11 best vitamin C moisturisers for a brightening boost of hydration
Best vitamin C moisturisers are the kind of multi-tasking formals I always make room for in my skincare cupboard. After interviewing countless dermatologists over the years, one thing has become crystal clear - vitamin C and hydration are two of the most essential pillars of any effective skincare routine (alongside your daily SPF, of course). They’re the dream team for brighter-looking skin, bouncier texture and that glow we’re all chasing.
“Vitamin C has a myriad of benefits for the skin - it's a powerful antioxidant which helps neutralise skin-damaging free radicals produced as a result of exposure to UVR and pollution,” says Dr. Alexis Granite, board-certified consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd. “It also helps promote the production of collagen and elastin," she adds, reiterating that while it's an ingredient for all age groups, it may be particularly helpful for those with mature skin.
Dermatologists also often recommend pairing vitamin C with vitamin E - another powerhouse antioxidant - because the two work even better together, helping to strengthen your skin barrier and fend off free radical damage. In fact, studies have found that when used together, vitamins C and E can actually boost your skin’s natural defence against UV damage. In other words, they’re the ultimate antioxidant double act.
And while you may already be diligent with your dedicated vitamin C serum, the best moisturisers with vitamin C offer another great way to incorporate this clever ingredient into your routine for an added boost of antioxidants. These formulas can be extremely versatile too - whether you’re after a brightening eye cream to banish dark circles, a vitamin-C-infused moisturiser with SPF, or a non-comedogenic cream for those with acne-prone skin.
Ahead, we've got the lowdown on everything you need to know about vitamin C moisturisers, according to the best dermatologists in the biz. Plus, we've also pulled together a definitive edit of all the best formulas out there - all tried and tested by yours truly.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Shaaira Nasir, consultant dermatologist.
- Dr Alexis Granite, board-certified consultant dermatologist.
How I tested the best vitamin C moisturisers:
Over the years, I've tested my fair share of moisturisers with vitamin C. From the science-backed heavyweights like Medik8 to the glossy, TikTok-loved favourites from brands like Glow Recipe. Some promised instant glow and glass skin, others claimed to tackle dark spots and fine lines in a matter of weeks. Spoiler: not all lived up to the hype.
When deciding which formulas truly deserved a place in this edit, I focused on the things that actually matter. Can it really deliver lasting hydration that doesn’t fade by lunchtime? Does it help brighten dull, lacklustre skin and leave it looking genuinely more radiant? And finally, does it go beyond the marketing and make a visible difference to hyperpigmentation and dark spots over time?
I worked with fellow Glamour editors to also pay close attention to texture and wearability, because even the most efficacious vitamin C formula won’t make it into your daily routine if it pills under makeup or feels sticky on the skin. The end result? A curated line-up of moisturisers that have earned their spot through real-world testing, not just good PR.
Why you can trust me
At Glamour, you could say we've been around the beauty block. I’ve spent years as a freelance editor testing everything from £300 serums to LED face masks for titles including Glamour, Marie Claire, HELLO!, and Women's Health, so I know the difference between an overhyped product and genuinely effective formulas. Denise, Glamour's beauty contributor, meanwhile, has half a decades' of of product testing experience – having written for esteemed publications like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Who What Wear and GQ.
Together, we’ve seen what works, what doesn't, and what deserves a permanent place on your bathroom shelf. Every moisturiser here has been tried for a minimum of three weeks - long enough to spot the subtle shifts in glow, tone and texture that separate the good from the great. Basically, if it’s here, it’s because it impressed two seasoned beauty testers who’ve seen (and slathered on) it all.
Scroll to view our edit of the best moisturisers with vitamin C to add to your skincare routine.
Medik8 Daily Radiance C-Tetra Vitamin C Moisturiser
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All, particularly dry skin.
- Consistency: Soft, whipped cream.
- Pros: Helps brighten the skin; has SPF30 protection; feels incredibly hydrating.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: This SPF-infused moisturiser contains your perfect boost of vitamin C for a brighter and more even complexion. If you’re on the hunt for a day cream that combines SPF30 (dermatologists recommend SPF30+) and added hydration then look no further. Apply during the last step of your skin routine and reapply throughout the day as needed.
“I've been loving this Medik8 day cream for as long as I can remember. As someone who often deals with PCOS-related breakouts and the dark spots that follow, I think this moisturiser does a great job at brightening them while keeping my skin nice and hydrated in the process,” says Glamour's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
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Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Moisture Cream
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: Oily or Acne-prone skin.
- Consistency: Bouncy, lightweight cream.
- Pros: Feels super lightweight on the skin; hydrates without feeling greasy.
- Cons: The scent may not be best for those with sensitive skin or sensitive eyes.
