10 Best Vitamin C Serums That We Tested for Dark Spots and Glowing Skin

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay}

New to vitamin C skin care products? Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City recommends this for younger patients who are looking to introduce the ingredient into their skin care routines. It has 15% vitamin C in the formula, which is less than the usual 20% we see in other options. It’s a real sweet spot for those with sensitive skin, since it works to even skin tone but isn’t as likely to irritate. You can also mix the serum with your favorite moisturizer for glowing skin for even more skin-brightening benefits and protection against irritation.

Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay is in her 30s and likes to keep her skin care routine minimal because of her dry and acne-prone skin that’s prone to flare-ups. “The bottle features a dropper, so it’s easy to dispense the right amount,” she says. “And even though the consistency was a bit watery, it felt very hydrating and absorbed nicely into my skin.” Like many other vitamin C serums, Glamour’s McQuay cited a slight medicinal scent, but told us it disappeared as soon as she applied her daily SPF. “The serum felt lightweight upon application, lends a subtle glow, and—most importantly—didn't cause any irritation or burning. I think I need more time to see visible results regarding wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but overall, it hasn’t caused any breakouts and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowy every time I apply it.”

• What we love: Doesn’t dry out skin; can be used up to twice daily; lends an instant glow
• What could improve: Slightly medicinal scent; more marked results take time

Key ingredients: 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid / Size: .67 ounces / Skin type: All skin types / How to apply: Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin every morning and night

Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Dermstore promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour special projects commerce writer Andrea Navarro}

While the combo of alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C is usually not advised, this derm-formulated serum—powered by the ultra-gentle lactic acid—is the exception to the rule. That lactic acid gently clears dead skin cells, allowing the 15% vitamin C to better penetrate skin and deliver even better brightening and firming benefits. Apply daily for noticeably improved elasticity and firmness, plus diminished signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

“As someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the evenness of my skin tone,” says Andrea Navarro, Glamour special projects commerce writer. “I appreciate that it combines the brightening power of vitamin C with lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and enhances the overall effectiveness. My dark spots have faded noticeably, and my complexion appears more luminous.” The amber-colored serum does have a bit of that classic “vitamin C stink,” but the serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant, according to testers. “This serum has become a staple in my skin care routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation issues,” says Glamour’s Navarro.

• What we love: Fast brightening results thanks to lactic acid that gently buffs skin
• What could improve: Some testers don’t like the smell

Key ingredients: 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), lactic acid, licorice / Size: 1 ounce / Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily / How to apply: Apply 4 to 6 drops to clean, dry skin daily

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_{Original photo courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler senior commerce editor Madison Flager}

For an everyday, lightweight formula with advanced brightening benefits, look no further than Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. serum. The serum uses THD ascorbate (that super-stable version of vitamin C), as well as another well-known brightening agent: turmeric. Other key ingredients? Gingerroot extract and bisabolol, which work to even skin tone and soothe any redness associated with skin sensitivity.

It may be an oil, but users say it’s nice and lightweight, plus has a subtle citrus scent that’s exceptionally refreshing first thing in the morning. “My skin appears slightly brighter after three weeks of consistent use,” says Madison Flager, senior commerce editor at Condé Nast Traveler, who notes she’s also fond of the light citrus scent. “I appreciate the size and shape of the bottle, too,” she adds. “I happened to be traveling a few times during this period, and it didn’t take up much room in my toiletry bag (plus it’s TSA-friendly in size).” Most importantly, Flager told us it’s a great addition to her morning routine. “As the first thing I put on my skin after washing it, it feels like a nice lightweight base, blending in well and giving off a slight glow.”

• What we love: Lightweight; pleasing citrus scent; bottle is travel-friendly
• What could improve: Some users say it’s a bit too heavy for oily skin

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (THD ascorbate), golden turmeric, ginger root extract / Size: 1.18 ounces / Skin type: Normal, dry, combination / How to apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops into face and neck, morning and/or evening

There’s a lot to love about this vitamin C. Yes, it’s relative affordability is top of the list, but users also appreciate the smooth gel texture that never feels sticky or heavy. It’s all thanks to hyaluronic acid, which adds a boost of hydration without adding extra weight to the product. Salicylic acid is another important ingredient here. It’s what exfoliates the skin for better penetration of the pure vitamin C, plus makes the product a suitable pick for acne-prone skin.

“Whenever I need to inject some life into my skin, I reach for this serum,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior beauty editor. “It gives me an instant glow thanks to the concentrated 10% vitamin C, while salicylic acid helps clear and minimize my pores.”

