![Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/zh033EXlFOivbEPsY1umlZT9Wj4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skinceuticals-Jenna-Igneri-89668bd455914466bb600f024cab287d.jpeg)
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
When it comes to over-the-counter topicals, there’s often a limit to just how much of a difference you can see from products without a prescription. Serums containing vitamin C are the exception, according to board-certified dermatologist, Diane Madfes, MD. "They work to stimulate collagen, lighten dark spots, and protect against sun damage," Madfes tells Byrdie. "They're also great for fine lines, melasma, and rosacea." Vitamin C in serum form is so effective because it attacks free radicals that can damage skin DNA.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum, which contains ferulic acid and vitamin E to boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability, and glides on without a sticky finish. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, a drugstore favorite that contains l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid to create a silky skin-feel.
We went to work and tried a handful of top-rated vitamin C serums spanning a range of budgets, skin types, and concerns. After using them for weeks at a time, our testers rated each formula's texture, skin-feel, and how well it worked to brighten complexion, even out skin tone, fade dark spots, and address signs of aging. We then combined these results with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologist, Diane Madfes, MD, as well as our own research to compile a list of the best in show.
Ahead, find the best vitamin C serums to brighten your complexion.
Best Overall
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum
![C-firma fresh](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/sVnhRyJN44Bp7Tr_sSahq_5bem4=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/C-Firma_Fresh_30ml_Standards_01_2000px_300dpi-fb48076cbc36430f899dc7f9d4f45762.jpeg)
Drunk Elephant
Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability
Long shelf life due to home activation
Non-irritating, pH balancing formula
Expensive
With an impressive 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our home tester, Drunk Elephant's C-Firma contains a potent antioxidant blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E to address discoloration and other signs of photoaging. Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability. ensuring your skin reaps all the benefits from using vitamin C.
The formula also calls on pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes to gently exfoliate and smooth dull, uneven texture. Our tester notes the clear gel is super easy to spread and has a nice cooling sensation which feels great on sensitive, inflamed skin. We also like that C-Firma has a 2.5 pH and doesn't need to be refrigerated.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, firming, retexturizing, smoothing, exfoliating | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $78
What Our Editors Say
"I've been using this vitamin C serum every morning for years now. The naturally amber-colored formula gives my skin a lovely, lit-from-within glow immediately upon application, and over time, my skin has become more luminous and healthy-looking (even when I'm not wearing it). I'm prone to the occasional breakout, but I don't have any lingering acne scars, and I give 100% of the credit to C-Firma." — Holly Rhue, Senior Editor
Best Budget
THE ORDINARY Vitamin C 23% + HA Spheres 2%
![the ordinary vitamin c suspension 23% + ha spheres 2%](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/64CKySRJW-gPd37hhtcATFAM-LY=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/s2031466-main-zoom-c45c66c8b4cd482b82cf28af232ba92c.jpg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Addition of squalane accelerates cellular turnover
Hyaluronic acid hydrates with a matte finish
May sting slightly
Prone to pilling
The Ordinary's beloved vitamin C serum-lotion hybrid contains a hefty dose of radiance-boosting L-ascorbic acid, a pure form of the antioxidant, plus squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump, and smooth.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, hydrating, smoothing | Skin Type: Dry, oily, mature, combination | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $7
What Our Testers Say
"By the end of the day, my skin still felt soft and glowy." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester and Editor
![The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/xua_CZebTyxUFKh3dWdjfiANsFA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-Ordinary-Vitamin-C-Suspension-2-7cbafd950ed14d91a39c6278f9a84364.jpg)
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
Best Clean
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
![Mad Hippie](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/LM073XIvru4RtsArXRz0aEmR1i0=/fit-in/1500x461/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MadHippie-5c1bc74546e0fb0001cc5cda.jpg)
Amazon
Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability
Non-irritating formula contains chamomile extract
Petrochemical-, paraben-, fragrance-, and phthalate-free
Slightly sticky
Our home tester gave the Mad Hippie serum a 4.5 out of 5 rating, noting that the formula was fast-absorbing and boosted radiance without irritation. Ferulic supports the efficacy of vitamin C while and hyaluronic acid, konjac root powder, vitamin E, and chamomile extract deliver hydrating properties.