Why we love it: If you're someone who usually steers clear of thick, greasy-feeling moisturisers, you'll love this lightweight formula from Glow Recipe. Featuring a whipped yet an incredibly lightweight consistency, this formula has been specially formulated to deliver lasting hydration and serious brightening benefits. Inside, you'll find everything from cloudberry seed oil (which is an antioxidant-rich fruit with vitamins C and E), CoQ10 to help retain moisture and a unique peptide-lipid complex that's full of nourishing fatty acids.
“Out of all Glow Recipe products, this cream easily falls into my top three. Above all, I love the whipped yet lightweight formula, which feels nice and nourishing when applied. About the only qualm is that it's not entirely fragrance-free, which means I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with sensitive eyes,” says Glamour's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C moisturisers with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
Glow Hub The Super_C Slayer Vitamin Enriched Priming Moisturiser
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: Dry skin.
- Consistency: Rich and creamy.
- Pros: Deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, doubles as a priming base under makeup.
- Cons: May feel too rich for very oily or blemish-prone skin.
Why we love it: If the cold weather is causing havoc on your skin - we’re talking dry, flaky and sore - Glow Hub’s Super_C Slayer is the nourishing cream you need to get your skin back on track. It pairs antioxidant-rich vitamin C with kakadu plum and tranexamic acid to help brighten dullness, even out skin tone and target the look of dark spots, while the shea butter base keeps skin feeling calm and comforted. Bonus: it doubles as a priming moisturiser, so makeup sits nicely on top without clinging to dry patches.
Shop more of the best moisturisers for dry skin.
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Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
- Size: 55ml.
- Skin type: All, particularly dry skin.
- Consistency: Lightweight gel with vitamin C capsules.
- Pros: Has a unique and innovative consistency; helps fade hyperpigmentation; delivers a dewy finish.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: If you're anything like us and find yourself spending way too much time on #KBeautyTok, you will have noticed that Medicube is one of the most viral Korean skincare brands out there, and deservedly so. This unique vitamin C cream is far from your average Korean moisturiser. Apart from its lightweight gel-like consistency, it also features an encapsulated form of vitamin C, which helps prevent it from oxidising. When mixed, it turns into a whipped creamy concoction that will instantly replenish even the most dull skin.
“As a true K Beauty enthusiast, I've been using Medicube for nearly a year now, and this vitamin C moisturiser has become an absolute staple in my routine. It's gentle enough not to irritate my sensitive skin, and its unique consistency makes it fun to apply every time,” says Glamour's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
OleHenriksen Banana Bright+ Instant Glow Moisturiser
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All.
- Consistency: Silky cream.
- Pros: Delivers an instant glow; helps plum up and brighten the skin; offers lasting hydration.
- Cons: On the more pricey side.
Why we love it: After a moisturiser that will instantly revive your complexion and leave you with the dewiest glow? Say less. This clever formula from OleHenriksen is, by far, one of the best formula we've tested, and with good reason. Infused with vitamin C, hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids as well as niacinamide and Scandinavian berry oil, this formula helps brighten and plump up the skin – all while acting as a makeup primer too.
“I could name dozens of reasons as to why I swear by the Banana Bright range from OleHenriksen, and this moisturiser is, hands down, one of the best formulas I own. The silky formula feels super cushiony on the skin – leaving me the dewiest, post-facial-like glow that looks gorgeous underneath makeup,” says Glamour's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF 50: Brightening
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Pros: Great hybrid formula with SPF; genuinely helps brighten dark spots; has a pleasant consistency.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Today's beauty market is full of impressive moisturisers with SPF, but this formula is easily one of the best for brightening. Not only does it feature an impressive level of SPF50, but this formula also boasts a handful of radiance-enhancing benefits too. It's fast-absorbing nature makes it incredibly seamless to apply, and the ingredients speak for themselves: the vitamin C helps fade hyperpigmentation while the unique lipid-boosting technology helps lock in moisture.
“I'm a firm believer that no beauty routine is complete without a healthy dose of SPF, and this hybrid formula from Murad makes easy work of ensuring that you're getting maximum brightening benefits and an impressive boost of hydration. It's also surprisingly quick to absorb, making it a must for hectic mornings,” says Glamour's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturiser
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All, particularly mature skin.
- Consistency: Silky lightweight cream.
- Pros: Packs multiple youth-boosting benefits; feels hydrating yet not at all greasy; the pump packaging is great for hygiene reasons.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Paula’s Choice is a brand that knows a thing or two when it comes to meeting your skin needs, and the C5 Super Boost Moisturiser is one of the best moisturisers for mature skin with vitamin C. Offering all-day hydration and a gentle yet hardworking 5% concentration of vitamin C, this cream is packed with youth-boosting benefits.
Plus, its pumping packaging makes it super convenient and hygiene-friendly to use, which is not common with other moisturisers we've tried. Whether used during the day or as part of your night-time routine, this face cream will add some much-needed skin TLC.
