We've waxed lyrical in the past about how using a hardworking face serum is arguably the most important step in skincare. And while that is true, if you ask any beauty expert or dermatologist what their absolute must-haves are in their skincare routine, this is what you'll hear: facial sunscreens, retinol and the best vitamin C serum you can get your hands on.
Why? It's pretty simple. When used alongside each other, these three are your skin's best chance at fighting the visible signs of ageing, and this holy trinity also promotes happy, healthy and well-functioning skin. So get your best SPF moisturiser at the ready, clue yourself up which retinol product works best for you and let's take a look at some of the best vitamin C serums.
What are the benefits of using a vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C is an incredibly versatile ingredient with a whole multitude of benefits, which is why it is recommended time and time again by dermatologists. “Vitamin C can help stimulate collagen and help skin maintain its firmness and elasticity and can therefore help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains GP and Dermatology Expert Dr Sonia Khorana. “It also blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for accelerating melanin production, so it can minimise dark spots and brighten your skin.”
And beyond the visible effects, vitamin C is also beloved for its protective capabilities. “Vitamin C can also protect against sun damage and free radical damage,” says Dr Sonia. “There is research showing that vitamin C helps to prevent damage caused by environmental aggressors, like sun exposure, pollution, stress, and smoke.
What is the best type of vitamin C to use?
There are a huge number of vitamin C serums on the market, so determining which one will be most efficacious for your skin can be tricky. Dr Sonia recommends looking out for serums containing L-ascorbic acid which is vitamin C in its purest version and considered “the gold standard of active vitamin C”. And in terms of concentration, stronger doesn’t always equal better. “I would not go higher than 20%,” advises Dr Sonia. “Vitamin C doesn’t become any more effective [higher than this] and it can even be irritating to sensitive or dry skin.” Most people will be well-suited to a formula at 10-15%, while oilier skin types may benefit from 20% and sensitive skins to a lower dose of 5%.
Fiona Brackenbury, skincare expert and facialist, agrees, but says there are multiple derivatives used in vitamin C serums, which are also effective on the skin. "The most popular you may see are magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. These are easy to spot as they all have ascorb in the name.
"Because of the complexity of the formulations and the use of multiple types of vitamin C, it can make the accurate percentage difficult to determine. Comparing the ranking of ingredients is tricky and understanding the complete formula is always key. L-ascorbic acid should be second or third on the ingredients list, but you may also see brands include other vitamin C derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate. This has been done to maximise the efficiency and while it has lowered the percentage of ascorbic acid, the formula becomes well tolerated."
How to use vitamin C in your skincare routine
In short, vitamin C is a fairly punchy active ingredient, so it's a good idea to let your skin get used to it. But don't panic—simply introduce it slowly by applying it every couple of days to start with and your skin should adjust. You can then gradually up your usage.
However, vitamin C is notoriously unstable, meaning that its efficacy and strength are affected by factors like light, air and heat exposure. It's also a bit of a lone wolf and doesn't always play nicely with certain other active ingredients. We don't recommend you apply an AHA or BHA toner beforehand (something with salicylic acid or glycolic acid in it) because it could destabilise the pH level of the vitamin C and stop it from working.
What is the best vitamin C serum to buy?
Ready to find your new hero serum? Below you'll find our beauty editor-approved round-up of the best vitamin C serums that the market has to offer.
The Marie Claire UK team were thorough in their testing of the below products. How did we do it? Well, with some of the most established beauty journalists in the country getting to call Marie Claire UK their work home, it's needless to say they've spent a good few years of their lives testing and trialling vitamin C serums. Combined, the beauty team has decades of vitamin C testing experience, so they know a thing or two about what makes a product the best (and worth your money).
Best vitamin C serums: Quick links
- Best for spot-prone skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, £165 | Lookfantastic
- Best affordable vitamin C serum: The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF, £15 | Sephora
- Best for oily skin: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum, £31.99 | Lookfantastic
- Best lightweight vitamin C serum: Tatcha The gBrightening Serum, £86 | Space NK
- Best for instant glow: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, £88 | Cult Beauty
- Best all-in-one: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, £58 | Sephora
- Best antioxidant vitamin C serum: Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector, £42.50 | Sephora
- Best high street vitamin C serum: Revolution X Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum, £15 | Lookfantastic
- Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum, £45 | LookFantastic
- Best luxury vitamin C serum: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum, £95 | Space NK
- Best for firming and plumping: Skin+Me Brighten + Boost Firming Vitamin C Serum, £19.99 at Skin+Me
- Best for dehydrated skin: Medik8 C-Tetra, £39 | Sephora
- Best cosmeceutical vitamin C serum: Teoxane RHA Vit C Serum, £90 | Face the Future
- Best for texture and fine lines: Skin Rocks The Antioxidant Face Serum, £70 | Liberty
Best vitamin C serums for 2024
1. SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
If you want to use the same vitamin C serum brand as most beauty editors—and new brand ambassador Sofia Richie—then voilà. One of several vit Cs that SkinCeuticals sells, this one is aimed at oily and blemish-prone skin, working by stopping oil in the skin from oxidising and causing spots. It combines 15% L-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid, salicylic acid and silymarin, a form of milk thistle.