Benefits: Tightening, radiance-boosting, smoothing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $34
What Our Testers Say
"Along with lightening dark spots, it helped my skin look more even overall, and its ingredients have long-term anti-aging benefits, too."—Joline Buscemi, Product Tester and Editor
Best Drugstore
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
![CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/W1bqOZwnMjO8z4xuvOY68oYFMk0=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/B07PNCCLD2-3fec02b3228c4bccbf4644fae1aea9ad.jpg)
Amazon
Affordable
Contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to plump skin and strengthen skin barrier
Non-comedogenic formula
Fragrance- and phthalate-free
Can oxidize and leave orange streaks
You can squeeze product out of this CeraVe tube of vitamin C serum. In addition to 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, this affordable formula replenishes the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides and soothes stressed skin with vitamin B5.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, hydrating, replenishing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Thin layer daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $21
Best Splurge
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
![skinceuticals-ce-ferulic](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Si4KW1-j_kgkwDXayyaSh6hEpn8=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skinceuticals-ce-ferulic-0095c4f28ea846c38b50c5ac8d3ca322.jpg)
SkinCeuticals
Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability
Antioxidant blend further attacks free radical damage
Hyaluronic acid helps plump and hydrate
Product can oxidize
Our home tester rated SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic a 4.8 out of 5 stars for its velvety skin-feel and antioxidant-rich formula. Madfes says this product is worth the splurge and delivers a noticeable improvement in the texture, evenness, and elasticity of skin.
Benefits: Hydrating, smoothing, radiance-boosting | Skin Type: Dry, balanced, sensitive, mature | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $169
![Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/zh033EXlFOivbEPsY1umlZT9Wj4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skinceuticals-Jenna-Igneri-89668bd455914466bb600f024cab287d.jpeg)
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
What Our Editors Say
"If I had to pick one skincare product to rave about, this is the one. The combination of ferulic acid and vitamin C and E works to protect against environmental damage caused by free radicals, improves signs of aging and photodamage, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and brightens my complexion each time I use it. It's a thin, watery serum, and it doesn't smell great—but it works better than any vitamin C product I've ever used. Over the years, I've noticed an immediate (glowy, even skin the day after) and long-term (healthier, happier, smoother skin) result." — Hallie Gould, Editorial Director
Best Luxury
ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Serum
![ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/mvRCS9N0wogjVnTCBQJjKKqEiI8=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ISDINIsdinceuticsFlavo-CSerum-da4337cf3c544bb5bc26bede0a6959bd.jpg)
Amazon
Addition of ginkgo biloba helps tamp redness
Lactic acid gently resurfaces skin
Expensive
Madfes recommends Flavo-C for the addition of ginkgo biloba to reduce redness and safeguard your skin against free radicals. Lactic acid gently resurfaces skin to reduce wrinkles. These ingredients pair well with the antioxidant powers of vitamin C.
