Vitamin C is having a moment in skincare because of its ability to gently brighten, reduce pigmentation and support collagen production. It also helps to neutralise free radicals – those unstable molecules generated by UV light and pollution that can lead to premature ageing – making it an essential part of your morning skincare routine (alongside an SPF).
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But is a vitamin C serum suitable for everyone? And if so, how do you know which one is right for you? “Individuals with sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin should approach L-ascorbic acid – the most commonly used active form of vitamin C in skincare – carefully, as it can trigger inflammation in compromised skin barriers,” says pharmacist and skincare expert Dr Sonal Chavda-Sitaram.
“For these individuals, lipid-soluble derivatives, such as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD ascorbate), can be transformative. They’re formulated at neutral pH while penetrating deeply and converting to active vitamin C at a cellular level without irritation.”
In short, the acidic nature of L-ascorbic acid may actually render some formulas too potent for certain people. With that in mind, I have scoured and tested a range of products for all skin types to help you pick the best vitamin C serum for your needs.
At a glance
£22.49 at Superdrug£16 at Amazon£169 at Lookfantastic£36 at Indē wild£12.95 at Face the Future
Why you should trust me
I’ve been testing and writing about beauty products for years. As someone who still experiences acne breakouts at the age of 39, the quest for a clear, healthy and radiant complexion has become something of an obsession. That said, my skincare routine is strictly made up of tried-and-trusted products, so it takes something special to dislodge current repeat buys.
For years, I was told vitamin C wasn’t right for my skin type – until a dermatologist explained it was all about the way the formulation is delivered. And while skincare is never one-size-fits-all, the fact I saw improvements with my somewhat reactive skin suggests there’s a good chance it’ll work for you, too.
How I tested
Now C here: writer Danielle tested the serums over four months. Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian
Living and working in London means my skin is busy deflecting pollution, as well as UV rays, on a daily basis. To boost the efficacy of my SPF, which I use religiously, I introduced 15 different vitamin C serums into my morning routine over the course of four months, applying after cleansing and before my usual moisturiser and SPF, to see how each one held up.
As well as noting the texture and scent of each serum, I logged how it felt on the skin, how well it sat beneath makeup, how noticeable the results were over time, and whether the formula offered value for money. Bonus points were awarded for additional ingredients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, which doubles UV protection when used in combination with vitamin C.
I also considered the levels of vitamin C in the formula and the packaging. L-ascorbic acid in particular is notoriously unstable and oxidises rapidly when exposed to light, air and water – you’ll see the product change in colour from clear to yellow or brown as this happens. The result is that, rather than neutralising free radicals, your product will be generating them. As advised by Chavda-Sitaram, I picked products that demonstrated evidence of thoughtful stabilisation with appropriate packaging and pH-optimised formulations (“Think airless pump bottles and complementary antioxidants, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, that chemically stabilise the molecule.”).
The best vitamin C serums in 2026
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian
Best vitamin C serum overall:
CeraVe skin renewing vitamin C serum
CeraVe
Skin renewing vitamin C serum
from £22.49
What we love
Lightweight and hydrating with great brightening benefits
What we don’t love
Not vegan or certified cruelty-free
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£22.49 at Superdrug£22.49 at Amazon
With hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides sitting alongside 10% L-ascorbic acid, this serum goes above and beyond your typical vit-C product. The serum promises – and delivers – up to 24 hours of hydration, while vitamin B5 helps soften and smooth the skin’s texture. It also comes in protective package to maintain efficacy.
Why we love it
This clear and lightweight gel formula felt extremely hydrating and not at all sticky upon application – a rarity when it comes to gel-textured serums – and sat well beneath layers of SPF and makeup. Most noticeable was just how much brighter and smoother my skin looked without makeup after just a couple of weeks of use. Add to this the reasonable price of about £30, and in CeraVe we have a winner.
It’s a shame that … CeraVe’s products aren’t strictly vegan or certified cruelty-free, which may rule out this serum for some.
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: from about 75p
Key ingredients: 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides
Vegan: no
Certified cruelty-free: no
CeraVe
Skin renewing vitamin C serum
from £22.49
What we love
Lightweight and hydrating with great brightening benefits
What we don’t love
Not vegan or certified cruelty-free
Best budget vitamin C serum:
Elf Skin Brighten + Glow vitamin C + E + ferulic serum
Elf
Skin Brighten + Glow vitamin C + E + ferulic serum
from £16
What we love
Affordable, lightweight and gives great glow
What we don’t love
Slightly off-putting scent
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£17 at Elf£16 at Amazon
Elf has long been known for its affordable dupes of cult favourites, and this serum – designed to work with all skin types – is no exception. In fact, it contains the same exact percentages of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid as SkinCeutical’s gold standard vitamin C product (below), which comes in at an eye-watering £169 a bottle.
