11 best vitamin C serums to glow up in 2026, reviewed
In my opinion, and that of plenty of dermatologists, a good vitamin C serum is the secret to brighter, glowier skin – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that? While vitamin C serum won’t drastically change your skin overnight, introducing the right glow-boosting formula can make a huge difference to dull skin over time.
Not to bore you all with the data, but according to Google Trends, “vitamin C serum” consistently ranks among the most-searched skincare ingredients, just behind retinol and hyaluronic acid. It’s pretty popular on TikTok too, with #vitaminC racking up millions of views and plenty of impressive before-and-afters.
But the question remains: what actually is it? According to cosmetic doctor, Dr Ana Mansouri, “Vitamin C is a pigment suppressor, which works to even out skin tone.” She adds: “It's also been clinically proven to benefit the skin in a multitude of ways, including brightening pigmentation, protecting from sun damage, stimulating collagen and neutralising free radical damage.”
Since it’s one of the most popular ingredients in skincare, the amount of vitamin C products out there can get a little overwhelming. That’s why I’ve made it my mission over the past year to test the very best face serums, moisturisers, and oils to suit all skin types and concerns – whether you’re tackling acne scars, dark spots, uneven tone, dullness, or early fine lines. I’ve got you covered.
- How do we test vitamin C serums?
- Why you can trust me:
- What is the most effective vitamin C serum?
- What are the benefits of vitamin C in skincare?
- Should you use vitamin C in your morning or evening skincare routine?
- Can you use retinol with vitamin C?
- Which brand is best for vitamin C serum?
- Which skin types is vitamin C best for?
Meet The Experts:
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
- Dr Ana Mansouri, multi-award-winning cosmetic doctor.
How I tested vitamin C serums:
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For Glamour, I test vitamin C serums the same way I use them in my actual routine – consistently, patiently and for long enough to see whether they’re worth the hype. That means around three months of testing, not just a few uses and a nice first impression. With vitamin C, I’m looking for more than that instant glow. I want to see if it really helps lift dullness, brighten skin overall and make a difference to uneven tone or lingering post-breakout marks.
I’m fussy about formula, too, because not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Some feel lovely at first but end up being sticky, irritating or impossible to layer under the rest of your skincare and makeup. So I’m always paying attention to how a serum feels on the skin, how well it absorbs, whether it sits properly under SPF, and how well it sits under makeup, of course. I make sure it's not just on my skin too, and rope in other members of the Glamour team to make sure the products are tested on different skin types and tones.
For me, the real test is whether it earns a place in my routine. If I’m still reaching for it weeks later, my skin looks brighter, and it’s giving me results without annoying my skin, that’s when I know it’s a good one. If it’s in this guide, it’s because it’s done exactly that. Oh, and you'll see that I enlisted the help of fellow, experienced editors to ensure each product worked on their skin as well as mine. I've covered all bases.
You can read more about how we test makeup, skincare, haircare, tools, fragrance and beauty devices on our dedicated About Us page.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve worked as a beauty journalist for six years now - five at The Mirror and the past year at Glamour - which means I’ve tested a huge number of products and spent a lot of time learning exactly what my skin does and doesn’t respond to. Of all the skincare ingredients I’ve used over the years, vitamin C is the one I come back to time and time again for keeping my skin looking bright, healthy and glowing all year round.
Although vitamin C can be found in everything from cleansers to moisturisers, I always prefer to use it in serum form. For me, it’s the most effective way to control how much I’m applying and where it sits within my routine. Since vitamin C can be a little tricky to combine with stronger actives like retinol and exfoliating acids - such as glycolic and salicylic acid - which I usually use in the evening, I tend to apply mine in the morning instead. It works best that way for my skin, helping me get all the brightening benefits without risking unnecessary irritation or compromising my skin barrier.
Having tested so many different formulas, I know what makes a vitamin C serum worth the investment - whether that’s a texture that layers well under makeup and SPF, a formula that feels gentle enough for regular use, or results that actually make skin look fresher and more even over time. My two personal favourites are Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Serum and the NATURIUM Vitamin C Complex Serum, both of which I’ve used and genuinely loved for maintaining that year-round glow.
Ahead, 11 very good vitamin C serums that I think you should know about.
- Best for: Accelerated and visible skin brightening.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 20% Stabilised Vitamin C, Phyto Exosomes, Acetyl Zingerone, Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid and N-Acetyl Glucosamine.
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton.
