The 17 Best Vitamin C Serums to Tone and Brighten Your Skin in 2024, According to a Dermatologist

• Pros: Smooths fine lines, revitalizes and hydrates skin, brightens dark spots
• Cons: May not work for all skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, pentylene glycol, hydrogenated lecithin, Cyclopentasiloxane
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "Love this Vitamin C. I was previously using a popular high end Vitamin C serum and decided to switch to revision and I'm so happy I did! It's hydrating and leaves my skin feeling supple and moisturized." - Derin, Dermstore Reviewer

Editors, dermatologists, and consumers all around the world love the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% because of all the benefits it brings to the table. Containing Vitamin E and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) as it's key ingredients, the formula helps with revitalizing and hydrating the skin to appear more healthy and moisturized, along with smoothing fine lines and brightening dark spots in the process. Over time, your complexion will be begin to improve as it will appear less spotty, more even, and firmer. Furthermore, if your skin has experienced sun damage, the formula helps with the correction of that issue as well. Additionally, the application process is an easy one—all you have to do is apply one pump and evenly spread through the skin twice a day and you're all good to go.

• Pros: Brightens complexion, evens skin tone, contains l-ascorbic acid, has a lightweight texture
• Cons: The tube can be difficult to squeeze product out of
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Vitamin B5
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "CeraVe’s Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is my new skincare staple! My face feels so replenished and looks noticeably brighter. The 10% pure Vitamin C truly works wonders in revitalizing my complexion, and the Hyaluronic Acid is the hydration boost my skin needed" - Begum, Amazon Reviewer

If you are looking for a Vitamin C serum that you can run to your local drugstore and purchase, we recommend the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum for both its affordability, and its Vitamin B5 and C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides ingredients. Additionally, the formula contains ten percent l-ascorbic acid, which is the purest form of Vitamin C one can get. You only need a drop or two in order to get full benefits, and seeing as though the formula is free of parabens, sulfate, and fragrances, you shouldn't experience any irritation or breakouts as a result of trying. At any rate, the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum is just $20 and available at most stores/drugstores, so if it doesn't work for you, you'll only be out twenty bucks. If it does, you got a great serum for $20!

• Pros: Hydrates and moisturizes skin, brightens complexion, softens skin and makes it appear more energized
• Cons: May not work for all skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, jojoba oil
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "Wonderful. Seeing results weekly. Had many sun spots and by using the go pure vitamin C it has tremendously lightened the spots and my skin feels and has a noticeable brighter look. Thank you goPure. I love all your products." - goPure Reviewer

Renowned by editors and dermatologists for its top-grade formula that contains key ingredients of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and jojoba oil, goPure's Vitamin C Serum is another affordable formula that works at improving your skin's overall complexion through hydrating, moisturizing, softening, and brightening. The Ferulic Acid in particular works to enhance the effects of the other antioxidants present in the formula, while also giving the Vitamin C power to brighten the skin even more. Since Ferulic Acid can be a bit on the stronger side, the formula is softened with jojoba oil, which helps with smoothing and comfort. All you have to do is massage four or five drops onto your face and neck every morning and evening, and that's it!

• Pros: Firms and brightens skin, helps with hyperpigmentation, helps to increase elasticity, absorbs quickly
• Cons: The antioxidants present might irritate skin
• Key Ingredients: Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, niacinamide
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I have only used this serum for about a couple of weeks, but it's the BEST serum I used with vitamin C in it. It's not an oil and doesn't leave me looking oily like other vitamin C serums that I have tried (I have dry skin). Simply a must-try for anyone who wants to use vitamin C but doesn't want to look oily." - Azula, Dermstore Reviewer

One of our favorites on this list, Wander Beauty's Sight C-ER Vitamin C Concentrate provides a range of antioxidant benefits that work in tandem with its key ingredients of squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, and niacinamide. Dermatologists and customers love how it helps with anti-aging through firming the skin, correcting dark spots along with spots accumulated during the years from sun damage, and be reversing dryness by adding tons of moisture and hydration. For best use, all you have to do is apply a pea-sized amount onto your finger, and massage into your face and neck area in the morning and evening. Priced at $42, this is definitely an investment that doesn't hit the pockets too much either.

