:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2021-06-09at5.08.21PM-44a830fbe12c47dfa332f895c05b6358.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AKaplanHeadshot-5d84fa5a8e4142cc8582a9a5d674b5d5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OnyekaObiohaMDreal-6bafab72bc4241c2ae5492f716e680e5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/drugstore-vitamin-c-serums-tout-fb708324679047c19b47a93b76189ca8.jpg)
Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Anyone interested in skincare has no doubt heard of the benefits of vitamin C serums. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C essentially works by neutralizing free radicals from the environment, helping repair damaged cells, improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging from sun damage (like pigmentation), and barrier function. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant, but interestingly, humans lack the enzyme needed for its synthesis which is why we rely on food and topical products to reap the benefits.
Serums are generally thinner and more concentrated as far as skincare products go, which is why they make a great vehicle for vitamin C. But we get that the price of potent serums can sometimes be off-putting, so we’ve compiled some of our favorite drugstore vitamin C serums that deliver all the glowy skin goodness minus the price tag. We combined our research with real-world testing to recommend the best options out there. We evaluated each product based on its ease of use, absorption, and effectiveness at delivering promised results. Finally, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Ashley Magovern and Dr. Whitney Bowe, and Samantha Appel, one of Australia's leading aestheticians, for key advice on using vitamin C serums effectively.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/loreal-paris-revitalift-derm-intensives-vitamin-c-face-serum-647cf8e8c3984f47bdd5a790a8ab0a1f.jpg)
Non-greasy
Dermatologist-endorsed
Packaging helps prevent oxidation
Great for brightening and smoothing
Texture can feel slightly gritty
Benefits: Firms, boosts radiance, fragrance-free | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.92 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
This popular drugstore serum was co-created with dermatologists to deliver the best possible results quickly. The formula contains 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), an active concentration thought to aid in producing a noticeable difference in skin texture. "One of the biggest downsides [of L-ascorbic acid] is that it is highly unstable and can break down easily," says Dr. Bowe. "Heat, high pH, air, and sunlight can all contribute to breaking down L-ascorbic acid." Because of this, the formula is stored in an air-tight metal tube to protect its efficacy (but keep an eye out for any color changes). The consistency is a bit paste-like, but it's a nice change from watery serums, especially if you have dry or mature skin.
Despite the slight bit of grittiness in the formula, it absorbed into the skin easily and left it feeling smooth and non-greasy. After using it consistently, we noticed a real improvement in brightness and texture; the skin looked smoother and more radiant overall.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/versed-stroke-of-brilliance-brightening-serum-47e9d57a9bed45b1a16a0828ec13df9d.jpg)
Lightweight texture
Not sticky
Gentle concentration of vitamin c
Low concentration of vitamin C might not be powerful enough for balanced skin
Benefits: Boosting radiance, firming, strengthening | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With just 0.5% vitamin C (in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate), this gentle serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or those who find vitamin C irritating. Appel suggests pairing vitamin C with niacinamide (which also has brightening capabilities) so we love that this formula comes boosted with the ingredient to assist with calming and soothing the skin, plus moisturizing sodium hyaluronate and brightening licorice root. We're also big fans of the light, bouncy texture.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/truskin-vitamin-c-facial-serum-bbc3291ddbba4243bb5afeaec0248a1b.jpg)
Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
Lightweight texture
Gentle enough to be used twice daily
Not suited for oily or congested skin
Benefits: Boosting radiance, firming, plumping | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Aside from vitamin C, this top-rated serum contains a bunch of all-star ingredients including moisturizing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and soothing aloe vera and jojoba so it covers all the bases. The host of hydrating properties makes it an excellent pick for drier complexions or those looking to restore the skin’s youthful glow. We also appreciate that the texture is lightweight and non-greasy, and it's gentle enough to be applied twice daily as part of your skincare routine. However, it might be too gentle for oily skin.
