Best vitamin c and ferulic acid serum

If you’ve delved into the wild world of skin care at all, you probably already know that finding the best vitamin C serum for your skin can be an incredibly beneficial—and challenging—endeavor. In particular, this antioxidant ingredient is great at managing hyperpigmentation issues (including acne scars and dark spots) and evening out your skin tone. But how do you know what’s right for your skin?

There are a ton of face serums out there, as well as face moisturizers and cleansers that also contain vitamin C. So what’s the best way to use these products to get the most benefit from them? And when can you expect to see results? Here’s everything you need to know when you’re looking for the best vitamin C serum to add to your skin-care routine.

What can vitamin C do for your skin?

In skin care, a great vitamin C tip is that it can do a few really helpful things if you know its use. First, vitamin C can actually inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment in the skin, which makes it a crucial ingredient for managing hyperpigmentation (including sun spots and age spots) and generally evening out skin tone.

Second, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which means it can help neutralize free radicals. These are unstable atoms that form as a result of exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Over time, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can harm the skin and cause premature signs of aging. Using sunscreen daily along with a potent antioxidant like vitamin C is the best way to protect yourself from damage due to free radicals.

What should you look for in a vitamin C serum?

There are numerous vitamin C serums to pick so if you think you might benefit from using a vitamin C serum for your face, there are a few things to note. 

Concentration

First, think about the concentration of vitamin you might need. If your pigmentation issues are mild or you have dry or sensitive skin, definitely start at the lower end, around 5%, because vitamin C products can be irritating at higher concentrations. But if your issues are more moderate to severe or you’ve been using vitamin C products for a while without any sensitivity problems, you can go all the way up to 20%. However, the effects you’ll get from vitamin C products plateau after 20%, so there’s no reason to pay more for anything above that concentration. Unfortunately, not all companies clearly label how much vitamin C their products contain.

Form

Second, think about the form of vitamin C the product you’re looking at contains. This is an ingredient that can be highly unstable as it’s sensitive to both oxygen and light, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for products that use more stable and efficacious forms of vitamin C. Some forms of vitamin C are also better suited to certain skin types, like acne-prone skin. For instance, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is water-soluble, meaning it will more likely be used in lighter, water-based products that are great for oilier skin. But ascorbyl palmitate is lipid-soluble, meaning you’re more likely to see it in vitamin C oils or other moisturizing formulas that are better for mature and/or dry skin.

Design

Finally, pay attention to how the product is designed and stored. Because vitamin C is such a temperamental ingredient, opt for products that come in dark or opaque packaging that will block light. If a product also utilizes an airless pump rather than a dropper, that’s a plus because it will prevent it from being exposed to oxygen.

How should you incorporate vitamin C into your skin-care routine?

Sara Hogan, M.D., a dermatologist at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, previously told SELF that the right time to add vitamin C into your skin-care routine depends on what kind of product it is. As far as serums are concerned, they’re best applied directly after cleansing your skin but before moisturizing it. 

Since vitamin C is available in a number of concentrations—from below 5% up to 30%—it’s important to choose yours wisely depending on your skin type. Dr. Hogan suggested those with dry or sensitive skin stick to lower concentrations, which are usually less irritating, as we mentioned above. Oily skin types, or those who deal with extensive pigmentation issues, can likely handle higher serum intensities to improve tone and texture. 

If you use retinol or benzoyl peroxide on a regular basis, dermatologists advise steering clear of using a vitamin C serum at the same time, as the combination can cause it to lose potency. Since it’s more effective to use vitamin C in the morning—it becomes unstable once the ingredient is exposed to light, and that’s when UV radiation is at its highest—professionals recommend using benzoyl peroxide and retinol at night, or on different days of the week for the best results. And if you’re wondering about the effects of using a vitamin C serum along with a different active ingredient you rely on in your skin-care routine, be sure to do some research into whether it makes sense to combine them before you dive in. 

