Experts Back Me Up—This Is the Single Most Effective Product for Healthy-Looking, Glowing Skin

Keeks Reid
I'll be the first to admit that I own too many vitamin C serums. Well, I have a lot of skincare full stop, but when it comes to face serums specifically, I’m like a magpie with jewels—I want them all, and vitamin C formulas are amongst the best of the best. But hoarding serums is no good when I only have one face and just two opportunities a day to do my skincare. So, recently, I went through my stash and did a massive overhaul and there was one thing that I noticed: I have long hoarded the best vitamin C serums.
I can’t tell you exactly when my apparent obsession started, but what I will say is that of all the serums that I’ve tried, it's the vitamin C serums that make the biggest difference in my skincare routine when it comes to brightness, tone and elasticity. It's for this reason that vitamin C serums are regarded to be some of the hardest working skincare products around by experts.
What Is a Vitamin C Serum?
"Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants. As such, it helps to mitigate against free radical damage caused by exposure to pollution and UV amongst others,” explains Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist and medical director at Tarrant Street Clinic. "By protecting the skin, it plays an important part in skin regeneration and supports the production of collagen and elastin, which can give skin firming benefits. The other major benefit of vitamin C is its skin-brightening properties. It suppresses the production of melanin. As such, it can help to fade unwanted pigmentation.”
To help you navigate which vitamin C serums are truly deserving of your attention and money, I've shared some of the most highly regarded formulas around, confirmed by editors and experts. Consider these the best vitamin C serums money can buy...
The Best Vitamin C Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum (£165)
- Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener (£24)
- UKLash Vitamin C + HA Eye Serum (£20)
- Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum (£70)
- Tatcha The Brightening Serum (£86)
- CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum (£29)
- Dr Sam's Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum (£62)
- Medik8 Vitamin C Tetra-C Serum (£39)
- Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum (£59)
- La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum (£45)
- Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum (£93)
- The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum (£12)
- Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (£65)
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum (£52)
- L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum (£32)
1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Targeting signs of ageing and environmental damage and boosting glow—the whole shebang
Skin type: Normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15% L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid
The verdict: Pricey, yes, but SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the vitamin C serum I have seen the quickest results from. The blend of 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid protects the skin from pollution and environmental damage as well as brightens the appearance.
Editor review: "Since using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum, my skin has never looked better. And editors agree unanimously that it's the best vitamin C serum out there" says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "I've tried a lot of vitamin C serums in my 10 years as a beauty journalist, but nothing compares to this. I can see why there are so many C E Ferulic 'dupes' out there, but no imitator ever quite rivals the real deal. Upon application, you get an instant 'glass skin' level of glow. But with continued use, you'll notice clearer, plumper and brighter skin that beams with radiance after a couple of weeks. I know it's good because I really notice a difference when I run out. Yes, it's eye-wateringly expensive, but if it weren't for my job in beauty, I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase it. There is also a version for oily or acne-prone skin (SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum, £165) which I like to switch to when my skin is prone to breakouts."
For
- Shields the skin from environmental damage
- Loved by dermatologists and skin experts
- Brightens, plumps and increases radiance
- Provides an instant glow and long-term results
Against
- One of the most expensive vitamin C serums out there
- Vitamin E can cause breakouts in acne-prone skin, so you may prefer the Silymarin CF version which is designed for oily skin
- Some find the scent unpleasant
2. Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Price shown is member cost.
Best for: Brightening and visibly firming skin
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (25%), ferulic acid, tranexamic acid
The verdict: If you want a brilliant vitamin C serum that won't make your bank account cry, Beauty Pie's is another editor favourite. It contains vitamin C which work in tandem with ferulic acid and tranexamic acid to brighten pigmentation and smooth uneven skin texture while adding an extra dose of glow to your skin.
Editor review: "I recently reviewed Beauty Pie's Superdose Vitamin C and was blown away by how glowing and clear it left my skin," says Vousden. "As a die-hard fan of SkinCeutical's C E Ferulic (above), this is my second in command on my shelf that performs so well and comes in at just a fraction of the cost. What I love about this serum is that it offers both immediate and long-term benefits. The moment it touches my skin, it gives a glowing radiance. After using it for a month, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my acne scarring and pigmentation. It’s clear that the powerful blend of ingredients is working to brighten my skin and give it a healthy, natural glow."
