With the ability to brighten and hydrate skin, fade pigmentation and boost radiance, it’s not surprising that the best vitamin C serums are one of the most popular beauty buys.
To help you find the best ones on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a 270-strong testing panel. Whatever your skincare concern, you’re sure to find one for you in their recommendations. Here are their top picks in a handy list, but keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the power of vitamin C.
How we test
We asked 270 beauty testers to test 18 leading vitamin C serums over a four-week period. They rated the scent and texture, as well as reporting back on any differences in the brightness, pigmentation, radiance, smoothness and hydration of their skin.
Then we got serious in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, using our VISIA skin analysis machine to assess improvements in skin pigmentation and red areas before and after using the product. You’ll find our best in test marked with the GHI Approved logo below. Our beauty team have also included their favourite buzzy new launches in our editors’ picks section below, all of which they’ve used and loved, to give you options for every budget and skincare need.
The Organic Pharmacy Vitamin C Serum
Score: 84/100
Natural doesn’t mean less effective, and this gentle vegan, natural and 91% organic serum is testament to that. It got to work fast, with the majority of our testers saying their skin looked brighter immediately.
It wasn’t just a flash in the pan, either — this formula scored highest for the best long-term improvements, with a noticeable reduction in pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles after the trial period. There were also no complaints of irritation. A deserved winner.
The Organic Pharmacy Vitamin C Serum
amazon
£40.50
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Score: 83/100
Give thirsty skin a dose of hydration with this effective serum, containing hyaluronic acid (which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, so helps to lock in moisture) and 7.5% vitamin C. For more mature, typically more dull and dehydrated skin this is the perfect option.
Sinking into clean skin effortlessly, the non-greasy formula reduced our testers’ dark spots and left skin visibly glowing, with some noticing faded under-eye circles too.
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
mariobadescu
£32.25
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum
Score: 81/100
Looking for a quick fix? You’re not the only one. With its lightweight texture and immediate effect on the skin, testers loved how this serum pepped up dull complexions, leaving them instantly glowy, “like a lovely shiny primer”.
Many noticed an improved radiance and a reduction in their pigmentation, and the serum absorbed quickly while hydrating their skin. A great product for layering underneath moisturisers or makeup, it couldn’t be easier to slot into a daily skincare routine.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum
amazon.co.uk
£85.92
Monat C. Radiance Illuminating Serum
Score: 81/100
This may be the most expensive serum we tested, but the elegant packaging and high dose of vitamin C (15%) helps justify the price.
After the trial period, our panel were unanimous in saying skin felt firmer, with some noticing a reduction in wrinkles too. Overall, this lightweight serum delivers where it matters — improving skin tone, texture and overall radiance.
Monat C. Radiance Illuminating Serum
monatglobal.com
£105.00
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules
Score: 80/100
Part of Elizabeth Arden’s capsule collection, these biodegradable pods contain a luxurious dose of oil-soluble vitamin C, which is designed to hydrate skin.
With plenty to cover the face, neck and décolletage, this was the best serum on test for its hydrating properties, with all agreeing the effect was instant and long-lasting. The silky formula was an ideal base for makeup application and the majority saw scarring and pigmentation fade.
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules
amazon.co.uk
£34.00
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum
Score: 80/100
With a pleasant tightening and firming effect, our testers could feel this one getting to work immediately. The creamy texture felt hydrating but never greasy – ideal for sensitive skin – but it took a little while to fully absorb.
The majority saw an instant brightening effect, which lasted impressively throughout the test. They also liked the intuitive dispenser, which gave the perfect amount of formula to cover the whole face. A luxurious option for all skin types, and beautifully packaged to boot.
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum
lookfantastic.com
£115.00
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Score: 79/100
We know it’s what’s inside that counts, but our panel was won over by the technical-looking pump packaging here. Part of Murad’s Vita-C range, this serum contains real gold, which has been proven to have a stabilising effect on active ingredients such as vitamin C, in turn making it more potent. The formulation also boasts the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid for better absorption.