Murad Essential-C Overnight Barrier Repair Cream
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All.
- Consistency: Silky and velvety cream.
- Pros: Great night cream to replenish the skin; hydrates the skin; helps protect the skin from free radicals.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: We don’t know about you but sometimes the thought of spending a fortune on a skincare product can feel a little daunting, especially when it comes to trying out a new product for your skincare routine. However, this moisturiser from Murad is one of the rare cases when the formula actually lives up to its premium price tag. This vitamin C-enriched overnight repair cream helps to revive the skin while you're fast asleep, all while protecting it against environmental aggressors. A must.
The INKEY List Vitamin B, C and E Moisturizer
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: Oily skin.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream fluid.
- Pros: Affordable; easily spreads on the skin without feeling too thick; great for oily skin types.
- Cons: May not be nourishing enough for dry skin.
Why we love it: This vegan and cruelty-free INKEY List Vitamin B, C and E Lightweight Daily Face Moisturiser is a favourite among beauty editors and skincare lovers alike. The lightweight formula combines vitamins B, C and E for a trio like no other, giving you the very best blend to clarify, brighten and soothe the skin. Whether you’re looking to strip back your routine or just short on time, this is one moisturiser to have by your side. Hands down, one of the best moisturisers for oily skin, with vitamin C, around.
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin type: All.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Pros: Doubles as a makeup primer; delivers a natural glow; helps brighten the skin over long-term use.
- Cons: Not fragrance-free.
Why we love it: This radiance-boosting vitamin C cream from K Beauty brand Laneige helps reveal a dewy glow and deeply hydrate it in the process, making it a most for most skin types. The powerful yet gentle duo of vitamins C and E delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants and brightening benefits. Plus, the whipped texture feels surprisingly soothing, making it a joy to apply. This cream is a perfect option for wearing underneath makeup too, especially when you want a natural-looking glow to peek through your foundation.
Save when you shop for the best vitamin C moisturisers with these Cult Beauty discount codes at checkout.
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream
- Size: 75ml
- Skin Type: Ideal for all skin types, including those with keratosis
pilaris (KP) or rough, bumpy skin. - Consistency: Rich yet lightweight cream that absorbs quickly without a greasy finish.
- Pros: Contains fruit-derived AHAs and Vitamin C to gently exfoliate and brighten skin.Deeply hydrates with cupuaçu butter, leaving skin soft and smooth.
- Cons: Scent may be strong for those sensitive to fragrances.
Why we love it: While most of are concerned with the best facial serums and moisturisers for our face, the skin on our body deserves just as much attention. Body skin can get dull, uneven, and dehydrated - especially on areas like arms, legs, and shoulders - and that’s where products like the Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream come in. Packed with vitamin C and fruit-derived AHAs, it gently brightens, smooths, and protects, making it a key step in a full-body skincare routine. Plus, if you're already acquainted with Sol de Janeiro products, you'll know that this smells beyond divine. Shop more of our favourite body moisturisers this way.
FAQ's
Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots?
Shown to impede the production of melanin — the pigment that gives colour to the skin — vitamin C can also really help fade dark spots, and leave your skin looking considerably brighter and smoother. “Essentially, it's a potent ingredient for pigmentation,” Dr Granite adds.
When should I use a vitamin C moisturiser?
“Think lightest to thickest when it comes to layering your skincare products,” Dr Nasir explains. So, in the mornings, begin by applying your usual morning cleanser and — if desired — a toner. Then follow up with your serum, followed by your vitamin C moisturiser, and finally your SPF.
Although they can definitely be applied at night, vitamin C moisturisers are typically designed for daytime use — as this is when you're more likely to benefit from the antioxidant ingredient's ability to protect against sun damage, and fend off free radicals. Vitamin C also shouldn't be mixed with retinol, AHAs, and BHAs if you want to avoid sensitivity, irritation, and even peeling.
What should I look for when choosing a moisturiser with vitamin C?
"L-ascorbic acid is the most stable form of vitamin C, so look for L-ascorbic acid in concentrations varying between 10-20%. Start with a lower concentration initially and gradually build up a tolerance to avoid potential irritation,” says Dr Granite.
“Vitamin C is very sensitive to exposure to light and air, so is best packaged in dark bottles to maintain stability. Vitamin C also pairs well with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide.”
Some moisturisers with vitamin C also include other high-grade skincare ingredients such as squalane, ferulic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and others.
Who should avoid using a moisturiser with vitamin C?
While the topical application of vitamin C is recommended for most adults, people with sensitive skin are more at risk of common side effects like irritation and redness. To avoid this, be sure to start out with a lower concentration, and only use it only twice a week — before slowly building yourself up to daily application.
