10 Vitamin C Serums You Should Know About
Following retinol, vitamin C is an excellent anti-aging component in skincare.
Given that our bodies do not naturally produce vitamin C and it isn’t efficiently absorbed by the skin through diet alone, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen is an effective method to combat early signs of aging.
Vitamin C has been clinically proven to:
Help fight uneven skin tone
Fade dark spots
Reduce signs of sun damage
Further, depending on the derivative, it’s an ingredient suitable for all skin types and can help with signs of premature aging.
I like to think of vitamin C as “step 2” on the anti-aging journey - first incorporate retinol at night, then vitamin C, then peptides, then devices, and more.
As a sneak peak, here are three great vitamin C options:
Best for beginners and sensitive skin: Medik8's C-TETRA serum
Best multi-functional morning serum: Sevo Morning Serum (I'm using this one right now!)
Best budget vitamin C serum: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
So, here’s a review of some of the best vitamin C products I’ve tried out and why you should consider them too.
1. Medik8 C-TETRA
Key ingredients: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C) & Vitamin E
Best for: Beginners
Medik8's C-TETRA serum, perfect for those new to vitamin C or with sensitive skin, features tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stabilized and gentle form of vitamin C.
This formula not only brightens your complexion but also protects it daily with powerful antioxidants vitamin C and E, which combat harmful free radicals from sun exposure.
Infused with silky jojoba oil, the serum enhances your skin's radiance without causing irritation.
For those seeking more intensive benefits, Medik8 offers C-Tetra Luxe, which contains double the concentration of vitamin C along with additional nourishing ingredients for enhanced results.
2. Naturium Vitamin C Complex
Key Ingredients: Pure l-ascorbic acid & Kakadu plum
Best for: All Skin Types
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum is my favorite budget one.
I love how it’s formulated with gold stabilized l ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate to help reduce premature aging and even out skin tone.
Naturium's Vitamin C Complex Serum enhances your skin with a potent blend of its vitamin C complex, including highly stable, pure l-ascorbic acid and kakadu plum—one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.
This powerful formula targets signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Use it to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more youthful complexion.
3. Stratia C+C Serum
Key Ingredients: 10% l-ascorbic acid, 5% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate & coenzyme Q10 (aka ubiquinone)
Best for: All Skin Types
The Stratia C and C serum is also a great budget option and uses a powerful blend of vitamin C to enhance your skin's health.
It contains 10% l-ascorbic acid and 5% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, both stabilized in a silicone base to ensure stability for up to a year.
This serum boosts collagen production, fades hyperpigmentation, and neutralizes free radicals.
It also includes coenzyme Q10 and bisabolol from German chamomile to increase antioxidant protection and soothe your skin.
The formula is water-free and pH-neutral, making it effective at brightening, smoothing, and firming your skin without causing irritation.
4. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
Key Ingredients: 20 percent l-ascorbic acid, squalane, and tartaric acid for brightening and hydrating
Best for: All Skin Types
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner features a sort-of gritty, gel-cream formula with 20% l-ascorbic acid, aimed at brightening your skin, fading dark spots, and firming fine lines.
However, I didn't love it. It’s gritty and caused a bit of burning when I used it, likely due to its high vitamin C content.
Sadly, I just don’t think this one is suitable for sensitive skin, which sucks because the formula really is effective. On the other hand, for those of you with mature skin that are used to using strong actives, you might like this one.
The formula includes squalane, which hydrates and locks in moisture without clogging pores, and pure green tea actives that soothe your skin and reduce redness.
Plus, tartaric acid optimizes your skin’s pH for enhanced absorption.
It also gently tightens and firms skin, softly exfoliates to make it smooth and soft, and provides powerful antioxidant protection to combat the signs of aging.
5. MaeLove Glow Maker
Key Ingredients: 15% vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid
Best for: All Skin Types
MaeLove The Glow Maker serum is one of my favorite vitamin C options on the market and is suitable for all skin types.