Benefits: Environmental protection, firming, radiance-boosting, hydrating, soothing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 5 drops daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $105
Best K-Beauty
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum+
![Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum+](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VizFvcq0S81s8Jb5TkM8ElZQAWE=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GoodalGreenTangerineVitaCDarkSpotSerum-34485e0bbf1b4f1bbc4bee01629ba358.jpg)
Walmart
Affordable
Niacinamide helps fade dark spots in combination with vitamin C
Jojoba oil, allantoin, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid provide lightweight hydration
Container doesn't prevent oxidation
The gel-like formula of Goodal Green Tangerine contains radiance-boosting, tone-evening, hydrating ingredients, including tangerine-derived vitamin C. The formula also contains brightening niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica (cica). Jojoba oil, allantoin, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and turmeric root combine to hydrate skin. Reviewers note the result is plush and bouncy skin.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, clearing, tone-evening, pH-balancing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Small amount once or twice daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Complexion-Enhancing
Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Serum: Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum
![Sephora Collection C+E Super Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/K1cHoNri0pqJ8jHn0FgSt6P-Iws=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SephoraCollectionCESuperSerum-76fab95771b34a4ab7151dcc1fcd2b9d.jpg)
Sephora
Antioxidant blend supports efficacy of vitamin C
Panthenol, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil deliver velvety texture
Phthalate-free
Container doesn't prevent oxidation
Limited retailers
Sephora's C+E Super Serum boasts an impressive blend of antioxidants and algae-derived peptides to deliver tighter skin and a dewy, healthy glow. Panthenol, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil give the serum a silky texture that's easily absorbed by dry skin.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, refining, hydrating, tightening | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily, mature, sensitive | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce or 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $33
Best Firming
InnBeauty Project Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
![iNNBeauty Project Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VfQ_MIzsSL8zWzpe-BzUCl6l3dc=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/iNNBeautyProjectGreenMachineVitaminCGreenSuperfoodsJellySerum-be8784945a3748dbad384bd4359896b4.jpg)
InnBeauty
Plant-derived stem cells help to accelerate cellular turnover and promote elasticity
Botanical extracts and antioxidant blend attack free radical damage
Can cause breakouts on sensitive skin
Slightly sticky
Plant-derived collagen and stem cells address the loss of elasticity in this plumping Green Machine serum. The addition of plant-derived oils and extracts creates an antioxidant frenzy to accelerate the production of collagen and protect agains free radical damage.
Benefits: Firming, tightening, smoothing, radiance-boosting | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: 1 pump daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $32
Best With SPF
Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum
![Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/gl4rd7sNybJLeYuB_sNImChHheA=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SupergoopDailyDoseVitaminCSPF40Serum-8700a426c14242fa839202579c36fda7.jpg)
Nordstrom
Contains SPF protection
Niacinamide in combination with vitamin C fades dark spots
Matte finish
No physical SPF
Supergoop's SPF 40 formula glides on like a serum, and can be used as a makeup primer during the day to helps prevent signs of photoaging .The hybrid formula boosts dull complexions and evens out discoloration with vitamin C and niacinamide while safeguarding your skin from the sun's damaging rays with three chemical UV filters.
Benefits: UV protection, radiance-boosting, tone-evening, hydrating | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Generous amount 15 minutes before sun exposure | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $46
Best for Hyperpigmentation
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
![BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/8-lRTyrL4YeAPtVN4UrxpJuaGvI=/fit-in/1500x830/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-06-05at10.48.33AM-11def1a5cb274e21ba842addff6a4563.png)
Courtesy of Skinstore
Highest concentration of vitamin C available
Addition of squalane and green tea accelerates cellular turnover without irritation
Expensive
Slightly gritty
BeautyStat's skin-refining formula contains 20 percent pure vitamin C, the highest concentration available over the counter, to address dullness, fade dark spots, and correct discoloration. The formula also contains calming ingredients like squalane and green tea, which improve cellular turnover without irritation.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, retexturizing, hydrating, pH-balancing, tone-evening | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops twice daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $30
Best for Fine Lines
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
![kiehls powerful strength line reducing concentrate](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/vLiZl_DlZXcokDpDHzvmPjTljNs=/fit-in/1500x1750/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kiehlspowerfulstrengthlinereducingconcentrate-de31ea425b1546929aa39090f5c2f45a.jpg)
Potent blend of vitamin C and Cg
Hyaluronic acid and delivers lightweight moisture and plumps skin
Expensive
Prone to pilling
Scoring a 4.5 out of 5 overall score from our at-home tester, this serum delivers noticeable results when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines. In addition to pure vitamin C, the formula contains vitamin Cg, scorbyl glucoside and hyaluronic acid to add volume and plump fine lines.
