These Vitamin C Serums Are the Ultimate Pick-Me-Up for Dull Skin (2024)

There are a lot of serums out there, from eyelash serums to all kinds of face serums. If you only have room (or the patience) for adding one serum to your skincare routine, though, experts urge you to go with a vitamin C serum. Most people may know about vitamin C formulas for their brightening effects, but this powerful ingredient can do so much more. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights fine lines by stimulating collagen, brightens your complexion by blocking excess pigment creation, and protects your skin from damaging free radicals and other environmental stressors that can cause premature skin aging,” says Michelle Henry, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “As we age, the skin’s natural levels of antioxidant vitamin C decrease, which is why it’s so important to add it to your skincare routine.” All skin types, ages, and skin tones can benefit from adding a vitamin C serum to their routine. The only downside? Compared to most products, it often costs more per ounce.

What to consider when choosing a vitamin C serum

To make sure you get the best return on your investment, here are a few things to keep in mind: Skip creams spiked with vitamin C and instead choose a serum, which is more effective at penetrating the skin barrier, says Brooke Jackson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates. Additionally, there are several forms of vitamin C—and not all are created equal, says Henry. Check the label for L-ascorbic acid, which is considered to be the vitamin C that’s best for skin. (Even better: if it contains 15 to 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, which is the most effective.) “Vitamin C is notoriously unstable—especially when it’s exposed to air and light,” says Jackson. “So it’s best to pick a formula that comes in an airtight pump or opaque bottle, and keep it away from direct sunlight.”

How we chose the best vitamin C serums

So, which ones are worth it? We've researched, tested, and sifted through reviews to find the most effective formulas available on the market. We also interviewed dermatologists to get insight on their favorite picks and what to look for. Ahead, these face-brightening-and-tightening formulas—suitable for a wide range of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, oiliness, dryness, and sensitivity—are the best vitamin C serums money can buy.

The experts:

• Michelle Henry, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan
• Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
• Brooke Jackson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates
• Erin Gilbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Gilbert Dermatology
• Nichelle Mosley, founder of Queen City Beauty Group and a board-certified aesthetician in North Carolina
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut

"I know it's a splurge, but this vitamin C serum is worth every penny," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas. It contains a unique form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) that helps to protect against free radical damage and supports the skin's ability to conserve elastin. It also stimulates collagen production, refines skin texture and tone, and reduces signs of aging, such as wrinkles. "It's a moisturizing texture that doesn't smell like other formulas and isn't irritating."

This vitamin C is packed with ingredients that help to smooth skin, boost radiance, and hydrate. In addition to 20 percent vitamin C, the formula contains tumeric and pomegranate cells, which help to fade the look of discoloration and improve skin firmness. Those with concerns of fine lines and wrinkles will love its ability to target signs of aging. It's also very hydrating, making it a great choice for dry skin, another common concern with mature skin.

A 5 percent concentration of vitamin C helps tone and improve the appearance of dark spots without irritating sensitive skin. This formula also contains plenty of hydrating and plumping ingredients, like magnesium PCA, jojoba oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. The lightweight texture sinks in easily into skin and layers well with other skincare. It also makes your skin look radiant and healthy post application.

Because vitamin C expires very quickly, this product is packaged with two separate parts that you mix together before using so it lasts a long time. It also ensures that the ingredients are fully active and ready to brighten up your skin. In addition to L-ascorbic acid, which improves hyperpigmentation and the look of fine lines and wrinkles, it contains ferulic acid, another potent antioxidant, and moisturizing vitamin E.

Shainhouse says this is one of the best vitamin C serums available, and Amazon reviewers agree: Thousands of users give the product five stars, with some touting it as the best product they’ve ever used. What makes it so great? It contains 22 percent vitamin C—more than most other serums—and it’s suitable for all skin types, making it a great choice for the face. It's also more affordable than other options. Not to mention, it also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that protect the skin.

When it comes to vitamin C serum, this “Amazon Choice” product is an all-time favorite, with thousands of glowing reviews. It's also one of the most wallet-friendly vitamin C serums you can get, but it’s just as effective, says Shainhouse. It's a vegan-friendly formula that's s loaded with glycolic acid, a alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin to help brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.

While the affordable price point on its own makes this vitamin C serum enticing (it's less than $10!!), it's also very effective. It contains a high concentration of vitamin C at 23 percent and it targets uneven skin tone and texture, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, it unveils a brighter and smoother complexion. It's also worth mentioning that it's vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance.

One of the biggest drawbacks of vitamin C as an ingredient, is it can be very irritating for some. Luckily, this ultra- gentle formula is made with sensitive skin top of mind. It was developed in partnership with dermatologists, so not only does it contain 10 percent pure vitamin C to brighten, it also includes essential ceramides which help to protect and restore the skin barrier. You can easily find it at your local drugstore.

Consider this vitamin C serum pure magic for its ability to reduce discoloration caused by acne. The formula is packed with collagen to support skin elasticity, orange and green tea extracts to nourish skin, and soothing aloe juice. The fresh citrus scent is a nice bonus, too.

Because the formula is extremely light and contains just 11 clean ingredients (no parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances), it won’t sting or burn upon application, says Gilbert. Still, it’s potent, delivering brightening results in as a few as 10 days. It's also packed with antioxidants and pine polyphenols that work together to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radical damage.

Trying to combat the signs of aging? Try this serum, says Mosley. It combines the benefits of the coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C—two ingredients that help eradicate wrinkles. It also contains peptides, which is a gold star ingredient for firming skin. The plant-based serum also includes hyaluronic acid to infuse skin with a dose of hydration.

This Sunday Riley serum is formulated with THD ascorbate—a highly stable and oil-soluble formula of vitamin C that quickly penetrates skin to leave it visibly smoother and brighter. Plus, this serum contains a phytosterols complex that helps reduce redness and promote a more even complexion. Saccharide isomerate extract is an ingredient that helps improve the appearance of large pores and supports the skin barrier.

Gohara calls vitamin C serum the little black dress of the beauty world. “It makes everyone look great,” she says. And her favorite is this one—a highly concentrated formula that helps reduce signs of aging and leaves skin silky soft. In addition to vitamin C, it contains hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing ingredient that makes skin look plump and radiant.

You might have heard of this iconic formula at one point or another for its effective formula and high concentration of vitamin C. “This pricey cult-favorite is great under daily sunscreen and makeup and can be reapplied to clean skin at bedtime,” says Shainhouse. The result is finer lines, firmer skin, and a brighter complexion. And don’t worry: A little bit goes a very long way, so you can savor every drop of this very expensive formula.