2024's "5 Best" Vitamin C Serums On The Market
2024's "5 Best" Vitamin C Serums On The Market
Vitamin C serums are seemingly everywhere these days, and for a good reason—this powerhouse antioxidant and skin brightener are what makes Vitamin C one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there.
So, as we always do with the hottest skincare trends, we’ve reviewed a multitude of Vitamin C Serum skincare products and our team has selected the best for you to try out! Vitamin C Serum online searches and sales keep growing each year, and we get it. Everyone interested in achieving a younger and healthier look wants to get their hands on effective skincare with ingredients that actually work. However, Vitamin C is known to be notoriously fickle or unstable if not infused into skincare correctly. It can deteriorate over time or in the presence of light and heat.
Our research team has tested hundreds of Vitamin C serums on the market to help you find the best product for you. Our team considered many factors besides the efficiency of the formulas. They also took into consideration business ethics, quality, results, and value. Keep scrolling down to find out what brands ranked with the “Top 5” Vitamin Serums.
Vitamin C serums are seemingly everywhere these days, and for a good reason—this powerhouse antioxidant and skin brightener are what makes Vitamin C one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there. So, as we always do with the hottest skincare trends, we’ve reviewed a multitude of Vitamin C Serum skincare products and our team has selected the best for you to try out! Vitamin C Serum online searches and sales keep growing each year, and we get it. Everyone interested in achieving a younger and healthier look wants to get their hands on effective skincare with ingredients that actually work. However, Vitamin C is known to be notoriously fickle or unstable if not infused into skincare correctly. It can deteriorate over time or in the presence of light and heat. Our research team has tested hundreds of Vitamin C serums on the market to help you find the best product for you. Our team considered many factors besides the efficiency of the formulas. They also took into consideration business ethics, quality, results, and value. Keep scrolling down to find out what brands ranked with the “Top 5” Vitamin Serums.
Vitamin C serums are seemingly everywhere these days, and for a good reason—this powerhouse antioxidant and skin brightener are what makes Vitamin C one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there.
So, as we always do with the hottest skincare trends, we’ve reviewed a multitude of Vitamin C Serum skincare products and our team has selected the best for you to try out!
Vitamin C Serum online searches and sales keep growing each year, and we get it. Everyone interested in achieving a younger and healthier look wants to get their hands on effective skincare with ingredients that actually work. However, Vitamin C is known to be notoriously fickle or unstable if not infused into skincare correctly. It can deteriorate over time or in the presence of light and heat.
Our research team has tested hundreds of Vitamin C serums on the market to help you find the best product for you. Our team considered many factors besides the efficiency of the formulas. They also took into consideration business ethics, quality, results, and value. Keep scrolling down to find out what brands ranked with the “Top 5” Vitamin Serums.
But first, what is Vitamin C?
Our skin has many functions as the largest organ in the body, and its appearance is generally a reflection of the health of its underlying structures. Constantly in contact with the external environment, our skin is consistently exposed to more pollutants than most other organs, so it’s no wonder that we’re seeing those early signs of ageing sooner here too. Although you can take vitamin C orally through foods or supplements—the vitamin cannot penetrate your outermost skin layer (the stratum corneum) because there are few capillaries near this area where nutrient delivery happens—so applying topical forms of C directly to your face may be best way to make sure you’re getting all those beneficial properties.
Vitamin C plays an influential role in collagen production which leads to fuller looking skin, but it also helps reduce wrinkle depth while fighting inflammation—making it ideal for anyone who struggles with acne or rosacea.
Best vitamin c serum: At a glance
- Best Overall Vitamin C Serum: Habitual Skin Triple Vitamin C Serum 30ml
- Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 30ml
- Best for Oily Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 30ml
Choosing the Right Skincare
Choosing the right skincare products can be difficult. Many of us are tempted to choose the cheapest option available, despite knowing that this may come at the expense of effectiveness. Yet, the reason some products are more expensive than others is they are significantly higher in quality. Although they require you to spend a bit more, you are likely to see better results and receive more of the expected benefits of the products you are using.