Benefits: Plumping, smoothing, radiance-boosting, hydrating | Skin Type: Mature, balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1.7 ounces or 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $60
Best for Uneven Skin Tone
Maelove The Glow Maker
![MaeLove Glow Maker](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/OYYiYOAEdG7CCrwtxFOlV__pXQs=/fit-in/1500x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/maelove-38234ba82a144f9eb1ed5c4c8b9fb4c6.jpg)
Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability
Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates
Non-sticky formula
Can oxidize
This Maelove serum includes a powerful blend of antioxidants and ferulic acid to even out skin tone and boost radiance. The ingredients and results of this serum are comparable to those of the Drunk Elephant and SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums, but at a fraction of the price.
Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, tone-evening, calming | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops once or twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Price at time of publish: $30
Best for Dullness
Vasanti Brighten Up! Glow Boosting Serum
![Vasanti Brighten Up! Glow Boosting Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/BbdOD9jSBtF3ND2SvHlBPGf_rcg=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VasantiBrightenUpGlowBoostingSerum-8d308de253dc4c07b1d6e891eebf12f2.jpg)
Walmart
Abyssinian kale oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E calm inflammation and redness
Non-sticky formula
Contains synthetic fragrance
Vasanti's Glow Boosting Serum tackles dullness with antioxidant superstars vitamin C, bearberry-derived arbutin, and Abyssinian kale oil. The formula soothes stressed skin and calms inflammation with aloe vera and vitamin E.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, firming, hydrating, reparative, tone-evening, soothing | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops up to twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $39
Best Dry Skin
Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
![Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/-kaROoH0aI9Wz16wCMlSJbDQAlQ=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/UrsaMajorBrightenUpVitaminCSerum-8001b1b9f2524eb9a0da7e6451052c10.jpeg)
Ulta
Rosehip oil and aloe tamp inflammation
Lightweight, fast-acting formula
Petrochemical-, paraben-, and phthalate-free
Expensive
Ursa Major’s blend of vitamin C, rosehip oil, aloe, and edelweiss-derived antioxidants create a featherweight formula for instant hydration. Reviewers note relief from inflammation, and a more radiant complexion within a couple of days.
Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, soothing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1 pump daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $56
Best for Sensitive Skin
Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence
![Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/wqePtUfzfngJAkiij4E0Oq9E_40=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MatrescenceRoseGlowBrighteningEssence-18a2e4b8815a4de38dec3646a89d5bfd.jpg)
Amazon
Chamomile, lavender oil, and aloe provide anti-inflammatory properties
Petrochemical-, paraben-, and phthalate-free
Expensive
Limited availability
Matrescence makes the best option for sensitive skin, with a blend of skin soothers and anti-inflammatories like like chamomile, lavender oil, and aloe.
Benefits: Radiance-boosting, exfoliating, hydrating, refining | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry, inflamed, combination, acne-prone | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $86
Best for Mature Skin
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
![TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/vowuDj5Zu0N7e67RQUNA6iZheoo=/fit-in/1500x1250/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TruSkinVitaminCSerumforFace-44e6ba75e83143e8bc842ca513655d4c.jpg)
Amazon
Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil deliver intense moisture and hydrate mature skin
High concentration of vitamin C
Some reviewers note a light tightening feeling after application
This best-selling serum from TruSkin is formulated specifically for mature complexions, with a high concentration of active ingredients. It blends vitamins C and E with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to combat dullness, address discoloration, and restore firmness. The product is frequently discounted, making it Amazon’s best-selling face serum.
