9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (2025)

9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (1)

This article was updated in September to bring you the latest prices and deals.

With the ability to brighten and hydrate skin, fade pigmentation and boost radiance, it’s not surprising that vitamin C serums are one of the most popular beauty buys.

To help you find the best ones on the market, the GHI recruited a 270-strong testing panel. Whatever your skincare concern, you’re sure to find one for you in their recommendations. Here are their top picks in a handy list, but keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the power of vitamin C.

What is vitamin C and how does it work?

    Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C isn’t naturally produced or stored in your body but is found in food such as lemons, oranges and red peppers. This powerful antioxidant works to protect cells from damage and keep your skin and bones healthy.

    Studies have shown there are benefits to applying it topically too; it can leave skin looking visibly brighter by helping to control the overproduction of melanin and strengthening the skin's barrier.

    “Vitamin C is very selfish, as it only activates once in contact with the skin,” explains celebrity skincare expert Michaella Bolder. “It also doesn’t like being exposed to air or sunlight, so for that reason, capsules or dark bottles can be effective. For maximum potency, it’s best in serum form, without too many additional ingredients.”

    What are the skincare benefits of a vitamin C serum?

    “Vitamin C has been found to promote collagen production, plump fine lines, firm the skin tissue, brighten skin and give an overall youthful texture,” says Bolder.

    “As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to use it in your skincare routine, this super-effective ingredient carries powerful antioxidant properties to help ward off free radical damage, which can push our skin tissue into a premature ageing process.”

    It can also be beneficial for those with scarring, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, leaving the complexion looking smoother and more hydrated.

    When should you use a vitamin C serum?

    For best results, use in the morning (before your moisturiser), as this will help to protect against UV irritants and give your skin its morning radiance boost,” advises Bolder.

    An effective dose can range from 7% to 20%, depending on the condition of your skin. Those with sensitive and drier skin may want to start by using a lower percentage two to three days a week, building up to a more regular dose.

    Note, vitamin C can cause a light tingling upon application. It’s also recommended you use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection in your morning routine.

    How we test

    We asked 270 beauty testers to test 18 different vitamin C serums over a four-week period. They rated the scent and texture, as well as reporting back on any differences in the brightness, pigmentation, radiance, smoothness and hydration of their skin.

    Then we got serious in the GHI lab, using our VISIA skin analysis machine to assess improvements in skin pigmentation and red areas before and after using the product.

    1

    Best vitamin C serum

    The Organic Pharmacy Stabilised Vitamin C Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (11)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (12)

    Score: 84/100

    Natural doesn’t mean less effective, and this gentle vegan, natural and 91% organic serum is testament to that. It got to work fast, with the majority of our testers saying their skin looked brighter immediately.

    It wasn't just a flash in the pan, either — this formula scored highest for the best long-term improvements, with a noticeable reduction in pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles after the trial period. There were also no complaints of irritation. A deserved winner.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin C15%
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeYes
    Paraben freeYes

    2

    Runner-up vitamin C serum

    Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (13)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (14)

    Score: 83/100

    Give thirsty skin a dose of hydration with this effective serum, containing hyaluronic acid (which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, so helps to lock in moisture) and 7.5% vitamin C.

    Sinking into clean skin effortlessly, the non-greasy formula reduced our testers’ dark spots and left skin visibly glowing, with some noticing faded under-eye circles too.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin C7.5%
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeYes
    Paraben freeYes

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    3

    Best vitamin C serum for fast results

    Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (15)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (16)

    Score: 81/100

    Looking for a quick fix? You're not the only one. With its lightweight texture and immediate effect on the skin, testers loved how this serum pepped up dull complexions, leaving them instantly glowy, "like a lovely shiny primer".

    Many noticed an improved radiance and a reduction in their pigmentation, and the serum absorbed quickly while hydrating their skin. A great product for layering underneath moisturisers or makeup, it couldn't be easier to slot into a daily skincare routine.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin CNot given
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeNo
    Paraben freeYes

    4

    Best vitamin C serum for firming skin

    Monat C. Radiance Illuminating Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (17)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (18)

    Score: 81/100

    This may be the most expensive serum we tested, but the elegant packaging and high dose of vitamin C (15%) helps justify the price.