Although suitable for all skin types, some testers noticed slight tingling during the first couple of applications, so if you’re new to vitamin C you might want to work your way up to the recommended twice daily dosage. The brightening effects were noticeable though, with the more seasoned vitamin C users being particularly impressed.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
amazon.co.uk
£86.60
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment
Score: 79/100
It’s hardly a secret that fermenting food is akin to supercharging it with nutrients — the benefits of ingredients are amplified and concentrated by the process. It follows, then, that adding powerful ferments to an already concentrated vitamin C serum will only enhance its effects.
This lightweight formula, featuring brightening yeast ferment and pigmentation-targeting molasses ferment, proved our theory correct. Easy to spread and quick to absorb, it left our panel’s skin feeling smooth, radiant and plump with a long-lasting dewy glow.
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment
lookfantastic
£77.00
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Score: 77/100
Paula’s choice it may be, but if you’re after a dark spot fader and anti-ager combined, then this might also be the best choice for you. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants such as ferulic acid, which help protect the skin against free radicals and keep the 15% vitamin C content stable.
Testers loved how the dropper packaging allowed them to create a custom dosage based on their skin’s needs; simply add a drop or two into your moisturiser if you don’t fancy adding another step to your skincare routine. Many found it hydrating and agreed that it boosted radiance, firmed up skin and evened out their tone. For mature skin, it’s worth the money.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
cultbeauty.co.uk
£54.00
These also passed…
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Editors’ picks
Hearst Owned
Medik8 C-Tetra® Lipid 7% Vitamin C Radiance Serum
The selling point of this punchy serum is its ability to deliver all the hyperpigmentation-busting results, without the skin barrier disruption.
“According to many doctors and dermatologists I’ve met, they’re seeing a rise in their clinics of issues related to damaged skin barriers,” says Florence Reeves-White, senior beauty writer for the GHI. “This launch is designed to tackle this trend, where people are piling on potent retinols and actives without figuring out what’s right for their particular skin type.
“Due to its gentle formulation, this is my new favourite vitamin C serum, especially when used in conjunction with retinols that can be tough on the skin barrier, that all-important first defence.”
Medik8 C-Tetra® Lipid 7% Vitamin C Radiance Serum
medik8.com
£45.00
Tatcha The Brightening Serum
This brilliant brightener is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any residue. “I didn’t realise I needed a vitamin C serum until I tried this one from Korean skincare brand, Tatcha,” says Maddie Evans, lifestyle writer for the GHI. “
After using it consistently for a few weeks, I started to notice a real difference in my usual lacklustre complexion. My skin tone is much more even now, and evidence of old blemishes in the form of dark spots vanish much quicker.” Maddie’s also a fan of the accompanying eye cream, which leaves tired eyes looking fresh and bright.
Tatcha The Brightening Serum
sephora
£86.00
FAQsWhat is vitamin C and how does it work?
Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C isn’t naturally produced or stored in your body but is found in food such as lemons, oranges and red peppers. This powerful antioxidant works to protect cells from damage and keep your skin and bones healthy.
Studies have shown there are benefits to applying it topically too; it can leave complexions looking visibly brighter by helping to control the overproduction of melanin and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
“Vitamin C is very selfish, as it only activates once in contact with the skin,” explains celebrity skincare expert Michaella Bolder. “It also doesn’t like being exposed to air or sunlight, so for that reason, capsules or dark bottles can be effective. For maximum potency, it’s best in serum form, without too many additional ingredients.”
What are the skincare benefits of a vitamin C serum?
“Vitamin C has been found to promote collagen production, plump fine lines, firm the skin tissue, brighten skin and give an overall youthful texture,” says Bolder. “As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to use it in your skincare routine, this super-effective ingredient carries powerful antioxidant properties to help ward off free radical damage, which can push our skin tissue into a premature ageing process.”
It can also be beneficial for those with scarring, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, leaving the complexion looking smoother and more hydrated.
When should you use a vitamin C serum?
For best results, use in the morning (before your moisturiser), as this will help to protect against UV irritants and give your skin its morning radiance boost,” advises Bolder.
An effective dose can range from 7% to 20%, depending on the condition of your skin. Those with sensitive and drier skin may want to start by using a lower percentage two to three days a week, building up to more regular use.
Note, vitamin C can cause a light tingling upon application. It’s also recommended you use summer SPF with both UVA and UVB protection in your morning routine.
Hearst Owned
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