The 12 Best Vitamin C Serums For Brighter Skin

These days it seems like there are tonnes of buzzy new skincare ingredients constantly going viral on TikTok, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed and confused about where to begin with skincare serums, it’s a good idea to start with the tried and tested ingredients that have stood the test of time. The likes of retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and of course, vitamin C are some of the most well-known skincare ingredients for a reason. They’re hardworking, have benefits for multiple skin types, and are (most importantly) scientifically proven to deliver results.

If you’re already clued up on skincare then you probably don’t even need an intro to vitamin C. The ingredient is best known for its skin-brightening benefits, which can help to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation as well as overall dullness. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which means it protects skin from environmental stressors that lead to signs of skin ageing, like UV light and pollution, and with consistent use it can help to stimulate collagen and address concerns like fine lines and melasma. It’s great for skin that’s dull, uneven in tone, or that’s experiencing signs of skin ageing.

Vitamin C is best delivered to skin via a serum – these concentrated blends keep the ingredient fresh and potent and allow it to absorb effectively into skin. Scroll down to haul our favourite vitamin C serums.

Proving that you don’t need to break the bank when it comes to vitamin C, this affordable serum combines vitamin C with peptides, in order to specifically target collagen production. If you’re noticing early signs of ageing like loose skin and fine lines, then this is the serum for you.

You can always rely on Dermalogica for skincare that delivers impressive results. This high performance serum conbines vitamin C with peptides and AHAs to renew and resurface the skin, addressing both tone and texture.

Yes it’s expensive, but as the reviews prove, this serum is so effective. The super strong formula delivers impressive results within a very short period of time, addressing overall skin tone as well as areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

If you’re after a vitamin C serum that gives your skin an instant glow (as well as working in the long term to improve brightness), look no further. What’s more, this formula is especially ideal for easily irritated skin – it contains cooling aloe vera to soothe sensitivity.

Skincare capsules are taking the beauty world by storm – they’re perfect for travelling with and keep ingredients fresher for longer. These ones are packed witha supercharged blend of vitamin C and glycerin to simultaneously brighten and hydrate your skin. 

With a high 21.5% concentration of vitamin C, this serum is best suited to those who have used vitamin C before and accustomed their skin to the ingredient. The formula is minimal and focusses on brightening and evening out skin tone.

Formulated with 100% natural ingredients and a focus on sustainability (the brand upcycles and repurposes ingredients from the hospitality industry to prevent waste), this serum packs a punch with rosehip and sea buckthorn oils – both naturally high sources of vitamin C. Best applied in the evening, the rich oil texture is perfect for skin that also needs a nourishing moisture boost.

Not many serums come in a stick format, but if you’re a fan of a quick, easy morning skincare routine, this is a great option. Simply swipe over skin to deliver the brightening benefits of vitamin C.

If you’re looking for a multitasking serum that features vitamin C, but does more than just brighten, add this to your haul. In this formula you’ll find niacinamide to balance sebum production, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and alpha arbutin to target dark spots – plus, of course, vitamin C to brighten and protect skin. 

This serum is literally radiance in a bottle, delivering an instant (and most importantly, lasting) glow that makes dull, tired skin appear instantly fresher and brighter. The formula contains a super stable form of vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), which means a whole host of other skin loving ingredients are included – including niacinamide to address pores and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% contains a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C, meaning it has high stability and is gentle on the skin. The lightweight texture of this serum allows it to sink into the skin quickly, making it ideal for applying under makeup.

This serum is specifically formulated to address scarring, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation via a combination of vitamin C and tranexamic acid. It’s perfect if you experience post-acne red marks that give your skin an uneven tone.