Glow Goals: The Best Vitamin C Serums for Luminous Skin, According To Experts And Celebrities

Speaking in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Sydney Sweeney revealed that her go-to is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, we are not surprised. A true triple threat thanks to the killer combination of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid. Designed to offer advanced protection against environmental aggressors the hardworking serum promotes a brighter and more evenly-toned complexion, within just a few uses. It is eye-wateringly expensive but trust us when we say that a little goes a long way. Allow the slightly oily texture to sink in – it’s not sticky or uncomfortable- before following with moisturiser and SPF.

Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'I’ve been reaching for this one for around a year now and although it's expensive, it's one of the only products that truly transforms my skin when it's in need of some extra TLC. While there's no denying it's a splurge (it comes in at a hefty £165) when I see tangible results so quickly it's worth saving my pennies for - especially when I can forgo regular facials as a result. One bottle lasts around six months and reveals brighter and more radiant skin - making it a must for this time of year. Would recommend.'

In a previous interview, Sabrina Carpenter revealed that after using cleansing and toning, her treatment of choice if 111Skin's Vitamin C Brightening Booster. The brand is a celebrity favourite, we always spy their signature black under eye masks backstage, too. This serum is a beastly 2-in-1. It works by promoting collagen production thanks to glutathione while liquorice root extract helps to curb the production of hyperpigmentation, minimise dark marks, and simultaneously reduces flushing and redness.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Thanks to my long struggle with acne, my skin is riddled with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation meaning while my breakouts have cleared I've been left with dark marks and discolouration in their place. These marks can be stubborn and last for months on end, but the 111SKIN Vitamin C Brightening Booster has certainly helped to improve their potency. Powered by 3% vitamin C, 3% resurrection plant extract and 2% niacinamide, the serum revives lacklustre skin by improving brightness, balances skin tone, refining texture and correcting the look of dark spots, discolouration and hyperpigmentation.'

Hailey Bieber is a big fan of this one and even took to YouTube to spotlight it. It combines a blend of triple-patented vitamin C and peptides which work to plump and sooth, along side 20% pure L-Ascorbic acid to help fade discolouration and dark spots. But that's not all, the fully loaded formula comes packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and pomegranate sterols, which all contribute in lending the skin a more plump, soothed, lifted, and radiant look.

Hailey Bieber says: '[It's] the world's first serum containing 20% stable and pure vitamin C, which was groundbreaking in the industry. It has changed my skin [and is] one of my holy grail products.'

It's not hard to see why Lizzo loves this stuff. Loaded with red raspberry and evening primrose to sooth and hydrate as well as turmeric, ginger, and THD ascorbate, it lends radiance, evenness and lifts dull-looking complexions.

Speaking in an interview, Lizzo says: 'I have the C.E.O. Glow oil — it’s so sick. There’s vitamin C and turmeric in it. I’m obsessed with the way vitamin C smells — like oranges. I love oils in general. Black girls, we’re always using cocoa butter, coconut oil and shea butter on our bodies. I’m an oily bitch.'

Camila Cabello may be a L’Oreal Paris global ambassador, but she's also a religious user of this serum, according to a previous interview. The hardworking formula features the purest form of derm-recommended vitamin C at the brand's highest concentration, as well as antioxidant vitamin E and resurfacing salicylic acid.

Speaking in the interview Cabello said: 'My issues are that I dry out and then I get blackheads and plugged pores. It’s kind of like a sandpaper texture on my skin. I love the way a serum feels, it’s so hydrating. I’m from Miami, so when I come to Los Angeles, my skin really feels the dryness. I always need extra hydration.'

Made with 10% active ingredients, it's fair to say this serum is a do-it-all treat. Expect Vitamin C to brighten and bolster, Vitamin F to moisturise and strengthen and Vitamin E to soothe and calm. The reviews are glowing - quite literally.

Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'If I'm my spending money on only one beauty product? It's always going to be a serum. I want a hardworking formula that reveal results fast, so I don't mind setting aside a few extra pennies to achieve this. But Simple's Booster Serum with 10% Vitamin C+E+F? Wow! Cheap as chips yet a total treat. Any trace of a dull pallor is whipped away in an instant replaced with a subtle glow that gives off that elusive "well-rested" look. Would recommend.'

Backed by serious science, skincare brand Medik8 are renowned for producing top notch formulations and this high concentration vitamin C serum is no exception. Packed with squalene and vitamin F this stuff helps to nourish the skin barrier and keep faces hydrated throughout the day.

Verity Clark, former acting beauty director, says: 'I have long been a fan of Medik8's brilliant retinol range and i've recently introduced this vit C into my morning routine and boy am I glad I did. I usually like my serums to feel quite thick and hefty so the almost watery consistency took a little getting used to, it takes a moment to absorb but once it has you're left with a gorgeous almost silky veil that adds a lovely glow to my pallid post-snooze button complexion. And it even smells faintly of oranges which is a plus point for me!'