Benefits: Hydrating, firming, plumping, smoothing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Natural
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
![InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/T2UpXKfuOdfXZ6GQnTozFGjcnlE=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/B00IDWP4IA-484d227517e64e68907d3ff11d3c96da.jpg)
Amazon
Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability
Licorice root extract and argan oil brighten and hydrate
Strong smell
InstaNatural's wallet-friendly Vitamin C Serum flaunts an all-natural formula with hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn oil, ferulic acid, and plant stem cells. In addition, radiance-boosting licorice root extract, argan oil, and cica deliver collagen boosting properties that help to repair cellular damage.
Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, reparative, rejuvenating | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-sized amount twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $18
Best De-puffing
Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
![Vitamin C Serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/FfjWhsT4Ll-sJDu3nofmu24zc6U=/fit-in/1500x1620/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/b1aec86feca404ca9d043a248bf6c925-16d069d50e4b4d62876f1fa6f7012546.jpg)
Youth to the People
Caffeine targets puffiness
Antioxidants and squalane help stabilize 15% concentration of vitamin C
Formula can feel a little sticky at first
This lightweight serum from Youth to the People contains 15% concentration of vitamin C, which is stabilized by antioxidant extracts of passion fruit and dragon fruit and squalane to lock in moisture and accelerate cellular turnover. Vitamin C formulas can have a lifting effect, but the addition of clean caffeine derived from yerba mate and guayasa, increases microcirculation to help the de-puffing process.
Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, de-puffing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-sized amount twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $68
Best Multitasker
PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum
![pca skin c-quench antioxidant serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/J22KGmKg4f5q_eCUGOebwwkKZQE=/fit-in/1500x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/c-quench-serum-pcp-pro-1fb02b02c79a440baa719d40fc551dfb.jpg)
Courtesy of Dermstore
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps
Lilac stem cell extract helps control oil production and restore skin
Antioxidants stabilize vitamin C
Formula can feel tacky
A highly-reviewed pick from clinical label PCA, this brightening serum contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and a blend of antioxidants to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lilac stem cell extract is effective in controlling oil, leaving you with a smooth, matte finish. Reviewers note that the formula is particularly efficacious at fading sun spots.
Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, oil-controlling | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-sized amount twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Price at time of publish: $120
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum, which contains ferulic acid and vitamin E to boost vitamin C’s efficacy and stability, and glides on without a sticky finish. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, a drugstore favorite that contains l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid to create a silky skin-feel.
![SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/mI3IEdOyt0QZw00Lm7-9-OqWBoU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SkinCeuticals-C-E-Ferulic-Swatch-1-f643febe235f422bbffcfbf76a635465.jpg)
Meet the Expert
- Jessie Cheung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatological surgical and cosmetic procedures based in Willowbrook, IL.
- Jennifer Herrmann, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA.
- Diane Madfes, MD, is a New York City board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
What to Look for in a Vitamin C Serum
An Opaque Bottle
Vitamin C is inherently unstable and quickly broken down when exposed to light and/or oxygen. For that reason, board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD suggests looking for a product that comes in an opaque bottle—like the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum—or have an air-tight pump dispenser. Similarly, always make sure to store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
L-Ascorbic Acid
To get the most bang for your buck, Cheung suggests looking for this type of vitamin C, the most potent and active version. That being said, it is the priciest and comes with the highest likelihood of irritation. Other less intense versions include sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Our best drugstore pick by CeraVe contains 10% L-ascorbic acid.
Other Antioxidants
Vitamin C works synergistically, meaning it plays very nicely with other antioxidants. Common antioxidants found in vitamin C serums include vitamin E and ferulic acid, says Cheung. In particular, she says these two increase the efficacy of vitamin C and help stabilize it.
![truskin vitamin c serum](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VeLFLTQVZ5JT9srKQyJdT1zlVt8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-C-Serum-3-1accadde12eb4cfc89a1a8b086aa2df1.jpg)
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each serum on its active ingredients, skin-feel, and value. She combined dermatologist recommended picks with insights from product testers and hours of research to compile this roundup.