10 L-Ascorbic Acid Serums That'll Help You Get Your Glow On
Luminous skin, comin' right up.
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Aside from retinol and hyaluronic acid, vitamin C may just be the most raved-about skincare ingredient in the game rn. How it works: In addition to protecting your skin from free radicals (which cause signs of aging), vitamin C also "supports collagen synthesis and helps regulate melanin production to fade hyperpigmentation and give skin nice overall vibrancy and glow," as dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD, previously told Cosmo. And while there are serums out there with *many* different vitamin C derivatives, I find that L-ascorbic acid serums give me the best brightening and tightening boost.
L-ascorbic acid is considered the purest and most powerful form of vitamin C, and though it may be too strong for those with sensitive skin, it's VERY good at what it does (i.e., helping you achieve your glowiest skin ever). Got fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots? These firming and brightening serums were made for you. Oh, just to clear up any confusion: All L-ascorbic acid serums are considered vitamin C serums, but not all vitamin C serums are considered L-ascorbic acid serums. Now, let's get into the L-ascorbic acid serums that really do it best, shall we?
Our top picks for the best L-ascorbic acid serums of 2024:
Best L-Ascorbic Acid Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum
Read more
Ahead, all the best options, personally vetted by myself, my fellow Cosmo editors, and skincare experts, as well as everything you should know before incorporating L-ascorbic acid into your skincare routine.
Pros
- Stays active for 72 hours (and effective for up to 36 months!)
Cons
- Not the best choice for very oily or acne-prone skin
I know it's spensy, but there's a reason this 2024 Cosmo Readers' Choice Beauty Award-winner is considered the gold standard for vitamin C serums—seriously, just ask any derm! The formulation is pretty simple (including the tried-and-true trio of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid), but what's so amazing about this one is that it stays active for 72 hours after applying...even after washing your face. (Side note: If you're someone with oily or acne-prone skin, you can always opt for the slightly reformulated version that includes salicylic acid).
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, combo
- Usage: Morning
Glowing Customer Review: "This is hands down the best vitamin C serum I've used, and I've tried a range of different brands from The Ordinary to Drunk Elephant. C E Ferulic is the only product that has made a difference in my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The texture goes on smoothly and is absorbed by my skin quickly, making it easy to integrate into my routine."
Pros
- Testers were SO impressed with the quality for the price point
Cons
- High concentration of L-ascorbic acid may be a lil strong for sensitive skin types
Looking for something with a similar formula to the internet-famous SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic but for way less $$$? Here she is! This serum has earned thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its combo of 20 percent L-ascorbic acid for encouraging skin cell turnover, vitamin E (which helps make vitamin C more shelf-stable), and ferulic acid (another antioxidant that helps stabilize vitamin C while also increasing its efficacy). And for $26, this one is SUCH a steal.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 20% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
Glowing Customer Review: "When I tell you the results were almost immediate, I'm not kidding. I put it on the day I received it in the evening, and woke up to poreless and glowing skin like I was a teenager. Fine lines were reduced, and even my deep forehead lines have diminished after about a week—and I've been working on those for awhile."
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum
Pros
- Less likely to cause breakouts than other vitamin C serums, thanks to salicylic acid
Cons
- Fragranced, so not the best choice for very reactive skin
The problem with a lot of vitamin C serums: They're packed with moisturizing oils, which is bad news for those who are acne-prone or already on the oily side. That's why Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gillette loves this drugstore serum, which blends 12 percent L-ascorbic acid with oil-soluble BHA salicylic acid to clear pores rather than clog 'em. Plus, vitamin E is used to replenish lipids and help protect skin against free radical damage.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 12% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, salicylic acid
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and night
Glowing Customer Review: "I love this serum. It's so lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. I have very oily, acne-prone skin, and this serum has helped fade my dark spots and my skin is glowing! I use it every morning before I apply my moisturizer and I use it every night as part of my skincare routine."