A facial in two minutes? Yes, please. This triple action exfoliator buffs, brightens and polishes all skin, including eczema prone. Poly-hydroxy Acids have similar benefits to AHAs, in that they exfoliate, - but they can be tolerated better. Why? Their larger molecule doesn't penetrate as deeply, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Medical and Cosmetic Doctor Ewoma Ukeleghe confirms this: 'Because PHAs are so gentle they can be used on pretty much any skin type to get smoother, brighter, and tighter skin’. REN's clean formulations use a stabilised vitamin C that doesn't degrade once opened.

****Verity Clark, former acting beauty director, says: 'This had me at two-minutes. Vitamin C products are often overlooked as exfoliators but they shouldn't be and this is a brilliant example of why not. I've been using this as super speedy face mask once a week or when my skin is looking particularly dull - after travelling, or a late night - it doesn't have that usualy uncomfortable tingle associated with a lot of strong vitamin C products and it strips away dead skin cells, dirt and grime and leaves my skin Glowing with a capital G.'

With 1500 people on the wait list this reached super serum status even before it hit shelves. NAD+ is the current buzzword in beauty. Think of it as a skin cell tease. It works by restoring cellular energy to encouraging cells to behaviour more youthfully - read: radiant complexion. Sunflower Shoot Extract is the hero ingredient in Dr Sam's much loved flawless moisturiserand the dermatologist has harnessed it in this serum. SSE boosts the antioxidant and brightening benefits of the 15% vitamin C and 2% ectoin. The result? Serious defence against common ageing factors including UV, pollution and blue light.

Cassie Steer, former acting head of beauty, says: Think of this as the Duracell of vitamin C serums. Having discovered that reserves of NAD+ (a coenzyme that keeps our cells' batteries working) drop by a depressing 50% after the age of 40, my (presbyopic) eyes lit up when I saw the press release for this new serum land in my inbox. I use a vitamin C serum every morning and knowing that Dr Sam and her eponymous skincare line are industry insider favourites ensured a seamless segue into my skincare routine. Two weeks in and my complexion looks suitably recharged.

This lightweight and revitalising serum is formulated with a potent combination of ingredients to address various skin concerns. It has the tried, tested and adored combination of stabilised vitamin c, vitamin E and ferulic acid for maximum brightening power. The inclusion of peptides and hyaluronic acid also works together to provide hydration and visibly improve skin firmness, leaving you with a more rejuvenated appearance.

Renee Washington, digital fashion writer, says: ‘I admit I don’t use it as much as I should, but I love the results I get when I use the Paula’s choice C15 Super Booster. My skin always looks brighter, and the my hyperpigmentation is not as obvious. The serum is lightweight and refreshing, and mixes well with my other products. I always recommend introducing brightening products into your nighttime routine first, especially if you have a deeper complexion like myself.’

Freshness is key when it comes to vitamin C, to ensure the effectiveness of this cream, Dermatica have taken extra measures to protect it from light and air, which can degrade its key ingredient, ascorbic acid. You only need a small amount of this powerful formula to see it work to brighten your skin, stimulate collagen production, and provide protection against UV rays and free radical damage. The best part? One bottle contains an entire month's supply.

********Verity Clark, former acting beauty director, says: 'I've been reaching for this when my skin is in a serious need of a pick me up. It's more of a lotion than your typical serum but it's lovely and hydrating and seems to layer well under my other skincare products, plus it doesn't pile under makeup. It does a good job of ironing out surface lines and making my skin texture look more uniform - I'm impressed.'

La Roche-Posay is heavily rated in the beauty game, particularly for sensitive skin types, and this serum is testament to this. It's infused with a 12% vitamin C concentration to bolster radiance and elasticity, salicylic acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin and a dose of Thermal Water, with mineral diversity which has restorative benefits. Fast absorbing, non-irritating and you can layer it with most other products.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I'm easily swayed by La Roche-Posay's line up of dermatologist-backed, sensitive skin-friendly, efficacious formulas, and this serum proves just how well the brand lives up to its reputation. Loaded with 12% pure vitamin c, salicylic acid, peptide neurosensine, it refines texture and boosts radiance while controlling sebum and calming the skin, which makes it great for acne-prone, reactive skin types like mine.'

There’s been a lot of hype around this vitamin C serum and the fact that it’s under a tenner has a lot to do with it. Is it any good? Well, it’s certainly a dependable, solid quality offering. It’s not going to change your skin overnight, not much does, but it has a fairly hefty amount of the brightening stuff (given the price point) and over time you’ll start to notice it doing its thing. It works really well alongside other products in your skincare arsenal too. 

****Verity Clark, former acting beauty director, says: 'I’ve been using the Q+A Vitamin C Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m genuinely impressed. I probably don’t use it as much as I should, but the results so far are good. My face looks brighter, and the puffiness reduces after applying in the morning. The cream is lightweight and refreshing, making it perfect for my morning routine. It’s become a must-have in my skincare arsenal for achieving a fresher face.'