Why we love it: “As a beauty editor, I've probably road-tested upwards of 200 different vit-C serums in my career. They all beat a familiar drum – ‘great for skin-brightening!’, ‘the ultimate protection against environmental damage!’– but only a handful have turned into repeat purchases,” Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Beauty Director said. "Within seconds of applying the C-Tetra Advanced's milky-thin, gel-serum formula – a rarity among vitamin C serums – a switch was thrown. Now here was a product I could get behind…
It follows in the footsteps of C-Tetra (the OG) and C-Tetra Luxe (the brand's second vit-C release) – but has a creamy texture instead of an oily one, and contains a next-generation combination of 20% vitamin C and cutting edge phyto exosomes to brighten and protect the skin against external aggressors.
You can read our full Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced review here, but here's the TLDR. 20% stabilised vitamin C is included for brightening, hyaluronic acid has been added for hydration – and then two superstar ingredients make an experience. Plant exosomes from green tea which encapsulate the vitamin C, carrying it deeper into the skin, while also having a soothing effect and protecting the skin barrier – and acetyl zingerone, which boosts the power of vitamin C. If you've got the money to spend, you need to try this serum."
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Not oily
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-sticky
Cons- Expensive
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum
- Best for: Evening glow.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 12% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen.
Why we love it: This gel-textured serum is loaded with 12% pure vitamin C to brighten and protect, while salicylic acid smooths texture and neurosensine helps calm the skin. It gives an instant hit of radiance and, with consistent use, helps refine tone and tackle fine lines.
"The texture is more of a gel than a liquid, so it feels cooling on application but can leave a slightly sticky layer on the skin. Because of that, I don’t love it under makeup—it’s a bit too thick and tacky to layer seamlessly with foundation. Instead, I use it solely at night. A few drops before bed sink in gradually, and by morning my skin looks fresher, brighter and a little more even in tone." – Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
Do not use with: AHAs, BHAs, retinol or niacinamide.
Pros & ConsPros- Tackles fine lines
- Brightening
Cons- Sticky texture
- Not the best under makeup
NATURIUM Vitamin C Complex Serum
- Best for: Brightening for protection against environmental stressors.
- Skin type: Sensitive, dry, acne-prone, ageing and combination.
- Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and hyaluronic acid.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett & Shani Cohen.
Why we love it: "This isn’t your average vitamin C serum – it’s your glow-getting BFF in a bottle. NATURIUM’s Vitamin C Complex Serum is packed with a gold-standard blend of stabilized L-ascorbic acid (translation: the really good kind of vitamin C), sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a juicy bioactive fruit cocktail that your skin will drink up. Clinically proven to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, it’s a great option for those looking for a serum that delivers on results without the hefty price tag.
“Not only does it aim to hydrate and brighten your skin, but it also shields your skin from all the daily stressors trying to dull your shine (aka, tube life). Another great point to note is that this hyaluronic acid-infused serum is fragrance-free – ideal for those with sensitive skin types. Of all the vitamin C serums I've tested, this has my favourite consistency,” Sophie said.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these SpaceNK discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
Cons- Gradual
- Light texture
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: Anyone who wants to brighten dull, tired skin and get a more radiant complexion.
- Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Melasyl, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid.
Why we love it: This serum uses a Vitamin C derivative (alongside niacinamide and salicylic acid) to help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and boost your skin's natural glow. It’s also highly effective at fading acne scars and tackling hyperpigmentation, helping to transform dull, uneven skin into a smoother, more glowing complexion over time. Its lightweight, non‑greasy formula absorbs quickly and layers well under moisturiser or SPF, making it a convenient morning or daytime serum for daily use.
Pros & ConsPros- Lightweight
- Non-sticky formula
Cons- None here
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum
- Best for: Refining and balancing out skin tone.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and thermal water.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks.
Why we love it: Best used once in the morning – over your face and neck – this pure vitamin C serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture. It can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin, and it helps correct signs of ageing while evening skin tone, brightening complexion and softening the skin. Alongside vitamin C, it contains hyaluronic acid which effectively hydrates and plumps the skin, as well as salicylic acid (for exfoliation) and thermal spa water (which contains an exceptional mineral diversity to help restore skin’s barrier, soothe sensitivity and fend off pro-ageing free radical damage). And while this product is not fragrance-free, La Roche-Posay is always a favourite among board-certified dermatologists for a reason.
“La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum applied like a dream, having a light and non-sticky texture which makes it ideal for skincare layering. Overall, it played well with my skin and gave me a much appreciated glowy boost," says Lian Brooks, Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Superdrug discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Non-sticky
- hydrating
- Helps restore skin’s barrier
Cons- Expensive for small bottle
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Protecting against environmental aggressors and stressors.
