Vitamin C serum is one of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging.
Benefits of Vitamin C Serum proven by science:
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Clinical studies show that vitamin C serums can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin firmness and elasticity. (1)
Boosts Collagen Production: Stimulates collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing fine lines. (3)
Brightens and Evens Skin Tone: reduces melanin production, reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and giving a more even skin tone.(2)
Did you know that applying vitamin C serum in the morning before your sunscreen increases protection against UV damage ? (4)
What to Look For In The Best Vitamin C Serum Formulation
1. Form of Vitamin C
L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA): The most researched and potent form, but also the least stable.
Derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate): More stable, gentler, but often less potent. Best for sensitive skin.
2. Concentration / Strength
10–20% L-Ascorbic Acid: Considered optimal for effectiveness without excessive irritation.
<10%: May still offer antioxidant benefits, but less effective for pigmentation.
>20%: Often leads to irritation without added benefit.
3. pH Level
For L-Ascorbic Acid: Needs an acidic environment (pH 2.5–3.5) for best absorption.
For derivatives: Can be stable and effective at a higher pH, gentler on sensitive skin.
Supporting Ingredients to Look For In Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Works well with Vitamin C to enhance antioxidant effects and stability.
Ferulic Acid: Stabilizes Vitamin C and Vitamin E, boosting efficacy (the classic CE Ferulic formulation).
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration and reduces irritation risk.
Peptides: Can complement Vitamin C by supporting collagen production.
Niacinamide: Pairs well in separate layers/products, but in the same serum, can sometimes destabilize low-pH L-Ascorbic Acid (modern formulations often solve this with encapsulation).
Dermatologists recommend:
Start with 10–15% if new to Vitamin C.
Apply in the morning under sunscreen for best photoprotection.
If you have sensitive skin, start with a derivative form before moving to pure L-Ascorbic Acid.
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Best Vitamin C Serums With Clean Ingredients
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 15-20% (as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
Other active ingredients: Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Konjac Root, Chamomile
Yuka score: 100/100
Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 1.8% Vitamin Cg (equivalent to 20% pure Vitamin C)
Other active ingredients: Niacinamide, Bakuchiol
Yuka score: 100/100
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 20%
Other active ingredients: 63% Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, 5% Niacinamide, and 2% Tranexamic Acid
Yuka score: 93/100
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum Centella + Vita C
L-ascorbic acid: 10% (as 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)
Other active ingredients: 68% Centella Asiatica extract,
Yuka score: 93/100
True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster
L-ascorbic acid: 10%
Other active ingredients: Ferulic Acid
Yuka score:
Kari Gran Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 10%
Other active ingredients: Ferulic Acid
Yuka score: 100/100
Typology Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 11% (as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
Other active ingredients: Albizia Julibrissin Extract
Yuka score: 100/100
Skin Ceuticals Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 10%
Other active ingredients: Ferulic Acid
Yuka score: 93/100
Best Clean Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin
If you have very sensitive skin and are a bit worried about vitamin C causing irritation, you can start with a very gentle, but still effective formula with L-ascorbic acid under 10%.
Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 5%
Other active ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide
Yuka score: 93/100
OOTD Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 1%
Other active ingredients: Vitamin Tree Water
Yuka score: 93/100
Cocokind Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 2% (as Ascorbyl Glucoside)
Other active ingredients: Azelaic Acid. Sea Grape Caviar, Hyaluronic Acid
Yuka score: 100/100
Kora Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 5.5% (as Ascorbyl Glucoside)
Other active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid,
Yuka score: 100/100
Dermalogica Biolumin-c Vitamin c Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 4.7% (as Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate)
Other active ingredients: Lactic Acid, Chia Seed Oil
Yuka score: 93/100
C.E.O. Glow
Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil
L-ascorbic acid: 3% (as THD Ascorbic)
Other active ingredients: Golden Turmeric, Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Yuka score: 93/100
Best High Concentration Vitamin C Serums
If you have used vitamin C serum for a while and want to increase the % of L-ascorbic acid, you can start introducing stronger serums.
Neogen Real Vita C Facial Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 22% (as 12% of Vita C Acerola-plex and 10% of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
Other active ingredients: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Panthenol (Vitamin B3), Hyaluronic Acid
Yuka score: 93/100
Best Clean Vitamin C Serums In Europe
The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 30%
Other active ingredients: N/A
Yuka score: 100/100
JorgObé Vitamin C Serum
L-ascorbic acid: 5%
Other active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
Yuka score: 100/100
Skin Saints Illuminating Vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid: 2% (as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)
Other active ingredients: Niacinamide, Paeonia Officinalis Root Extract
Yuka score: 100/100
To summarise the Best Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C serums are a great addition to every morning and evening skincare routine, with great benefits for multiple skin types. We have added the best clean vitamin C serums for any need and budget.
References
- Isoir-Ingrez, M., Veriato, A., Figueiredo, S., Cornillon, C., Hassler, S., Wang, P., & Simonnet, J. (2025). In vivo efficacy of a stabilized Vitamin C‐based serum at pH 6 on some ageing facial signs of women of different ages and phototypes. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 47, 424 – 433. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.13037.
- Prajapati, M., & Tambe, B. (2025). Anti-aging and Brightening Vitamin C face Serum. International Journal of Science and Research Archive. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2025.14.3.0832.
- Pullar, J., Carr, A., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866.
- Darr D, Dunston S, Faust H, Pinnell S. Effectiveness of antioxidants (vitamin C and E) with and without sunscreens as topical photoprotectants. Acta Derm Venereol. 1996 Jul;76(4):264-8. doi: 10.2340/0001555576264268. PMID: 8869680. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8869680/
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist, and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field. She explores science-based approaches to holistic health and plant-based nutrition, with a strong focus on researching clean, non-toxic products that support long-term well-being.