Read Full Review: Amazon’s Best-Selling Vitamin C Serum Gave Us Radiant Skin in Just 3 Weeks
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/truskin-vitamin-c-facial-serum-before-and-after-f96f53bf79e546ce987cc7f18813f92c.jpg)
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GUEST_3ce9d296-3e43-4e84-8e11-c005c12f6281-4f83de6578144259b8c7986ba239d810.jpeg)
Plumping
Evens the complexion
Contains a variety of hydrating ingredients
Fragrance-free
Can feel a bit sticky
Benefits: Hydrating, blurs imperfections, smoothing | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This intensely hydrating serum from Cocokind is another great pick for dry skin. It's full of nourishing ingredients to moisturize the complexion including hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar—a natural algae that boosts water retention in the skin. Made with gentle sodium ascorbyl phosphate, it brightens and fades dark spots over time without irritating the skin. We also appreciate that it doesn't contain synthetic fragrance which can be irritating on reactive skin.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mad-Hippie-Vitamin-C-Serum-f802c24325344604b744819f82443007.jpg)
Contains nourishing ingredients
Hydrating with hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free
Vitamin C concentration is not disclosed
Benefits: Contains botanical extracts, boosts radiance, refines | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This serum is designed to balance, refine, and clarify blemish-prone or oily skin. Alongside vitamin C, it also contains clary sage, grapefruit, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile, which provide benefits like increasing hydration, boosting antioxidants, protecting and soothing the skin. Try patting a few drops onto clean skin after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning—over time, you should see an improvement in your skin's smoothness and clarity. We do wish the product would disclose the exact percentage of vitamin C included, though.
Read Full Review: This Wallet-Friendly Vitamin C Serum Lightens Dark Spots in Under 3 Weeks
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byrdie-before-after-mad-hippie-vitamin-c-serum-628fd087b9da4f4d9117cc62b2d5bd46.jpg)
BYRDIE / JOLINE BUSCEMI
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/B07PNCCLD2-3fec02b3228c4bccbf4644fae1aea9ad.jpg)
Fast-absorbing and not greasy
Helps to lighten post-acne spots
Improves appearance of fine lines
Fragrance-free
Packaging can leak
Benefits: Soothes with vitamin B5 and ceramides, allergy tested | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides, this wallet-friendly serum is a great buy for all skin types, though, we found it to be particularly effective for those with acne-prone skin during our test. One tester who deals with acne and struggles to find products that don't cause flare-ups shared that this serum didn't do that—rather it helped to improve the appearance of her acne scars and even smoothed fine lines near her mouth after the product consistently for a few weeks. We also appreciate that the formula is fragrance-free and non-greasy. It also boosted our skin's radiance, as any good vitamin C serum should.
Read our full review: Cerave's Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum Gave My Skin a Lit-From-Within Glow
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/la-roche-posay-10-pure-vitamin-c-anti-aging-face-serum-91bce5aa92d1420c9fe2f025be59bfc9.jpg)
Absorbs quickly
Includes salicylic acid to gently exfoliate
Helps increase radiance
Fragrance is a bit strong
Benefits: Refines, boosts radiance, and clarifies | Skin Type: Oily and congested | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This multi-purpose serum claims to boost radiance and clarify the skin simultaneously, and we found that to be accurate during our testing. Enriched with 10% L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, the bouncy texture sinks in quickly and helps to smooth texture over time. We also noticed a small improvement in the appearance of dark spots, though the gentle exfoliating and illuminating benefits impressed us the most. If you're dealing with bumps or rough texture and you're looking for a lightweight product to smooth your skin while also increasing radiance, we recommend trying this serum.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71UtOHp6YRL._SL1500_-79dc5b4c7a7e415fad6b1797e6b86c6f.jpg)
Contains multiple forms of vitamin C
Stable formula
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Percentage of vitamin C not disclosed
Benefits: Brightens, hydrates, protects from free radicals | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This heavy-hitting serum from Naturium will improve the overall look and texture of mature skin in one step. It's formulated with three vitamin C compounds (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a naturally brightening fruit blend) to keep the skin looking radiant. The combination also protects the skin from environmental free radicals. During a clinical study of 32 subjects, the brand found that 100% of participants saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using it daily for eight weeks. We love that it can be used daily and comes in multiple sizes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/yes-to-grapefruit-daily-brightening-serum-3432910c53ea4981bcfc677e40827ae1.jpg)
Lightweight
Non-greasy
Enhances radiance
Gently exfoliates with PHAs
Evens skin tone
Contains fragrance
Benefits: Brightens, exfoliates, evens skin tone | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, dry | Size: 0.95 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Vitamin C serums can offer a host of benefits; one of the big ones is they can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and yield a more even skin tone overall. This one did an excellent job of fading dark spots and toning down redness with consistent use, leading to a more even, uniform-looking complexion. We also love that the formula contains 5% polyhydroxy acid to help smooth textured skin. The texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and not at all sticky, making it easy to layer within your skincare routine. We were incredibly impressed by how well this pick performed, and at just $15, we think it's well worth your money.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-ordinary-ascorbyl-glucoside-solution-12-f7c39184e6804793b20c2c209cfb02e0.jpg)
Minimal ingredients
Light texture
Works well on all skin types
Dropper bottle could allow for air contamination
Benefits: Boosts radiance, firms | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Ordinary is arguably one of the best drugstore brands around so it would be rude of us not to include this product, especially since it's a great starting place for those who are new to vitamin C serums. The water-soluble form of vitamin C is less intense than L-ascorbic acid so you can experience subtle but noticeable skin brightening and smoothing with a lower risk of irritation. The sweet price point is a nice touch, too. We just wish it came in a more air-tight container since vitamin C can oxidize easily (however, the brand does say this formula is "highly stable").