- Skin type: Normal, dry and sensitive skin types.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet.
Why we love it: Delivering an impressively high concentration of its active ingredients to your skin, it includes a 15% L-ascorbic acid content and has a high pH (which, in comparison to its low-pH counterparts, means it can deliver vitamin C through the top layer of your skin without causing redness and irritation). It's water soluble, feels lightweight upon application and sits nicely under foundation or concealer.
What's more, vitamin C has been paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which work to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. "My dry skin instantly loved this hydrating formula. It gave me a glass skin look and helped even out my complexion. About the only downside was that it felt slightly tingly upon first application, but this definitely got better within a week.” – Denise Primbet, Glamour's former Beauty Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Hydrating
- Water soluble
Cons- Expensive
Olay Vitamin C + AHA24 Day Gel Serum for Bright & Even Tone
Best for: Daytime glow.
Skin type: All (but best if you’re not too sensitive to fragrance).
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, lactic acid (AHA), niacinamide.
Tested by: Shani Cohen.Why we love it: This lightweight gel-serum blends vitamin C to brighten, lactic acid to smooth and refine, and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier. It feels refreshing on application and gives an instant hit of radiance, making it an easy addition to a morning routine.
"It leaves my skin looking fresher and more even, and I love the quick brightening effect. The only downside is the citrusy fragrance - because my skin can be sensitive, I avoid it on those days as it can irritate. Otherwise, it’s a great glow-booster." – Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Superdrug discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Smooths and refines
Cons- Heavily fragranced
- Slightly sticky texture
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: Youth-boosting.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycolic acid and jojoba esters.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: An absolute dream to apply, Sunday Riley's C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is super-charged with vitamin C to target signs of ageing, dullness, dehydration, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It's also formulated to reduce the size of pores over time, so if large pores around your T-zone is something you struggle with, this could be the vitamin C serum for you.
"It has a refreshing citrus-y scent, a thick; creamy consistency which feels hydrating on application. Over time, I've definitely noticed a change in the brightness of my complexion and plan on continuing using it for the foreseeable," – Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Amazon discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Targets signs of ageing
- Reduce the size of pores overtime
- Hydrating
Cons- Rich texture
- Fragranced
- Pricey
- Best for: Brightening and reducing dark spots.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, squalane, maracuja oil, red ginseng and vitamin E.
- Tested by: Elle Turner.
Why we love it: "We've featured the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced above, as our favourite vitamin C serum overall – but before that dropped came the C-Tetra Luxe. While it's not as advanced as the ahem Advanced formula, it's cheaper, so a good entry-point into the world of Medik8 if you want to spend a little less.
"This trending skin-brightening treatment contains twice the amount of vitamin C as the original Medik8 C-Tetra formula.
"It has a gentle, deeply nourishing consistency that gives your skin the radiance it deserves while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Its gentle yet effective formula is perfect for rocasea-prone sensitive skin. Over the course of four weeks, it visibly brightened my complexion and gave my skin the most beautiful glow,” said Elle Turner, Glamour's Senior Beauty Editor.
Pros & ConsPros- Gentle
- Brightening
Cons- Oily
- Best for: Adding serious glow to your complexion; applying under SPF.
- Skin type: All skin types – particularly good for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation.
- Key ingredients: Ferulic Acid + Vitamin C-rich Japanese Plum.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: "I've been using this Tatcha Brightening Serum for the past month, every morning, beneath my face sunscreen. And I have to say, I've really grown to love it. TBH, it was a slower burner – I didn't adore the consistency which felt a little oily in comparison to other cream or gel serums. That said, my skin seemed to lap it up and the glow delivered after a fortnight of use was impressive.
“It is formulated with 12-hour time-release vitamin C that brightens all day for rapid results that last, as well as Ferulic Acid to target hyperpigmentation, and Pro-Glutathione Antioxidant Booster which is clinically proven to provide 13x more antioxidant power than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).”
Pros & ConsPros- Brightening
- Targets hyperpigmentation
Cons- Oily
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Gentle brightening.
- Skin type: Sensitive or reactive skin.
- Key ingredients: Three forms of vitamin C, zinc, aloe vera.
- Tested by: Katie Leirey.
Why we love it: If stronger vitamin C serums tend to leave your skin feeling tingly or tight, this is the calming alternative. It blends three gentle but effective forms of vitamin C to brighten and even tone, while zinc helps with absorption and aloe vera soothes and hydrates. The texture is lightweight and layers well, making it an easy everyday option.
