2024's "7 Best" Vitamin C Serums That Actually Work On The Market
How To Pick A Vitamin C Serum That Works And Get It At A Great Price
We sorted through hundreds of vitamin C serums to narrow down the top ones to test. These are the best vitamin C serums to try now.
After over 16 years of extensive research in beauty and dermatology, my biggest passion is finding the most effective products that can make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’ve incorporated all my knowledge and expertise in our Top 7 Review Series, where we investigate the leading skincare and beauty brands.
Vitamin C serums are hard to miss in the world of skincare, especially because of their well-known and irresistible benefits. This skin-brightening agent is one of the most effective skincare ingredients that are in every skincare-lover's regimen.
We found that many serums in the industry, regardless of how big the brand is, had questionable ingredients along with other red flags that could be increasing your skin concerns rather than giving it a glow.
A good number of products, even from well-known brands, do not show any drastic results for their premium price points. Even with patented formulations, they fail to deliver results.
Our team of researchers and testers researched and tried hundreds of vitamin C serums on the market to find the best of the best. Testers looked at various factors, including company ethics, quality, efficacy, results, and value. They also looked for the most effective vitamin c cleansers and other skin-benefitting ingredients. These “Top 7” vitamin C serums stood out.
Understanding Vitamin C
This antioxidant-rich ingredient is a blessing in the world of skincare. Scientific studies claim that this dermatologist-favorite ingredient not only brightens the skin tone and evens it out by fading away dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but also effectively target multiple signs of aging, prevent sun damage and protect the skin from free radicals.
If there is one ingredient that can target several skin concerns and help you achieve the glowing skin of your dreams as quickly as possible, it is definitely vitamin C.
How Can A Serum Help Your Skin?
While the ingredient itself is effective on the skin, vitamin C serums are one of the best products to boost its benefits and expect faster and more prominent results.
This is because serums are high concentrations of active ingredients. They are packed with anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, etc., with most of the fluid eliminated from the formulation, thus, increasing the potency of the product on your skin.
What Kind Of Serum To Pick?
Vitamin C serums are like a multiple skin concern-targeting potion packed into a small concentrated formulation that requires a single drop to work its benefits on your skin. It is important that this single drop consists of as many nutrients and skin-benefiting ingredients as possible for the maximum benefit of your skin and giving it an ever-lasting glow.
Adding vitamin C to the hyaluronic acid formula is one of the best combinations as they boost each others effectiveness. The serum would result in unfathomable plump and radiant skin.
While it is unsaid, opt for a natural, clean and sustainable serum that is formulated with vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and gluten-free ingredients sourced from nature.
Ingredients apart from vitamin C like aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid improve the overall appearance of the skin. Glycerin also helps attract water to your skin. It is better to avoid serums with synthetic ingredients and fragrances to keep skin supple and plump without causing irritations.
How To Find The Best Vitamin C Serums?
Searching for the best vitamin C serums among thousands of serums can be a mammoth task if you do not know what, where, and how to look. So, we are going to tell you exactly how you can discover these skin-brightening gems.
- Review other reviews. Customer reviews on the brand’s website can give a lot of insight into the product and its efficiency. Although some reviews could be solely for advertisement purposes, a product with several reviews is highly likely to be accurate and honest.
- Money-back guarantees by the company ensure security and increase the trust consumers are willing to put in the product.
- Third-party testing by the company can be expensive for them, but it ensures quality control and supports the promises of the results the serums claim to deliver.
Choosing the right serum seems like a taxing task, especially with thousands of ineffective products in the market. While there could be false advertising, customer reviews never lie. So, we have tested these products and sorted through multiple trustworthy reviews to give you our top picks along with their pros and cons.
#1 Model Off Duty Beauty
Model Off Duty Beauty
C Squared Serum
- High-Quality Ingredients
- Risk-Free Trial
- Affordable Price
- Powerful Testimonials
- Reputable History
The C Squared Serum is the perfect dose of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that your skin needs. The brightening serum uses its 10% vitamin C content to illuminate the skin while hyaluronic acid intensely hydrates it while smoothening out multiple signs of aging to leave your skin looking smooth, plump, healthy and radiant.
This could be one of the, if not the only, best serum with the highest consumer 5-star feedback rate.