When it comes to high-quality vitamin C serums, there are a few classic go-to products that dermatologists recommend over and over again because they’re proven to work. But they’re also often expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives out there. Check out your options before you splurge and think about what’s really important to you in a vitamin C product.

And remember that how you use the product is just as important as the product itself. Using a vitamin C serum consistently (ideally in the mornings!) and storing it well to preserve its potency can result in noticeable skin improvements—but not overnight. Even the best products may take weeks to months to have an effect.

Below, check out a few of the best vitamin C serums out there, from retailers like Dermstore, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, and more.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

• Skinstore

  SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

  Perhaps the most well-known vitamin C serum on the market, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a dermatologist-recommended combination of powerful ingredients in just the right formulation—Jerome Potozkin, M.D., calls it a “standout amongst topical vitamin C serums.” It contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, which is a pretty potent dose of vitamin C, along with nourishing vitamin E and ferulic acid for an antioxidant triple threat.

• Paula's Choice

  Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

  This lightweight serum contains 15% ascorbic acid, which is sufficient enough to result in a noticeable difference over time. Plus if you’d prefer, it’s formulated to give you the option to mix it into a hydrating moisturizer and layer under your favorite broad-spectrum SPF.

• Sephora

  Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

  This perfectly packaged serum contains a powerhouse formula of 15% L-ascorbic acid along with vitamin E for a nourishing, brightening antioxidant combination. It also includes a few fruit enzymes to minimize dullness and leave your skin feeling smooth and glowy.

• Timeless Skin Care

  Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum

  This one is a favorite of skin care enthusiasts on Reddit because it has that classic winning antioxidant formula—high-concentration vitamin C plus vitamin E and ferulic acid—at a fraction of the cost of other, much more expensive serums. The packaging on this product was also recently revamped to be a secure airless pump rather than a dropper bottle. However, at a full 20% vitamin C, this serum may be a bit much for beginners.

• Ulta

  L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum

  With a simple and effective formula of 10% vitamin C, this drugstore serum is a great budget-friendly option. It also comes in a secure and opaque metal tube that will keep the product from oxidizing and breaking down too quickly.

• Skinstore

  SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF

  If you want the potency of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic but your skin tends to be on the oily side, dermatologists recommend checking out the Phloretin CF serum from the same brand. This version contains a slightly more moderate 10% vitamin C and replaces the vitamin E with phloretin, another plant-derived antioxidant that’s less likely to contribute to oiliness and possible breakouts. Dr. Potozkin says this is also a great option if you have sensitive skin. 

• Murad

  Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum

  For extra brightening powers, this serum pairs pure vitamin C with glycolic acid, a chemical AHA that can help reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Just know that glycolic acid can be a little irritating to those with dry or sensitive skin, so start slowly with this powerful serum.

• Sephora

  Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

  Here’s a best-selling rose oil from Biossance that’s ideal for dry or mature skin types. It contains lipid-soluble vitamin C to brighten while it hydrates, and it features an eyedropper top for mess-free application.

• Ulta

  BeautyBio The Daily Brightening Vitamin C Serum

  For oily and combination skin types, professionals recommend using this lightweight and fragrance-free serum, which contains magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble form of vitamin C. This serum's formula is also ideal for minimizing dark spots and improving overall skin dullness and uneven texture. 

• Dermstore

  Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20%

  For those who need some serious vitamin C power, this 20% L-ascorbic acid serum will get the job done. Along with a dose of hydration from hyaluronic acid, this simple but effective formula will help effectively target hyperpigmentation issues.

• Buttah Skin

  Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum

  This vitamin C serum from one of our favorite Black-owned beauty brands was formulated specifically for those with darker skin tones (who also tend to be more prone to hyperpigmentation). Along with the potent L-ascorbic acid, this serum contains antioxidant ferulic acid and calming green tea and chamomile extracts. It’s also stored in an opaque glass bottle to keep things fresh.