The downside? It’s on the pricier side and works more gradually than high-strength formulas. But if you want steady radiance without irritation, this one delivers.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Soothing
- Lightweight
Cons- Pricey
- Gradual
Your vitamin C serum questions, answered:
What is the most effective vitamin C serum?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare – but some formulas really do go above and beyond. If you’re after a vitamin C serum that actually delivers on the glow front without irritating your skin, let me put you onto this one: Medik8's new C-Tetra Advanced.
Following in the footsteps of C-Tetra and C-Tetra Luxe, C-Tetra Advanced is the “best vitamin C serum” Glamour's Beauty Director, Fiona Embleton has ever tried. It not only contains 20% stabilised vitamin C for brightening and hyaluronic acid for a moisture injection, but two other superstar ingredients to boot. The first? Plant exosomes – lipids that are extracted from plants – which have been found to encourage cell-to-cell communication, helping to repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. In the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced serum, the plant exosomes are from green tea. They encapsulate the vitamin C, carrying it deeper into the skin, while also having a soothing effect and protecting the skin barrier. So even sensitive skin or first time vitamin C users can avoid irritation from a high dose of vitamin C.
The second ingredient to know is acetyl zingerone. A super antioxidant, it boosts the power of your vitamin C to give your skin further damage against UV rays and pollution, too.
What are the benefits of vitamin C in skincare?
Dr Ana Mansouri, a multi-award-winning cosmetic doctor, explains that “vitamin C is a pigment suppressor, which works to even out skin tone. It's also been clinically proven to benefit the skin in a multitude of ways, including brightening pigmentation, protecting from sun damage, stimulating collagen and neutralising free radical damage." And of course, it gives that healthy, lit-from-within glow to the skin.
And there's more. Dr Christine Hall, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics, shares that vitamin C can reverse some skin damage that has already been caused.
“Vitamin C is proven to reverse damage caused by oxidative stress – the process that damages cells, proteins and DNA, resulting in premature skin ageing, loss of collagen, pigmentation and the formation of lines and wrinkles,” she says.
Dr Hall's top tip? “Look for a vitamin C serum that is housed in an airtight container, in a dark or tinted packaging to protect it.”
Should you use vitamin C in your morning or evening skincare routine?
Vitamin C is a friend of your morning skincare routine, as its antioxidant properties help protect against daily aggressors like pollution and UV rays – even when the weather’s doing its usual grey and gloomy thing.
Dr Hall supports, saying “vitamin C should always be the first ingredient that is applied in the morning after cleansing.”
"Allow a few minutes for it to sink into the skin before applying your other skincare products. As once it's absorbed, vitamin C has been shown to remain active in the skin between 8 and 24 hours — meaning the skin then creates a reservoir of vitamin C that it can use when needed,” shares Dr Hall.
Can you use vitamin C with retinol?
Yep.
Dr Hall explains that the best regimen is to use a vitamin C and SPF in the morning, alternated with a retinol at night. But if you want to incorporate both actives, start slowly.
“For some, starting off with a retinol and a vitamin C together may be too much for their skin as each can be irritating in their own right," she comments. “It's always better to introduce new actives gradually, one at a time.” Shop Glamour's edit of the best retinol serum formulations and best retinol eye creams.
Which skin types is vitamin C best for?
According to Dr Hall, L-ascorbic acid is the most stable type of vitamin C for all skin types.
But if you have dry skin, Dr Hall advises pairing it with ferulic acid, which is packed with hydrating properties.
If you're more of an oily skin or acne skin type? Go for silymarin-infused formulas.
If you have sensitive skin, look for sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It's a gentle form of vitamin C that's less potent than the more commonly used form, l-ascorbic acid, but still excels at brightening dull skin.
And if you're wondering what concentration of vitamin C to look for, Dr Hall recommends in the region of around 10-15%. "Any more and it may cause irritation, but any less and it may not be doing much,” she reveals.
However, if you're an experienced vitamin C user, Dr Mansouri recommends potentially opting for a 20% concentration, as this is considered the most effective concentration on the market.
Whichever you choose, ensure to patch test and start slowly.
Which brand is best for vitamin C serum?
Dr Hall recommends the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum for most skin types, largely because of its highly effective formula and long-term benefits.
For context, this vitamin C serum features a blend of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, which adds to its antioxidant properties. Designed to help improve skin texture and brighten your complexion, it's hardly a surprise as to why it comes endorsed by beauty editors and dermatologists alike… *adds to bag immediately*.