Why we love it
The texture feels close to a lightweight oil, but it absorbed quickly without leaving an oil slick on my face. It’s also extremely hydrating (likely because of the 1% vitamin E) and left my skin feeling softer with continued use. It layers well under makeup despite some initial tackiness, and I’d score the brightening benefits a 10/10. It does what it says on the tin, for sure.
It’s a shame that … the scent may take some getting used to.
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: from about 53p
Key ingredients: 15% vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid
Vegan: yes
Certified cruelty-free: yes
Elf
Skin Brighten + Glow vitamin C + E + ferulic serum
from £16
What we love
Affordable, lightweight and gives great glow
What we don’t love
Slightly off-putting scent
Best vitamin C for protection:
SkinCeuticals C E ferulic antioxidant treatment
SkinCeuticals
C E ferulic antioxidant treatment
from £169
What we love
Potent; effective; gentle; lightweight formula
What we don’t love
Expensive
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£169 at Lookfantastic£169 at Noli
A skincare superhero that’s long been hailed for its potent antioxidant benefits, the SkinCeuticals C E ferulic is substantial but not heavy or sticky, and offers instant and long-term benefits. The high-strength vitamin C uses 15% pure L-ascorbic acid at a proven pH (making it more potent than the Elf dupe, which uses a more stable derivative). That sits alongside other skin-health boosting heroes (vitamin E, ferulic acid and additional antioxidants) for a brighter complexion and protection against environmental damage.
Why we love it
SkinCeuticals’ water-soluble formula is runny but sinks into the skin beautifully – and sits well under SPF and makeup, too. It’s difficult to judge the protection it offers against free radicals, but it felt like a treat for my city-dweller skin. My complexion looked noticeably brighter and more even-toned after just a few uses – and I’m confident that with further use you’d see anti-ageing benefits, too. The formulation is also backed by decades of research.
It’s a shame that … it’s pricey – the most expensive in our roundup – but a little goes a long way.
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: £5.63
Key ingredients: 15% vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid
Vegan: no
Certified cruelty free: no
SkinCeuticals
C E ferulic antioxidant treatment
from £169
What we love
Potent; effective; gentle; lightweight formula
What we don’t love
Expensive
Best vitamin C for hyperpigmentation:
Indē Wild vitamin C Sunrise Glow serum
Indē wild
Vitamin C Sunrise Glow serum
£36
What we love
Boosts radiance; reduces dark spots; absorbs quickly
What we don’t love
Fragranced; weighty packaging
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£36 at Indē wild
Blending 15% stabilised vitamin C, glutathione, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this serum bolsters skin barrier function and enhances collagen production while tackling stubborn acne marks, hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. It’s infused with turmeric root and ashwagandha, too, which are shown to reduce inflammation. I was intrigued to try this one.
Why we love it
As someone who experiences acne – and acne scarring, as a result – I noticed a change in my skin tone and texture on using this serum daily. The formula is lightweight, grease-free and absorbed quickly into skin, with the initial tackiness disappearing once I’d applied my moisturiser and SPF. It sat well under my makeup, too, and left my complexion looking radiant.
It’s a shame that … there’s a strong – although not unnatural – scent that won’t be for everyone. While recyclable, the glass packaging is weighty, so it’s better suited to home use than for travel.
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: £1.20
Key ingredients: 15% vitamin C, ferulic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid
Vegan: yes
Certified cruelty-free: yes
Indē wild
Vitamin C Sunrise Glow serum
£36
What we love
Boosts radiance; reduces dark spots; absorbs quickly
What we don’t love
Fragranced; weighty packaging
Best Korean vitamin C serum:
Haruharu Wonder Centella 4% TXA gel serum
Haruharu Wonder
Centella 4% TXA gel serum
from £12.95
What we love
Smooths and refines the skin; lightweight
What we don’t love
Tingling on application; may not suit sensitive skin types
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£12.95 at Face the Future£15.10 at Amazon
K-beauty is more than a viral phenomenon; with innovative ingredients and science-backed formulas, it’s never been easier to address our skincare needs thanks to brands such as Haruharu Wonder. Vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidant-rich n.Pearin (derived from baby pears), calming centella complex and 4% tranexamic acid combine to provide a powerful dark-spot-fighting blend. Apply daily under your moisturiser and SPF for even skin tone and that lit-from-within glow.
