If you experience skin issues/a condition that you feel negatively impacts the appearance of your skin, you know how upsetting it can be.
It can really tank your confidence.
But these days there are more options out there for improving the health and appearance of the skin than ever. You don’t have to resort to creams and face washes loaded with chemicals either.
Vitamin C serums are a natural option for improving the appearance of the skin, and in this article we’re going to share our picks for the best vitamin C serums with you.
What is a Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that regulates/fights against free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules which can inhibit collagen production, make it harder for the skin to heal itself, damage cells, negatively influence proteins, lipids, and DNA, and they have been linked to multiple diseases.
A vitamin C serum is a liquid form of vitamin C that you apply to the skin to protect against these issues.
Benefits of Vitamin C Serums
There are multiple health and skin benefits that you can get from vitamin C serums, including:
- It can clear up acne
- Minimizing the appearance of acne scars
- Smoothing out the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Protects against sun damage
- Has anti-aging benefits
1) Best Vitamin C Serum Overall: Rise ‘N Shine 30% Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking for a good all-around multipurpose vitamin C serum, our recommendation is Rise ‘N Shine 30% Vitamin C Serum.
This has the potential to prevent breakouts, clear existing acne, shrink pores, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
It may also help block out some of the harmful rays of the sun and also help with skin damage from the sun that’s already there.
It’s an antioxidant that may help fight against harmful free radicals.
Pros:
- Has a formula that boosts collagen production, brightens complexion, provides some protection from the sun, reduces inflammation, moisturizes, and smooths skin
- Shrinks pores
- Minimizes appearance of acne scars
Cons:
- The dropper in the product we received had some issues sucking up the liquid
- Can cause breakouts in certain skin types
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2) Best Vitamin C Serum for Face: Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum
For the best vitamin C serum for the face, we went with Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum.
This vitamin C serum is formulated to make the skin have that “radiant glow” by evening and brightening skin tone, fading age spots, and softening fine lines.
One thing we really liked about this serum is that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your skin. It’s also good at preventing/clearing up breakouts, minimizing the appearance of acne scars, and reducing the size of pores.
Pros:
- Makes the skin glow
- Can prevent breakouts
- Can reduce acne
- Can shrink pore size
- Can improve appearance of acne scars
Cons:
- Not all-natural
- Can cause inflammation/skin irritation
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- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots, and gives you a radiant glow with brighter and more even looking skin tone
- Absorbs quickly with no greasy or sticky residue, leaving skin silky soft and smooth
- Gives you clearer, smoother looking skin and minimizes the appearance of pores and scars
- Premium quality ingredients; No parabens, dyes or fragrances, Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Manufacturer's Guarantee: 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked, and no returns necessary
3) Best Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Vitamin C Serum
If hyperpigmentation is an issue for you, our recommendation is Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Vitamin C Serum.
This is a potent Vitamin C serum made with all-natural ingredients. It’s suitable for all skin types.
In addition to helping with hyperpigmentation, it also makes your skin feel very soft.
Pros:
- High potency
- Can help even hyperpigmentation
- Softens skin
- All-natural ingredients
- Works for all skin types
Cons:
- Has caused breakouts in some consumers
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- Vitamin C Serum for face by MAJESTIC PURE is potent. It's one of the highest grade Vitamin C serums on the market containing L-ascorbic Acid; Made in the USA with the highest quality ingredients available; Vitamin c serum does not contain parabens or sulfates and is safe for all skin types
- Vitamin C Serum is a high potency serum for use on facial areas or skin; Helps with the appearance sun damage, dark circles under eyes & wrinkles
- SAFETY WARNING: Rub a very small amount on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use. Avoid contact with eyes, keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your health care provider before use.
- Apply a small amount of vitamin C anti aging serum to face, lightly massage with fingertips in circular motion until absorbed. Use twice a day for a soft and radiant appearance
- MAJESTIC PURE Vitamin C Serum is a cruelty free product
4) Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: M3 Naturals Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
If you have acne-prone skin, we believe M3 Naturals Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is the best vitamin C serum for reducing its severity.