• Pros: Reduces redness, fine lines, and wrinkles, hydrates the skin, fights free radicals from UV exposure
• Cons: May not work for sensitive skin types, could experience redness and irritation
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "Wake up serum is a great addition to any skin care routine. Helps start the day feeling fresh!" - Tyler, Oars + Alps Reviewer

Formulated with light creamy texture that's super easy to use and apply, Oars + Alps Wake Up Serum is just what you need to brighten your mood and complexion all in one go. Containing key ingredients of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E, your skin literally eats up the formula as goes directly into attack mode of reliving skin issues such as uneven skin tones and textures. Overtime you'll slowly begin seeing the improvement of your skin's complexion, while also seeing a reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. If you have sensitive skin and begin noticing an increase of redness/itchiness, the company recommends taking a break for a few weeks and then trying it again as the initial process of introducing the serum to your skin can be a bit too strong. Otherwise you shouldn't experience any issues.

• Pros: Provides environmental protection, firms skin, reduces fine lines, brightens complexion
• Cons: Could cause inflammation for sensitive skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, l-ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "It is expensive! But it works better than all other Vitamin C serums that I have tried. It really does help reduce sunspots and hyperpigmentation, as well as brighten skin." - Dermstore Reviewer

The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is one beloved by dermatologists because it's a no-frills formula that cuts straight to the chase of attacking problematic areas and regions. Aimed specifically at providing environmental protection, firming skin, reducing fine lines, and brightening complexion, the serum features anti-aging properties and l-ascorbic acid, which is a key ingredient in the skin brightening process. With the usage, you'll see the fading of dull and dark spots, while simultaneously noticing the improvement of skin firming. Priced at $182 the formula is bit on the pricier side compared to others, but many have experienced major benefits to their skin from using, making it worth the rather steep price.

• Pros: Hydrates the skin, improves signs of aging, reduces sun spots, firms skin
• Cons: Could cause inflammation for sensitive skin types, may not work for dry skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid 
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: No
• Paraben Free: No
• A Promising Review: "SKII is one of my favorite department story luxury brands. I tend to stick with medical grade from my doctors office, but SKII works and is fantastic. This helps my skin have a glow and look of health that is gone when I stop using it." - SK-II Reviewer

According to dermatologists, the SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence is one that is slept on as it's one of the best out there at regenerating and hydrating the skin. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid is what primarily makes up the formula, which is stabilized through its lightweight texture and packaging. You won't see immediate results as it takes at least two weeks to start noticing minor improvements such as a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and a month for an improvement in the overall vibrancy of the skin and elimination of sun spots. However, if you are able to stick with it for a year, the brand claims that you'll see an elimination of ten years worth of damage. That means tens years of skin damage will be gone in just one. Seems like a good deal to us!

• Pros: Repairs skin damage, firms and hydrates, reduces signs of aging, tones skin
• Cons: May not work for all skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tripeptide-32, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I love the way this makes my skin feel and even with this small sample, I notice my skin looking younger." - Steph, Estee Lauder Reviewer

If you are specifically on the hunt for a Vitamin C serum that you can use in the evening, the Estee Lauder 3X The Power Advanced Night Repair Skincare Set is one that does it all. Containing a powerful mixture of Vitamin C, tripeptide-32, and sodium hyaluronate amongst others, all of the ingredients in the formula work together to penetrate the skin quickly and improve skin damage while firming and hydrating. As you progress, you'll eventually begin to see the reduction of aging on the skin, along with improvements in overall skin health and brightening. Also containing free-radical benefits, you don't need a lot to get the job done, and the application process (which involves massaging a small amount into your neck and face) is one of ease.