For
- More affordable than most vitamin C serums
- Contains vitamin C, ferulic acid and tranexamic acid
- Brightens, plumps and adds glow
- Improves skin texture and visibly firms
- Rivals more expensive formulations
Against
- You need to be a member to access member prices
- May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin as it's a higher concentration of vitamin C
3. UKLash Vitamin C + HA Eye Serum
Best for: Brightening dark circles and improving skin elasticity around the eyes
Skin type: All skin types, especially for those with sensitive under-eye skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, cica, green tea and liquorice extract
The verdict: Sometimes you want a targeted vitamin C for the eye area, which can help with a whole manner of concerns, from brightening dark under-eye circles to plumping fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. This one is a great lightweight texture that sinks in straight away while the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid get to work to hydrate, brighten and encourage collagen production for brighter, well-rested eyes. It's also gentle enough for sensitive skin, which is a big win.
For
- Targets dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes
- Contains hyaluronic ccid for hydration
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula
- Gentle enough for the delicate eye area
Against
- Effectiveness may be slower compared to higher-strength serums.
- Smaller bottle size compared to face serums
4. Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Best for: Instantly brightening and energising dull skin
Skin type: Normal, combination and oily skin
Key ingredients: 15% THD ascorbate (vitamin C), saccharide isomerate
The verdict: I’m such a fan of Sunday Riley serums and oils, and this is one I recommend a lot. It contains 15% vitamin C, which is my sweet spot of enough that you’ll feel a difference but not too much that it’ll aggravate sensitive skin.
Editor review: "Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Serum is, genuinely, one of my favourite face serums of all time—and this means a lot considering my skin is super reactive to vitamin C and doesn't usually get on with it," says Who What Wear UK beauty director, Shannon Lawlor. "For starters, I love the hydrating, light lotion consistency that helps to deliver plumping moisture, and the fact it doesn't have that tell-tale medicinal vitamin C smell is also an added bonus for those who, like me, appreciate a great sensorial skincare product. Beyond the general joy of use, it is also one of the most visibly impactful vitamin Cs I've ever come across—it delivers glow like nothing else, works a treat on my oily skin and also notably reduces the appearance of the dark spots my complexion is prone to. Everyone who I have put onto this stuff is equally as obsessed as I am—it's a luxury option, but it's a great one."
For
- The perfect blend of brightening ingredients
- Speedy results
- Helps to improve skin texture and reduce discolouration
Against
- Still a tad expensive
- Dry skin might not find it hydrating enough
5. Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Best for: Uneven skin tone, dullness and dark spots
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Japanese plum, ferulic acid
The verdict: Tatcha’s latest serum focuses on brightening and soothing the skin. It targets discolouration and dark spots while improving overall skin texture, leaving a hydrated and dewy finish thats synonymous with Tatcha's products. Expect a lighter than water texture that immediately sinks into the skin.
Editor review: "Put simply—I absolutely love Tatcha’s vitamin C serum, it’s made such a difference to my skin," says Who What Wear UK deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger. "After just a week of using it, my best friend commented on how radiant my skin looked, and I have to say, I agree. My complexion feels so much brighter and more even, and there’s definitely a noticeable firmness. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is that it seems to be keeping my frown line at bay, which I’m thrilled about. The texture of the serum is lovely—lightweight and silky without feeling sticky—and it sinks in in seconds. I also really appreciate how gentle it is, as I sometimes struggle with irritation from other vitamin C products, but I’ve had no issues with this one at all. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but for the results I’m seeing, I think it’s absolutely worth it. I now consider it a non-negotiable in my routine."
For
- Brightens and firms
- Lightweight texture sinks in immediately
- Sensorial product elevates your skincare routine
Against
- The luxurious formula has a luxe price tag to match
- The opaque bottle means it's harder to know when you're running out
6. CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Sensitive skin and boosting skin radiance
Skin type: Sensitive, dry, and normal skin
Key ingredients: 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
The verdict: CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum gently delivers a dose of vitamin C for brightening while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier with ceramides, which help to nourish and restore the skin. The formula is well-suited for those with sensitive skin looking for glow-boosting benefits without irritation—it's a more affordable option that doesn't compromise on results.
Editor review: "I've always struggled with vitamin C serums, but I have finally found a product that works perfectly for my skin," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "Ever since using it, my skin has had a noticeable glow. The lightweight formula glides on, sinks in in seconds and never irritates my sensitive complexion. If your skin is feeling a little dull or lacklustre right now, I highly suggest giving this a go."