Many people with acne have tried all the prescription and non-prescription acne creams and face washes to no avail. This vitamin C serum may be what works for you, as it has helped a significant number of people clear up their acne, including some acne-prone members of our staff.
The large number of antioxidants in this serum will also provide some protection from the sun and prevent wrinkles.
Pros:
- Can help clear up acne
- Provides some sun protection (although it will not replace a sunscreen)
- Also helps with hyperpigmentation
- Fragrance-free
- Smooths skin texture
- Brightens skin tone
Cons:
- Has a bit of a sticky feel to it
- Some consumers have reported it irritated their skin
- Watery consistency
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- M3 Naturals Professional Facial Serum contains the most unique anti-aging formula on the market. Powerful antioxidants and essential oils work together with hyaluronic acid to help protect your skin from UV rays repair sun-damaged skin and restore hydration!*
- Infused with Collagen and Stem Cell our Professional Facial will take your complexion to the next level providing a boost in natural collagen production and increasing skin cell longevity. A powerful combination delivering unmatched anti-aging results.*
- Clinically Proven Fision WrinkleFix minimizes the appearance of deep wrinkles, reduces age spots and boosts hyaluronic acid production. Furthermore, amino acids help reverse mitochondrial aging of fibroblasts and improve resistance to stress to prevent damage and preserve skin vitality. Perfect, fortify and renew your skin with this highly efficacious anti-aging solution.*
- Effective Acne and Blemish Treatment - Our anti-aging face serum will cleanse clogged pores and restore noticeability softer, smoother skin. Helping to reduce the appearance of acne, blemishes, dark-spots, dry skin, blackheads, wrinkles and fine-lines!*
- Made in the USA: M3 Naturals is proud to provide beauty products with the highest quality ingredients that are not only cruelty-free but made right here in the United States of America. *
5) Best Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin: LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Our pick for the best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin is LilyAna Naturals’ Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid.
Not only is this serum gentle on sensitive skin, it also helps to correct dark spots on skin, fades acne scars/fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
We found that this serum has a moisturizing effect, but it does it without leaving the skin oily or greasy.
This product is produced in an FDA registered laboratory in the USA.
Pros:
- All-natural
- Formula gentle on sensitive skin
- Can relieve acne
- Lightens dark skin spots
- Smooths acne scars and fine lines
- Made in an FDA-approved facility
Cons:
- Can cause skin irritation in some
- The dropper doesn’t go all the way to the bottom of the bottle, so once you’re near the end of it, it may be difficult to get out
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- FREE ADDITIONAL PRODUCT - With the purchase of the LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum you can get a FREE 0.5oz bottle of one of our amazing other products. Scan the QR code in the package for more details.
- HIGH-POTENCY FORMULA. High-potency, prescription strength 20% Vitamin C serum to help visibly revitalize and boost dull, tired, lackluster skin, and encourage healthy collagen and skin elasticity. Refreshing and light, our serum helps quench dryness while delivering potent antioxidants for a radiant, glowing complexion.
- MAXIMUM ANTI-AGING. Natural blend of proven anti-aging actives work together to refresh and rejuvenate while promoting an overall healthy and revitalizing youthful skin. Formulated with Vitamin C & E; Aloe Leaf Juice, MSM, Wild Geranium, Horsetail, and Dandelion Extracts; as well as Jojoba Oil and 5% Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, which helps encourage moisture retention in the skin.
- LIFT, BRIGHTEN, FIRM. Dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, scars, acne redness, and dull skin tone are no match for the revitalizing benefits of Vitamin C, and our formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to deliver real, visible results.
- CLEAN. NATURAL. AND FREE FROM NASTIES. All-natural, vegan ingredients. Made in the USA with no artificial fragrances or colors, and free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and petroleum. And we never have nor ever will test on animals.
6) Best Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
If you tend to have oily skin, it’s worth having a look at Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.
When you put this serum on, it produces a kind of thin protective shield that keeps your skin at an even level of moisture; not too dry and not oily.
This supplement also does a good job of reducing the appearance of wrinkles/discoloration. It gives the skin a nice glow.
Some consumers have had good results using it for scar reduction.