Choosing from an overwhelming amount of brands and products out there can feel difficult at times – which is why we have researched what each has on offer, tested and narrowed down our choices for this ultimate list of five highly rated products.
The Good - What to Look For
With so much choice on the market, finding the right Vitamin C serum can be challenging. After extensive research to determine what criteria you should look for, we have identified the following:
- Active Ingredients – It’s not surprising that women are left confused when selecting premium skin care, when labels use phrases to grab their attention but the products themselves are filled with inactive ingredients that produce lacklustre results. Active ingredients have been scientifically proven to do what they say they will do and achieve the desired effect by working to address the target skin concern of the product. Active ingredients ensure the label actually matches the outcome
- High Potency – Everything in a skin care formula should contribute to its overall purpose. Each formula should consist of research determined optimal ingredient strength to successfully address the target skin concern without causing irritation, and zero fillers that jeopardise or dilute their effectiveness.
- Purity - not all formulations are created equally. In most cases, active ingredients can be found naturally and derived safely; however, when created synthetically, or hazardous processes are used, these same ingredients can result in a harmful effect on health and put consumer safety at risk.
The Bad - What to Avoid
While there are no downsides to using a Vitamin C serum, here are some useful things to avoid when purchasing a serum to ensure you (and the rest of mother earth’s creatures) are receiving optimal benefits:
- Low Potency – those who religiously read labels know there are typically multiple barely decipherable ingredients in a skin care product. Each additional substance essentially dilutes the potency and effectiveness of the key ingredients. The ingredients that actually make the difference to the well-being of your skin. This leaves those products with low potency to start with a small chance of achieving what they originally set out to do.
- Unnecessary Ingredients – call them what you like. Fillers, carrier ingredients or bulking agents. They all decrease the overall potency of the key ingredients, reduce the overall product value and compromise skin health.
- Tested on Animals – simple. Because they matter too.
- Fragranced - while a soothing scent adds to the experience of a product, the term “fragrance” refers to a dark hole of possibly toxic ingredients that governing bodies have little to no control over.
- Overly Expensive – while it is fair to assume on first glance that more expensive products contain a higher concentration of quality ingredients that are safer for all skin types; it is important to dig deeper to ensure that the price you are paying matches up to this rather than being more expensive due to things like marketing, packaging or having proprietary ingredients that often do not have the scientific evidence to back their effectiveness.
The System - Our 10 Step, Research Backed Ranking Method
There is so much more to choosing a Vitamin C serum, than just taking marketing and labels at face value. That simply isn’t enough. Instead, we choose to test and compare each Vitamin C serum against our 10-point ranking system:
- 1 The purity and quality of ingredients and sourcing.
- 2 The presence or lack of artificial fillers, preservatives and additives.
- 3 Regulated manufacturing facilities and high-quality processes.
- 4 The information behind the product - science, research and development.
- 5 Level of Vitamin C availability, digestibility and absorption.
- 6 Manufacturer governing bodies registrations and certifications.
- 7 Third-party testing to determine validity and accuracy of label information.
- 8 Filtering customer reviews to remove paid/fake reviews to highlight truthful customer experience.
- 9 Price and value for money.
- 10 Return and money-back guarantee policies.
Save on our favourite vitamin c product
Right now at Habitual Skin, you can save up to 10% on best sellers and up to 35% off bundles. This includes the Triple Vitamin C Serum 30ml from our roundup – a potent formula that not only rejuvenates your skin but also shields it from environmental stressors, leaving you with healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Use code JULY24 at checkout to bring the price down to just £38.70.
Habitual Skin | Was £43.00 | Now £38.70
The Guide - How We Evaluated the Top 5
- 10 Hours Researched
- 5 Expert Evaluations
- 60 Customer Experience Interviews
Our Top 5 Vitamin C serums were chosen based on each product having 10 hours of intense research completed that dove deep into their quality; consultation with 5 leading skin care clinicians to gain their expert opinions; and 60 user experience interviews to represent the experience of everyday consumers.