• Urban Outfitters

  Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum

  Coming in at a potent 15% vitamin C, this lightweight gel serum is a high-powered winner. For extra brightening effects, it comes with kojic acid, another ingredient that’s known to help with pigmentation issues. And to balance everything out, the serum also contains soothing aloe extract.

• Ulta

  Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum

  In addition to the stable and effective vitamin C derivative magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, this serum contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin—so you can expect more hydrated skin on top of a more even skin tone. 

• Ulta

  Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

  Mad Hippie’s vitamin C serum is packed with both science-backed ingredients and approachable botanical extracts. It contains vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, so it will have a lightweight texture that’s especially great for oilier skin, as well as hyaluronic acid, which will hydrate skin without suffocating it.

• Ulta

  Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum

  If you’re more experienced with vitamin C products or just naturally have more resilient skin, this potent serum may be a good option. It contains 20% vitamin C as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid. Combined, these antioxidant ingredients can help brighten skin, minimize discoloration, and protect against free radical damage.

• Ole Henriksen

  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Serum

  This popular vitamin C serum is great specifically for its anti-aging benefits. Along with the all-star antioxidant it contains, it also comes with ingredients for boosting collagen production. If you’re not quite sure about it, know that it comes in a travel size so you can get a taste before splurging on the full-size product.

• Dermstore

  SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex

  Dr. Potozkin likes this serum from SkinMedica, which contains the skin-brightening one-two punch of vitamin C and vitamin E and has garnered nearly 200 five-star reviews from Dermstore customers.

• Amazon

  Cellex-C High Potency Serum

  Dr. Potozkin also recommends vitamin C products from Cellex-C, like this high-potency oil-free serum that feels lightweight upon application.

• Lala Daisy

  Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum

  Not only does this serum feature a high concentration of vitamin C, but it also contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant resveratrol, which contributes to its overall brightening effects. 

• Sephora

  The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

  SELF previously recommended this affordable serum for mature and dryer skin types because it contains the lipid-soluble form of vitamin C and, thus, more moisturizing ingredients.

• Glossier

  Glossier Super Glow

  Glossier has made a name for itself on products that help us attain luxuriously dewy skin, so it’s no wonder that the brand’s vitamin C serum earns top marks in the glow department (it’s right there in the name!). Non-irritating and cruelty-free, the Super Glow serum is made of a stable vitamin C derivative that won’t oxidize when you open the bottle.

• Amazon

  Winky Lux Orange You Bright Serum

  One of this year’s SELF Healthy Beauty Award–winning beauty products, Winky Lux’s brightening serum boosts elasticity, firms, and plumps skin to restore its natural vibrancy (our tester said they saw near-instant results). 

• Amazon

  Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

  This previous Healthy Beauty Award winner not only addresses signs of past sun damage but helps prevent future damage as well by bolstering the skin’s natural production of vitamin C. Given this serum’s price tag, you can consider it an investment in your skin’s happiness.

• Dermstore

  Skinmedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

  If you’re willing to splurge, consider this powerful, upgraded formula from dermatology darling SkinMedica: It targets fine lines and skin texture while increasing the skin’s overall glow. Plus it's fragrance-free.

• Ourself

  Ourself Daily Dark Spot Intercept

  With a range of active ingredients including collagen-boosting peptides, brightening niacinamide, and, of course, vitamin C, this serum packs a serious punch when it comes to addressing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

• Amazon

  Organys Spark Rejuvenating Eye Formula

  Vitamin C makes an appearance in a bevy of skin-care products, including eye creams. This top-rated option goes on smooth and busts puffiness like a serum but offers all the hydration you’d expect from a lightweight moisturizer.

• Dermstore

  Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum

  Jan Marini’s C-Esta Face Serum is dermatologist-recommended for its anti-inflammatory, brightening effects. Plus, according to reviewers, it absorbs easily and features a pleasant, refreshing scent.

What is the highest rated Vitamin C serum?

Which brand has the best vitamin C serum?

Is vitamin C and ferulic acid a good combination?

Which ferulic acid is best?