Here's Why You Need Vitamin C in Your Skin-Care Routine (2024)

The best vitamin C serums are among the most effective skin-care products for tackling the peskiest of skin-care concerns — from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and uneven skin texture. Why serums? They contain high concentrations of the active brightening ingredient (ahem, vitamin C), which is also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.

Alongside firsthand testing across our beauty editors (who vary in age, skin types, and skin tone), we asked board-certified dermatologists for their tried-and-true topical skin-care products containing vitamin C that they recommend to their patients. Ahead, the best vitamin C-infused serums for an even skin tone and a glowy, radiant finish.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
• Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum, $45
• Best Luxury: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%, $176
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, $44
• Best for Dull Skin: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, $89
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: OleHenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, $68
• Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Repair Serum, $110
• Best Packaging: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, $79

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does vitamin C do for the skin?
• Does vitamin C help fade dark spots and discoloration?
• Meet the experts
• How our test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Why It's Worth It: The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum (containing vitamins E and C, plus ferulic acid) has won four Allure Best of Beauty Awards for a reason. Editors and dermatologists alike love it for its fine line-smoothing powers, along with its ability to dramatically lighten dark spots caused by sun damage. Ferulic acid is yet another antioxidant that stabilizes both vitamins C and E when it's combined with vitamin C. "It had a role in brightening my complexion and reducing spotty, all-over redness," says commerce editor Sarah Han, who says you only need a few drops for your entire face, so despite the hefty price point, a bottle lasts a long time.

Editor Tip: Many brands have started developing serums formulated with the mighty trifecta that is vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, but SkinCeuticals was one of the first companies to come up with this near-magical combination in 2007, as previously explained by Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. SkinCeuticals even patented its combo: 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Who It's For: Anyone targeting both fine lines and discoloration | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Why It's Worth It: La Roche-Posay is known for bottling top-grade formulas at reasonable price points, and this face serum is certainly no exception. L-ascorbic acid refines skin texture while salicylic acid gently exfoliates clogged pores—making it ideal for those with oily skin. Since that combination can be intense, it also offers a soothing blend of neurosensine (a synthetic peptide), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Editor Tip: The brand's signature thermal spring water will pull the brakes on any irritation.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Those who want an active-packed formula with a friendly price tag | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Luxury: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Why It's Worth It: Revision Skincare is a favorite of dermatologists we've talked to over the years. Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, told us that it's her go-to vitamin C product because it provides antioxidant benefits and corrects damage incurred from HEV blue light. And Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, has also used it for years. "I love that it's formulated with 30% pure vitamin C and also contains patent-pending MelaPATH technology, making it one of the most advanced vitamin C products on the market," she previously called out. The MelaPATH technology reportedly boosts the skin's production of vitamins C and E.

Editor Tip: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% has a high concentration of vitamin C, so sensitive skin types may want to try a lower-potency option on this list.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, diglycosyl gallic acid | Who It's For: Anyone looking to max out protective properties | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

Why It's Worth It: New York City board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, recommends this antioxidant serum because it contains THD ascorbate, a highly stable version of vitamin C. "It also includes other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and peptides, as well as ceramides, to help repair the barrier," Dr. Finney says.

Editor Tip: Because it contains a stable form of vitamin C and soothing agents, it's a solid option for folks with sensitive skin. For those who want a higher concentration of vitamin C, we suggest trying the Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ceramides | Who It's For: People who typically find vitamin C too irritating | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best for Dull Skin: Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Why It's Worth It: This serum pairs a potent combination of 20% vitamin C with 10% alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), giving it an additional advantage against dark spots and dullness. Plus, the lightweight formula sinks in quickly. One Allure contributor tested it nightly for about four weeks and noticed their acne scars and hyperpigmentation were less noticeable, and skin looked brighter and more even than it had in a long time.

Editor Tip: It has a slight floral scent that makes applying this Tatcha serum a luxurious, almost spa-like experience. If you're sensitive to fragrance, you may want to do a small patch test.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, angelica root | Who It's For: People who want to address overall brightening (and can tolerate more intense actives) | Fragrance-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

Why It's Worth It: The star ingredient of Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum might be, well, vitamin C, but we especially love this formula for its inclusion of polyhydroxy acids. For those unfamiliar, polyhydroxy acids are a group of exfoliating chemicals commonly referred to as PHAs. The acids have similar pore-unclogging properties to alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids without the stinging sensation most of them cause. For added cushioning, this serum is also combined with hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture for dry skin.

Editor Tip: Since this serum contains a chemical exfoliant, we recommend incorporating it into your nighttime routine so you minimize the chances of UV damage incurred during the day. If you do however use this as your daytime serum, make sure you're applying (and reapplying) enough sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. (This should be easy because you're already wearing sunscreen every day…right?)

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, polyhydroxy acids | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a double dose of acne-targeting ingredients | Fragrance-Free: No

Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Loretta Repair Serum

Why It's Worth It: Dr. Loretta is a dermatologist-founded brand that has won multiple Best of Beauty Awards, most recently in 2023 for its Resurfacing Enzyme Polish. In the realm of serums, we're fans of Repair Serum, which is supercharged with Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super stable, oil-soluble version of vitamin C that penetrates deep into the epidermis to minimize free-radical damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and pollution. Lilac stem cells also help fight free radicals and curb excess oil production, while two types of marine algae increase hydration and support the skin's natural collagen production.

Editor Tip: If you have 5-10 empty beauty products (from any brand!) that are properly cleansed, you can mail them to Pact for recycling—and Dr. Loretta will cover the associated costs!