Why we love it
You’ll find that a little of this lightweight gel-serum goes a long way, with just a pea-sized amount needed. It has a light scent, but I didn’t find it overbearing, with the formula sinking well into my skin and sitting nicely beneath my other skincare products, too. There’s no denying this formula is a slam-dunk when it comes to providing a great glow.
It’s a shame that … there was a slight tingling sensation upon first application, but this dissipated within a week.
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: from 43p
Key ingredients: 4% tranexamic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide
Vegan: yes
Certified cruelty-free: yes
Haruharu Wonder
Centella 4% TXA gel serum
from £12.95
What we love
Smooths and refines the skin; lightweight
What we don’t love
Tingling on application; may not suit sensitive skin types
The best of the rest
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian
The Ordinary multi-antioxidant radiance serum
The Ordinary
Multi-antioxidant radiance serum
from £14.20
What we love
Affordable; hydrating; great for boosting SPF efficacy
What we don’t love
Low concentration of vitamin C
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£14.20 at Lookfantastic£14.20 at Space NK
Best for: beginners
Infused with vitamin C, ginseng and turmeric peptides, this reasonably priced serum is designed to protect skin from daily environmental stressors, while smoothing texture, reducing dark spots and boosting skin hydration.
What I loved most about it was how it felt on my skin. The serum feels similar to a lightweight oil, but absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling hydrated without any tackiness or greasiness. It’s a great option for those who want a hydrating and protective serum without the hefty price.
It didn’t make the final cut because … I didn’t notice a huge difference in my dark spots or skin tone, but with just 1% ascorbyl glucoside (another stable vitamin C derivative), it may take longer to see results.
Size: 30ml; price per ml: from 47p; key ingredients: vitamin C, ginseng, and turmeric peptides; vegan: yes; certified cruelty-free: yes
The Ordinary
Multi-antioxidant radiance serum
from £14.20
What we love
Affordable; hydrating; great for boosting SPF efficacy
What we don’t love
Low concentration of vitamin C
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 serum
La Roche-Posay
Pure Vitamin C12 serum
from £36
What we love
Applies like a dream; hydrating; real results
What we don’t love
Pricey and some may not like the fragrance
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£36 at La Roche-Posay£45 at Cult Beauty
Best for: mature skin
The gel texture of this serum from La Roche-Posay is formulated with 12% vitamin C, exfoliating salicylic acid and soothing neurosensine – a key ingredient in the brand’s Toleriane range for sensitive skin. The result? A complexion that looks brighter and more even-toned. A nice one to apply in the summer when you want a product that feels hydrating but light.
It didn’t make the final cut because … although the brand is a favourite with dermatologists, and I did see a brilliantly glowy boost, it’s pricier than others here that work just as well. It also has a light powdery scent that may not appeal to some.
Size: 30ml; price per ml: from about £1.20; key ingredients: 12% vitamin C and salicylic acid; vegan: no; certified cruelty-free: no
La Roche-Posay
Pure Vitamin C12 serum
from £36
What we love
Applies like a dream; hydrating; real results
What we don’t love
Pricey and some may not like the fragrance
Dr Somji vitamin C daily defence moisturiser SPF30
Dr Somji
Vitamin C daily defence moisturiser SPF30
£75
What we love
Great for when you don’t have time for full skincare routine
What we don’t love
Expensive and not widely stocked
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£75 at Dr Somji Skincare
Best for: a vitamin C moisturiser/multitasker
Although this article specifically focuses on serums, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention this lightweight moisturiser from skincare expert Dr Somji. Formulated with THD ascorbate (making it a great choice for sensitive skin), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and SPF, it provides the ultimate antioxidant cocktail. I loved how this formula felt on my skin – with or without the addition of serum. It didn’t take long before it became a staple in my routine, especially on those mornings when I barely get time to brush my hair, let alone apply five products to my face (let’s work smarter, friends).
It didn’t make the final cut because … it feels expensive for a moisturiser, despite offering a multitude of benefits.
