The best vitamin C serums for radiant skin
Your definitive guide to the most effective products for brighter, more radiant skin
A vitamin C serum should feature in everyone’s skincare routine because of this wonder-ingredient’s powerful ability to protect skin, improve elasticity and visibly brighten.
Vitamin C boosts collagen production - in fact, it is essential to collagen synthesis - which is vital because lower levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
What is the most effective vitamin C serum?
While almost any vitamin C serum will benefit your skin, in order to get the best results it’s important to find the most effective formula for you.
If you’re new to vitamin C serums, look for a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid (or other type of vitamin C) of around 10 per cent, or mix it with some moisturiser to gently ease yourself in. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, which is why 20 per cent is the maximum recommended concentration.
Here are our picks for the best vitamin C serums to give your skin the ultimate glow.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
If you’re noticing dark marks, dullness or discolouration, this serum is the one for you. Powered by 15% vitamin C, it’s designed to combat signs of ageing, and has more of a lotion consistency than a serum making it feel richer and more luxurious, yet completely non-greasy.
The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum
This cult serum might be super affordable but it certainly doesn’t scrimp on ingredients. Orange in colour, it absorbs quickly and brightens the skin thanks to pampering oils and 15% vitamin C. A great choice to help your skin look and feel firmer and plumper, whatever your budget.
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
If you’re new to vit C serums, try these single-dose daily capsules. They contain ceramides alongside the vitamin C to help prevent moisture loss, perk up tired skin and leave your complexion feeling cared for. Encapsulated for freshness, the unique design is also extremely travel-friendly.
Dermalogica Biolumin C Night Restore
Of course, it’s up to you when you apply your serum, but this vitamin-packed skin-reviver works wonders overnight. Simply apply before bed and wake up to hydrated and brighter skin thanks to powerhouse ingredient vitamin D complex working alongside vitamin C.
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Radiance Serum
A bestseller for good reason, a little of this lightweight formula goes a long way as it easily sinks into skin. Combining vitamins C and E to fight the damage caused by the sun and pollution, it's also water-free to ensure the ingredients don’t degrade. Apply first thing, add sunscreen, and face the day.
Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum Eye
In case you were wondering - yes, you can apply vitamin C to the undereye, as long as you use a product like this one that is specially formulated for this delicate area. Lancome’s fan favourite helps to plump and hydrate, smoothing out fine lines around your eyes and even reducing eye bags.
Kiehl's original anti-ageing Vitamin C serum
With a new-look formula combining Hyaluronic Acid and 12.5% vitamin C, Kiehl’s serum is carefully formulated to be both a powerful concentrate and still gentle enough for sensitive skin. A couple of drops massaged over the face daily will boost radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment Ferment³+ Vitamin C
Thought fermenting was just for food? This super-charged serum - inspired by professional facials - uses fermentation to concentrate and amplify vitamin C’s power. Molasses Ferment plus Algae Ferment help improve clarity and reduce uneven tone for a long-lasting glow.