Out of all the products researched and tested, Model Off Duty Beauty C Squared Serum impressed our experts with their innovative and high-quality formula. The results were exceptional in illuminating, anti-aging and hydrating the skin.
Hand-selected all-natural ingredients like Multiple skin concern-targeting and brightening vitamin C, intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin keep your skin firm, elastic, and supple. While the serum works to illuminate the skin, aloe vera strengthens the lipid barrier to keep the moisture locked in along with healing and soothing dry skin. The potent vitamin c in the serum delivers an undefeated glow.
Model Off Duty beauty wears its status as a clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural brand with pride, along with its recyclable packing. The serum is gentle, natural, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all ages and skin types.
The product has multiple positive reviews on both platforms, easily making it a consumer-favorite vegan serum!
All purchases by Model Off Duty Beauty are backed by a 30-day Risk-Free 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Get 20% off by using code: VITCSERUM
Pros
- Vitamin C visibly improves the overall appearance of the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid intensely hydrates and conditions the skin.
- Aloe vera and glycerin soothe and heal the skin.
- It reduces the signs of aging.
- Clinically tested and developed by skincare experts for the highest quality
- The serum is Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, and Non-Toxic.
- The product is vegan and cruelty-free.
- MODB is a sustainable brand that uses recyclable packaging.
- Several positive reviews make it evident that the serum is a cult favorite.
- The clean formulation is suitable for any age or skin type.
- The potent serum is fast-acting and delivers results almost instantly.
- It gives you long-lasting dewy and healthy skin.
- The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Currently available to purchase on the brand's official website only
- High product demand may create out of stock issues
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
The patented vitamin C serum protects the skin from environmental stressors and battles multiple signs of aging like loss of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles, along with brightening the skin's overall complexion.
The clinically tested formulation is hyped up by many positive reviews of the product online. The vitamin C product works with hyaluronic acid to boost its efficiency.
The serum also benefits the skin with its vitamin E and ferulic acid contents that neutralize free radicals and stabilize the vitamin C in the serums.
However, the serum lacks other skin-benefiting ingredients like botanicals, anti-aging ingredient and other natural ingredients to target other skin concerns and nourish the skin.
The serum is also exorbitantly, almost unreasonably. priced at $169 for a single ounce of the serum.
Get a free SkinCeuticals hydrating gel on orders over $150 with the code: SKINCEUTICALGEL150
Pros
- Formulated by a trusted and renowned brand.
- Targets multiple signs of aging.
- Protects the skin against harmful environmental stressors.
- TSA approved
- Several positive reviews and recommendations online.
- Contains L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C
- Visuals on the website support the results the serum claims to deliver.
- Easily accessible due to its availability at major retailers.
Cons
- Lack of natural and anti-aging ingredients make the formula ineffective.
- The brand is not cruelty-free.
- Exorbitantly priced at $169 per ounce.
SkinMedica
Vitamin C+E Complex
The Vitamin C+E Complex highlights its dual-vitamin benefits from vitamins C and E that provided long-lasting protection for the skin.
The medical-grade serum is trusted by several dermatologists for countering multiple skin concerns. However, the serum lacks other hydrating and benefiting ingredients like hyaluronic acid or even ingredients to stabilize the vitamin C content.
This would raise doubts regarding the serum's potency and stability when applied on the skin. The serum is also only sold and recommended by dermatologists and not sold online, which limits its access to the consumers.
Get 20% on your first order with the code: BUYSKINMEDICA
Pros
- Contains two forms of vitamin C.
- Brightens the skin to look radiant.
- Improves the appearance of the skin's texture and tone.
- Antioxidants provide long-lasting skin barrier defense.
- Recommended by several dermatologists.
- The serum is of medical grade.
Cons
- Does not contain vitamin C stabilizing ingredients.
- Does not include other anti-aging and nourishing ingredients.
- Cannot be purchased online.
- Return policies may vary based on the various dermatologist clinic policies.
Clarins
Double Serum
The Double Serum by the popular brand, Clarins, has been reformulated several times to reach the existing potent formula that consists of 21 plant-based extracts.
The natural ingredients packed serum includes nourishing avocado, mango, leaf of life, goji and anti-aging turmeric contents.