• Pros: Brightens and plumps skin, evens tone, restores moisture
• Cons: The bottle is on the smaller side
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, phytosterols
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I am new to this brand. The vitamin C Brightening Serum is great. I have been using this for only a few days and noticed the difference immediately. So glad I tried this brand." - Amazon Reviewer

In Sunday Riley's C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, the 15% Vitamin C comes in the form of THD Ascorbate, which helps with eliminating dullness and discoloration. The rest of the ingredients pair with the THD to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, while also improving brightening the skin to the point of looking radiant, improving redness and uneven skin tones, and by reinforcing the skin's natural barrier. Even better is the fact that the formula works especially well for those that suffer from skin conditions like acne and eczema due to its lightweight, sensitive, and not-too-harsh nature. Some customers say they have begun to see benefits immediately, but the brand recommends giving it a couple of weeks of testing to make sure.

• Pros: Eliminates wrinkles, evens skin, helps with brightening and smoothing
• Cons: Oxidizes quickly, can irritate some skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I saw this advertised on Tik Tok non the less! I've been looking for a serum and gave it a try. Now I'm hooked. I use it daily." - Amazon Reviewer

Dermatologist-loved for its help with minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum comes highly recommended for its blend of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Salicylic Acid, which needless to say makes for a powerful trio. The 10% Vitamin C included in the formula helps with boosting the skin's radiance, reducing wrinkles, and refining skin texture. All you have to do is apply three or four drops to your fingertips, massage into your neck and area, and that's it. An under $40 serum, this is another great formula that you can try out without spending hundreds of dollars.

• Pros: Improves uneven texture, corrects dark spots, good for all skin types
• Cons: Can break certain skin types out, may not work for all skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Glutathione
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: No
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I got a sample of this with my purchase and I will be buying the full size! My skin usually breaks out with vitamin C serums, or turns a weird orange tint until I wash it off, but this has been amazing!" - Sephora Reviewer

Powered by a whopping 25 % Vitamin C, the Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum has a whole lot of Vitamin C going on, and it works towards the improvement of uneven skin tones and correcting dark spots. While the Vitamin C is working on the brightening, the Glutathione recharges the Vitamin C while increasing the skin's defenses. In the meantime, other ingredients like Ergothioneine helps with supporting the skin's natural antioxidants, which in turn results in smoother, plumper, and more youthful skin. The formula airy, lightweight, and easy to apply, and upon using, it's not hard to see why this serum has been a heavy hitter in the skin care community.

• Pros: Corrects dark spots, improves discoloration, evens out the skin
• Cons: Can take a while to see improvements
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, Hyaluronic Acid
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "The only vitamin C products I’ve been tolerate have all been from Biossance—but this one is my #1. Applying in the mornings for ~2 months, I’ve seen considerable improvements in my skin’s brightness & texture. A must." - Sephora Reviewer

This serum pairs 10% Vitamin C with squalane alongside Hyaluronic Acid to give you a potent combination that aggressively attacks, eliminates, and prevents dark spots. Boasting a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly with stickiness, residue, or greasiness, it may take a couple of months to start noticing a huge difference, but if you stick with it you can really see a huge reduction in dark spots along with a more even skin tone that's visibly brighter and more hydrated-looking. Also boosting an easy application process that only requires a couple of pumps, you'll be getting the bang for your buck out of this $65 bottle.

• Pros: Corrects dark spots, reduces fine lines, evens skin, reduces wrinkles
• Cons: May not work for all skin types, could irritate sensitive skin
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I've only been using this product for about a month and have seen the fine crows line under my eyes nearly disappear." - Amazon Reviewer

Dermatologists and editors are big fans of the PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max Antioxidant Corrective Cream for its powerful antioxidant treatment and targeted approach. Containing the purest forms of both Vitamin C and E (l-absorphic acid and bisabolol), after some weeks of use you'll see the reduction in fine lines, the correction of dark spots, and the overall evening of skin. Additionally, your complexion will begin to look more hydrated and energized, leaving you with a refreshed and more refined youthful appearance. That said, this formula is super potent thanks to having antioxidants as its leader, which is something to consider if you suffer from dry skin as it could cause more dryness and sensitivity upon using.

