The Top 5 Vitamin C Serums Of 2024
Here's what you need to know when picking a Vitamin C serum that actually works.
Updated 06/20/2024Vitamin C has long been known as an immune system booster, but recently, it's become the gold standard ingredient in many skincare products. Its popularity stems from its acidic nature and antioxidant properties that help soothe damaged skin. And no product is more effective at delivering a smooth, glowy complexion like a Vitamin C serum.
Unlike creams or moisturizers, serums have the unique ability to reach deeper layers of skin, promoting a hydrated, youthful-look. The appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and dry skin can all be minimized when using a quality Vitamin C serum.
But there are hundreds of Vitamin C serums on the market, and depending on the formula, some do very little to address these issues.
That's why we put together this guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Vitamin C serum that delivers results.
A Quality Vitamin C Serum Can:
Diminish visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine linesSupport skin elasticity, brightness, & hydration
Soothe sensitive skin allowing for a smooth & even complexion
Reduce the look of sun-exposed skin
A quality Vitamin C serum typically contains a mix of other skin-smoothing ingredients that work with Vitamin C to promote a glowing, even-toned look.
Top Vitamin C Serum Ingredients To Look For:
Activated Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate)This form of Vitamin C is dissolvable in oil-based products, making it 50x more effective than typical Vitamin C formulas. The acidity protects our skin cells and helps promote a youthful appearance.
Green TeaVitamin C and green tea extract work together to improve skin hydration, promote smooth skin, and help diminish the damage done by acne.
Exfoliating AcidsA class of skin-smoothing acids that help exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Lactic acid, Phytic Acid, and Glycolic acids are three of the most powerful exfoliants on the market. Simply having one of these acids in a serum means it's likely a quality product.
BakuchiolBakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol that works with Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without harsh irritation.
NiacinamideA potent form of Vitamin B3 that helps promote smooth skin, minimize the appearance of pores and helps balance oil production.
Ingredients To Avoid When Choosing A vitamin C Serum:
- Mineral Oil is a derivative of petroleum and can cause breakouts by preventing the skin from absorbing vital nutrients. Brands often use this cheap filler that does lock in moisture, but at the cost of clogging your pores.
- Synthetic Dyes or Fragrances are synthetic ingredients that can irritate your skin, clog pores, and cause acne. They can also strip your skin of important nutrients and oils.
But understanding what goes into a quality Vitamin C serum is only one step. After all, many skincare brands will use dubious methods to try to sell you a product that might not be effective...
What Else To Look For When Buying Vitamin C Serum
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Money-back Guarantee
It's always a good idea to buy from a brand that's willing to stand by the quality of its product with a minimum 30-day full money-back guarantee.
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Transparent List of Ingredients
It's always important to check the label and make sure it matches up with the brand's product page. Many beauty products, including Vitamin C serums, only list a handful of their key ingredients. Beware of this practice, because the brand may be trying to hide potentially harmful additives.
The Results Are In...
We took all of these factors into account, and after reviewing dozens of Vitamin C serums we found the best on the market.
Top Picks are updated monthly based on testing and analyses:
Top Pick
Consumers Survey Recommended
- Formulated with clinically tested ingredients
- Activated Vitamin C
- Bakuchiol and niacinamide
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Green tea extract
- Made in the USA
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Free shipping
Contact Tru Alchemy:
@trualchemyskin
#1: Tru Alchemy Glow Serum
Tru Alchemy’s Glow Serum is made using naturally derived ingredients including green tea extract, niacinamide, and Activated Vitamin C — a version that's 50x more powerful than traditional Vitamin C serums.
It also contains plant-based brighteners like white shiitake mushroom and bakuchiol — a gentler alternative to retinol — as well as a blend of gentle exfoliants including phytic, lactic, and glycolic acids.
Glow Serum's formula is free of synthetic dyes and fragrances, petroleum, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. Tru Alchemy offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, which shows us they stand by their product.
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Call SkinCeuticals Toll-Free:
1-800-771-9489
#2: C E Ferulic® by SkinCeuticals
Like its name implies, this serum is made with ferulic acid, a popular ingredient with antioxidant properties. It also contains Vitamin C and tocopherol (Vit E) to help brighten and protect skin.
Other notable ingredients include panthenol and sodium hyaluronate, which help moisturize and replenish skin, respectively.
While C E Ferulic received high marks for its antioxidant and protective benefits, its lack of brightening acids prevented it from placing higher on our list. It also contains a controversial ingredient called triethanolamine, which can produce potentially toxic byproducts.
SkinCeuticals offers a 30-day return policy, which fell short of expectations, especially considering its high price point.
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Call YTTP Toll-Free:
1-800-771-9489
#3: Superfood Firm + Brighten Serum by Youth To The People
Youth to the People (YTTP) has made a name for themselves in the skincare world. Their Superfood Firm + Brighten Serum contains three different forms of stable Vitamin C and clean caffeine. It's also formulated with antioxidant-rich superfoods, like kale, spinach, and green tea to help brighten and energize your complexion—as well as hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture.
Unfortunately, the Superfood Firm + Brighten Serum lacks key ingredients, like niacinamide and bakuchiol, so it may not be as effective as some other serums on our list. Youth to the People's brief 30-day return policy didn't score it any points either.
Shop Now > >Rating
Call Maelove Toll-Free:
1-800-771-9489
#4: Glow Maker by Maelove
With ingredients like chelated vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and tocopherol, Glow Maker is your standard-issue serum.
We were pleased to find that it's formula also includes antioxidant-rich grape seed oil and magnolia bark extract, however, Glow Maker lacks both niacinamide and bakuchiol. Unfortunately, it also contains
triethanolamine.
If you're not completely satisfied with their product, Maelove offers a generous 100-day return policy.
Shop Now > >
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Call Mila Moursi Paris:
1-844-509-6495
#5: Illuminating Vitamin C Infusion by Mila Moursi Paris
Illuminating Vitamin C Infusion is made with two forms of chelated Vitamin C, as well as tried-and-true ingredients like tocopherol (Vitamin E), squalane, and hydrating fruit sugars.
Unfortunately, Infusion's serum lacks niacinamide and bakuchiol. It's also worth pointing out this product contains sodium hydroxide, which isn’t outright bad, however, too much of it can leave skin feeling overly sensitive.
Consumers should also be aware that Mila Moursi Paris offers only a 14-day return return-policy, which may raise some red flags considering its high price.
P.S. While Tru Alchemy has the best Vitamin C serum we've found, we would still love to hear about any others you've tried. If you have had a great experience of your own, please send me an email to Bianca@ConsumersSurvey.org with the details.
Sincerely,
Bianca Thompson,
Beauty Editor
What We Do
ConsumersSurvey uses a unique three-step approach to reviewing the most popular products in the online marketplace
1. Research First we conduct in-house research with a highly qualified editorial team comprised of individuals who specialize in various fields.
2. SurveyWe survey our readers who have tried the product over time in order to learn from their experiences.
3. OpinionWe monitor public opinion in the world’s most popular marketplaces, from Amazon and eBay, to Bizrate and Pricegrabber.
