15 best vitamin C serums for serious glow and radiance

Vitamin C serums are among the most effective of skincare products that can be added to your skincare routine for targeting a plethora of common concerns in one hit. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which keeps inflammation at bay and interferes with pigment production, making it one of the best ingredients for brightening. These antioxidant properties also make the best vitamin C serums well equipped to fight pollution and the other aggressors your complexion is faced with every day. If that wasn’t enough, vitamin C serums can help with fine lines, dryness, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Whew. 

Basically, there’s a damn good reason why vitamin C is the most searched-for skincare ingredient of all time (according to data analysed by Cult Beauty), and though vitamin C products like moisturisers and toners are available to shop, it’s one of the best vitamin C serums that will enable your skin to benefit from a potent and concentrated injection of it. 

The best vitamin C serums for face at a glance:

1. Best vitamin C serum overall: DR. DENNIS GROSS C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, £79, Space NK
2. Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum 30ml, £28.50, Boots
3. Best vitamin C serum for oily skin: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum, £145, LookFantastic
4. Best vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, £19.99, Amazon
5. Best vitamin C serum for dry skin: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright™ Vitamin C Serum 30ml, £56, Boots

DR. DENNIS GROSS C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum 30ml

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright™ Vitamin C Serum 30ml

Can I use vitamin C serum everyday?

Yes, you can. In fact, it’s advised. When you use your vitamin C face serum on a daily basis, you can expect to see a brightening of your skin texture and a reduction in acne scars. Skin looks glowy, dark circles appear reduced and your complexion will be protected from pollution. Just make sure you select the best formulation for your skin type (more on that below). 

As for where the vitamin C serums fit into your existing skincare regime? You’ll want to apply it after cleansing to clean and dry skin, in the morning and at night (or just in the morning, depending on the form of vitamin C and potency you choose). Follow your vitamin C serum with your favourite moisturiser and face sunscreen or SPF during the day, and a night cream in the evening. This will seal the serum and hydrate your complexion further. 

Who should not use vitamin C serum?

There are a few skin types which might wish to steer clear. Case in point: those with rosacea. Using a vitamin C serum may cause unwanted irritation. 

Which vitamin C serum is the best?

Though – in theory – most people can introduce a vitamin C serum for face to their routine, there are a few things to consider when it comes to shopping for them.