The 5 Best Vitamin C Serums, According to Readers

Skin care is highly subjective, but who doesn’t love a product recommendation? We recently surveyed more than 400 NewBeauty readers* to uncover their holy-grail skin-care products. From retinol to sunscreen, our beauty enthusiasts didn’t hold back—and when it came to vitamin C serums, a few clear favorites emerged. Ahead, the five most-loved formulas worth adding to your routine.

1 / 5

Alastin C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum ($218)

This multitasking serum targets both elastin production and free-radical damage for brighter, healthier-looking skin. One reader in her forties says it “brightens skin,” while another, 34, adds that it “doesn’t break me out.” A third sums it up simply: “It works really well for my skin.”

• BUY NOW – $218

2 / 5

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum ($45)

Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating salicylic acid, this formula goes beyond your standard vitamin C serum. Readers rave about its “brightening effects,” making it a go-to for those seeking a glow boost.

• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $45
• BUY ON AMAZON – $45

3 / 5

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Serum ($28)

Affordable and effective, this serum combines vitamin C with blemish-fighting salicylic acid and vitamin E. One reader in her fifties says it “has made a difference with her skin,” while another, 65, loves that “it goes on smooth.”

• BUY ON TARGET – $28
• BUY ON AMAZON – $25

4 / 5

Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20% ($150)

Available in multiple concentrations, this powerhouse formula earns praise for its simplicity and results. “It works,” says one 30-year-old reader, adding that it leaves her skin “super glowy.”

• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $150
• BUY ON OBAGI – $150

5 / 5

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($185)

The gold standard of vitamin C serums, this cult favorite is beloved for its transformative results. “It’s a gold-star,” says a 66-year-old reader, while another, 50, credits it for improving her melasma.

• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $185

*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025