15 best vitamin C serums to brighten and fade pigmentation – tried and tested by editors and dermatologists

Editor approved: “This is a great one for beginners or if you have very sensitive skin. The Simple Booster Serum can be used alone or mixed into a nourishing moisturiser. Either way, the formula gently brightens to bring back your skin’s natural glow. The bottle says 10%, which is made up of 2% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 7% vitamin F.

The vitamin C percentage is small so you can use it confidently knowing it won’t cause irritation, albeit it may take longer to see results. The mighty 7% vitamin F helps to keep the skin plump and hydrated. Plus, you can’t argue the price.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Editor approved: “It's hard to come by a punchy vitamin C serum that's under £30, but CeraVe has delivered. Its silky texture is hydrating, without being greasy, and the nourishing formula features 10% of the superstar ingredient as well as hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, so your skin barrier is getting a real treat with this one," says Charlotte Bitmead, former Senior Beauty Writer.

Editor approved: “I've got very sensitive skin and have always struggled to find a vitamin C product that didn't cause irritation, or worse, a rash. This lightweight non-sticky serum didn't cause any of that, in fact, it was the opposite. Thanks to the star antioxidant ingredient being mixed with tranexamic acid, I noticed a huge difference in the appearance of post-acne scars and was left with a super glowy complexion,” Charlotte Bitmead, former Senior Beauty Writer.

Editor approved: “Here’s the thing: initially I didn’t think I’d get on with this formula. It has a jojoba seed oil-based formula meaning, well, it feels like a facial oil – of which I have never been fond of. But after giving it a go, I was surprised at how well it absorbed into my skin, leaving it hydrated and not greasy. The instant fresh-faced glow it leaves my complexion is very appealing too, and over time it has worked its magic by brightening and fading dark spots.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Editor approved: “This £17 vitamin C serum contains the exact same percentages of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid as a very popular £165 bottle. Of course, the pricy alternative is a cult-favourite for a reason, however if the triple-figure price tag doesn’t quite fit your budget (no, bc same) go for this newbie from e.l.f.

It contains 15% vitamin C to brighten and fade pigmentation, which is supported by 1% vitamin E to keep the skin conditioned while ferulic acid protects and fades dark spots. And give the texture a chance. When it first comes out it feels a bit oily, but this quickly sinks in and leaves a hydrated finish, without any greasy slick.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.Read our full review of e.l.f.’s vitamin C serum here.

Editor approved: “The thing I love least about this product is the price tag. Yes she is spenny, but if you have the means to purchase, it’s worth it. It’s powered by 15% vitamin C – one to use if you’re experienced with the active – which does a stellar job at brightening, fading pigmentation and delivering that lit-from-within glow.

As you’d assume with such a potent percentage, I noticed quick results as my acne scars had started to fade after only a week! I also love the texture, it’s very lightweight, creamy and keeps my skin feeling hydrated.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

If you’re a vitamin C newbie, it’s a wise move to start slowly and work your way up to a stronger formula. Garnier’s serum only contains 4% vitamin C to gently brighten over time without causing irritation, while niacinamide and salicylic acid work to even skin tone and fade dark spots. It may be a delicate dose of vitamin C, but it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin and in need of a brightening boost.

Expert approved: “I love Vitamin C10 from La Roche-Posay as it is so easily tolerated by so many. It is created with sensitive skin in mind, the 10% concentration means you’ll reap all of the rewards from Vitamin C with downtime that you may get with stronger formulas. Vitamin C10 also has a small amount of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to soothe,” says Dr Justine Hextall.

Expert approved: "Hyperpigmentation and post-acne scars are something that I have long suffered with and so, a hard-working vitamin C serum is a must in my skincare routine," says Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant.

"Now, while I'd love to say that I can pick and choose any vitamin C product, as slyly mentioned, I also have acne and an oily skin type (gah!!), so, the formula has to be one catered to my many needs...

"Dr Sam Bunting is a brand that I trust with my life face for their non-comedogenic and fragrance-free ingredients. Plus, the founder, herself is a cosmetic dermatologist who specialises in all things skin! I've been using the brand new Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum for a few weeks now and have noticed a somewhat transformative glow. Humble brag.

"The gentle yet powerful 15 per cent blend of vitamin C fights UV damage and reduces pigmentation and fine lines without irritation. And not only that but the 2 per cent inclusion of ectoin helps strengthen a weak and/or compromised skin barrier while also shielding against blue light and pollution."

Sensitive-skin girlies, this one’s for you! Medik8 has created a 20% vitamin C serum – yep, a very hard-working, effective concentration – that is clinically proven to cause 0% irritation to the skin barrier. Cue the mic drop!

How’s it done you ask? Well, it’s all thanks to phyto exosomes that act like little vitamin C carriers, delivering the ingredient to the deep layers of the skin without disrupting your barrier function. This way you can reap all the rewards of vitamin C (hiya, bright and youthful skin) without the potential side effects associated with vit C use, like redness and irritation.

It may knock you back £69, but if you’re serious about achieving radiant AF skin in time for summer, this glow-giving dynamo has you covered.

Expert approved: “I always recommend Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. It’s a highly potent antioxidant product combining a high strength Vitamin C with additional anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. The formula is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, so it's perfect for layering on over sunscreen and under make-up,” says Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong.

Expert approved: “Vichy's Liftactiv Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains L-Ascorbic Acid which is a pure form of vitamin C. L-Ascorbic acid has been shown to improve pigmentation as well as acting as an effective antioxidant. With good clinical data and a decent price point it’s a great addition to an anti-ageing skincare routine,” explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.

Expert approved: “Vitamin C is an important ingredient for women to look out for in their 20s. Not only does it help protect the skin from sun damage which can cause premature wrinkles, but it also promotes collagen production and evens out the skin tone, so it's great for keeping your complexion looking younger for longer,” says Dr Preema Vig of the Dr Preema London Clinic.

“I use the iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum Advance+ which features scientifically advanced Vitamin C time-release technology in a 15% concentration - it delivers anti-oxidant protection and exceptional healing properties,” Dr Preema explains.

Expert approved: “Pure Vitamin C is oxidised when in contact with air or moisture. Once vitamin C is oxidised, it turns a darker yellow or brown. This means it is no longer active or effective. Therefore the best vitamin C is one that is formulated and stored properly to keep it’s potency. It must be dry and in a vacuum-sealed bottle or tube. I’m a big fan of ZO C-Bright for these reasons. It provides a potent dose of pure vitamin C that is stabilised to brighten and re-texturise the skin,” says Dr Tatiana Lapa, founder and medical director of the Dr Tatiana Clinic.