Pros
- So gentle while still being v effective
Cons
- Not everyone loves the gel-like texture, which can pill under makeup
Tbh, CeraVe can do no wrong in my book, but I especially <3 this gentle vitamin C serum. Why it's so great: It's oil-free, it uses a relatively low dose of L-ascorbic acid, and it includes hydrating powerhouse vitamin B5—plus, the formula is packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for protecting your precious skin barrier. Oh, and did I mention it's less than $30? Say no more.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 10% L-ascorbic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and night
Glowing Customer Review: "CeraVe has always been my tried and true brand for delivering gentle products that do not clog pores. This time was no exception. This product lives up to the hype. Not only did my extremely sensitive and acne-prone skin not suffer any purging, but it is absolutely glowing and much softer after just a few uses."
Pros
- Uses combo of vitamin C and niacinamine to tackle discoloration
Cons
- Some found it oxidizes more quickly than they'd hoped
If you haven't heard, K-beauty is where it's at, and this brightening serum from Soko Glam is here to give your complexion a major glow-up. Along with 12 percent L-ascorbic acid, this one is made with camu camu (a natural source of vitamin C) and licorice root (which is great for treating dark spots), as well as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble form of vitamin C that pairs *so* well with the niacinamine in the formula.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 12% L-ascorbic acid, camu camu, licorice root extract, niacinamine, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Night
Glowing Customer Review: "I really like this product! It goes on lightweight and has been really making my skin even, nice, and bright! It’s a higher concentration of vitamin C than I’ve been previously using and maybe that’s the difference—but either way, I will be buying again."
Pros
- Approved by testers with sensitive skin
Cons
- Not everyone loves the strong scent
Chances are you've heard the hype surrounding French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay, and like all its products, this relatively simple formula delivers big results. The secret: It pairs a low dose of skin-brightening L-ascorbic acid and acne-fighting salicylic acid with calming neurosensine, an amino acid that can help protect your skin barrier along with skincare's fave ingredient, hyaluronic acid.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 10% L-ascorbic acid, neurosensine, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning
Glowing Customer Review: "It’s perfect for sensitive skin and does wonders for wrinkles and uneven texture. It brightens and smooths my skin without causing irritation."
Pros
- Lightweight formula doesn’t feel sticky, per testers
Cons
- Def has a bit of a metallic odor due to ferulic acid
The stand-out ingredient in this Paula's Choice serum: ferulic acid, a natural antioxidant that's known for increasing the efficacy of other antioxidants (such as vitamin C!). Add in soothing peptides—as well as hydrating vitamin E and hyaluronic acid—and you've got this bestselling formula. According to Beth Gillette, "It feels lightweight on my skin, immediately adding a radiance to my complexion."
- Size: 0.67 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and/or night
Glowing Customer Review: "I love the smell of this product and how it’s really easily absorbed into my skin. I’ve added it to my morning routine before any of my moisturizer or sunscreen, and I think it’s really giving me a nice glow."
Pros
- Shelf-stable and effective for up to 24 months (which is a rarity with vitamin C serums!)
Cons
- Takes time to fully absorb due to thicker texture
Calling all folks with dry, rough skin: This one's for you. In addition to providing a potent dose of 20 percent L-ascorbic acid (which is fully solubilized in the waterless formula), this one uses ferulic acid to support the potency as well as maritime pine bark, an antioxidant-rich extract that helps to soothe and defend skin against environmental aggressors. Best of all: While most waterless formulas tend to feel gritty, this one goes on smooth and has a light, even finish.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 20% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, maritime pine bark extract
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning and/or night
Glowing Customer Review: "I love the texture and immediate radiant glow. As others have mentioned, the serum is thick and takes about 10 minutes to fully absorb, but it is worth it! Also, it does have an earthy smell. My skin is so plump and hydrated, and my complexion is overall more radiant."
Pros
- So great for fading dark spots and acne scars
Cons
- Not as widely available as other options
What's unique about this formula: It contains both pure vitamin C and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD), an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that's nearly as potent as L-ascorbic acid, but a lil more stable and less likely to irritate skin. Other ingredients include vitamin E for antioxidant protection and squalane for reducing inflammation and damage from free radicals—and the result is a serum that will help make your dark spots a distant memory.
- Size: 0.67 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 10% L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, vitamin E, squalane
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning or night
Glowing Customer Review: "After over a month of use, I have noticed smoother skin, including reduced visibility of my fine lines. I also have a few dark spots post-pregnancy that this seems to have lightened up a bit. The product is a very buttery and light serum that my sensitive, dry skin loves."