For
- A more affordable vitamin C serum
- Brightens
- Lightweight formula
- Contains ceramides, making it ideal for sensitive skin types
Against
- Packaging not a premium as others
7. Dr Sam's Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
Best for: Evening out skin tone and reducing pigmentation
Skin type: Sensitive, combination, and oily skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15%), ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, squalane, sunflower shoot extract
The verdict: This powerhouse serum contains all the ingredients you could want for a bright, clear complexion. It's particularly good for those who want to even out their skin tone and target pigmentation while hydrating their skin in one step. In fact, it has been clinically proven to brighten the skin in 28 days, so it really works.
Editor review: "I swear by Dr Sam's, I almost exclusively use all of her products and have done for years, and it is no exception when it comes to the Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum," say Who What Wear Ecom anaylst, Sophie Cookson. "The texture of the serum is silky-smooth, with a lightweight texture that glides on and dries instantly. I get hyperpigmentation in the summer, and have scaring from spots and it has really helped even out my skin tone. I can tell the difference on my skin when I apply compared to when I haven't applied. I match it with the Flawless Brightly Serum (£48) in the morning for a double boost. The ingredients includes ectoin which helps protect the skin against pollution which is a must when you live in a busy city."
For
- Visibly brightens and fades pigmentation
- Lightweight texture
- Hydrating
Against
- On the more expensive side
8. Medik8 Vitamin C Tetra Serum
Best for: Treating fine lines and wrinkles, boosting radiance and protecting skin from oxidative stress—a great option for those new to vitamin C
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (7%)N vitamin E, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
The verdict: This serum is known for its stable form of vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection while brightening and boosting collagen production. It's a particularly good choice if you're new to vitamin C, as it contains a 7% concentration which is gentle enough for sensitive skin too.
Editor review: "In all the best skincare clinics, you're bound to spot Medik8. It's one of the most respected skincare brands amongst experts, so I have full faith in the Vitamin C Tetra Serum," says Vousden. "It contains 7% vitamin C, so it's a good option if you're new to vitamin C or find higher concentrations irritating. It leaves skin glowing, clear and bright, and once your skin has acclimatised to it, you can also go up in strengths by way of the C-Tretra Luxe (£59) and the Super C Ferulic (£69) serums which have a higher concentration. The lightweight serum sinks straight in, making it ideal for underneath makeup. I've now progressed to the C-Tetra Luxe and the results keep getting better and better."
For
- Trusted by skincare experts
- A good beginner vitamin C serum
- Option to move up in strength as your skin acclimatises
Against
- Scent can be strong for those who are sensitive to fragrance
9. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Brightening the skin and improving skin texture
Skin type: All skin types, especially dull skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (15%), PHAs, banana powder extract
The verdict: Containing vitamin C and banana powder, this serum is designed to target dullness, fine lines, and uneven tone. It brightens, firms, and smooths the skin for a glowing, radiant finish. A skin-brightening blend of 15% vitamin C, gently exfoliating PHAs and hyaluronic acid to get skin looking glowier short-term and more even in tone and texture in the long-term.
For
- Gently exfoliates while brightening
- Brightens and smooths skin texture
- Lightweight formula sinks straight in
Against
- Probably not the best for someones with sensitive skin
10. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum
Best for: Sensitive or oily skin that needs a gentle vitamin C formula
Skin type: Sensitive and all skin types, particularly oily and acne-prone skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (12%), salicylic ccid, neurosensine
The verdict: With a mixture of vitamin C and salicylic acid, this serum is hydrating and gives the appearance of plumper skin, all while the salicylic helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. It also contains neurosensine, a peptide that helps to plump fine lines and wrinkles, while the 12% vitamin C is gentle enough not to irritate while brightening and evening the skin tone.
For
- Leaves skin looking plumper
- Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Against
- Can feel a little tacky on the skin
11. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum
Best for: Brightening, firming, and addressing pigmentation
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (20%), vitamin E, peptides
The verdict: This is a potent serum that helps brighten and firm the skin, while reducing hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture. With 20% vitamin C, this serum isn’t for vitamin C beginners and is more suited to those who are already accustomed to using the ingredient regularly. It also contains 2% citrus cell complex, an antioxidant complex that helps to brighten, firm and enhance skin elasticity over time.
