As an ingredient, Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is one of the most accessible skincare actives. It’s an antioxidant that works to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is a well-known and loved skincare ingredient, for good reason, but you can’t just go slathering it all over your face every morning and night. It’s an active—and an unstable one at that—so it’s best to use it topically on problem areas. In addition, sensitive skin doesn’t always react well to Vitamin C, so you’ll want to find a product that has a smaller concentration of the ingredient.
Here at Urban List, we’ve found the best Vitamin C serums for different skin types and different budgets, so keep reading to find out which one is best for you.
Urban List's Top Picks
- Best Overall, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- Best Value, La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
- Best Natural Ingredients, The Jojoba Company Vitamin C Glow Potion
- Best For Beginners, CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
- Best For Oily Skin, Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
- Best For Sensitive Skin, IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+
- Best For Mature Skin, Aspect Extreme C 20
- Best For Pigmentation, Beauté Pacifique Tyrostase Brown Pigment Equaliser
Best Overall SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Pricey but potent, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is a cut above the rest, regularly hitting best-of lists for dermatologists and beauty editors alike. It uses a patented formula that is super stable, suitable to all skin types, light to apply, absorbent on the skin, and sits easily under other skincare and makeup. While it's intended to help with fine lines and wrinkles, it also gives the immediate effect of plump glowy skin. If this is within your budget, it is worth the investment.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $242
- Size: 30ml
Best Value La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 12 Anti-Wrinkle Serum
This powerful Vitamin C serum will help to protect your skin from environmental damage as well as improve overall radiance. Designed to be suitable for all skin types (including sensitive), La Roche-Posay’s Vitamin C12 Serum blends stable, pure vitamin C with supportive, effective ingredients that improve the skin’s texture and tone—making the fact that it's easier on the wallet just a bonus.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $74.95
- Size: 30ml
BEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS The Jojoba Company Vitamin C Glow Potion
If you’re looking for a Vitamin C serum that packs in natural ingredients, The Jojoba Company’s Vitamin C Glow Potion is our recommendation. It uses THD Ascorbate, which is a more stable form of Vitamin C to help fight the signs of ageing while still being gentle on sensitive skin. The formula also features turmeric, tomato and raspberry oils and extracts to boost the effects of Vitamin C.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: From $59.95
- Size: 30ml, 50ml
Best For Beginners CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
This budget-friendly serum contains a hydrating cocktail of brightening Vitamins C, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to nourish and soothe the skin. Its quick absorbing and non-greasy formula means it's perfect for applying under make-up in the morning and suitable for all types of skin.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $43.99
- Size: 30ml
Best For Oily Skin Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
Although certainly on the pricier end, this Vitamin C serum is formulated with oily and combination skin in mind, and our oily T-zone is ever so grateful. Treat yourself to the good stuff and add this serum that targets free radicals, cell turnover, and discolouration to your routine.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $242
- Size: 30ml
Best For Sensitive Skin IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+
An excellent choice for blemish-prone, sensitive and ageing skin, this highly potent yet gentle Vitamin C serum contains l-ascorbic acid, Vitamin E and A, and olive leaf extract for extremely powerful antioxidant protection while decreasing the signs of ageing.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: From $161
- Size: 15ml, 30ml
Best For Mature Skin Aspect Extreme C 20
If you haven't heard of them, Aspect sources the highest-quality ingredients possible from the world's best pharmaceutical and bio-technology companies. Their Vitamin C serum is one of the best, with a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that works to reduce fine lines while firming and brightening the skin.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $139
- Size: 30ml
Best For Pigmentation Beauté Pacifique Tyrostase Brown Pigment Equaliser
Specifically designed to target all types of pigmentation, including sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (from blemishes) or from other forms of skin trauma, Beauté Pacifique Tyrostase Brown Pigment Equaliser works to help restore your skin to a bright and even tone. The product's multiple forms of Vitamin C, alongside other active ingredients, including Retinyl Palmitate, vitamins and herbal extracts ensures a multi-pronged and effective approach to tackling your pigmentation concerns.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Price: $68
- Size: 50ml
Image credit: Adore Beauty Website | The Clinic Website
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