This formula is powered with Caudalie's signature Viniferine, which boasts an efficacy rate that’s 62 times greater than ordinary vitamin C, which will work harder at evening your complexion. The serum is nicely topped off with a delicate aroma consisting of mint, watermelon, orange tree leaves and citrus blossom.
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Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says:** 'I have never used a vitamin C alternative before and after trying this, I'm convinced I should've started sooner. Derived from vine sap, the brand's patented Viniferine ingredient tends to dark spots in an even more effective way than regular vitamin C, all while managing to feel gentle on this skin - that'll be the olive squalane's doing. My sensitive, reactive skin gets on with this very well.'

If you love a lightweight, refreshing, gel-based daily serum – this has your name on it. As well as boosting radiance consistent application helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines thanks to the natural occurring antioxidant, Bakuchiol. Touted as having similar skin benefits as retinol - decreasing appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and minimising signs of hyperpigmentation - but without any of the associated flaking, this is a good all-in one option for retinophobes.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I've long loved The Body Shop's line up of skincare which fairs well for my sensitive skin type and this serum did not disappoint. Instantly radiance-boosting, its gel-like lightweight serum glides over to deliver serious hydration while getting to work on my uneven skin tone and texture.'

Murad skincare is loved by beauty buffs. This one-of-a-kind vita-C serum is a two in one glow giver with both brightening and exfoliating benefits. Glycolic acid helps to buff away dead skin cells and dry skin plus it's rated for its ability to fade sun damage, dark spots, age spots and acne scars. After 2 Weeks Murad reported, 91% saw brighter, smoother skin with more glow and 94% agreed skin feels softer and more hydrated.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While this was a tad too potent for my skin type, I could immediately see its appeal. It works in two folds to accelerate cell renewal and turnover process byway of glycolic acid and brightens with the brand's signature Vita C Complex, which blends gold-stabilised pure L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) and glutathione for a serious dose of vitamin C. It leaves skin radiant and rejuvenated.'

Inspired by the green tea ingredient used in Korean dermatology, natural beauty brand Innisfree have added a green tea enzyme to vitamin C capsules to yes, help brighten dark spots and dull but also to even out skin tone. A powerful antioxidant, green tea helps fight the signs of skin damage from UV rays as well as helping to bring down any redness.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I am a K-beauty stan and this serum proves why Korean skincare is some of the best around. Loaded with a double dose of vitamin C, enzymes from green tea, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling supple, bright and clear. But the best part is it doesn't clog my pores, irritate my skin or trigger my acne.'

The Ordinary is a good place to start if you don't want to splurge on skincare but still want dependable results.This product uses direct vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and balance out an uneven skin tone. Super fast absorbing but leaves skin feeling dewy all day. This water-free formula provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. It's recommended to dilute this formula with a cream or serum.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I followed best practice when trying the serum and loaded a couple of drops into my daily moisturiser which felt like a more gentle means of getting acquainted with the formula. While just £7.70, the product comes equipped with 23% pure L-Ascorbic acid and seems to work just as hard as more spenny formulas judging by how comfortable it felt on the skin and its gentle yet effective approach on my uneven skin tone.'

Technically this is a powder serum hybrid, and the individual foil packets are designed to keep the vitamin C stable , or fresh, until it's opened. Clever. With 10% ascrobic acid it's on the more gentle side and it's a good choice for vitamin c newbies because you mix it with a moistuirser to further saturate the potency. To use: Mix 2 drops of Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C with a moisturiser of your choice day and night to boost regular routine, for full potency, its recommended you use within 7 days.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'You wouldn't be blamed for not knowing how to use this, I was admittedly confused myself at first as the application method is unlike any other vitamin C product I've tried. Start by taking off the foil on the top of the tube, then press down two times and shake for about 15 seconds. Lastly, push down once more to drop the serum into your moisturiser (though you can use it alone too). It really helps to brightened my overall skin tone while correcting dark marks and redness, too.'

This contains two forms of vitamin C (one oil-soluble, the other water-soluble), formulated to ‘brighten the complexion, improve hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production.’ There’s also EGT Amino Acids in there, which work to enhance the efficacy of vitamin C for serious illumination. Redness prone? Bonus points for the inclusion of soothing niacinamide. And lest we forget potent tranexamic acid, which is ideal for whipping away sunspots and pigmentation.

Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Once you try this you won’t go back - I've got numerous friends hooked on the stuff. The texture is gloriously lightweight with none of the greasy, oily feeling that so often comes with vitamin C serums. It melts into skin beautifully, plays well under make-up and such a small amount tends to go a long way. In terms of results, my skin appeared instantly brighter and more hydrated, especially around my forehead and my cheekbones. The tone and texture of my complexion became more even around the three week mark - although it is worth noting that my skin turns slightly red upon application for a few minutes. My only qualm is that this definitely is an expensive purchase. But for such dramatic results I deem it a worthy one - especially if you can nab it in the sale.