What to Look For in a Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
- Type of vitamin C: Vitamin C in its pure form is L-ascorbic acid, but when it comes to topical products it can vary. Some of the most effective types to look out for are L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 6 palmitate, disodium isostearyl 2-0 L-ascorbyl phosphate, tetris palmitoyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid sulfate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside. Some forms are prone to oxidation (L-ascorbic acid especially); if your product takes on a yellow-ish appearance once opened, chances are it’s lost its efficacy. The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum contains L-ascorbic acid but since it's in airtight, opaque packaging, the formula is protected and likely to last you a while.
- Vitamin C for sensitive skin: Vitamin C is great at brightening, protecting, and renewing the skin, but some forms (and higher concentrations) can be too intense for reactive skin. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, however, is a gentler version of the hero ingredient. "[It's] lipid-soluble, not water-soluble like L-ascorbic acid," explains Dr. Magovern. "This oil-based form is great for anyone with sensitive or damaged skin, as it still penetrates deeply for effective benefits but doesn’t cause any irritation."
- Additional Ingredients: Appel tells us that a combination of B vitamins (like niacinamide) and vitamin C will “soothe, brighten and refine the skin’s appearance”. The Versed Stroke of Brilliance Vitamin C Serum contains niacinamide and vitamin C (as well as licorice root) to do exactly that. AHAs and BHAs (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids) will potentially react with your vitamin C serum if it's a stronger variety. "I don’t recommend layering L-ascorbic acid with retinoids and exfoliating acids, especially if you have sensitive skin," says Dr. Magovern. "However, even sensitive skin patients can typically tolerate layering the newer forms of Vitamin C (eg; THD ascorbate) with these other actives.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Experts interviewed: New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, Dr. Ashley Magovern, board-certified dermatologist, founder of Manhattan Dermatology (CA), and Samantha Appel, aesthetician, founder of The Skin Bar, and one of Australia’s leading skin experts.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ccmeserumByr_Template_BeforeAfter-Recovered.psdByr_x_LeadRecirc-780cb73193c9462aa49ec5e0a63a0bf7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byr-best-brightening-vitamin-c-serums-tout-b5e45b45b1ef477692e200d653930c72.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Naturium.psdByr_x_LeadRecirc-8ede1d8d9fdb48faaf3e5b9c328c0363.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/face-serums-of-2023-tout-b35a2067b749428f9cc5aafe1276b715.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/serums-for-oily-skin-tout-93ad90e4dcf046a3823dab3c1c48fdff.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skincare-products-for-your-40s-0f3aa4fb8612429e8356c2e2b4350b55.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-skinceuticals-products-4775464-recirc-beacf9e2ce28462b978210cbb84a83e7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/olay-products-tout-91a35c8709c64514b253902b765e1489.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_4000-byr-primary-face-exfoliators-jthompson-3514-2a684d43cd5b41978becf53c65fad103.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hand-soaps-tout-3d35344387294f6bb56bc5b52365618f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-anti-aging-eye-creams-tout-d82f2ba936d94561802cdac6f5942731.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hyaluronic-acid-serums-tout-a5868aa504db48eda464e8c6056e1d0e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byrdie-update-best-caffeine-eye-creams-tout-399853090c48408d82a651dd82b26522.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Products-for-Hyperpigmentation-Byrdie-Tout-934af0726a3b4f119ecd2179fabb2a9c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/over-the-counter-retinols-TOUT-3163c0faceb14e88b2b0754a626c3b4e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MadHippieVitaminCSerum-10-9ce4a0759168458c871ad0724631e1ce.png)