Size: 50ml; price per ml: £1.50; key ingredients: vitamin C, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, exosomes and matrixyl synthe peptides; vegan: no; certified cruelty-free: yes
Dr Somji
Vitamin C daily defence moisturiser SPF30
£75
What we love
Great for when you don’t have time for full skincare routine
What we don’t love
Expensive and not widely stocked
Simple 10% vitamins C + E + F Glow+ serum
Simple
10% vitamins C + E + F Glow+ serum
from £5.84
What we love
Lightweight and nourishing; great price
What we don’t love
Low vit C potency, so it may take a while to see results
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£6.65 at Superdrug£5.84 at Amazon
Best for: sensitive skin
With a lightweight, milky consistency and combination of barrier-loving ingredients, this affordable serum from Simple feels nourishing on the skin and sinks in beautifully. The low-dose vitamin C combined with vitamins E and F make this a great option for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the 10% on the bottle actually refers to the sum of all the active ingredients (2% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 7% vitamin F). With just 2% vitamin C, I didn’t notice significant brightening or anti-ageing benefits, but the formula did keep my skin hydrated.
Size: 30ml; price per ml: from 19p; key ingredients: 2% vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin F; vegan: yes; certified cruelty-free: yes
Simple
10% vitamins C + E + F Glow+ serum
from £5.84
What we love
Lightweight and nourishing; great price
What we don’t love
Low vit C potency, so it may take a while to see results
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% pure vitamin C brightening serum
L’Oréal Paris
Revitalift 12% pure vitamin C brightening serum
from £15.95
What we love
Affordable; hydrating; good amount of vitamin C
What we don’t love
Not strictly vegan or certified cruelty-free; strong scent
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian£15.99 at Noli£15.95 at Amazon
Best for: oily skin and texture
This formula from L’Oréal contains 12% pure vitamin C alongside vitamin E and salicylic acid. These will help break down the appearance of dark patches and pores, as well as smooth texture – making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The silky gel-serum feels luxurious to apply, absorbs quickly, and I didn’t mind the subtle, almost citrusy scent.
It didn’t make the final cut because … there were times I had to give the bottle a good shake since it looked like the formula may have separated.
Size: 30ml; price per ml: from 53p; key ingredients: 12% vitamin C, vitamin E and salicylic acid; vegan: no; certified cruelty-free: no
L’Oréal Paris
Revitalift 12% pure vitamin C brightening serum
from £15.95
What we love
Affordable; hydrating; good amount of vitamin C
What we don’t love
Not strictly vegan or certified cruelty-free; strong scent
What you need to know
Photograph: Danielle Wilkins/The Guardian
What are the benefits of a vitamin C serum?
“For skin specifically, vitamin C works through three interconnected mechanisms,” says skincare expert Chavda-Sitaram. “Antioxidant protection against UV and environmental damage; collagen synthesis at the cellular level (essential for maintaining firmness and elasticity); and brightening through tyrosinase inhibition, which fades hyperpigmentation and prevents new pigmentation.
“It benefits everyone because oxidative stress affects all skin types – although the form, concentration and supporting ingredients must match individual tolerance. The most dramatic results will be seen by those who have photo-aged skin with fine lines and firmness loss, hyperpigmentation or uneven tone, and dull complexions.”
How to apply a vitamin C serum
Apply your vitamin C serum in the morning, after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturiser and SPF. SPF really is a non-negotiable here, particularly if your serum contains other active ingredients, such as salicylic acid.
What to know about vitamin C concentration
Since different forms of vitamin C work at different concentrations, it can be difficult to compare them directly. However, research indicates that for L-ascorbic acid (the most commonly used form of vitamin C in skincare), 10-20% is optimal.
“Anything below 8% and you’re not delivering enough to drive meaningful change, but above 20% you hit an efficacy plateau with substantially increased irritation,” says Chavda-Sitaram. “However, the derivatives work differently. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) is exceptionally potent because it’s lipid-soluble, penetrating more efficiently than water-soluble L-ascorbic acid. So, the question shouldn’t necessarily be, ‘what percentage?’ but, ‘in what form, in what delivery system, with what supporting ingredients, and is it stable?’”
How to store vitamin C serums
All good vitamin C serums will come in protective, airtight packaging to avoid oxidation – but where you choose to store it can help maintain the formula, too. A cool, dark place is best – avoid spots that are in direct sunlight or heat (the humidity and temperature of bathrooms should be avoided where possible), while others even recommend storing vitamin C serums in the fridge.
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Danielle Wilkins is a lifestyle journalist and former magazine editor with almost two decades of experience writing about beauty, parenting and all things weddings for some of the biggest names in publishing. When she’s not reviewing the latest products in skincare, running in the gym or sitting front row at Bridal Week, she’s acting as a human climbing frame for her two young boys and dreaming about hot coffee
