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Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments/Face Serums

Top 10 Vitamin C Serums

The Vitamin C Serums Dermatologists and Editors Can’t Stop Recommending

Image credits: sunday riley

When it comes to skincare essentials, few ingredients deliver results like vitamin C. This powerhouse antioxidant is beloved by dermatologists and editors alike for its ability to brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, boost collagen production, and defend against free radicals—aka the culprits behind premature aging and sun damage. Whether you’re aiming to even out your skin tone, soften fine lines, or simply keep your glow in check, a vitamin C serum deserves a permanent spot in your routine.

Just like SPF, vitamin C serums are a non-negotiable—regardless of your skin type, tone, or age. So if you're ready to level up your skincare regimen with one of the best brightening serums on the market, we’ve got you covered with an expert-backed, algorithm-approved Top 10 list. But before we get to the goods, let’s break down a few key things to know before you click add to cart.

How To Use A Vitamin C Serum

One of the most frequently asked questions about vitamin C: When should you apply it? The answer depends on your goals and routine. Many dermatologists recommend using it in the morning to maximize protection against UV damage throughout the day, while others prefer applying it at night, when the skin’s vitamin C levels are naturally lower. The good news? You can make either work—as long as you're consistent.

For best results, apply your vitamin C serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. This allows the antioxidant to fully absorb into the skin before you lock in hydration.

Important note: Vitamin C can be finicky. It doesn’t always play nice with other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or niacinamide, which can reduce its efficacy or increase the risk of irritation. Our advice? Alternate them. Try vitamin C in the morning and your retinoid or niacinamide product at night.

To keep your serum potent, proper storage is key. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat, and air—so look for formulas housed in airtight, opaque packaging, and always store your serum in a cool, dark place. And yes, closing the bottle tightly every time really does make a difference.

How We Found The Best Vitamin C Serums

We don’t just guess—which is why our picks are powered by Rank & Style’s data-backed algorithm, which evaluates products based on trusted sources like editor reviews, top-seller lists, and real user ratings. Whether you're after a potent anti-aging serum, a formula tailored to sensitive or acne-prone skin, or something that works under makeup without pilling, this list has a highly-rated option for you.

So go ahead and scroll down—these are the Top 10 best vitamin C serums that are actually worth your money.

All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.

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May 6, 2025

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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The Rankings


10
Image credits: sephora
Rank & Style Approved

sephora

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.75

10

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

4.28

3717 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Vitamin C Serum for Fine Lines

FORMULA DETAILS
The Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum from Kiehl's contains an impressive 10% pure vitamin C. It also has hydrating hyaluronic acid and ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C known to reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're concerned with the texture of your skin, this is one of the best vitamin C serums for you. It helps smooth and firm maturing skin.


Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.8

09

Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

4.65

3551 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Dark Spots

FORMULA DETAILS
Ascorbic and ferulic acids—two potent forms of vitamin C—can be found in this serum, along with grapeseed extract and vitamin A. Together, these ingredients tackle fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dullness, dark spots, and enlarged pores. 

MORE TO KNOW
According to Nordstrom reviewers, Buttah Skin's Vitamin C Serum is "...the best of the best." Shoppers say its water-like consistency helps the skin absorb it quickly. 

Made In Usa

Made In Usa

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

Overall Score

4.8

08

Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

4.58

8976 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin

FORMULA DETAILS
No corners were cut when Naturium's Vitamin C Complex Serum was created. This top-rated serum features a blend of stabilized L-ascorbic acid (AKA, pure vitamin C) and Kakadu plum. Native to Australia, Kakadu plum contains up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is the best Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used. Not only does it brighten your skin and even your tone, but it also hydrates and gives you a really nice natural glow. As someone who suffers from eczema and extremely dry, flaky skin, this has done wonders when it comes to keeping my skin hydrated and radiant! The results are also seen very fast—literally overnight."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.85

07

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

4.39

45269 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

FORMULA DETAILS
Never underestimate a drugstore skincare brand—especially CeraVe. Developed in tandem with dermatologists, this affordable serum contains 10% pure vitamin C, three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and redness-reducing vitamin B5 for brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

MORE TO KNOW
No need to rinse the extra away—rub it on the tops of your hands for extra anti-aging benefits.


Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.85

06

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

4.51

3132 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Dry Skin

FORMULA DETAILS
A potent blend of vitamin C, collagen, and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) is behind Mario Badescu's Vitamin C Serum. To balance out the intensity of vitamin C, this serum also contains skin-soothing ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and lavender.

WHO IT'S FOR
This serum was created to address dark spots, dullness, and fine lines. It's a good choice for those with mature, dry skin.


TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.9

05

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

4.31

156704 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum on Amazon

FORMULA DETAILS
Want brighter skin without blowing out your budget? This one's for you. Packed with vitamin E and botanical hyaluronic acid, this vitamin C serum addresses loss of firmness, dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and more—all for $22. Take a look at the 100,000-plus reviews on Amazon for proof.

MORE TO KNOW
In case you need another reason to love this stuff, it's also plant-based and free of synthetic color, additives, and fragrance.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Overall Score

4.9

04

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

4.69

1016 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Advanced Vitamin C Serum

FORMULA DETAILS
The C+ Correcting Complex is infused with Revision Skincare's MelaPATH technology, a patent-pending blend of antioxidants designed to combat the skin-damaging effects of free radicals.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I am 75 years old and have been using Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex for 6 months. It is the best vitamin C serum I have tried. It fades dark spots, brightens my complexion, and makes my skin feel velvety soft. If you’re looking for a great C serum give this a try!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tatcha The Brightening Serum

Overall Score

4.95

03

Tatcha The Brightening Serum

4.45

2404 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne Scars

FORMULA DETAILS
Here's the rundown: Tatcha's Brightening Serum contains ferulic acid, Japanese plum, and a stabilized version of vitamin C that slowly releases over a 12-hour time period. Apply it day and night for up to 24 hours of brightening power.

WHO IT'S FOR
Those with acne scars will find this serum particularly effective. And because it's free from mineral oil, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, it's perfect for those with sensitive skin as well.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Overall Score

4.95

02

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

4.58

2277 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Pores

FORMULA DETAILS
Say goodbye to redness, enlarged pores, and all of the standard signs of aging. Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Serum contains an advanced form of vitamin C, as well as saccharide isomerate (a plant-derived humectant), and an antioxidant-rich phytosterols complex. Together, these ingredients contribute to a glowy, even complexion.

MORE TO KNOW
You can give this serum a trial run by opting for the mini size (.5 oz) from Sephora. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Overall Score

5

01

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

4.57

35104 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Vitamin C Serum Overall

FORMULA DETAILS
Lauded by estheticians and dermatologists, SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic is formulated to brighten and firm aging skin. This cult-favorite serum is clinically proven to reduce damage caused by free radicals. Plus, it combats signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I have used many vitamin C serums and there are many I like, but this one is definitely superior. It absorbs into my skin in a fast manner, is very lightweight once absorbed, and appears to help makeup go on flawlessly."


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