SkinCeuticals Has the Best Vitamin C Serum—But It’s Not the Only One

Even more compelling is that many dermatologists use it in their own routines. Among them is Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, who noted that despite trying different serums, nothing beats this. “I really dig the effect of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic because of the antioxidant and keratolytic benefits of vitamin C and ferulic acid,” she says. As for Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist specializing in facial aesthetics and rejuvenation, she’s seen the benefits firsthand. “It’s my personal go-to because it contains a potent triple combination of antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid,” she says. “This simple step helps dramatically with the improvement of fine lines, skin firmness, and overall brightening.”

While the patent on C E Ferulic’s ingredient blend has expired—meaning many brands can now attempt to recreate this powerful combination—keep in mind that simply copying the blend doesn’t necessarily make it as effective. “Somebody can put in vitamin C, not stabilize it, put in the vitamin E and ferulic acid, then say it’s the same as SkinCeuticals,” cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski previously explained. Bottom line: This serum simply delivers results that stand up to the hype, and only requires a few drops per use—making the steep price tag more of a long-term investment in your skin than a splurge.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Loretta Repair Serum

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Loretta’s Repair Serum is supercharged with Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA), a super-stable, oil-soluble version of vitamin C that penetrates deep into the epidermis to moisturize, brighten, and minimize free-radical damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and pollution—without the irritation that can arise in those with sensitive skin. That’s because it’s very stable and easily absorbed by skin. “Unlike L-ascorbic acid, which is water-soluble and requires a low pH to remain stable, THDA is pH-independent,” Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, previously shared with Allure. “This makes it less irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, as it bypasses the need for an acidic environment, which can sometimes cause redness or stinging.” (L-ascorbic acid is the pure form of vitamin C.)

In addition to the THDA, lilac stem cells in this formula also help fight free radicals and curb excess oil production without drying out skin, while two types of marine algae increase hydration and support the skin’s natural collagen production.

In our testing, we found that the texture of this serum is a standout: It’s lightweight, comfortable, and absorbs instantly without leaving behind any stickiness or residue. There’s no tacky finish, no lingering scent, and most importantly, no irritation or redness, even on sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Our tester, who struggles with chronically dehydrated skin, noted that it didn’t trigger any flaking or dryness (read more on that below!) The only caveat? You may need a full pump to cover your face, and with a smaller bottle, that means every drop really counts.

Best for Dark Spots: Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

Why it’s worth it: The beauty of Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster is that you can use it as a standalone serum in your skin-care routine or you can mix it into your favorite masks, sunscreens, and moisturizers for an added touch of brightening antioxidants. This lightweight serum is powered by 15% vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to brighten, firm, and correct uneven skin tones. Bonus: When we tested it, it played nicely with other active ingredients in our regimen.

Our tester is on a strict tretinon journey, so she’s super selective when it comes to make products or ingredients she mixes into her routine. She applies this vitamin C on the days when she’s not using her tretinoin and reports that works like a charm both at night and under makeup and sunscreen. There’s no pilling or redness in sight. Plus, it smells like fresh oranges.

Best for Dry Skin: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

Why it’s worth it: Naturium’s Vitamin C Complex Serum takes your skin to a more radiant level each time you use it. Its combination of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid intensively hydrates skin, revealing a bouncier texture, while the antioxidant evens tone and boosts radiance. To elevate the stability of vitamin C (as in, to prolong and enhance its brightening effects), the ingredient is tag-teamed with vitamin E. “Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant [like vitamin E] helps preserve the stability and boost the effectiveness of the serum,” Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained.

Best for Acne Scars: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Why it’s worth it: Revision Skincare is a favorite of dermatologists we’ve talked to over the years. Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, told us that it’s her go-to vitamin C product because it contains a max-strength concentration of THDA, which, as we’ve mentioned, is a home-run for anyone prone to sensitivities.

Like other products on this list, dermatologists often use this themselves, with Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, using it for years. “I love that it’s formulated with 30% pure vitamin C and also contains patent-pending MelaPATH technology, making it one of the most advanced vitamin C products on the market,” she previously called out. MelaPATH technology, a proprietary skin-brightening mixture of antioxidants, also supposedly boosts the skin’s production of vitamins C and E.

Best for Sun Damage: Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20%

Why it’s worth it: This high-performance serum is a favorite among our editors for a reason and a good one. It’s formulated with 20% L-ascorbic acid—the most bioavailable form of vitamin C—it helps visibly brighten the complexion, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines overtime. The formula is also supported by ferulic acid which enhances the stability of vitamin C but also boosts its protective effects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage (but don’t forget, you still need to wear your sunscreen!)

More vitamin C serums we love:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does vitamin C do for the skin?

“Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that “interferes with pigment production and keeps inflammation at bay,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City. Not only that, but vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, an important protein in your body that supports your skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties also neutralize free radicals, molecules created by external factors like air pollution and sunlight, says Dr. Zeichner. Since free radicals speed up signs of aging, vitamin C helps address fine lines they cause, too. Think of it as the ideal daytime counterpart to the retinol or exfoliating acids you might use at night to smooth skin, speed up cellular turnover, and treat acne scars left over from breakouts.

Vitamin C can also inhibit your skin’s melanin production, which leads to discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place so it looks glowy—in addition to evening out skin tone.

What to look for in vitamin C serums

Not all vitamin C serums are formulated equally—in fact, not even all forms of vitamin C are equal in effectiveness. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping:

Vitamin C comes in a nearly endless variety of forms, but ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is the gold standard of vitamin C for its stability and efficacy. “Pure ascorbic acid has consistently been proven to be the most effective at penetrating the skin barrier,” says Dr. Wexler. Other dermatologist-approved forms of vitamin C you may come across in skin-care products include tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and methylsilanol ascorbate.

Dr. Liu previously told Allure the average concentration of vitamin C in a skin-care formula is around 10% to 15%. Keep in mind that a higher concentration of vitamin C may lead to sensitivity, so sensitive skin types may want to stick to a lower percentage.

• Antioxidants: You’ve probably noticed that vitamin C tends to be tag-teamed with two other antioxidants, vitamin E and ferulic acid, and there’s a reason for that. “Vitamin C effectiveness increases when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E,” says Dr. Wexler. “Together, they can provide double protection against free-radical damage.”
• Humectants: Hydrating ingredients known as humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, partner well with vitamin C to boost hydration levels and ease the sting of the active ingredient, especially if you’re using a potent, high-percentage (above 15%) formula.
• Brightening ingredients: Niacinamide and tranexamic acid complement vitamin C in interfering with the pigment production process.
• Peptides: If you’re seeking firmer skin, peptides (which act as messengers between skin cells) can also help supplement vitamin C’s ability to dial up collagen production.

When to use vitamin C serum

Like most actives, dermatologists recommend slowly incorporating vitamin C into your skin-care routine to avoid irritation. Start with a few drops every two days, and, if your skin seems to tolerate it, you can work your way up to every day. We suggest applying vitamin C serums before your moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to benefit the most from the antioxidant’s free-radical fighting power. If your skin can tolerate it, and if you want an overnight collagen boost, you can also apply it in the evening.

Meet the experts

• Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota
• Perry Romanowski, cosmetic chemist
• Jennifer Gordon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas at Westlake Dermatology
• Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist based in Boston
• Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia
• Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology in New York City
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Patricia Wexler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.