All products featured on Honest Reviews are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
TOP 5 VITAMIN C SERUMS IN 2024
#1 Habitual Skin
Habitual Skin Triple Vitamin C Serum
- Quality Rating: 10/10
- Expert Rating: 9.9/10
- Users Rating: 9.8/10
When it comes to healthier, more youthful-looking skin, Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum has proven itself as a true game-changer. Our team of dedicated testers embarked on a skincare journey with this serum, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
This carefully crafted serum isn’t your typical skincare product; it’s a potent elixir designed to target a range of concerns, from wrinkles and age spots to acne and dryness. Our testers, representing a diverse range of skin types and concerns, all experienced remarkable improvements.
One standout feature that our testers praised is the absence of fragrance. Unlike many other brands that add citrus scents to mask the unusual aroma of Ferulic Acid, Habitual Skin stands firm in its fragrance-free formulation. This is a significant advantage as fragrances can be harsh on the skin and lead to irritation.
Beyond its scent neutrality, the serum’s antioxidant properties garnered rave reviews from our testers. It acts as a protective shield, safeguarding the skin against the detrimental effects of free radicals present in the environment. Scientifically proven through research studies, the antioxidants in this serum combat environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation, leaving the skin resilient and radiant.
What’s more, the serum boasts a lightweight texture that effortlessly integrates into your daily skincare routine. It complements sunscreen and makeup foundation seamlessly, providing a convenient way to infuse your skin with antioxidants every day.
Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum is a testament to intelligent ingredient choices and a natural base. It goes beyond being just “another” vitamin C serum on the market, delivering transformative results that our testers can attest to. Discover the power of Habitual Skin and unveil your skin’s radiant potential with this fragrance-free, antioxidant-rich serum.
The Desirables
- Advanced Age-Defying Formula: Effectively combats the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines, promoting a more youthful complexion.
- Powerful Antioxidant Protection: Provides robust antioxidant defence against free radicals and oxidative stress, safeguarding your skin's health.
- Optimal Hydration: Achieves optimum skin hydration with Hyaluronic Acid, ensuring a moisturised complexion.
- Enhanced Elasticity: Promotes skin's elasticity for a firmer, more supple appearance, restoring a youthful look.
- Dermatologist-Formulated: Developed by UK dermatologists, expertly crafted to combat signs of ageing.
- Stabilised Formula: Utilises a high concentration of Ascorbic Acid to stabilise the serum formula, preserving its potency over time.
- Revitalised Youthfulness: Encourages healthy skin cell renewal for a revitalised, youthful complexion, reducing discolouration and age spots.
- Ethical Excellence: This cruelty-free and vegan formula adheres to the highest quality standards, reflecting ethical skincare practices. Plus, they have a 90 day money back guarantee
The Undesirables
- Currently, it is only available for purchase on the official company website.
- Stock issues may occur due to the high demand for the product.
The Final Word
Of every vitamin C serum we put up against our 10 point ranking system, Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum was by far the highest quality product that delivered the most optimal results.
Scientifically designed with the top-recommended dermatologic ingredients to provide antioxidant protection against environmental harm and fight the signs of ageing – our testers not only saw but felt real results from using this cruelty-free, vegan formula.
The addition of auxiliary skin enhancing ingredients optimises Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum’s ability to visibly revitalise the appearance of skin and achieve a more youthful looking result.
Habitual Skin offer free shipping on all orders which allows customers to spend more money on the actual products. They also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee which gives customers significantly longer than other brands to trial products and determine if they achieve real results. This clearly demonstrates that they believe in their product and its ability to produce true, high-quality skin benefits.
Why Habitual Skin Is Our #1 Pick
After evaluating ingredients, reputability, customer service and experience across numerous brands of vitamin C products, it is clear that Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum is the superior product on the market.
Their high concentration of Ascorbic Acid ensures a stabilised formula that protects their product from degradation, meaning consumers don’t have to worry about having to use the product quickly or replacing it before they’ve used all the contents.
The inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid and exclusion of parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrance, enables the vitamin C properties to flourish by creating a hydrated skin environment that is free from harmful chemicals.
Testers saw a significant reduction in the appearance of skin blemishes such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles; and felt an increase in the firmness of their skin.
Alongside these core reasons for why Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum stood out from the rest of the brands, they frequently provide their customers with special offers that allow their buyers to capitalise on what they spend.
#2 SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- Quality Rating: 9.1/10
- Expert Rating: 9.0/10
- Users Rating: 8.9/10
One of SkinCeuticals’ most loved products, with a loyal following of skin professionals. CE Ferulic Serum is a clinically proven, award-winning, and positively praised patented Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid formula.
However, when taking a closer look it was identified that the formula contains only L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In addition, it skips Retinol and vegan-friendly ingredients, making CE Ferulic Serum less than ideal, especially if we consider that at £119 an ounce, this serum is not an option for all budgets.
The Desirables
- SkinCeuticals is one of the top formulators of Vitamin C serums.
- Protects the skin against's free radicals, preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Clinically tested formula with positive reviews and recommendations online.
- Before and after testimonials on their website.
- It contains L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C).
- Can be purchased through some popular online retailers.
The Undesirables
- Very expensive when you consider cost per ml.
- Not a cruelty-free formula.
- The formula is missing anti-agers like Retinol and lacks some natural ingredients present in other brands' formulas.
- Lower concentration of vitamin C than some other top vitamin C serums.
The Final Word
SkinCeuticals products are based on the research and experience of a topical antioxidants pioneer and the award winning brand has been grown by partnering with dermatologists and doctors. Because of this it is easy to understand why testers felt they could trust the product before even using it; however, it is well known that due to the popularity of the brand, there have been fake copies made which are very tempting for consumers to purchase due to the lower than usual price point, but are harmful and damaging to skin on use. Although SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is one of the most expensive brands we tested, it is important for a consumer to buy the authentic product. There is also concern that the authentic formula is missing key ingredients to support anti-ageing and still includes known toxins that irritate skin like Phenoxyethanol and Triethanolamine.
#3 SkinMedica
SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
- Quality Rating: 8.7/10
- Expert Rating: 8.6/10
- Users Rating: 8.5/10
With a focus on vitamins C and E, SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex is one of the simpler formulations we considered. It contains two forms of vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbic Acid. According to SkinMedica, it gently blends vitamin C to protect skin all day.
The downside is that it lacks Ferulic Acid, widely believed to contribute to the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C formulations. Without the effectiveness and durability of this ingredient, it would be an issue.
Finally, this serum can’t be purchased online. Therefore, the only way to acquire it is to consult with a dermatologist, cosmetologist, or plastic surgeon.
The Desirables
- Clinically proven brand, recommended by dermatologists around the world.
- It contains Ascorbic acid and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
- Improves the appearance of the texture and tone of the skin.
- Gradual release of antioxidants for long-lasting protection.
The Undesirables
- Requires prescription of a physician to purchase, so you can't purchase it online.
- Lacks Ferulic Acid, proven to preserve the potency of the formula.
- Lacks Retinol, proven to help with the anti-ageing process.
The Final Word
SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex has the backing of skin experts and specialists worldwide and with a formula that gradually releases antioxidants testers received longer lasting protection from damaging free radicals. Unfortunately, the prominent downside here is that SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex is not readily available to purchase without a physician prescription, making it either inaccessible for many consumers or hitting them with an additional cost on top of an already expensive product. When paying higher prices, testers wanted to be able to ensure the potency of the product would stand up long term, but the exclusion of Ferulic Acid leaves a question mark over the product’s preservation.
#4 Sunday Riley
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Quality Rating: 8.1/10
- Expert Rating: 8.0/10
- Users Rating: 7.9/10
The CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a potent solution for tackling dullness, dark spots, and premature ageing. It leverages THD Ascorbate, a highly stable form of Vitamin C, to revitalise your skin’s firmness and reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and discolorations. This antioxidant-rich formula instantly illuminates your complexion, while phytosterols soothe skin sensitivity.
