18 Best Brightening Vitamin C Serums for Fresh, Glowing Skin 2022

Sabina Wizemann, senior chemist in the GH Beauty Lab, loves this serum for its gentle yet effective performance. “Even with a high concentration of 15% of L-Ascorbic acid — an outstanding and proven form of vitamin C — this serum doesn’t irritate my skin like other products I’ve tried,” she says. “It firms and brightens skin, and leaves it supple and glowy,” thanks to the conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties of added vitamin E. This is also Dr. Yadav’s top pick. “It contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, and this combination has been shown to complement sunscreens and reduce the effects of environmental stressors on the skin,” she says.

This Olay serum is like radiance bottled, with concentrated skin tone-evening ingredients such as niacinamide. A study of 144 women showed that it reduced dark spots and uneven tone after two weeks. It’s also an Amazon favorite, can be found in drugstores and costs less than $30. “From the first night, I saw, and felt, a difference in my skin,” shares one reviewer. “The next morning, it felt more hydrated and smooth.” The brand says the serum delivers best results when paired with Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream.

Formulated for optimal skin absorption, the airtight packaging on this standout L’Oreal product helps ensure that the vitamin C inside stays stable and therefore effective. Our Lab experts think it’s especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) since you can use the precise, pointed applicator to spot-treat problem areas. Reviewers rave that “skin looks brighter” and “smoother” after using this serum.

To keep the vitamin C potent and fresh, this Clinique product keeps it isolated. To use, press the button to release the vitamin C powder into an emulsion serum, ensuring optimal efficiency and a strong, potent product to perfect your skin. Reviewers say they saw acne scarring go away within a week — but a couple note that overuse can cause mild redness or dryness.

“For something a little more accessible, and a great entry into vitamin C, I love this treatment,” says Dr. Yadav. “It’s widely available, gentle on the skin and contains grapefruit, which adds another citrus ingredient into the mix!” You can use it directly on your skin or mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizers or serums.

If you suffer from dry skin, this serum from La Roche-Posay has a creamier formula that contains 10% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which is great for hydrating and plumping the skin. The brand also claims it helps to fill lines and fight wrinkles. La Roche-Posay thermal spring water is also said to “repel free radicals and soothe skin.“ After using it daily for a little over a month, one reviewer shares that her skin looks brighter and feels smoother. “I had tried other vitamin C creams and this is the first one that did not irritate my sensitive skin.”

“This serum has the right amount of vitamin C and brightens, plumps and hydrates,” says Dr. Marmur. The product contains additional products such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and fruit enzymes that help brighten and buff the skin’s texture. Keep in mind that some reviewers complained about the formula being too sticky, but others say it’s lightweight and sinks into the skin.

The Mary Kay TimeWise line is nothing new to the Good Housekeeping Institute team: For years, our Beauty Lab experts have been recommending TimeWise products for various skincare concerns. This replenishing serum contains vitamin C and E for an age-defying combination. Clinical studies have shown the serum is generally mild and does not bother testers with sensitive skin. One Amazon reviewer with sensitive skin shares that “it nourishes my face and helps to maintain the right balance my face requires.”

If you’re looking to avoid irritation, this serum holds a relatively lower level of vitamin C at 10%, and it contains ceramides that help protect and maintain the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient in the formula that helps moisturize the skin and retain moisture. One reviewer shares that it “feels like a very light gel moisturizer” and “if you wear makeup, this is an excellent primer, too.”

A 2021 Beauty Award winner, Roc’s serum is rich with antioxidants and vitamins. It features a unique blend of vitamin C, castor oil and glycerin, all of which help brighten and moisturize the skin. In Lab tests, 94% of users found a more even skin tone with daily use. “I am almost done with my first bottle of this vitamin C serum and my skin tone looks clear,” shares one Amazon reviewer. “I love this serum!”

This variation on SkinCeuticals’ popular CE Ferulic serum contains salicylic acid and is specially formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. One online reviewer says that after a month’s use, she’s noticed a reduction in oiliness and breakouts on her skin. 

This is formulated with a newer form of vitamin C called 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, which is thought to be less irritating without sacrificing efficacy. The formula is collagen-protecting and brightening to fade dark spots, firm skin and improve texture. The brand claims the formula is ultra-stable, so it can live right in your medicine cabinet or vanity. “I love its fresh — not cloying! — citrus scent, and that it’s dye, paraben and cruelty-free,” says deputy editor Jessica Teich.

This C15 Super Booster contains the trifecta of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid that has been shown to have synergistic benefits and help protect vitamin C formulas from losing efficaciousness quickly. The container is not clear so it protects it from sunlight, which degrades vitamin C formulas. Thus, this shelf-stable product will last and last, even if you don’t use it every day. Multiple reviewers noted that it mixes well with their moisturizers and was easy to use. 

With 15% pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and jasmonate deritives, Lancôme’s vitamin C serum will help even your skin tone and protect the skin barrier from free radicals with continued use. Simply apply 4-5 drops of this concentrated serum onto skin every morning to notice results in as little as 10 days. Make sure to let it sit for a few moments before applying your usual cream, and don’t use more than once a day. Reviewers agree with its speedy results: “My face is almost clear after 2 weeks of use,” shares one. “The dark spots are going away and my skin looks great.”

This potent serum contains microscopically encapsulated vitamin C to prevent degradation from light and air. According to the brand, stabilization and efficacy were of the utmost importance in the development of this formula, which was created by a cosmetic chemist. One reviewer loves that “I don’t have to store this product in a dark drawer, because this product doesn’t oxidize.” In a special study, they found that consumers saw significant improvement in crow’s feet and skin firmness.  

Several online reviewers admit that this serum is a tad overpriced, but most agree that it really works. One Sephora reviewer shares “In three weeks, I have seen a huge change in my skin,” shares one Sephora reviewer. “My dark spots have reduced significantly.” It contains 15% antioxidant vitamin C to help lighten dark spots, smooth fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores.

A Dermstore best-seller, this serum contains one of the higher concentrates of vitamin C at 20%. Key ingredient hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin, and online reviewers said they liked that the formula wasn’t drying.

This lightweight cream formula uses 10% vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside and hyaluronic acid to help brighten your skin and improve your skin texture’s appearance. The brand claims to even reduce the look of deep-set wrinkles and pores over time with continued use. One reviewer noticed an abundance of benefits: “My skin tone evened out, my pores seemed to minimize and the skin looked noticeably soft.” Plus, she noticed her fine lines on her forehead and around her eyes softened as well.