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- Best Vitamin C Serums
The Best Vitamin C Serums for the Face
One powerhouse ingredient you should certainly consider adding to your skincare arsenal is vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid (or ascorbate). This strong antioxidant is a must for maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being. And what better way to introduce it into your routine than with a vitamin C serum? Thanks to their higher concentration of active ingredients, serums offer a powerful way to deliver this nutrient directly to your skin. Because we all know the importance of getting our daily dose of vitamins.
Finding the best vitamin C serum for your face can be a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At Cosmetify HQ, when it comes to diving deep into the world of skincare to bring you the crème de la crème, you can count on us. Here’s our guide to understanding why vitamin C serums are a must-have and how to find the perfect one for your skin type.
How Vitamin C Works
If you have yet to know, get to know - Vitamin C is one of the most renowned ingredients in the skincare game. It’s a particular subgenre of ingredient that’s otherwise known as an antioxidant: it works by neutralising free radicals—unstable molecules that come from things like UV exposure and pollution. Free radicals can cause serious damage to your skin, leading to premature ageing. Vitamin C steps in to protect your skin, helping to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and more. If you still have yet to be convinced, Vitamin C is also a key player in collagen production, which is essential for keeping your skin firm and bouncy. By boosting collagen levels, it helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging, giving your face a more lifted and youthful look.
One of the most-loved benefits of vitamin C is its ability to brighten your skin. It works by inhibiting melanin production, which means it can fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out your skin tone. The result? A glowing, radiant complexion that looks healthy and fresh.
How To Find The Best Serum
When on the hunt for the best vitamin C serum for your face, there are a few things to consider. First, pay attention to the concentration of vitamin C in the formula. Anything above 20% might cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. While vitamin C is generally safe for daily use, if you experience any discomfort, start by applying it once or twice a week. Or, you can mix a few drops into your moisturiser to help your skin adjust.
With so many options available, it can be tough to choose. That’s where we come in. We’ve curated a selection of the top 12 best vitamin C serums—from the affordable buys to those tailored for sensitive, oily, and dry skin. Whether you’re after a cheeky budget-friendly option or something that caters to your specific skin type, we’ve got the perfect serum just for you.
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
£24.65 £41.00 (40% off)Glow Recipe have gone viral for more than their cute packaging. Amongst a line-up of colourful skin-loving products, a great one for your daily dose of Vitamin C is the Guava Vitamin C Serum. Say hello to brighter, more even skin with this fruity formula. This serum is packed with guava extract, tranexamic acid and vitamin C to tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving your complexion radiant and glowing. With its lightweight, gel-like texture, it absorbs quickly, making it a perfect addition to your morning routine.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
£55.00 £70.00 (22% off)Known for blending science with luxurious skincare, Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a powerhouse serum that brightens dull skin, smooths fine lines, and calms redness. With 15% vitamin C, this serum is a go-to for anyone looking to add a serious glow to their routine.
Medik8 Super C30 + Intense
£69.00Medik8 is the brand to trust if you’re after cutting-edge skincare that works. Their Super C30 Intense is packed with 30% vitamin C and turmeric extract to brighten your complexion and tackle signs of ageing. It’s perfect for anyone looking to supercharge their skincare and see quick, noticeable results.
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster
£13.00 £20.00 (35% off)This Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster by Eucerin not only brightens your skin with 10% vitamin C but also plumps up fine lines with hyaluronic acid. From a dermatologist-recommended brand with a focus on effective, no-nonsense skincare, it’s a great pick if your skin needs both a glow and a hydration boost.
Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum With Plant Hyaluronic Acid
£28.00 £37.00 (25% off)Antipodes offers natural skincare that’s packed with New Zealand’s best botanicals. Their Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum is formulated to brighten and hydrate your skin. This serum is one of the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle, plant-based ingredients like kiwi fruit and hyaluronic acid.
REN Glow & Protect Serum
£25.92 £52.17 (51% off)The Glow and Protect Serum is formulated with vitamin C and wild rosella extract to brighten and protect your skin from pollution. It’s perfect for city dwellers or anyone who wants a natural glow while shielding their skin from daily environmental stressors as REN Clean Skincare is all about clean, sustainable beauty.
Pestle & Mortar Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum
£68.00For a unique, dual-action formula that’s great for rejuvenating dull, tired complexions and bringing back that natural glow, try Pestle & Mortar. Their Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum combines a water and oil phase to brighten and hydrate your skin. This dual-action serum is one of the best vitamin C serums for dry skin: it’s a unique, dual-action formula that’s great for rejuvenating dull, tired complexions and bringing back that natural glow.
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
£90.00 £110.00 (19% off)Dr. Barbara Sturm is another trusted and renowned name in the game: the go-to for luxurious, science-backed skincare. Her The Good C Vitamin C Serum is a gentle yet effective option that brightens your skin, reduces pigmentation, and evens out your complexion. With three forms of vitamin C, it’s perfect for sensitive skin types looking for a high-end, results-driven serum.
Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum
£69.00 £93.00 (26% off)If you’re after a serum that tackles multiple concerns in one step, this is your new skincare hero. This 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum from Allies of Skin is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and peptides to brighten, firm, and hydrate your skin.
Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum
£6.65 £10.13 (35% off)A top pick for those looking for the best affordable vitamin C serum, the Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a no-fuss option that brightens your complexion and reduces dark spots. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for daily application—great for anyone looking to add a bit of glow without any hassle. It’s simple and effective, like all of Q+As lineup.
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Power Serum
£60.00 £94.00 (37% off)Kate Somerville is a skincare brand loved by celebrities for its results-driven products. Her Retinol Vitamin C Power Serum combines the brightening benefits of vitamin C with the anti-ageing power of retinol. It’s a potent formula that smooths fine lines, improves texture, and gives your skin a radiant, youthful glow. Perfect for anyone serious about anti-ageing.
Incorporating a dose of vitamin C into your skincare routine has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to brighten up, even out your complexion, or keep your skin looking youthful, these serums have got you covered. For more skincare tips, explore our top picks for the best fruit-based beauty products you simply have to try.
Written by Maria
Maria’s background is rooted primarily in creative media and a love for all things written, expressed through experience both online and in print; for creative platforms spanning from music to fashion to beauty.
Written by Rebecca Jenkinson
Rebecca is a content writer with over three years’ experience and a keen interest in cosmetics. Cosmetify allows her to combine her blogging skills with her passion for beauty.