• What we love: Great for those with acne-prone skin; no sticky residue
• What could improve: May dry out the skin if you’re not prone to acne

Key ingredients: Pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid / Size: 3.44 ounces / Skin type: All skin types / How to apply: Apply 3 to 4 drops across the face and neck each morning

This slow-release serum works all day to infuse the skin with both vitamins C and E. It contains multiple forms of the brightening agent too: ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Joanna Garcia, a medical-grade esthetician in Los Angeles, recommends daily application to reap the benefits of increased collagen production and a brighter, smoother complexion—even acne scars don’t stand a chance.

Our testers are in agreement, and cite the medical-grade product as splurge-worthy. “It works a lot faster than many other brands,” says Glamour’s Navarro, who used the formula religiously for months and experienced transforming results. “My esthetician suggested it for my dark spots, because I was having a really hard time getting them to fade. The powerful combination of vitamins C and E has noticeably brightened my complexion and reduced the appearance of acne scars,” she says. It’s not at all drying, either. “The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.”

• What we love: No harsh smell; lightweight creamy texture; works quickly
• What could improve: Expensive

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (abscorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol) / Size: 1 ounce / Skin type: All skin types / How to apply: Apply a single pump allover clean face daily

Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Dermstore promo codes.

When it comes to overall value, you really can’t beat The Ordinary’s line of skin care products. (Check out our Ordinary review for more affordable standouts from the brand.) And our editors are particularly fond of the brand’s budget-friendly vitamin C. Despite the price, it contains 23% of the hero ingredient—well over what dermatologists say you should target and more than most other serums we tested. Because it packs such a punch, this serum works wonders, targeting dullness as well as uneven texture and skin tone, while improving signs of aging.

Our tester, Glamour contributor Sarah Morse, says she—rather unsuccessfully—searched for a strong yet non-irritating formula for months before landing on this one. “You can’t beat the price, of course, but I’m happy to report this formula works as well as the brand promises, most importantly, without any redness or burning.” The secret, says Morse? “Mix it with your favorite hydrating serum or face moisturizer to reduce its somewhat gritty texture.”

• What we love: Very affordable; provides faster results due to its high potency; non-irritating
• What could improve: Somewhat gritty texture

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), hyaluronic acid / Size: 1 ounce / Skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily / How to apply: Apply a pea-size amount to clean skin every night

Save when you shop for the best vitamin C serums with these Ulta promo codes and these Nordstrom promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Condé Nast associate director of email audience strategy Susie Plotkin}

Derm-approved vitamin C formulations can also be found on the shelves of your nearest drugstore. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and Dr. Rabach both nominate this soothing formulation from L’Oréal Paris. According to Dr. Rabach, the inclusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid (an ingredient that holds 1,000 times its weight in water) makes it a gentle—yet effective—option. Dr. Zeichner also emphasizes the low concentration of vitamin C; at 10%, it’s still effective but mild enough to be an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

Our tester was impressed by the prowess of this formula, especially considering the price point. “Vitamin C serums are too clogging for my skin type, and make me break out,” says Susie Plotkin, associate director of email audience strategy at Condé Nast. “This one went on really smoothly and wasn’t sticky at all. And a little goes a long way, which makes it even better for the price point.”

The jury is still out on just how powerful it is in terms of brightening properties, though. Our tester called it “a nice serum,” pointing to its hydrating powers, but said in the month-long test they didn't notice marked changes in their overall complexion.

Key ingredients: 10% pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid / Size: 1 ounce / Feels like: Smooth and lightweight / Skin type: All / How to apply: Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin every morning or night

• What we love: Budget-friendly; hydrating; a little goes a long way
• What could improve: Formula may not be as potent as some others

Our editors have long been fans of this cult-favorite from Kiehl’s, but the product recently got a glow-up that the brand says lends even more brightening power. The formula now packs a punch of 10.5% pure vitamin C, plus an extra 2% vitamin Cg, a derivative of vitamin C that’s known for its anti-aging properties—particularly in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. It also boasts hyaluronic acid to help rehydrate dull skin, which only adds to the smooth, plump look you’ll get over time. Glass skin, if you will.

“After about three weeks of use I started seeing meaningful results, but it also brightens and evens my skin immediately. After application, it looks like you’re wearing a bit of natural blush, if you like that flushed look,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “It also has nearly no odor, which is great, and a nice smooth texture.”

Key ingredients: 10.5% pure vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside, hyaluronic acid / Size: 1.7 ounces / How to apply: Apply over your entire face, avoiding the eye area, once or twice per day

• What we love: Can be used twice daily; hydrating
• What could improve: Only a little comes out of the pump at a time