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15 best vitamin C serums to quickly brighten and fade pigmentation – tried and tested
Get ready to glow...
Shopping for the best vitamin C serum is about as tricky as finding your soulmate as there are all these rules. Is the bottle airtight? Will it oxidise? Wait three days before texting back. It’s stressful.
But when you’re dealing with such a potent ingredient that has the potential to transform your skin, it’s better to play it safe than waste your money on a formula that does nothing for you. Which is why you should follow us, your go-to beauty team.
Best vitamin C for post-acne scars
Beauty Pie Superdose™ Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Read review
It’s worth the hunt, trust us. When you find the right one, it fits seamlessly into your life and makes everything better – like your skincare soulmate. No wonder so many dermatologists and beauty experts rave about incorporating vitamin C into your regime.
If you’ve ever questioned how exactly vitamin C fits into your skincare routine, here’s the lowdown...
What are the benefits of a vitamin C serum?
Yep, vitamin C is pretty much a magic ingredient – not only does it help strengthen the skin, but it can also help refine texture issues and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Stay loyal to it and you’ll see a major difference in how smooth and glowy your complexion is. Pretty awesome, huh?
“Vitamin C has a multitude of benefits for the skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and works to neutralise skin-damaging free radicals produced by exposure to UV radiation and environmental aggressors such as pollution. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin as well as reduce pigmentation,” says Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite.
The best vitamin C serums
We’ve decided to hit up the people who know skincare better than anyone, the UK’s very best dermatologists and beauty experts. Yep, we reached out to a few of the most in-demand skin doctors and journalists, to find out which vitamin C serums they recommend. Here's what they had to say...
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- It absorbs well into the skin without feeling greasy
- It has a silky, hydrating texture
- It’s an affordable option
- It contains a substantial 12% vitamin C
Cons
- The packaging isn’t as luxe compared to others
“This vitamin C serum is deserving of all its hype. IMO the texture is perfect – not too thin, nor too oily – but sits somewhere in-between, making it feel super hydrating and silky to apply.
Ofc, it’s a potent serum too. Formulated with 12% vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, it does a stellar job at brightening and fading discolouration, while maintaining hydration. Then you’ve got salicylic acid to minimise the appearance of pores, which is especially useful for those with oily/combination skin types,” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Vitamin C, vitamin E, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Brightening and wrinkles |
Testing the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- It feels hydrating and nourishing
- It brightens and supports the skin barrier
- It has a lightweight, creamy and moisturising consistency
Cons
- The vitamin C potency is low, so it takes time and consistent use to see results
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Vitamins E, C and F |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Beginners |
Testing the Simple Booster Serum 10% Vitamin C+E+F
CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Contains 10% vitamin C while hyaluronic acid and ceramides keep the skin barrier conditioned
- It's an affordable option
- It feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin
Cons
- It doesn't do much for fine lines or texture, but the brightening benefits are 10/10
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 10% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ceramides |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | All, and those with sensitive skin |
Testing the CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Beauty Pie Superdose™ Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Pros
- Potent but gentle, the serum brightens and fades pigmentation in only a few weeks
- The lightweight, un-scented serum doesn't leave a sticky trace
- It has a high concentration, but can be used on sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may find the texture too fluid
Non-member price: £40.00
Member price: £23.50
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% stable vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | All, including sensitive |
Testing the Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Pros
- Vitamin E protects the skin against free radicals
- It doesn’t contain artificial fragrances or colours
- It does a stellar job at unifying an uneven complexion
Cons
- Some may not like the oil-based texture
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 7% stabilised vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), vitamin E and jojoba oil |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Everyone |
Testing the Medik8 C-Tetra vitamin C serum
Pros
- It brightens the complexion and fades pigmentation
- It has a lightweight texture that quickly absorbs
- It's a budget alternative to a cult-fave £165 serum
Cons
- It has an odd scent – users say it smells like hotdog water
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic serum |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | All, including sensitive skin |
Pros
- It contains 15% vitamin C serum, working quickly to brighten and fade pigmentation
- It has a creamy and hydrating formula
- Skin looks radiant after the first use
Cons
- It's a more expensive formula
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C serum |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Experienced users with a dull complexion |
Pros
- The delicate dose of vitamin C gradually brightens without causing irritation
- Supporting ingredients help with uneven tone and post-acne pigmentation
- It has a light, non-sticky texture
Cons
- Due to a low percentage of vitamin C it takes time to see results
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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 4% vitamin C, niacinamide and salicylic acid |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Beginners |
Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum
Pros
- It's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't irritate or clog pores
- The formula contains 15% vitamin C to deliver unreal glow – and ectoin keeps the skin barrier healthy
Cons
- It's an expensive formula compared to others in this edit
"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."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C and ectoin |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Acne-prone and oily skin |
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.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum for Sensitive Skin
Pros
- It has a unique, silky texture that instantly sinks into the skin
- It contains 10% ascorbic acid to brighten and fade pigmentation
Cons
- Some may not like the powdery fragrance
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 12% vitamin C, salicylic acid and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | All, including sensitive, acne-prone and oily |
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Pros
- It contains a very potent and effective vitamin C derivative
- Skin feels noticeably firmer and brighter after only a few uses
- It's backed by extensive scientific research
Cons
- At £165, it's the most expensive bottle in this edit
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Normal to dry skin |
Vichy Liftactiv Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- It contains 15% pure vitamin C to brighten and fade pigmentation
- It's suitable for those with sensitive skin
- Complementary ingredients, like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, keep the skin barrier protected
Cons
- It's more suitable for those with oily or combination skin
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Oily or combination skin |
Pros
- This multi-tasker brightens but also boosts collagen production
- Time-release technology prevents irritation
Cons
- The bottle is fairly small and expensive
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 15% vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | Experienced users |
ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating
Pros
- It contains a potent concentration of vitamin C to brighten
- It won't destabilise over time due to the vacuum-sealed tube
- It has a silky texture the easily glides over the skin
Cons
- This is an expensive option compared to others in this edit
“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.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 10% Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Who's it best for? | All skin types |
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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