For
- High-potency vitamin C for visible results
- Brightens and firms skin, providing antioxidant protection
- Contains peptides to plump and hydrate the skin
Against
- Too irritating for those new to vitamin C
- On the expensive side
12. The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Those looking for a budget-friendly vitamin C serum with high efficacy
Skin type: All skin types, apart from sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (30%), hyaluronic acid
The verdict: Now, this is not for sensitive skin or vitamin C newbies. However, the 30% concentration of ascorbic acid is great for those who are already used to using a stronger vitamin C and want to enhance their results. This affordable serum works to reduce dullness and even out skin tone, while keeping skin hydrated and plump with hyaluronic acid. It has a thicker consistency than a traditional serum, so it can feel more like a moisturiser for normal to oily skin types.
For
- Hydrating
- Strong dose of vitamin C
- An affordable option
Against
- Too strong for sensitive skin, could be irritating for some
13. Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Best for: Targeting fine lines and improving skin texture
Skin type: Normal, combination and dry
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (12.5% ), hyaluronic acid
The verdict: This is one vitamin C serum that does it all. Designed to visibly reduce wrinkles, enhance skin texture, and improve radiance, it leaves skin glowing and radiant. It also hydrates the skin and boosts collagen production to help plump fine lines and wrinkles too. You'll also find hyaluronic acid in here too, so along with 12.5% vitamin C, you get hydrating benefits along with improved skin radiance.
For
- Very hydrating
- Brightening
- Improves skin texture
- Plumps fine lines and wrinkles
Against
- Can be a tad greasy on oily skin types
14. Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum
Best for: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation
Skin type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Viniferine
The verdict: Okay, this is technically not a vitamin C. But the viniferine used, which is extracted from grapevine stalks, is reportedly more effective than traditional vitamin C for free radical protection. So if you haven’t found a vitamin C serum that has worked for your skin yet, this might a good option that is gentle enough for sensitive skin while delivering visible results. The milky serum texture sinks into the skin and leaves your complexion feeling softened and radiant, with dark spots and scarring looking brighter over time.
For
- Great for reducing dark spots
- Gentle formula is a great alternative to vitamin C serums
Against
- On the more expensive side
15. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Best for: Reducing wrinkles and brightening dull skin
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (12%), vitamin E, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
The verdict: This high-potency vitamin C serum works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth skin texture while enhancing skin radiance and firmness. All skin types will get on well with this affordable, yet potent, vitamin C—but it's particularly well suited to more mature complexions thanks to the focus on minimising the appearance of pores and fine lines along with plumping and firming the skin.
For
- Great for mature skin
- A more affordable option
Against
- Packaging isn't as luxe as premium vitamin C serums
Which Skin Types Do Vitamin C Serums Work For?
I get really deep hyperpigmentation after spots, so much so that I dread the mark left after the spot more than the spot itself. By regularly using a vitamin C serum, I’ve found these marks fade so much quicker, and my skin tone is way more even-toned and textured. As Ole Henriksen, founder of his eponymous skincare brand, says, "Whether your skin type is normal, oily, combination or dry, a daily dose of vitamin C can do wonders for your skin. When added to your skincare routine, this powerhouse ingredient can provide a wide range of benefits that keep your skin looking youthful, glowing and fresh.” In fact, it's Ole's Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum (£59) that got me hooked on the ingredient in the first place.
Who Should Avoid Vitamin C Serum?
There are some skin conditions that require caution when it comes to adding this ingredient into a routine, though. "I sometimes recommend using with caution at first with sensitive and rosacea-prone skin,” says Hextall. "I do use on blemish-prone skin but, again, with caution at first. For sensitive skin, I would recommend starting at a concentration of 10% and looking for those combined with moisturiser or hyaluronic acid amongst others.”
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Vitamin C Serum?
When it comes to stripping your routine back to just a vitamin C serum, there are so many that combine excellent ingredients to make it a skincare all-rounder, such as hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid or ferulic acid. "There’s no doubt that a vitamin C serum is a smart choice, especially when streamlining a routine, as it’s a radiance multitasker. It’s great for all ages and is also a great pick-me-up and restorer of glow post-illness or a stressful time,” says Abi Cleeve, founder of SkinSense. However, for skin that is showing signs of ageing, she has another choice. "For its proven, cumulative results in improving the texture, fine lines and overall appearance of the skin, retinol would be an equally strong ‘one-pick’ serum for those in their late 30s and above depending on when the signs of ageing become noticeable.”
Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.
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