Key Ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (3%), lilac stem cells: fight free radicals and help control excess oils, and marine algae extracts (Undaria pinnatifida and Alaria esculenta) | Who It's For: People who want to target signs of aging (like loss of firmness or fine lines) | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Packaging: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

Why It's Worth It: Before the first use of the Best of Beauty Award-winning C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, mix the liquid serum base with the antioxidant-rich formula to ensure it's the most potent formula it can be. In addition to repairing UV-damaged skin, this Drunk Elephant serum also features pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract—both of which help to dissolve dead skin cells, thus reducing the appearance of pores and overall dullness.

Editor Tip: According to senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen, the thin, fluid texture spreads easily and sinks in quickly, leaving behind a brighter complexion and a slight dew after a few uses. Keep in mind: It does have a bitter smell, but it's so subtle that you might not notice.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, pumpkin ferment extract | Who It's For: People who want the freshest possible formula | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Lightweight Gel: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum

Why It's Worth It: The Inkey List's 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum features ascorbyl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C that brightens the skin and helps fade dull or dark spots over time. Plus, it also offers epitensive, a plant-deprived peptide made to tighten the look of skin.

Editor Tip: Wait a few minutes after applying this before layering on other products, which gives the epitensive time to work.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, epitensive | Who It's For: People looking to tackle wrinkles | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Clinical-Grade Formula: Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20%

Why It's Worth It: If you want a straightforward vitamin C serum that doesn't have extra bells and whistles like other picks, Obagi's Medical Professional-C Serum 20% is your best bet. The beauty of this Obagi serum is that its star ingredient is solely vitamin C, specifically 20% L-ascorbic acid. Apply a few drops from its dropper to reveal your smoothest, brightest complexion yet.

Editor Tip: Vitamin C can make your skin sensitive to sun rays, so utilizing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 is an absolute must during the daytime.

Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a high concentration of vitamin C in their skin-care routine | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Antioxidant-Packed Formula: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Why It's Worth It: Sure, the BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner is packed with 20% L-ascorbic acid, but that's not the only brightening antioxidant it treats your skin with. It's the ultimate hyperpigmentation reducer for its combination of pure vitamin C and green tea extract, which contains a slew of antioxidants to perk up your complexion. Tartaric acid, an intensive alpha-hydroxy acid, also deserves a shout-out for its ability to tighten, brighten, and even your overall complexion.

Editor Tip: For an added dose of dark circle-brightening vitamin C for your undereyes, we recommend pairing this serum with BeautyStat’s Universal C Eye Perfector, an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner.

Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, green tea extract, squalane, tartaric acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants to effectively target hyperpigmentation and discoloration | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best for Inflammaging: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

Why It's Worth It: You've probably heard the term "inflammaging" being thrown around your TikTok FYP, and to put it in the most basic terms, it refers to chronic, low-grade inflammation that can cause the skin to age more rapidly, according to Gretchen Frieling, a Boston-based, board-certified dermatopathologist that previously defined the term to Allure.

To quell your inflamed, maturing skin against its environmental stressors, we recommend applying a few drops of TruSkin's Vitamin C Serum on your face. TruSkin's serum contains a trifecta of redness- and inflammation-reducing ingredients, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stabilized form of vitamin C), antioxidant vitamin E, and an anti-inflammatory sulfur derivative called MSM.

Editor Tip: Since this formula contains hydrating, skin-soothing ingredients, and no fragrances, we also recommend TruSkin for sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: sodium ascorbyl phosphate, vitamin E, MSM, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants to reduce the look of inflammation and fine lines | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Best Steal: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Why It's Worth It: Like all of The Ordinary's products, the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% will effectively target a multitude of concerns including hydration, discoloration, and fine lines without draining your bank account. As its name suggests, this under-$10 serum features two-star ingredients: antioxidant vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid. This formula contains 23% of pure L-ascorbic acid (a stabilized form of the antioxidant) to brighten, condition, and provide support against free radical damage.

Editor Tip: Since this formula has such a high concentration of vitamin C, we recommend patch-testing before applying it to your face. The brand also recommends avoiding other active ingredients like niacinamide and retinol when using this serum to avoid sensitivity issues.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a wallet-friendly vitamin C treatment | Fragrance-Free: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does vitamin C do for the skin?

"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant," explains board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City. "It interferes with pigment production and keeps inflammation at bay." Not only that, but it can also support collagen production. Collagen is an important protein in your body that supports your skin's elasticity and firmness. "It is the scaffold that gives these tissues structure," Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD previously told Allure.

Vitamin C's antioxidant properties mean that it can neutralize free radicals, which are molecules created by external factors like air pollution and sunlight, says Dr. Zeichner. And since free radicals speed up signs of aging, vitamin C helps address fine lines they cause, too. Think of it as the ideal daytime counterpart to the retinol or acids you might use at night to smooth over your skin, speed up cellular turnover, and treat acne scars left over from breakouts.

Does vitamin C help fade dark spots and discoloration?

It's also a staple in brightening products since vitamin C can inhibit your skin's melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place — in addition to evening out skin tone.

Meet the experts

• Robert Finney, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist
• Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia
• Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City
• Patricia Wexler, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist

How we test and review products

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

More serum we love this way:

• 15 Best Serums for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
• 15 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Dewiest Complexion Ever
• 17 Best Antioxidant Serums for a Brighter, Clearer Complexion

Done reading? Now, watch Shakira break down her most iconic music videos:

Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.

Skin care doesn't stop at your jawline.

Boost your moisture levels with this plant-derived powerhouse.

Don't overlook this particularly sensitive area.

They'll blur pores, fine lines, and dark spots better than any filter can.