The 12 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums Experts Swear By

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There’s a reason so many experts sing the praises of vitamin C: The incredibly popular ingredient provides a number of skin benefits that can help level up your routine. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin against free-radical damage, boosts collagen production, and improves hyperpigmentation,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick tells Bazaar.

Vitamin C is beneficial for all skin types, but is particularly helpful in reducing dark spots and treating signs of aging. And according to experts, one of the most efficacious ways to reap its benefits is in serum form. “In a serum format, the molecular structure is in its smallest form, making it easier to permeate the skin barrier and be most bioavailable in our skin cells,” board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban explains. Serums also often contain stronger percentages of active ingredients than other products like moisturizers or masks, making them slightly more potent.

Which of the best drugstore vitamin C serums are worthy of your regimen? After consulting with experts on what qualities to look for in a serum, we studied retailer offerings, sifted through customer reviews, bookmarked viral beauty hits, and considered our own testing insights to pull together this list of top selects from CeraVe, the Ordinary, and more brands. Keep scrolling to find your next skincare favorite.

Related: The Best Face Serums of All Time

Vitamin C Serum

Featuring a potent 10 percent vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), La Roche-Posay’s multitasking serum boosts radiance, reduces dark spots, and softens fine lines at the same time. Further setting its formulation apart from other vitamin C serums at the drugstore is the addition of pore-clearing salicylic acid, soothing neurosensine, and hydration-boosting glycerin, which lend to its versatility.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have tried multiple vitamin C serums, and this one is by far the best. It doesn’t cause redness/irritation like most of the others I’ve tried and works great as a base under makeup. Will continue to use this as long as it’s made.” —Jenna

Vitamin C Facial Serum

Looking for a brightening serum you can order on Amazon? This viral pick has over 16,000 five-star reviews from shoppers there and is also available at your local drugstore. The serum is powered by sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is less potent than L-ascorbic acid and may be a gentler option if you have reactive skin. It also contains plumping hyaluronic acid, nourishing vitamin E, and witch hazel to minimize the appearance of pores.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is my second bottle of this serum. This goes on smooth and feels great. I have very sensitive skin, and this never had an issue with reactions. My face looks brighter and looks great.” —magdalena

Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Shamban gives the Ordinary's Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% her stamp of approval, noting that while its formula is more streamlined and doesn’t have any “bells and whistles,” it’s a solid option for brightening and protecting your skin. It helps enhance skin radiance with ascorbyl glucoside, a more stable and water-soluble form of vitamin C.

One satisfied customer writes: “I put this on mornings and nights, and my face looks so much more healthier and glowy! It does dry down and isn’t left feeling sticky at all or making my face look more oily. If anything, my skin looks less oily honestly. Absolutely love it.” —Dess

Vitamin C Serum

People with sensitive skin don’t have to write off vitamin C. There are a number of serums formulated to brighten skin without irritation, including this drugstore favorite. The fragrance-free favorite contains 5 percent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a gentle derivative of vitamin C that helps guard against redness and itching. It’s also nicely infused with hydrating ceramides that support the skin barrier. And since the serum is packaged in an airless pump, it won’t oxidize and lose efficacy.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this almost a week, and I love how it moisturizes and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Skin feels clean after application. Will definitely buy it again and will try other Vanicream products. The pump on the tube is genius!! It makes it so much easier to access the perfect amount needed, therefore no waste. A small amount goes a long way.” —Picture perfect

Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Here’s a serum pick from CeraVe that targets dryness and dark spots at the same time. Its lightweight, gel-like consistency contains 10 percent L-ascorbic acid to smooth fine lines and reduce discoloration, with the brand’s signature ceramides blend that supports the skin barrier. And since it’s packaged in a thin, opaque tube with a pointed nozzle, the serum is slightly less messy to apply than some others that come with droppers.

Immediately after I apply it, my skin feels more hydrated and smoother. I have sensitive skin, and I’ve never experienced a reaction after using this product. And while it does have a slight chemical scent, it’s not overpowering or unpleasant.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product is amazing!!! I use it every day in my morning skincare routine, and I have really noticed a difference in my skin being more hydrated. This is a great serum to incorporate into any skincare routine!” —delaneyc43

Revitalift 12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Serum

Ideal for oily skin types, this potent noncomedogenic drugstore favorite uses exfoliating salicylic acid to even skin texture. Its formula’s 12 percent L-ascorbic acid provides powerful skin-brightening benefits.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have a mature skin, and this serum is great! My skin texture and dark spot have improved a lot.” —Amparo B

Multi-Correction Revive + Glow Daily Serum

Vitamin C isn’t just a skincare MVP for reducing dark spots and boosting your glow. It’s also a potent antioxidant that helps defend against free-radical damage with the ability to stimulate collagen production, minimizing signs of aging. RoC’s Multi-Correction Revive + Glow Daily Serum is a perfect example of vitamin C’s multitasking power. Featuring the star ingredient and a unique peptide blend, this product reduces fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing luminosity.