    After the trial period, our panel were unanimous in saying skin felt firmer, with some noticing a reduction in wrinkles too. Overall, this lightweight serum delivers where it matters — improving skin tone, texture and overall radiance.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin C15%
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeNo
    Paraben freeYes

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    5

    Best vitamin C serum capsules

    Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (19)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (20)

    Score: 80/100

    Part of Elizabeth Arden’s capsule collection, these biodegradable pods contain a luxurious dose of oil-soluble vitamin C, which is designed to hydrate skin.

    With plenty to cover the face, neck and décolletage, this was the best serum on test for its hydrating properties, with all agreeing the effect was instant and long-lasting. The silky formula was an ideal base for makeup application and the majority saw scarring and pigmentation fade.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin CNot given
    Volume30 capsules
    Fragrance freeYes
    Paraben freeYes

    6

    Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin

    Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (21)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (22)

    Score: 80/100

    With a pleasant tightening and firming effect, our testers could feel this one getting to work immediately. The creamy texture felt hydrating but never greasy – ideal for sensitive skin – but it took a little while to fully absorb.

    The majority saw an instant brightening effect, which lasted impressively throughout the test. They also liked the intuitive dispenser, which gave the perfect amount of formula to cover the whole face. A luxurious option for all skin types, and beautifully packaged to boot.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin CNot given
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeYes
    Paraben freeYes

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    7

    Best vitamin C serum for exfoliation

    Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (23)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (24)

    Score: 79/100

    We know it’s what’s inside that counts, but our panel was won over by the technical-looking pump packaging here. Part of Murad’s Vita-C range, this serum contains real gold, which has been proven to have a stabilising effect on active ingredients such as vitamin C, in turn making it more potent. The formulation also boasts the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid for better absorption.

    Although suitable for all skin types, some testers noticed slight tingling during the first couple of applications, so if you’re new to vitamin C you might want to work your way up to the recommended twice daily dosage. The brightening effects were noticeable though, with the more seasoned vitamin C users being particularly impressed.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin CNot given
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeYes
    Paraben freeYes

    8

    Best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation

    Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (25)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (26)

    Score: 79/100

    It's hardly a secret that fermenting food is akin to supercharging it with nutrients — the benefits of ingredients are amplified and concentrated by the process. It follows, then, that adding powerful ferments to an already concentrated vitamin C serum will only enhance its effects.

    This lightweight formula, featuring brightening yeast ferment and pigmentation-targeting molasses ferment, proved our theory correct. Easy to spread and quick to absorb, it left our panel’s skin feeling smooth, radiant and plump with a long-lasting dewy glow.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin CNot given
    Volume30ml
    Fragrance freeNo
    Paraben freeNo

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    9

    Best vitamin C serum for mature skin

    Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (27)

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (28)

    Score: 77/100

    Paula’s choice it may be, but if you’re after a dark spot fader and anti-ager combined, then this might also be the best choice for you. It's packed with powerful antioxidants such as ferulic acid, which help protect the skin against free radicals and keep the 15% vitamin C content stable.

    Testers loved how the dropper packaging allowed them to create a custom dosage based on their skin’s needs; simply add a drop or two into your moisturiser if you don't fancy adding another step to your skincare routine. Many found it hydrating and agreed that it boosted radiance, firmed up skin and evened out their tone. For mature skin, it’s worth the money.

    Key specifications

    Vitamin C15%
    Volume20ml
    Fragrance freeNo
    Paraben freeYes

    These also passed

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (29)

    Typology Radiance Serum 11% Vitamin C, 76/100, £29.90 per 30ml

    Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate, 76/100, £95 per 60ml

    Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Vitamin C, 75/100, £58 per 30ml

    AlphaScience Tannic [CF] Acid Serum, 72/100, £88 per 30ml

    The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum, 71/100, £15.00 per 30ml

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (30)

    Florence Reeves-White

    Senior Beauty Writer

    Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

    With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

    When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (31)

    Tested byMaria Kumar

    Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager

    Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager, and since joining in mid-2022, she has managed the testing for mutiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements and retinol serums. In addition to her master's degree in chemical engineering and a diploma in cosmetic science, she recently received her MBA from the London College of Fashion, focusing on case studies within the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she worked within the global technical team at the Estee Lauder Companies for over six years, collaborating with the chemists and engineers to launch luxury beauty products at scale and to quality. She has also worked as a formulation scientist within the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence based approach into all her product testing.

    9 best vitamin C serums for glowing skin, tested by 270 women (2025)
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