Pros:
- Helps with oily skin
- Reduces
appearance of wrinkles/hyperpigmentation - Can potentially help reduce the appearance of scars
- Isn’t sticky
Cons:
- Very expensive
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- NATURAL VITAMIN C SKIN CARE: Our Vitamin C Serum effectiveness is multiplied by safe and organic Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid to double the antioxidant protection, help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and skin discoloration.
- HEALTHY LOOKING SKIN WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Moisturizing and plumping hyaluronic acid minimizes signs of aging, leaves your facial skin looking fresh, youthful, and healthy.
- BENEFITS OF STABILIZED VITAMIN C: Formulated with stable Vitamin C, our clean serum does not oxidize and has a natural yellow tint. It gives you bright, glowing, and radiant skin.
- PERFECT FOR ACNE PRONE AND SENSITIVE SKIN: Our Vitamin C Serum is perfect for use on acne prone or sensitive skin because our natural ingredients are not irritating and leave your face feeling softer, smoother, and soothed.
- NATURALLY BALANCING TONER & ASTRINGENT: Non-GMO & cruelty-free actives like clary sage work to balance facial skin as a natural toner and astringent and eliminate overly dry or overly oily skin.
7) Best Vitamin C Serum for Acne Scars: Meera’s Beauty Vitamin C Serum
If you’ve tried acne scar treatments before with no luck, we recommend giving Meera’s Beauty Vitamin C Serum a try.
The high percentage of hyaluronic acid moisturizes and smooths the skin.
It also contains amino acids, aloe, witch hazel, horsetail plant extract,
We also found that this company has great customer service and a very generous 90-day refund period if for whatever reason the product doesn’t work for you.
Pros:
- May reduce the appearance of acne scars
- May stimulate collagen production
- Many consumers notice a reduction in pore size
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
- Smooths fine lines
Cons:
- May not tighten skin quite as much as other serums
- Some consumers have reported they thought it made them break out
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- VITAMIN C SERUM (20%) Anti-aging and brighter skin, Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen synthesis, Eliminates sun spots, Reduces signs of aging, Skin will look hydrated & have a youthful glow, Eliminates dark acne spots & Hyper pigmentation.
- Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates the skin and makes it feel soft and smooth. Hyaluronic acid supports up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It removes moisture from the environment and forms a protective and moisturizing barrier on the skin.
- Contains Vitamin E To block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process. If we can fight free radicals, then we can reduce wrinkles and keep skin looking youthful.
- Other potent ingredients - Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Aloe, Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil, Amino Acids, Gotu Kola Extract, Horsetail Plant Extract, Dandelion Extract, and Geranium Extract.
- 100% Guaranteed - We are so confident that you will love the benefits of Meera's Beauty Vitamin C Serum, that we will refund every penny if you are not 100% satisfied. Just contact us directly for a full refund. What have you got to lose?
8) Best Vitamin C Serum for Rosacea: TruSkin Serum Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C & E
Dealing with rosacea can be an annoying and embarrassing condition to deal with. Our recommendation is to try out TruSkin Serum Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C & E.
This is a totally plant-based serum.
This serum’s formula does not leave a sticky residue, irritate skin, or clog pores. It’s produced in a cruelty-free, FDA-approved GMP facility.
Pros:
- Can even out skin tones
- All-natural
- Made in a cGMP facility
Cons:
- Has a bit of a strange, thicker consistency
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- SOAKS SKIN WITH PLUMPING HYDRATION - This ultra-hydrating serum teams botanical Hyaluronic Acid with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil to replenish parched skin with long-lasting, softly plumping moisture.
- ANTIOXIDANT BLEND TARGETS ELASTICITY - Heavy-hitting hydrators work in tandem with anti-aging MSM, Green Tea, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E to promote ever-improving firmness, texture, and tone.
- PIVOTAL LAYER TO OPTIMIZE RESULTS - With Hyaluronic Acid acting as a moisture magnet, this powerful serum locks in even more hydration when applied prior to creams and lotions, making it the perfect partner to power up your moisturizer.
- CRUELTY FREE & MANUFACTURED IN THE USA - TruSkin is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty free–and all our products are manufactured and bottled in the USA for guaranteed freshness.
