The 17 Best Vitamin C Serums For A Glowing Complexion

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.

Acting Beauty Director, Verity Clark 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 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.

Rachel Martin, Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor 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.'

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 Hyaluronic Acid which plumps skin, 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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'I'm absolutely over the moon with this La Roche Posay vit C10, the dropper can be a bit messy when you put it back the bottle but apart from that it's perfect. The serum is quite thick but glides over your skin like silk beautifully, it feels amazing and soaks in with no stickiness. The smell is wonderful. Its a very gentle vitamin c as I've had reactions with other brands but not with this one.My skin is looking more even toned and has a lovely glow. I will be keeping this in my routine as I'm really happy with it.'

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, Grazia's Acting Health & 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, Grazia's 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.

Japanese skin care technology is world class Beautypie have used a next-gen formulation in this firming, smooth and brightening serum. Infused with pinaretinol (a low-irritation vitamin A that smooths and tones), niacinamide (strengthes the skin barrier) , vitamin C (brightens, strengthens and protects) and eyeliss (reduces puffiness), this serum is packed with seriously impressive molecules that promise well rested looking eyes in just two weeks.

One trusted reviewer said: I was a little nervous about this as I have never got on very well with retinol eye creams - they have always led to irritation and dryness for me. This however, has been amazing! I’m using it nightly and have had no irritation at all. My under eyes look smoother and brighter and less puffy when I wake. I can see a visible improvement after a week or so of using it (should have done before and after photos). The hardest thing is resisting the temptation to use it in the morning too.

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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One trusted reviewer said:** 'It lives up to the hype. Skin has never felt so soft and hydrated and I have noticed that my skin looks brighter. Must have in my skincare routine now, also a little goes a long way.'

If you love a lightweight, refreshing, gel-based daily cream – 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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'I love all body shop products as they work well with my combination skin, I use this as well as the edelweiss serum. The cream is lovely and melts into my skin and great pre make up!'

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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'The difference this one product has made to my skin is unbelievable. Skin tone has been evened out, skin has brightened and looks dewy and healthy. Love it!'

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 ski 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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'I love that this serum doesn’t seem to be scented and the consistency is nice, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling supple. I’ve been using this serum for just over two weeks and while I don’t see a huge change this soon, I’m impressed with the feel of my skin and I look forward to using this consistently over the next few weeks/months and will report back.'

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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'I absolutely love this product! For its price it work wonders. When i was using it regularly it made my skin brighter. Have started using it again and plan to never leave it. I hope ordinary keep up the good quality.'

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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'This product is amazing!! I wasn't sure how to use it initially because it's completely different than anything else I have ever tried. You first begin by taking off the foil on the top, then press down two times and shake for about 15 seconds. Afterward, you press down again and it releases a serum. I have used it alone and also mixed it in the palm of my hand with my moisturiser. It has definitely brightened up my skin and has helped correct redness. I have also noticed some fine lines look a little more filled. I definitely recommend this product and I will definitely be ordering more of this in the future.'

 Mature skin rejoice this trusted serum targets brightening and evening skin tone and boosting glow.

The highly-stable, slow-release form of Vitamin C called AA2G that's used here has been proven to be as effective as a higher % vitamin C.  Good quality ingredients, in a formula with other proven actives at optimum levels, creates happy, balanced skin and the results speak for themselves. According to the new Balance Me Beauty Panel results users saw glowier skin in just 3 days. Phwoar!

What the reviewers think: A bestselling vitamin C serum for a reason, this has been getting 5* reviews and winning awards for 5 years.

111K Skin is a celebrity favourite, we always spy their signature black under eye masks backstage. 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.

One trusted reviewer said: 'I suffer from uneven texture, dullness & skin redness and I am beyond happy about how my skin looks like after using this Vitamin C Serum consistently for 4 weeks! I noticed that the redness on my cheek area has reduced and my texture has definitely improved.'

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.

Beauty Writer Renee Washington 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.’

Our beauty journalist said: '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.'

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.

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, Grazia's 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.'