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Emma Aerin Becker, Katie Berohn
Thu, April 16, 2026 at 7:01 PM UTC
10 Best Vitamin C Serums for Glowing SkinLAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT
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If you’re chasing luminous, glowing skin, you might think you need to shell out money for high-end treatments or injectables. However, before you get there, allow us to introduce (or re-introduce) you to one of the true keys to a brighter, more radiant face: vitamin C.
Vitamin C is found in many products, including body lotions, but it’s more effective when applied in serum form. “Vitamin C is a topical antioxidant with many beneficial properties,” says celebrity dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It reduces hyperpigmentation and is a cofactor for many cellular processes to maintain naturally glowing skin. Most of all, it scavenges free radicals that we encounter daily.”
Preview the top-rated vitamin C serums
Not only does it make your skin look brighter and more even-toned, but it may also be essential to maintaining a youthful complexion. Dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi explains that it helps boost collagen production, keeping skin bouncy and full.
If you want to incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine, it’s important to choose carefully. “Vitamin C can be irritating at concentrations above 20 percent,” says Lal. The ideal percentage is somewhere around 10 percent. The type of vitamin C matters, too. Ibrahimi advises choosing a vitamin C serum made with L-Ascorbic acid, since it’s an active form of vitamin C.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of vitamin C serums, keep reading for our favorite formulas, chosen with input from experts and tested by ELLE editors.
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