Want more tried and tested recommendations from the Editors of Women’s Health? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter The Edit. Click here to subscribe.
Looking for a sure-fire way to ramp up your glow? Call off the search. Because the best vitamin C serums will provide the antioxidants your skin needs to rediscover its mojo.
Be it for hyperpigmentation, dark spots or simply pallid, lacklustre skin, a vitamin C laced product holds the power to brighten and even out your skin tone.
But don’t just take our word for it. Below, cosmetic doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter reveals why vitamin C should be your new skincare BFF and dispels some common misconceptions about the potent ingredient.
1
2
Best for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum
Read more
3
4
5
Best radiance vitamin C
Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Radiance Serm
Read more
6
Best firming vitamin C serum
Skin + Me Brighten + Boost Firming Vitamin C Serum
Read more
7
Best for smoothing lines
Kiehls Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Read more
8
Best budget vitamin C serum
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum
Read more
9
Best for brightening skin
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Read more
10
Do dermatologists recommend vitamin C serum?
Derms agree that vitamin C is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, following happily behind SPF and thorough cleansing. Not only that, but if you want your complexion to truly reap the benefits of vitamin C, more can be achieved if you apply it topically rather than via your favourite orange fruit.
Dr Shotter explains: 'Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, helping your skin fight free radical damage from sunlight and pollution. It also helps boost collagen production, keeping skin firmer and healthier.'
In terms of brightening, this super vitamin blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for accelerating melanin production (if left unchecked, this can lead to dark spots). It also breaks down over-pigmented cells on the skin's surface, giving you that sought-after glow without altering your normal pigmentation.
In short, vitamin C is great, but don't expect an overnight miracle. 'By 12 weeks, most people will be seeing a good result, but many start to notice improvements from four weeks onwards,' says Dr Shotter.
How do I choose a good vitamin C serum?
Before buying a vitamin C serum, decide whether the concentration is right for you (see our suggested percentages for the main skin types, below), and consider which form it comes in.
'L-ascorbic acid is the most active, effective form of vitamin C and is the one I'd look for in the ingredients list,' says Dr Shotter.
Take note of its packaging, too — recyclable is always a good thing, but most importantly, the bottles should be dark and airless to keep the formula from reacting to light and oxygen. Some brands suggest storing their serums in the fridge to prolong their shelf life, but always read the label.
Is vitamin C serum suitable for sensitive skin?
The acidity of vitamin C may irritate sensitive skin, so start with a low percentage serum and build up (the same applies to beginners). Here's a guide to help you find your level.
- Sensitive skin may only need a 5% formulation.
- The average skin type can benefit from 10-15%.
- Oilier skin may need 20%.
'Research suggests there is no additional benefit to using higher percentages than this,' says Dr Shotter. 'Vitamin C is acidic in pH, so it can tingle, but if it's burning then the formulation is probably too strong for your skin type.'
Is it OK to use vitamin C serum every day?
Go for it! But maximise its benefits by applying it in the morning — that way it can protect against those pesky free radicals when you're out and about, and form a power couple with your SPF.
'Vitamin C will work synergistically with your sunscreen to improve your skin’s protection from sunlight,' explains Dr Shotter. 'However, I suggest those with sensitive skin build up their tolerance by using it on alternate days at first.'
To apply your chosen serum, dab small amounts over your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose before massaging it in with your fingertips. Do this after cleansing and toning, but before applying anything creamy in texture, so that it can sink into your skin more readily.
What not to mix with vitamin C
Dr Shotter advises against mixing vitamin C with skincare acids such as AHAs and BHAs. 'Vitamin C is an acid in its own right, and the two acids could change each other’s properties and performance, as well as causing irritation,' she says.
'For example, acne treatment benzoyl peroxide can oxidise vitamin C and, even though you may not see a reaction, it would potentially reduce its effectiveness.'
On the flip side, Dr Shotter notes that vitamin C works even better in conjunction with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. Result!
The best vitamin C serums for 2024
Giving that Goldilocks level of glow and perfectly priming for anything layered on top, this star serum is one of our favourite vitamin C formulas around.