• Pros: Firms and brightens skin, evens texture, reduces dark spots, wrinkles, and dullness
• Cons: Product can result in an orange tint
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, l-ascorbic acid, lactic acid, licorice
• Fragrance Free: No
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "Have been using this vitamin c formula for two years and a decidedly improved glow to my skin! Expensive but worth it; a little goes a long way! Pro-tip: use daily and wait 15 minutes and apply minimum 50SPF sunscreen" - Sephora Reviewer

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum does all the work for you by making it easier to keep your skin protected as it doesn't contain any radicals, all while using its key ingredients of l-ascorbic acid, lactic acid, and licorice to firm, brighten, even, and reduce the effects of aging on the skin. The l-ascorbic acid does its part by reducing the signs of sun aging, the lactic acid increases the absorption rate and enhances the performance of antioxidants, and the licorice reduces hyperpigmentation. Over time you'll see the improvement of all the issues you've been experiencing in your skin, making the $85 price tag well worth your coins.

• Pros: Firms and brightens skin, hydrates and restores moisture, evens complexion
• Cons: Could make skin breakout
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, l-ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid, 1.0% Tocopherol
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "Best Vitamin C serum that is perfect for dry skin! It’s pricey but a whole bottle will last 6-12 months for me. This is the only serum I have been repurchasing for almost 3 years now" - Sephora Reviewer

By now, if TikTok says it's worth purchasing than that's more than enough reason to give a product a shot. However, Drunk Elephant's C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum does come recommended by dermatologists due to its firming properties. Containing Vitamin C, l-ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid, and 1.0% Tocopherol, the lightweight formula is one that absorbs easily, all while brightening, firming, toning, and hydrating the skin at the same time. There's no added fragrances, but the formula is one that's cruelty-free, which should give you extra incentive to give it a shot.

• Pros: Reduces fine lines, helps to eliminate wrinkles, brightens skin tone
• Cons: Could cause skin tingling
• Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: No
• Paraben Free: No
• A Promising Review: "After my dermatologist recommended that I use a Vitamin C serum on a patch of damaged skin, as well as my face and neck. Knowing that if I didn’t see quick results I probably wouldn’t continue to use it, I decided to go with the 20% serum. I also incorporated a toner into my daily routine. Within 3 weeks, I saw healthier, brighter skin on my face and the lines on my neck faded a little." - Amanda, Obagi Reviewer

Dermatologists, editors, and customers all believe that Obagi is very much the real deal as it takes the brightening properties of Vitamin C (20% to be exact), and blends it together with Arbutin to defeat aging, dark spots, and sun damage. The Vitamin C and Arbutin work together in combating those skin issues by moisturizing and evening out the skin, giving you a brightness that will be seen more clear over time and with regular use. All you have to do is apply five to seven drops in the morning before moisturizing, and bam—you're all set! Priced at $77 this serum is an investment, but customers can't get enough of it.

• Pros: Brightens and smooths skin, hydrates, is good for sensitive skin, targets anti-aging, affordable
• Cons: Application process can be messy
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid
• Fragrance Free: Yes
• Sulfate Free: Yes
• Paraben Free: Yes
• A Promising Review: "I am one of the “problematic skin” persons, tried many different creams and lotions but alway got some kind of reaction. I am very happy to say that this serum wakes up my skin in the morning without negative efect.It is easy to spread, just use one “squish” on palms of your hands in the morning and spread on the face, hand motions towards for head and the rest spread on the neck and chest line. I always come back at the cheeks and massage it upwards until it is all absorbed." - Amazon Reviewer

An under $15 Vitamin C serum that works towards addressing sensitive skin and anti-aging, this Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum is a good one to consider adding to your lineup if you are in the early phases of testing for potential serums to add to your skincare routines as it's super affordable (meaning you aren't out a lot of money if it doesn't work for you), and gentle in nature, but still effective enough to combat the aforementioned issues plus more. Containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid as it's main ingredients, after a couple of weeks of usage you'll be able to see a general improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, the overall hydration of the skin and dullness. This serum is also recommended by dermatologists and has an easy application process.