9 best vitamin C serums to glow up in 2026, reviewed
If I were to invest in just one skincare product, I’d make it a really good vitamin C serum. This powerhouse step easily earns a central place in my daily skincare routine, offering both instant gratification and long-term benefits. Today, there’s a formula to suit all skin types and treat any complexion concern, from fine lines and pigmentation to acne scars and irritation.
Featured in this article:
- 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?
In my opinion, and that of plenty of dermatologists, the humble 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.
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, 9 very good vitamin C serums that you should know about.
1. Best overall vitamin C serum: Medik8 C-Tetra® Advanced
- 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, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director.
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 Associate 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.
2. Best anti-ageing vitamin C serum: La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum
- Best for: Evening glow.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 12% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine.
- Pros: Tackles fine lines, brightening.
- Cons: Sticky texture, not the best under makeup.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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. The result is an immediate boost of radiance, while continued use works to even tone and soften the look of fine lines over time.
“The texture leans more gel than liquid, which gives it a cooling feel on application, though it can leave a slightly sticky finish on the skin,” says Shani Cohen, Glamour’s commerce writer. “Because of that, I don’t love wearing it under makeup - it’s a bit too thick and tacky to layer smoothly with foundation.”
Instead, I prefer to use it at night. A few drops before bed absorb gradually, and by morning my skin looks fresher, brighter and a little more even in tone. It’s become a reliable part of my evening routine when my skin needs a reset, and over time I’ve noticed my skin looks smoother, with a healthier overall glow.”
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
3. Best vitamin C serum for protection: 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.
- Pros: Fragrance-free, non-irritating, and works well under makeup.
- Cons: None to note.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor & Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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 stabilised 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 work to hydrate and brighten, but it also helps defend your skin against everyday stressors trying to dull your glow (yes, we’re looking at you, tube life). The addition of hyaluronic acid gives it an extra boost of hydration, while the fragrance-free formula makes it a great choice for sensitive skin types. Sophie says: “Of all the vitamin C serums I've tested, this has my favourite consistency.”
And that texture really is worth shouting about. Lightweight and silky, it sinks in effortlessly without any sticky residue, making it ideal for layering under makeup or SPF. Whether you’re tackling dullness, uneven tone, or simply chasing a healthier glow, this is the serum to make a beeline for.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these SpaceNK discount codes at checkout.
4. Best vitamin C serum for mature skin: Medik8 Vitamin C Tetra Serum
- 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.
- Pros: Gentle and brightening - immediate glow.
- Cons: Oily - so not great for oily skin types, or under makeup as can pill.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
Why we love it: "The original C-Tetra is basically the OG of the Medik8 C-Tetra family. It’s fortified with vitamin E, making it a great antioxidant option for helping protect the skin from the ageing and damaging effects of free radicals, while giving your complexion that healthier, glowier look we all want from a vitamin C serum. I’d say this is a particularly good choice if you’re new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin and don’t want to dive straight in with something too intense.
Texture-wise, this is definitely on the oilier side, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it for oily or acne-prone skin types. It also has quite a strong orange scent, which I personally didn’t mind, but it’s worth noting if you’re sensitive to fragrance. That said, the glow is instant. My skin looked brighter straight away and had that juicy, Hailey Bieber glass skin glow (as you can see in the video). The only downside is that, because it doesn’t dry down particularly quickly and it's quite oily, I found pilled under makeup so I prefer using this on no-makeup days or as part of my evening routine."
5. Best vitamin C serum for dark spots: Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum
- Best for: Skin discolouration, dark spots, & fine lines.
- Skin type: Normal & oily skin types.
- Key ingredients: 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid.
- Pros: Hydrating, brightening and fast acting.
- Cons: Oily constancy and expensive.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
"I'm going to start this review with a bit of a disclaimer: I don't suffer from dark spots, the skin concern which this Skinceuticals product has been primarily formulated to target. So, we're working to get before and after photos shot by someone who does have hyperpigmentation. What I can comment on is consistency, scent, and how this serum worked on my oily combination skin.
I've tried a lot of vitamin C serums in my time, and I will say that I don't love how oily Skinceuticals serums are. They don't leave your skin feeling greasy or oily, which is good, but the consistency feels as such. That said, it doesn't bother me enough to not re-use it, given how my skin drinks it up. It contains a synergistic combination of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid for enhanced protection against atmospheric skin ageing, plus, Phloretin CF works to improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone. Over the course of a month, that dullness-fighting is where I've really seen this product shine. My complexion looks brighter, glowier and far more healthy."
