To be honest, before starting my research for this inaugural post, I did not really know what a Vitamin C Serum was. I knew they were trendy, and I knew a lot of my friends swore by them, but as someone who thought she had her skincare routine down to a science after years of trial and error (mostly error), I didn’t think I needed to add yet another product to the roster.
Well, apparently I was wrong, as the benefits of these antioxidant serums are undeniable. Vitamin C Serums are best known for targeting dark spots and sun spots, and preventing damage that results from environmental stress on skin (namely, signs of aging like crows feet and fine lines). They “brighten & tighten,” eliminate dullness, boost collagen and blur wrinkles. For people with sensitive skin like moi, a lower concentration of Vitamin C (at or below 10%) is safest. For more tolerant skin or skin more prone to hyperpigmentation, the higher concentrated serums (between 15 and 20%) are best.
Full disclosure: I have lived this long without a Vitamin C Serum and have more than survived. I have never felt the need for one like I have for an undereye cream or a hydrating serum. I think that is mostly because the major issues targeted by Vitamin C Serums are not ones that plague my skin. That being said, after doing all this research, I have invested in the Drunk Elephant option cited below, and am excited to see if it makes a difference in my routine.
Without further ado, the top 11 Vitamin C Serums, based on the 20 lists and 123 (!!) products I reviewed:
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum - $166 - This insanely popular serum appeared on a whopping 17 of the 20 lists I reviewed. Lauded by dermatologists and beauty fanatics alike, it is considered the best overall Vitamin C Serum on the market, and is known for being anti-aging, brightening, protecting, gentle and effective. It’s worth noting that SkinCeuticals’ other Vitamin C serum, Phloretin CF ($166) paled in comparison with only 3 mentions across the 20 lists.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum - $80 - Tied in first place with the CE Ferulic, this serum also appeared on 17 of the 20 lists I reviewed. Dubbed a “cult favorite” on many of the lists, this clean beauty option is known to erase sun spots and smooth fine lines. It is a top choice for people with sensitive skin as well, hence my choosing it as the product to add to my routine.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum - $17 - In distant but commendable second place, this drugstore serum got 12 mentions across the 20 lists. The cheapest option of the bunch, you can buy this tube pretty much anywhere, and for the price it is celebrated as being stable and effective. With its relatively low concentration of Vitamin C, it is another good choice for sensitive skin.
Beauty Stat Universal C Skin Refiner - $80 - There was a three-way tie for third place serums, each appearing on 9 of the 20 lists reviewed. I had never heard of Beauty Stat prior to compiling this list, but apparently Vitamin C Serum is their thing (who knew?). Fragrance free and potent, this serum does it all - brightens, smooths and targets fine lines and crows feet. If I wasn’t worried about the potency affecting my sensitive skin, I probably would have gotten this one!
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - $50 - Known primarily for his Banana Bright Eye Cream, Henriksen’s Truth Serum appeared on 9 of 20 lists. People apparently love its citrus scent (it was called out in almost every review!), and the serum is known for being particularly effective under makeup due to its quick absorption rates. A shout out to Henriksen’s other Vitamin C serum, Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum ($65), which clocked in 3 mentions across the 20 lists.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C 10% AHA - $88 - The last of the third place options, this Tatcha serum also appeared on 9 of the lists. A Sephora best seller, this clean beauty option is known to exfoliate while it brightens. TBH, I generally find Tatcha products overpriced and not particularly effective, so I’m curious to know if anyone has used this or selects this one to try!
Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate - $70 - In fourth place, this Kiehl’s tincture made it onto 8 of the 20 lists I reviewed. While I’ve never been a Kiehl’s girl, their products are so widely regarded across the internet that I’m determined to try a bunch as I write these newsletters. This particular serum has a cult following similar to the Drunk Elephant option, and specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also one of the serums specifically recommended for sensitive skin.
Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum - $85 - Tied for fourth place with 8 mentions, Sunday Riley’s serum is so multi-purpose it’s almost sinful…it plumps skin, smooths wrinkles, exfoliates, moisturizes and makes you glow. A worthy investment to say the least. The other Sunday Riley Vitamin C product, CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil ($80) also received a commendable 4 mentions.
Obagi System Professional-C 20% Vitamin C Serum - $127 - Similar to Beauty Stat, I had never heard of Obagi prior to compiling this list. This potent serum (20% Vitamin C) made 7 appearances across the 20 lists, and comes highly recommended by dermatologists. Specifically for AM use, this option has high penetration levels and is known to hydrate as it brightens and tightens.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster - $49 - Another new brand to add to my repertoire, this serum also received 7 mentions. Specifically meant for uneven skin tones, it is known to brighten especially well. The formula is long-lasting and is best added to your AM moisturizing routine. Paula’s Choice offers an even more potent Vitamin C tincture, the C25 Super Booster ($55), but this only made an appearance on one list, likely due to its harshness on sensitive skin.
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face - $36 - Last but certainly not least, this pick is the single best-selling Vitamin C Serum on Amazon, so that honor pretty much speaks for itself. With 7 mentions across the 20 lists, this anti-aging product is potent and well suited to treat hyperpigmentation. As an added bonus, its price tag is the second lowest on the list!
Now for the fun part. If you have tried, or do try, any of the products above…
It’s especially helpful to know how different products affect different skin types, since I can only attest to how things affect my very sensitive, very dry scales. The comment button was broken on the first post, which was crushing because no one was able to have a comment moment. I’m fairly certain it’s fixed here. Super excited to get people’s feedback on this first round of products!
Lastly, if you haven’t already:
Up Next: Undereye Creams!!
See you in 2 weeks,
Vitamin [A]C
(sorry I just had to use it one last time)
The following lists were amalgamated to create this Fruits Of My Labor collection:
Self.com - 16 of the Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Glowier Skin
Vogue.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums for a Brighter Complexion
MarieClaire.com - The Vitamin C Serums That Dermatologists Obsess Over
Allure.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums, Moisturizers, and More for Brighter Skin
Nylon.com - 13 Vitamin C Serums for a Brighter, Smoother Complexion
HarpersBazaar.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums Of All Time
OprahMag.com - 20 Best Vitamin C Serums That'll Brighten All Skin Types
Byrdie.com - These Vitamin C Serums Will Give You Instantly Brighter Skin
NYMag.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums, According to Dermatologists
DermStore.com - 13 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter Skin
Prevention.com - The 17 Best Vitamin C Serums for Glowing Skin, According to Dermatologists
Cosmopolitan.com - 25 Best Vitamin C Serums for Skin That Freaking Glows
GoodHousekeeping.com - 14 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2020 for Bright and Glowy Skin
Sephora.com - Bestselling Vitamin C Serums
Glamour.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums for Bright, Glowy Skin
Healthline.com - The No BS Guide to Vitamin C Serums for Brighter Skin
WomensHealthMag.com - The 23 Best Vitamin C Serums For Glowier, More Even Skin
WhoWhatWear.com - The 12 Best Vitamin C Serums to Unlock Glowy, Youthful Skin
Amazon.com - Bestselling Vitamin C Serums
TownandCountryMag.com - The Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Tighter Skin