14 Vitamin C Serums for Seriously Glowing Skin

For sensitive skin, this vitamin C serum is super lightweight and fragrance-free, but it still makes a powerful impact on your skin. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, so your skin not only appears brighter and more even but also plump and youthful.

Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “So far, it’s the best VC cream I’ve used. It’s easy to spread and absorb and is gentle in that it’s never irritated my skin. The packing design is great for easy applying and preventing vitamin C from oxidizing. I’ve been using it for two years, and it keeps my skin bright from the morning.”

This serum does it all and then some; vitamin C is used to brighten and improve skin texture, hyaluronic acid adds moisture and plumpness to the skin, and salicylic acid reduces oiliness, which leads to breakouts. The end result is radiant, glowing skin that's hydrated and blemish-free.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: "I have hormonal acne that I thought would never go away. Plus, I'm in my late 20s and started to see signs of aging. I love this product. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles while also opening up your pores to release gunk. Fantastic."

Beloved by many a smooth-skinned celeb and knowledgeable dermatologists, this brightening serum contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to replenish the skin. Because vitamin C can be very unstable in skincare, adding ferulic acid helps it last longer–and work better.

Dermstore star rating: 4.7/5 stars

What ELLE Editors are saying: “I can’t remember what life was like before the C E Ferulic acid became a mainstay in my morning routine, but it had to be as dull and lifeless as my skin at the time. As a former scar picker, this serum helped balance my tone and smooth my texture over time. Now, I’m not so ashamed to go makeup-free as I once was.” — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

For skincare minimalists, this targeted vitamin C serum brightens and reduces dark spots on the skin. It’s also very lightweight, making it ideal for anyone concerned about clogged pores or breakouts.

Sephora star rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This serum is very hydrating, not greasy or heavy. It felt like water going into my pores. The scent is barely there.”

With 15 percent vitamin C, vitamin E, and a special antioxidant derived from pine bark, this anti-aging formula corrects and treats dullness, discoloration, and fine lines. With so many powerful ingredients in one bottle, you can probably cancel your next facial appointment.

Vichy star rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Vichy reviewer said: “I’ve only been using this for a week and am already seeing great results with reduced fine lines around my mouth and face. It feels rejuvenating when you use it, and I actually feel a tightening happening. My skin is brighter and more illuminated. I am turning 60 this year, so really looking for ways to battle these lines, and they look good!”

This serum contains 20 percent potent, stable vitamin C to brighten, firm, and smooth textured skin for fast and effective results. It doesn’t mess around, so be ready to notice results faster than expected. Even Hailey Bieber, aka the queen of glazed doughnut skin, is a fan of its “incredible softening and brightening effects,” she said in a video interview.

Amazon star rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “The things I love about this product are that it contains the highest % of pure Vitamin C permitted, has a patented encapsulated delivery system that prevents oxidation and contains moisturizing ingredients. I have been using this daily for over two weeks and have noticed a considerable difference in the texture of my skin. It’s much smoother and definitely appears brighter and radiant.”

While vitamin C helps fade dark spots on the skin, the combination of squalane and natural extracts protects the skin from future photodamage. That means that over time, you’ll notice your skin tone becoming more even and supple—as did one of Elle’s beauty writers who now swears by the product.

Biossance star rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Biossance reviewer said: “Within a week or two of using this, I had a brown spot on my forehead go away that I never would disappear without going to a dermatologist. I have used every designer cream, but this one is all about the environment and works. So in love. Try this; you’ll be so happy!”

Environmental damage, like pollution, is often the culprit behind many of our skin’s woes. That’s why this vitamin C-infused serum actively fights and protects against environmental aggressors on your skin. That means a less inflamed, smoother, happier complexion.

Amazon star rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I often feel dissatisfied with many skincare products, but I can’t say the same for this one. Aside from looking like silk under makeup, it has genuinely transformed the appearance of my skin. I look younger. My forehead, where no other moisturizer or serum has ever made a dent, finally looks better. I love it.”

In the short term, this potent serum will help skin look radiant and glowy, like you just got a facial. But with continual use, the vitamin C and glycolic acid combo fades dark spots, hyperpigmentation, reduces pore visibility, and smooths out the skin’s texture.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “At 51, I have a couple of age spots, and this serum has lightened them gradually. My skin is glowing. I use this with the Good Genes and have seen a dramatic result in reducing pore size.”

With vitamin C, peptides, and vitamin E, this serum is resolved to brighten dull skin. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can use the product alone or add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer for a more diffused but equally effective application.

Amazon star rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I use this every morning and retinol at night. I’d been using retinol only for about three months and was getting good results, but after adding this...WOW! The retinol was definitely helping with my deep wrinkles, but I had a persistent ruddiness. This almost instantly resolved the redness and brightened my undertone to a very youthful, glowing pink! By itself, it doesn’t moisturize, but in conjunction with my moisturizer, my skin is more hydrated using this product. I am really pleased!”

This serum is a triple threat, using vitamins C, B, and E to target some of the skin’s most common issues, like dullness, signs of aging, enlarged pores, and more. Plus, it’s created by the incredible plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan, and the before and afters she posts on Instagram are enough to convince any skeptic.

Sephora star rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “It’s very potent but very effective! I use this at night and wake up to bright, beautiful, glowy skin! I use this with Dr. Devgan’s hyaluronic serum, and my skin has never looked better! The combo of both makes me look like I’ve had Botox on my forehead! Simply amazing!”

This powerful yet gentle serum uses a version of time-released vitamin C in its formula so that the antioxidant effects of the ingredient last you throughout the day as you wear it. It’s also made up of primarily naturally-derived ingredients, so you can be sure you’re not putting your skin through too much stress.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This serum is light yet hydrating. I love the fresh scent and texture, which melts into my skin. After several weeks of daily use, my skin feels firmer and more even. I use it once a day under my moisturizer. It is not sticky, either.”

This celeb-favorite skincare line created a gentle vitamin C serum perfect for anyone with reactive skin. Using a combination of synthetic and naturally-derived vitamin C, your skin will be red carpet ready and glowing in no time.

Nordstrom star rating: 3.6/5 stars

What ELLE Editors are saying: “I like this formula for maintenance of my even skintone. It plays well with my skincare routine and does not pill when I apply sunscreen as my last step. With only 5% Vitamin C, this isn’t the strongest of formulas, so if you are looking for something to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots quickly, I’d suggest a formula with a minimum of 10% Vitamin C. However, if you have sensitive skin, this will be a great option for you.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director

Omorovicza uses vitamin C to stimulate collagen in your skin, leading to a more plumped, youthful texture. The milky formula absorbs quickly while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated.

Nordstrom star rating: 3.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I really liked how lightweight the product went on. It felt airy and my skin absorbed it so quickly without feeling dry afterward. I was also really impressed with how lustrous my skin looked.”