6. Best hydrating vitamin C serum: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: Hydrating dry skin and boosting radiance.
- Skin type: Dry, dull and normal skin types.
- Key ingredients: 15% THD ascorbate vitamin C, phytosterols & saccharide isomerate extract.
- Pros: Leaves skin glowy, absorbs quickly despite its creamier texture and works well under makeup.
- Cons: Vitamin C percentage is quite strong and fragranced - so not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
Why we love it: “As a beauty writer, I’m lucky enough to test a lot of brands, and I can safely say Sunday Riley’s whole C.E.O range has fully made its way into my routine - from the vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid serums to the ‘facial in a bottle’ lactic acid treatment. I could honestly rave about all of them, but the one I keep coming back to is the C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, which I’ve been using for around three months now. So, yes, it’s had a proper test run.
I’d go as far as to say this is one of my favourite vitamin C serums of all time — and I’ve tested a lot. It’s more of a cream-serum texture than a classic watery serum, but it sinks in so easily and gives my skin the most insane glow. Because it’s 15%, I do think it’s on the stronger side, and as someone with sensitive skin, I wouldn’t personally use it every single day because it can sting a little if my barrier is having a moment. But two to three times a week, paired with a soothing hyaluronic acid serum? Perfect. My skin always looks brighter, fresher and glowier after using it and I adore the precise pump applicator.”
7. Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin: First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Best for: A gentle glow and hydration made for sensitive skin.
- Skin type: All skin types - including sensitive.
- Key ingredients: 10% vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane and peptides.
- Pros: Lightweight, non-comedogenic and doesn't leave skin feeling sticky or greasy.
- Cons: Can pill under makeup.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
Why we love it: “I’m not going to lie, I haven’t used a huge amount from First Aid Beauty, but I’ve heard a lot about the brand - mainly because my best friend constantly raves about their KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. The first thing that stood out to me was the innovative twist-to-open applicator. I love packaging like this because it helps keep the formula fresh, feels more hygienic and is much less messy than a traditional dropper.
Texture-wise, it’s quite loose and watery, but in a really nice way. It sinks into the skin super easily and gives a lovely hit of hydration without feeling sticky or greasy. I also appreciate that this has a lower percentage of vitamin C at 10%, alongside hydrating and soothing ingredients like squalane, colloidal oatmeal and camellia sinensis leaf extract. As someone with sensitive skin who has actually been told to stay clear of vitamin C in the past because of irritation, I can safely say this hasn’t irritated my skin once.”
8. Best Korean vitamin C serum: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
- Best for: Sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation, hydration.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Hippophae rhamnoides, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid.
- Pros: Gentle formula designed for sensitive skin types.
- Cons: Potential breakouts for acne-prone skin due to vitamin E addition.
- Tested by: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
“I’ve got really dry skin, and so a vitamin C serum is a must. However, despite incorporating one into my skincare routine for the last two years, I’m yet to find one I truly love. Dr Althea scored high - less important, but the packaging is super cute, and so I didn’t mind leaving this on display. The applicator was also easy to use and didn’t dispense too much product at one time. In terms of the serum itself, I loved the consistency and found it really easy to work into the skin. It also left me looking super glowy. Not at all tacky, my SPF and moisturiser glided over the top really easily. And, after a week of testing, it didn’t seem to cause me to break out either - a side effect I’ve had with some offers. I’m a fan!”
9. Best derm-approved vitamin C serum: Dr Sam's Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
- Best for: Fighting against UV damage and reducing pigmentation.
- Skin type: All skin types, including those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: 15% vitamin C, NAD+ technology, sunflower shoot extract, ectoin.
- Pros: Includes NAD+ technology & ectoin.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: “I cannot get enough of this brand. I never thought I had sensitive skin until I realised that fragranced products, as lovely as they are, break me out. I've been on the hunt for a gentle vitamin C formula and this is IT. With 15% vitamin C and NAD+ technology, plus other super clever ingredients which I won't pretend I know anything about, it fights UV damage and reduces pigmentation all while being kind to my face. I can't wait to see the results it'll have long-term, but I can already tell it's a mainstay on my bathroom shelf.”
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*.