The brand claims that the serum moisturizes and strengthens the skin while boosting its radiance effectively.
However, the serum lacks ingredients that could increase its efficiency and provide more concrete results like hyaluronic acid.
The product also consists of added synthetic fragrance which could irritate the skin.
Get 10% on this serum with the code: DOUBLESERUM
Pros
- The brand is a trusted and renowned brand.
- Contains 21 nourishing plant extracts.
- Turmeric is a potent antioxidant that reverse aging of the skin.
- The product is suitable for all skin types.
- Minimizes the appearance of pores.
Cons
- Does not contain clinical ingredients known to visibly improve the skin's appearance.
- The formulation consists of artificial fragrances.
- Some consumers experienced negative reactions and expressed their dissatisfaction with the product.
- The website does not offer money-back guarantee on products.
- The product is heavily priced.
Tatcha
Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA
The Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum is a skincare product that contains 20% vitamin C and 10% AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids). Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help brighten and even out skin tone, while AHAs are exfoliating acids that can help to remove dead skin cells and improve texture.
According to Tatcha, this serum is designed to be used daily to help brighten, firm, and smooth the skin, while also addressing concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness. The formula also includes other ingredients such as Japanese angelica root extract and squalane to help nourish and hydrate the skin.
The serum has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. Tatcha recommends using it at night, or during the day with sunscreen, as vitamin C can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Overall, the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum has received positive reviews from many users, who have reported seeing improvements in their skin's texture, tone, and radiance after using it consistently.
Get 15% on this serum with the code: VIOLETBRIGHTSERUM15
Pros
- High concentration of vitamin C
- AHAs exfoliate the skin and improve texture, which can be beneficial for those with rough or uneven skin.
- Japanese angelica root extract and squalane help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
- The serum is lightweight
- It has a fast-absorbing texture that is easy to apply
- Doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin.
- Many users have reported seeing improvements in their skin's texture, tone, and radiance.
Cons
- AHAs can be irritating for some people, especially those with sensitive skin.
- The Brightening Serum may be too expensive for some budgets.
- Not suitable for all skin types
- Vitamin C can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to wear sunscreen when using this serum during the day.
Obagi
Professional-C Serum
The Professional-C Serum by Obagi claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with its 20 percent content of L-ascorbic acid which is a potent form of vitamin C.
The serum helps neutralize free radicals, minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens the skin tone.
Pros
- The reputable brand is recommended by dermatologists.
- Offers formulas with different percentages of vitamin C for various skin types and concerns.
- Clinics offer loyalty programs for the products and the brand.
- Consists of anti-aging properties.
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin.
Cons
- Unclear if the alcohol content in the product could dry out the skin due to lack of information on the website.
- The product contains added fragrance.
- Obagi is not cruelty-free.
- The product comes with a hefty price tag.
- Other products, like our top pick, provides the same if not better results for a much lesser price.
- The brand's products are not vegan.
Lancôme
Advanced Génifique Radiance Boosting Face Serum
With the power of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this radiance boosting serum strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and keeps the skin look smooth, plump, even toned, and younger.
The vitamin CG content which is a stable and gentle form of vitamin C is said to be fast-acting by the brand.
Vitamin E in the serum slows down signs of aging, however, it can sometimes cause irritation on the skin. The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
The product is significantly more expensive than other products in the market that deliver the same results if not more. The vitamin C content in the product also seems lower than other products in the list.
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Pros
- The antioxidant-rich serum defends the skin from environmental stressors.
- Ferulic acid stabilizes and supports vitamin C.
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates and replenishes the skin.
- The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Cons
- Ferulic Acid can also cause premature ageing of skin.
- The product is significantly more expensive than other products in the market.
- The vitamin C content in the product also seems lower than other products in the list.
- Some consumers did not notice a drastic change.
- The product is heavily priced.
What You Will Learn?
- High-Quality Ingredients
- Risk-Free Trial
- Affordable Price
- Powerful Testimonials
- Reputable History
6 Features To Evaluate When Buying A Serum
- The Ingredients
- The Company's Reputation
- Product Testing Results
- Customer Reviews
- Effectiveness
- Return Policy & Guarantee