Skin is left looking radiant and plump from the get-go, but it's more than just love at first swipe — this ‘Super-C’ swot boosts brightness and hydration, too. Dullness, we bid you adieu.
Sensitive skin sisters, have no fear — you can still join in the vitamin C party with this gentle-yet-effective offering from one of the biggest dermatological die-hards in the beauty space.
La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum is brimming with skin-boosting benefits from hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and thermal water to hydrate and clarify the skin.
Alongside brightening vitamin C, in just a few weeks of loyal use you'll notice a radiant and more unified complexion.
If you're taking tentative steps into the world of vitamin C, start your journey with this gentle yet effective serum.
Coming to you from one of the most trusted skincare brands in the industry, this lightweight fluid is tweaked with a delicate dose of vitamin C to brighten without irritating.
The serum also contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to help with uneven tone and post-acne pigmentation. With change-for-a-tenner pricing, you can't say no.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A favourite of WH's beauty editor Perdita Nouril, she says ‘this is the best vitamin C treatment I’ve ever tried. It has made a visible improvement to my skin’s tone and texture and I'm never without it.'
It differs to other products out there because the vitamin C powder is stored in the cap and only released one you start to use it. This ensures the formula stays potent and effective. Plus vitamin E adds to its antioxidant power, while peptides help to strengthen and repair skin over time.
And yes, we hear you, this is a product that's on the expensive side, but you do get three bottles in pack. Plus each bottle goes a long way so consider this a supply that will last.
We love everything that Medik8 does and this vitamin C serum is no exception. It contains a stabilised form of vitamin C to effectively brighten and fade pigment zones, but is gentle enough to work on reactive skin types.
As you'd expect from Medik8, much thought has gone into the formula to prevent the active ingredients from degrading when exposed to light or air. With a long shelf life, it's bound to become a permanent fixture in your daily routine.
Skin + Me's Brighten and Boost Firming Vitamin C Serum is a high-strength serum that contains 15% encapsulated L-ascorbic acid, making it a top choice for well-versed users.
The formula promises a potent hit of actives to fade pigmentation and brighten, while peptides improve the elasticity of the skin. Over time, collagen production will increase, helping to plump out fine lines and lift the skin.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Listen up if you have a mature complexion. This plumping formula penetrates the skin's surface layers, helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It sits beautifully under moisturiser and makeup, with no pilling, though if you've got sensitive skin, it's known to cause a slight tingling sensation.
Vitamin C is most effective in a fast-absorbing serum format, particularly when partnered with other regenerating friends such as EGF (epidermal growth factor, a protein).
This lauded, ingredient-led brand has armed itself with this niche knowledge and given us a supercharged vitamin C serum. It glides on with ease, and leaves the skin looking brighter and instantly refreshed.
Key specifications
| Size (ml) | 30 |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | No |
Helpfully designed to dispense the ideal amount in a single pump, this orange-hued hydrator is fast absorbing and non-greasy to apply.
The lightweight fluid delivers immediate lustre to the skin, but its blend of vitamin C and polyhydroxy acid also ensures a long-lasting brightening effect.
Key specifications
| Size (ml) | 30 |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free | No |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Sometimes scarring can leave a shadow lurking long after your acne heals — a skin complaint known as ‘post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation’.
Happily, there's no simpler remedy than good old vit C, and this No7 bargain is one of the best for the job. Better still, it smells glorious, and the pipette-style bottle makes application breezy.
Key specifications
| Size (ml) | 25 |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free | No |
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Clare Stephenson
Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into skin concerns and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Perdita Nouril
Beauty Editor
Perdita Nouril is the Beauty Editor for Women’s Health UK. She has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years since graduating from the University of Nottingham. Adept at exploring the colossal world of beauty, she loves to scratch beneath the surface to debunk the myths, decode the science and challenge traditional notions of beauty. You can always find her preaching sermons on the power of a red lip, extolling the virtues of a decent serum and championing the very best female beauty founders.
You can find Perdita on Instagram on @perditanouril