Pros
- Waterless formula and matte finish are great for oily skin
Cons
- Texture is *very* thick, so just keep that in mind
It's pricey, yes, but this purifying antioxidant serum is worth the investment, trust. The 20 percent L-ascorbic acid and vitamin E work together in this one to protect skin from free radical damage, while hexylresorcinol brightens skin and silymarin helps prevent oil oxidation that leads to blackheads. As a bonus, it has a creamy texture that's hydrating but dries down to a matte finish, which is ideal for oily skin types.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 20% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, hexylresorcinol, silymarin
- Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone
- Usage: Morning
Glowing Customer Review: "Lightweight and matte finish. Just a tad bit stingy after but applying PCA moisturizer took care of it. Had no breakouts with it (I have sensitive and acne-prone skin). Only PCA products have worked well with me."
Is L-ascorbic acid the best form of vitamin C for skin?
According to derms, L-ascorbic acid is the most powerful and well-studied form of vitamin C (not to mention the only active form of vitamin C). As dermatologist Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, previously explained to Cosmo, "This powerful antioxidant protects skin from environmental stressors, like UV damage, and has also been shown to promote collagen production, which will help firm skin and tighten pores over time."
However, it may not be the best option for you, depending on your skin type and goals. Here are the seven most common vitamin C derivatives you'll encounter and what they do:
- L-Ascorbic Acid: The purest form of vitamin C, which may be too strong for those with sensitive skin. You should also note that it's unstable, so it can become inactive if not packaged and stored properly.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD): An oil-soluble form of vitamin C that's nearly as potent as L-ascorbic acid, but more stable and less irritating to the skin.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate/Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Two stable, water-soluble forms of vitamin C that pair well with niacinamide.
- Sodium Ascorbate/Calcium Ascorbate: Often referred to as vitamin C esters, these are two more stable and non-irritating forms of vitamin C.
- Ascorbyl Palmitate: One of the least powerful but most stable forms of vitamin C and a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Is L-ascorbic acid serum safe for sensitive skin?
Here's the thing about L-ascorbic acid: It's more potent than any other form of vitamin C...which means that those with sensitive skin may experience irritation after using it. Typically, L-ascorbic acid products will have concentrations somewhere between 10 percent and 20 percent—and just like with retinoids, you should start low and work your way up to a stronger concentration if your skin can tolerate it. For instance, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is a gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly choice.
And if you find that your skin is just too sensitive to handle L-ascorbic acid without irritation, dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, suggests opting for serums that use gentler, more tolerable vitamin C derivatives rather than pure vitamin C, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate.
How to choose the best L-ascorbic acid serum
Think about your skin concerns
L-ascorbic acid is best known for its firming and brightening benefits, but you don't have to be battling fine lines and discoloration in order to use it. L-ascorbic serums are also a great choice for those wanting extra protection against skin damage—and depending on your other skin concerns (i.e. acne, excess oil, enlarged pores, etc.), you can look for formulas that'll help you achieve those goals. For instance, L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum is ideal for those who want the brightening benefits of L-ascorbic acid as well as the acne-fighting properties of salicylic acid.
Check out the ingredients
While L-ascorbic acid is preeeeetty potent, there are plenty of ingredients that pair well with pure vitamin C. For example, it's always good to look for an L-ascorbic serum that includes vitamin E and/or ferulic acid (both of which help stabilize vitamin C while increasing its efficacy). And if you're looking to specifically tackle discoloration, you can feel safe pairing vitamin C with niacinamide, like the Good for All Days C's The Day Serum does.
Look at the packaging
Vitamin C (particularly L-ascorbic acid) is v sensitive to light and air, which can degrade its potency over time. Ideally, you'll want to look for serums that are packaged in opaque bottles with airtight seals or pumps to ensure maximum efficacy. It's also a good idea to store it in a cool, dark, dry place to protect it from oxidation.
Meet the experts
- Deanne Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
- Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology in Atlanta, GA.
- Karan Lal, DO, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has six years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best exfoliators for sensitive skin and the best salicylic acid serums. She regularly tests and analyzes serums with L-ascorbic acid for efficacy, while working with the industry's top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies. Her L-ascorbic acid serum picks were based off of reviews, editor suggestions, and product testing.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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