demonstrated an overall improvement in skin tone in four weeks.

• Pros: Has AHAs so it targets both dark spots and uneven skin texture
• Cons: Not all users respond well to the fruit extracts
• Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• How to apply: Dispense 1 to 2 pumps and gently massage onto clean skin daily
• What our tester says: After using this vitamin C serum consistently for a few weeks, my skin was clearer, more glowy, and much more even in terms of tone and texture. It also sinks right into your skin, leaving no residue at all, and it’s completely nonsticky and odorless, which I love. —Bella Cacciatore, Glamour beauty writer

Packed with two forms of ultra-stable vitamin C—etrahexyldecyl ascorbate and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid—this dermatologist-formulated serum is clinically proven to not only brighten skin but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin discoloration. It contains turmeric for even more brightening power. And for those with sensitive skin, it’s fragrance-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

• Pros: Doesn’t smell; fragrance-free; vegan; isn’t sticky
• Cons: Expensive
• Skin type: All
• How to apply: Apply 3 to 4 pumps onto face, neck, and chest morning and night
• What our tester says: I hate most vitamin C serums, because they’re stinky and sticky, and often expire in what feels like less than a week. It’s taken me years to track down one that feels truly shelf-stable and efficacious, but my search ended when I tried Dr. Whitney Bowe’s flamingo pink Asta-C serum. It plays well with all of my other products and it has done a number—in a good way—on my dark spots and acne scars. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour writer