Freelance beauty editor Laura Mulley loves this, saying, "I always trust that this serum won't cause me to break out, yet it doesn't feel drying or overly mattifying like some products for oily skin. It's such as fine, elegant formula, and if you can afford it, I think it's worth it."
If your skin's on the drier side, instead opt for SkinCeuticals' famous C E Ferulic, which is Marie Claire Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas's favourite. "When I started in the beauty industry, everyone told me to get my hands on this serum. I wasn't disappointed," she says. "Yes, my skin looked glowier, but I noticed that my uneven skin tone also looked infinitely better."
2. The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF
For something more affordable (but by no means less effective) look to cult bargain skincare brand The INKEY List for high performing ingredients at low prices. This has vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl glucoside plus peptide EGF (epidermal growth factor) to speed up cell regeneration. Plus, that bank-friendly price tag leaves us very impressed indeed.
Laura says, "I don't think you can really go wrong with The INKEY List products, and this is no exception. It's not the strongest percentage of vitamin C you'll find, but this makes it a great choice for newbies. The only downside was that I was expecting it to be a little more hydrating, so be sure to follow with a moisturiser and/or SPF."
3. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
One of the latest innovations from L'Oréal Paris, this relatively affordable vitamin C serum has seriously impressed us at Marie Claire.
Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "I often find that vitamin C serums can be oily and leave my skin prone to breakouts, but the fact that this clear product contains salicylic acid means it's perfect for my congestion-prone skin. It helps to unclog pores for optimum absorption of the vitamin C. Plus, some added silicones means it doesn't leave an oily residue and means it makes for a great make-up base."
4. Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Tatcha products always feel like such a luxurious experience to use, and this serum is no exception. It contains a 12-hour time-release form of vitamin C, promising all-day brightness, alongside ferulic acid for antioxidant support and a pro-glutathione booster that targets pigmentation. The result is brighter skin immediately, and a more even-toned complexion over time.
“Although a vitamin C serum has been a staple in my morning routine for as long as I can remember, during a recent hot spell here in London I found myself wanting to switch up one of my regular favourites for something more lightweight. And that’s where this bottle of orange goodness came in. Incredibly lightweight and almost water-like in texture, I was a bit dubious about whether my skin would find this a little dehydrating. I was wrong. The texture is thin, yes, but it melts into skin and instantly brightens and illuminates it. I think that oilier skin types would get on with it particularly well, but the luminous results mean that it’s practically perfect for anyone wanting to boost their glow.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor
5. Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Another vitamin C/AHA combo, this time using glycolic acid to get rid of dead skin cells to allow the vitamin C to penetrate more effectively. Although Murad doesn't disclose its ingredients percentages, glycolic acid is one of the more potent AHAs so we'd place this one step up on the efficacy scale to Tatcha's (although this may also mean that the risk of sensitivity is increased). There's the tiniest amount of mica in this too, instantly brightening the skin.
Laura says, "I'm sometimes wary about using glycolic acid on my sensitive skin, especially when combines with other actives, but I didn't experience any tingle or irritation when using this, and the glow was instantly noticeable. Compared to Tatcha's the texture is a little more creamy."
6. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
If AHAs aren't for you, why not try your vitamin C combined with poly hydroxy acid (PHA), as in this popular Ole Henriksen serum? The banana in the name comes from dash of yellow pigment powders in the formula, which gives skin a fresh, healthy appearance.
"Another beauty editor pal of mine swears by this stuff, and I can see why," says Laura. "Its very slight yellow tinge instantly makes the complexion look fresher and brighter, and skin feels much smoother. One thing to note is that if you're sensitive to fragrance this one might not be for you, as it is highly perfumed (thankfully of citrus rather than)."
7. Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector
Vichy claims that within 10 days of using this serum your skin will appear much brighter—and we would like to go ahead and confirm that. Skin looks perkier, more even toned and definitely glowier. Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval? The 10-day treatment time, plus the hydrating, hyaluronic-acid infused formula.
Katie says: "Be careful when applying as it has the same consistency as water, so a lot can come up quickly. It's best patted into the skin."
8. Revolution X Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum
Here at Marie Claire we're big fans of beauty journalist Sali Hughes' skincare brand with Revolution; it's effective, affordable (nothing's more than £15) and easily accessible, stocked at Superdrug, Boots and Lookfantastic. This vitamin C serum from the range is a really good all-in-one—as well as the namesake ingredient, there's also niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid in the formula.
Laura says, "If you're looking for a great everyday serum that won't break the bank, this is it. Lightweight, easily absorbed, this instantly improved the look or skin; I can't think of anyone it wouldn't suit. I've gone through a couple of bottles of these, and keep the mini from this kit in my travel bag."
9. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind and loved by dermatologist, La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C10 formula has a 10% concentration—it's potent enough to be highly effective, without compromising a fragile skin barrier. So you'll get all of the brightening benefits of vitamin C, without irritating your skin in the process—check and check.
Marie Claire's Junior Shopping Editor Valeza Bakolli says, "I have always been cautious of using vitamin C serums because my sensitive skin can be really reactive. This one doesn't irritate my skin at all, though. I also prefer to use it at night, followed by a nourishing night cream to ensure that my skin stays happy."
10. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum
Everything about this serum is a joy to use (the creamy consistency, the faint fragrance, the way it makes your skin feel afterwards)—and so it should for this price. Elemis claims you'll see an effect on skin's radiance, tone and pigmentation in as little as five days.
"I didn't expect to love this as much as I did," says Laura. "If I was thinking that skincare from a spa brand was all nice scents and little substance, I was completely wrong, as it made my skin look brighter and more even. It costs an awful lot, but my skin clearly has expensive tastes as it loved this."
11. Skin+Me Brighten + Boost Firming Vitamin C Serum
One of three new morning booster serums from dermatologist-to-your-doorstep skincare service Skin+Me, this little bottle also contains peptides to tighten, plump and firm the skin.
Laura says, "Full disclosure, I initially tried the Calming Booster and I really didn't get on with the texture—but this one I loved. It's much finer, sinking into the skin and leaving it feeling really soft and smooth, with fine lines subtly filled in."
12. Medik8 C-Tetra
The Medik8 team are firm believers in the power of this hardworking trifecta: vitamin C and SPF during the day and retinol at night, also known as the CSA philosophy. They also believe in delivering simplified skincare that brings with it the results you want. This serum contains 7% vitamin C as well as vitamin E, with the two antioxidants working synergistically together to combat free radical damage caused by the environment and the sun.
Katie says, "I'm a complete convert to the Medik8 CSA approach and I can tell you that I have seen a dramatic change to my skin. I would recommend everyone follow it too."
13. Teoxane RHA Vit C Serum
The vitamin C serum from dermal fillers brand Teoxane, designed to complement aesthetics treatments or be used on their own. This formula also contains Teoxane's 'resilient' form of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration and plumpness. In scientific tests, 72% of testers reported a brighter skin tone with fewer dark spots after 28 days.
Laura says, "This bottle looks very clinical and so I thought it might irritate my sometimes-delicate complexion, but actually my skin really likes it. It has a very silky texture and layers well with all my other skincare."
14. Skin Rocks The Antioxidant Face Serum
A real multitasking vitamin C serum, this complex formulation has one aim—to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Rather than focusing purely on brightening (although it also does that in abundance) this antioxidant treatment strengthens your skin barrier, minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and refines skin texture to leave it looking bright and smooth. How does it do this? Via a clinically proven blend of 5% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (an ultra-stable form of vitamin C) alongside protective antioxidants and brightening peptides.
Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor and Marie Claire contributor, says: “I am religious about using a vitamin C serum, but incredibly fussy about the formulas that I use, so genuinely wasn’t expecting this new launch from Skin Rocks to go straight into my list of favourites—yet here we are. It’s lightweight enough to please my oily skin (and is doing a decent job at reducing some of my post-acne pigmentation too) yet it delivers an abundance of glow to my tired-looking complexion (thanks kids). Even better though, now that I’m in my mid-30s I’m looking for products that can work that extra big harder for me and this has done an incredible job at smoothing and plumping my skin, and generally restoring some of that juiciness that tends to be lacking these days. Seriously impressive.