One satisfied customer writes: “I was looking for a product to help reduce my ‘sun spots’ on my face. WOW! I love this serum! It reduced the color and size of the spots on my face immensely. Yes, you must give it a few weeks to start to see the difference, but well worth the wait!” —Jules

LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector

This fragrance-free serum aims to minimize fine lines and even out skin tone in 10 days flat. Its pointed applicator tip makes it simple to target specific areas of the face that need special attention, and the serum is 15 percent ascorbic acid for added potency. Because it comes out in little drops, the packaging also helps you avoid over-applying.

One satisfied customer writes: “The LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum shines as a top contender in the market, especially for those with sensitive skin. Its gentle yet effective formula makes it a standout choice, offering the benefits of Vitamin C without irritation. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a reliable, skin-friendly boost of radiance.” —SJP1966

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum

This peptide-packed option from Olay provides a powerful brightening effect, and plays nicely with just about every skin type, including combination. Its lightweight, nongreasy formula leaves behind a matte finish that layers well under makeup.

One satisfied customer writes: “This serum leaves your face feeling refreshed and smooth. It’s great under the Olay vitamin C moisturizer as well. Glides smooth and doesn’t leave a greasy feel.” —heather_oh_58f79

Vitamin C Glow Serum

Apply two drops of this gel-like serum daily to eliminate skin dullness and even out its overall tone. Along with ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C), the serum includes sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid) to plump fine lines, sea grape caviar extract to balance moisture levels, and skin-evening azelaic acid.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product has completely changed the texture of my skin. It is a must have in my daily routine. My skin is glowy and the texture has smoothed and balanced.” —Olivia B.

20% Vitamin C Ferulic Acid Serum

This powerful drugstore serum is infused with 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, plus, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, to address hyperpigmentation, reduce dullness, and smooth skin texture. If 20 percent vitamin C seems too intense for your skin, consider the brand’s less concentrated 10 percent formula.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is a great vitamin C. It is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. I have definitely seen a difference in my skin. Great bottle design. Keeps the vitamin C stable.” —Maggie

Vitamin C Radiance Serum

Thanks to light-reflecting pearl pigments, this Honest Beauty serum provides skin with an instant illuminating glow. Of course, vitamin C and diglucosyl gallic acid work to brighten and even its tone, too. And since the serum is also infused with hyaluronic acid, skin looks bouncier and more plump to boot.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love the shimmer that’s in this vitamin C. It goes on smooth. I used this after using the facial wash, and I follow with the hydrogel and my skin is left moisturized and glowing all day.” —AuDMommy

Meet the experts

• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

• Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills.

What are the skincare benefits of vitamin C?

According to Shamban, vitamin C helps fight off free-radical damage caused by the environment, pollution, and other chemical aggressors. “Free-radical damage causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin,” she explains. “It is also a major contributor to a whole host of skin issues, including dull skin tone, uneven skin, pigmentation issues, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as laxity and sagging skin.” When applied topically, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals.

What should you look for in a vitamin C serum?

Ingredient type and concentration

Garshick recommends choosing an L-ascorbic acid concentration between 10 and 20 percent to avoid irritation. Concentrations higher than 20 percent don’t offer a greater benefit. People with particularly sensitive skin may want to consider a gentler form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate is an example) or a product with an L-ascorbic acid concentration between 8 to 10 percent. Shamban says ethyl ascorbic is another less irritating derivative of vitamin C. “That said, in general, most people just starting can start between 10 to 20 percent L-ascorbic and see how it is tolerated, as the skin may react differently to different formulations, regardless of the concentration, based on other ingredients and the type of product,” she says.

Packaging

Garshick notes that vitamin C is considered a highly unstable ingredient, especially so in its purest form, L-ascorbic acid. Airtight and opaque packaging helps prevent oxidation caused by light and air, which can make the ingredient less effective.

Your skin type

Look for vitamin C serums that cater to your skin type with additional ingredients. As an example: For dry skin, Shamban recommends checking out a serum infused with hyaluronic acid. Sensitive skin types may want to consider formulas that are made with soothing ingredients like ceramides and calendula. A product that is blended with AHAs may be helpful for people with acne-prone skin or clogged pores, she says.

When should you apply a vitamin C serum?

The best time to apply a vitamin C serum is in the morning after you cleanse and before you moisturize, Garshick says.

Shop more of our favorite serums

• The Best Face Serums of All Time

• The Best Eye Serums for Hydration and Dark Circles

• The Best Dark Spot Correctors for Glowing Skin

• The Best Lactic Acid Serums That Will Leave Skin Glowing

• The Best Acne Serums Dermatologists Actually Recommend

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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