It features a potent blend that includes 15% l-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
This combination protects your skin from premature aging due to UV rays and environmental pollutants.
It also reduces hyperpigmentation, evening out your skin tone.
The formula's vitamin C is scientifically backed to stimulate collagen production, which helps firm and strengthen your skin.
Its clinically-proven antioxidant blend visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, the quick-absorbing nature of the serum allows for easy application under sunscreen and makeup.
Here’s where you can read more about MaeLove The Glow Maker serum.
6. Facetheory -Regena C20 Vitamin C Serum
Key Ingredients: 20% ethyl ascorbic acid & amino acids
Best for: Most skin types, including sensitive skin
FaceTheory Regena C20 Vitamin C Serum is an excellent choice for anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation.
It contains 20% ethyl ascorbic acid, a stabilized form of vitamin C.
This ingredient not only brightens dull skin but also reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation effectively.
Additionally, it may also reduce acne-causing bacteria (to be determined with more research…)
The unique properties of ethyl ascorbic acid allow for easy absorption by the skin, making it a stable and efficient vitamin C formula.
7. SEVO Morning Serum
Key Ingredients: methylene blue, vitamin C & snow mushroom
Best for: Holistic health lovers
The Morning Serum from SEVO is lightweight and packed with powerhouse ingredients.
Unlike some vitamin C serums, it doesn't have an unpleasant smell.
I actually enjoy its herbal scent, and it hasn't irritated my skin at all.
For lightweight hydration, astragalus and taurine deeply hydrate your skin. They provide nutrients that support smooth texture and overall skin health.
In terms of collagen support, methylene blue and vitamin C work together. They rejuvenate skin cells, diminish fine lines, and boost collagen production.
To reduce UVB damage, tremella mushroom and gotu kola are included and they also are known for enhancing skin elasticity. They also reduce signs of UVB damage and decrease water loss from the skin.
As a bonus, this is the serum I’m using right now, and it’s made by my friend Nick, so I can vouch for the quality. The entire brand is beautifully formulated, and you can read more about my experience with it here.
PS - You can get 10% off your order with code FAWN10.
8. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Key Ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ethyl linoleate
Best for: Dry Skin
If you’re looking for an affordable vitamin C serum, check out The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F.
This lightweight oil works to reduce signs of aging by brightening and balancing uneven skin tone.
Unlike direct forms of vitamin C, this hydrating formula contains an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that converts into vitamin C once applied, resulting in less potential for irritation.
Additionally, it includes vitamin F—comprising omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids—which helps support your skin’s natural hydration barrier.
I don’t tend to love formulas from The Ordinary (and I far prefer NIOD, which you can read about here) because they tend to be cosmetically inelegant, but this is a simple, effective choice for a vitamin C serum on a budget.
9. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Key Ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid for environmental protection, brightening and smoothing
Best for: All skin types
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster delivers high-potency vitamin C while minimizing irritation.
Ergothioneine boosts efficacy for advanced results, while ferulic acid defends against discoloration and enhances the stability of the 15% vitamin C.
This blend diminishes visible signs of aging, providing brighter, smoother skin with a pH range of 3.1–3.5.
It contains potent antioxidants such as ferulic acid, ergothioneine, vitamin E, and skin-smoothing peptides.
Over time, you can expect to see younger-looking and more radiant skin.
10. First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Key Ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E & squalane
Best for: Sensitive-skin
First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a sensitive-skin friendly solution that effectively brightens and visibly firms without causing irritation, clogged pores, or an unpleasant smell typical of vitamin C.
It targets not only hyperpigmentation but also unwanted skin texture.
This serum fights surface free radicals to prevent early skin aging. It's safe for sensitive skin and feels light, not sticky or greasy.
I like how it blends calming colloidal oatmeal with stable vitamin C to brighten and smooth skin.
Be sure to try out some of these products and see if they work for you!
Best,