However, it’s essential to note that this serum isn’t vegan, and some testers experienced a stinging sensation. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it can deliver remarkable results, making patch testing advisable, especially for those with sensitive skin.
The Desirables
- Potent formula with 15% THD Ascorbate effectively targets dullness, dark spots, and premature ageing.
- Glycolic Acid helps refine skin texture, providing a smoother complexion.
The Undesirables
- Not suitable for vegans due to non-vegan ingredients.
- Some testers reported experiencing a stinging sensation, so patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.
The Final Word
Sunday Riley’s CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is adept at addressing a range of skincare concerns, from dullness and dark spots to premature ageing. It’s worth noting that some users have reported a stinging sensation, and the serum isn’t vegan-friendly due to its ingredients. Nevertheless, the CEO Serum remains a promising choice to invigorate your skincare regimen, provided you approach it with caution and conduct a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
#5 Clarins
Clarins Double Serum
- Quality Rating: 7.6/10
- Expert Rating: 7.5/10
- Users Rating: 7.7/10
Testers had high expectations of this serum created by the French cosmetics brand Clarins. Made in the early 1980s and repurposed several times, Double Serum is one of the best-selling products.
Double Serum contains 21 herbal extracts with unique ingredients such as turmeric, avocado, goji berry, and the leaf of life. According to Clarins, this serum hydrates and improves the radiance of the skin. However, we did notice that it does not contain clinical compounds that should be essential in any serum, such as Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. Finally, this serum contains an artificial fragrance we would love to avoid as this can be irritating for skin.
The Desirables
- Grade A serum formulated by the worldwide known French beauty brand Clarins.
- Includes 21 extracts from plants like turmeric, and unique botanicals, like the leaf of life and Huang qi.
The Undesirables
- Artificial fragrance.
- Lack of vital ingredients is known for their beneficial effects against photoageing.
- Mixed reviews from users after using this product.
- No money-back guarantee when you purchase through their official website.
The Final Word
The Clarins Double Serum packaging is well designed with two chambers to preserve the integrity of its ingredients. While Clarins Double Serum has an impressive cache of plant extracts; it also has a strong floral scent which means fragrance toxins are present. Testers were disappointed to see that the fragrance ingredients sat higher on the ingredients list than many of the plant extracts meaning it has a higher quantity than the ingredients designed to improve skin impurities.
Honourable Mentions
There is a clear winner amongst our top 5 and we recommend your interest centre on them; however, to round off our top 10, here are the next 5 best products from the multitude we researched, trialled and tested.
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Final Thoughts
From providing protection damaging free radicals and stimulating collagen production, to brightening your appearance and smoothing out your skin tone; Vitamin C is a long-standing, popular skin care ingredient due to its anti-ageing, skin revitalising properties.
The advantages of using a Vitamin C serum in your daily skin care routine are endless, but it can be challenging to find the right product.
After putting a multitude of brands up against our 10 point ranking system that takes into account the science, packaging, marketing and consumer experience, it is clear that Habitual Skin’s Triple Vitamin C Serum is the best on the market.
Citations
Anti-ageing and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomised controlled trial
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.13305https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/
Julie McHendry
Health & Beauty Senior Writer
julie@honest-reviews.co.uk
Hi, I'm Julie. With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and a real passion for health & wellness, my job is to present the facts in plain English so our readers can make informed decisions. When I'm not knee-deep in research, you'll likely find me spinning up a new creation on a pottery wheel or out walking with my pups!
Hi, I'm Julie. With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and a real passion for health & wellness, my job is to present the facts in plain English so our readers can make informed decisions. When I'm not knee-deep in research, you'll likely find me spinning up a new creation on a pottery wheel or out walking with my pups!
Julie McHendry
Health & Beauty Senior Writer
julie@honest-reviews.co.uk