Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Beauty & Personal Care Skin Care

Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter Skin

Updated July 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
Obagi
Professional-C Serum 20%
Fan Favorite

A top-seller made with a high concentration of vitamin C for revitalized skin. Many loyal customers call it a must-have.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Fan Favorite
Bottom Line

A top-seller made with a high concentration of vitamin C for revitalized skin. Many loyal customers call it a must-have.

Pros

The concentrated formula contains 20% vitamin C which is perfect for tackling tough hyperpigmentation. Improves skin's texture and softens fine lines and wrinkles. Scent isn't overpowering, and a little goes a long way.

Cons

Some reports of receiving already-oxidized product. Very pricey.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum
Bliss
Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum
Multiple Benefits

This vegan vitamin C serum is made of ingredients that brighten, smooth and improve skin's appearance and texture.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Multiple Benefits
Bottom Line

This vegan vitamin C serum is made of ingredients that brighten, smooth and improve skin's appearance and texture.

Pros

Made with vitamin C that produces radiant results, including brighter skin and minimized dark spots. Formulated with peptides that firm skin and licorice root that protects it. Boosts and maintains collagen. Cruelty-free and affordable.

Cons

The pump has been known to quit working and some users experienced breakouts.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Mad Hippie
Vitamin C Serum
Trusted Brand

Made by a trusted name in the skincare world, this serum is packed with skin-saving ingredients and works like a dream.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Made by a trusted name in the skincare world, this serum is packed with skin-saving ingredients and works like a dream.

Pros

Formulated with Konjac root, vitamin C, and vitamin E, this serum works well to soften, smooth, and brighten skin. Added chamomile flower extract helps with redness and irritation and hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Cons

May not reduce the appearance of dark spots as well as other serums on the market.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Most Versatile

Top-of-the-line vitamin C serum formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid to optimize its brightening effects and improve signs of aging and sun damage.

Check Price
Check Price
Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Top-of-the-line vitamin C serum formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid to optimize its brightening effects and improve signs of aging and sun damage.

Pros

Made with a combination of vitamins C and E and ferulic acid, this antioxidant serum results in brighter, firmer skin. Lightens dark spots caused by acne and melasma. A holy grail skincare product for many.

Cons

Texture is somewhat sticky. One of the priciest vitamin C serums on the market.

Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow
Sunday Riley
C.E.O Glow
Best for Everyday Use

Well-formulated with excellent packaging makes this one of our testers' go-to's for a glow-enhancing and hydrating product.

Check Price
Check Price
Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Well-formulated with excellent packaging makes this one of our testers' go-to's for a glow-enhancing and hydrating product.

Pros

Utilizes vitamin C and turmeric to craft a formula that creates natural glow while helping hydrate skin. Has a subtle scent. Doesn't contain parabens or sulfates. The bottle design makes it easy to retrieve the liquid within.

Cons

Some users noted that it may leave your skin feeling slightly greasy.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
January 05, 2022
54
Models
considered
28
Hours
researched
Category cover
Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Updated July 2024

If dark spots, sun damage, and aging skin are a concern, a vitamin C serum that brightens the skin may be a product you need to add to your skincare routine. These serums are made to tackle signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and the effects of the sun, resulting in skin that feels soft and appears to glow. What's more, some brightening vitamin C serums contain additional ingredients to plump up skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that highly concentrated vitamin C serums may tingle or burn until your skin adjusts. The key to noticeable results is to use your vitamin C serum consistently.

Our Top Picks
Obagi
Best of the Best
Obagi
Professional-C Serum 20%
Bottom Line
A top-seller made with a high concentration of vitamin C for revitalized skin. Many loyal customers call it a must-have.
Shop Now
Bliss
Best Bang for the Buck
Bliss
Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum
Bottom Line
This vegan vitamin C serum is made of ingredients that brighten, smooth and improve skin's appearance and texture.
Shop Now
Mad Hippie
Top Pick
Mad Hippie
Vitamin C Serum
Bottom Line
Made by a trusted name in the skincare world, this serum is packed with skin-saving ingredients and works like a dream.
Shop Now
SkinCeuticals
Top Pick
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Bottom Line
Top-of-the-line vitamin C serum formulated with vitamin E and ferulic acid to optimize its brightening effects and improve signs of aging and sun damage.
Shop Now
Sunday Riley
Top Pick
Sunday Riley
C.E.O Glow
Bottom Line
Well-formulated with excellent packaging makes this one of our testers' go-to's for a glow-enhancing and hydrating product.
Shop Now
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More