- EXTENDED MANUFACTURER GUARANTEE - Love it or your money back! If for any reason you decide this product isn't a good fit for your skin, we offer a 90-day money-back refund.
9) Best Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum: TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum
No one likes the effects of aging on our skin.
So if aging has turned your fine lines into wrinkles or if you have sun damage, we recommend trying TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum.
This serum has a natural, organic formula that can work to rejuvenate your skin with its vitamin C and retinol.
It also contains aloe vera, vitamin B3, salyclic acid, MSM, HA, and rose hip oil for skin rejuvenation and protection.
This product is cruelty-free and works with all skin types. It’s made in the USA and is free of GMOs, corn, soy, artificial fragrances, silicones, sulfates, and parabens.
Pros:
- May provide anti-aging benefits
- Rejuvenates and protects
- Cruelty-free
- Free of allergens
- Gives a youthful glow
Cons:
- May cause breakouts in some (although sometimes this is just your skin acclimating to it)
- May not be the best choice for those with sensitive skin
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- PREMIUM AGE DEFENSE SERUM – Powered by a synergistic blend of Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and nourishing plant extracts, this comprehensive serum works on the surface and deep in the skin to promote and prolong a more youthful and healthy looking complexion.
- ADVANCED FORMULA – Long known for preventing and reversing the signs of sun damage and aging, the dynamic duo of Vitamin C & Retinol is boosted by the power of Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) & Salicylic Acid, along with naturally soothing Organic Aloe Vera, HA, MSM, and Rose Hip Oil to rejuvenate, protect and dramatically enhance skin’s future. A bright touch of Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil adds a subtle, uplifting note to this silky smooth formula
- GREAT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES – This potent and richly concentrated age-defying serum is surprisingly gentle and incorporates easily into your skin care routine. Apply a few drops just 2-3 times a week under moisturizer or add it into your daily routine.
- CRUELTY FREE & MANUFACTURED IN THE USA - TruSkin is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty free–and all our products are manufactured and bottled in the USA for guaranteed freshness.
- EXTENDED MANUFACTURER GUARANTEE - Love it or your money back! If for any reason you decide this product isn't a good fit for your skin, we offer a 90-day money-back refund.
10) Best Vitamin C Serum for Wrinkles: InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E
We chose InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E as our pick for the best vitamin C serum for wrinkles because of its formula that focuses on antioxidants and collagen production.
This serum helps to encourage a youthful, healthy complexion by moisturizing the skin. It’s also great for making the eyes look better, by tightening the skin so you don’t have those puffy bags that make you look tired.
This product is not tested on animals. It’s free of parabens, synthetic dyes, petroleum, and unsafe preservatives. It’s made in the USA in an FDA-registered GMP facility.
Pros:
- Encourages collagen production
- May give your skin a more youthful appearance
- Cruelty-free
- Free of allergens
- Made in the USA in a GMP facility
Cons:
- May cause breakouts in some
- Bottle doesn’t close tight after opening it
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- Our Vitamin C Serum is a powerful brightening serum that contains Ferulic Acid, a powerful antioxidant, to defend against environmental aggressors and and strengthen the skin's protective barrier for a radiant and healthy complexion.
- Hydrating Serum: Our facial serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Sea Buckthorn Oil which provides instant hydration, boosting the skin's ability to retain moisture.
- Anti Aging Serum: Our Vitamin C Serum supports collagen production, prevents signs of aging, and minimizes dark spots and discoloration with the power of Vitamin C and Plant Stem Cells.
- What to Expect: 86% of users said they saw an overall improvement in their skin. It is important to shake well before use to redistribute the natural ingredients. This face serum also has a natural light citrus scent.
- InstaNatural Core Clean Promise: Our skin care products are formulated without 1500+ ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, petroleum, and formaldehyde releasers. Our products are certified cruelty-free.
Conclusion
Vitamin C serums have the potential to really improve the health and appearance of your skin.
However, these serums have some mixed results across the different skin types, so obviously some people get better results than others.
With the current amount of information that’s available on the subject, the best way to find out is to just try some vitamin C serums out for yourself.
Our top pick: