Bethenny Frankel, 53, Swears By This "Hydrating and Plumping" Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

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If a good vitamin C serum isn't already part of your beauty routine, now is the time to get one. When used on a daily basis, vitamin C serums can brighten dull skin, fade dark spots and acne scars, even out skin tone, hydrate and even firm the skin. According to Birmingham-based, board certified dermatologist Dr. Corey Hartman, vitamin C is the most popular, most studied antioxidant ingredient.

“Antioxidants are beneficial because they help scavenge for free radicals that are developed by UV exposure,” explains Dr. Hartman. “The free radicals cause the degradation of collagen which makes your skin saggy and wrinkly, and cause brown spots. Vitamin C can help erase all of that, and stop that breakdown, so your skin stays tight and firm.”

Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it can easily be used topically in all kinds of compounds including face serums. And because it’s a product that everyone can benefit from, there is a staggering amount of them on the market. With Dr. Hartman’s guidance, we’ve selected dozens of products to test based on top-rated items from trusted brands, consumer favorites, dermatologist recommendations and staff go-tos. We’ve evaluated them for ingredients that promote efficacy, packaging that protects the integrity of the vitamin C and overall value for their price.

Here you can read all about the best vitamin C serums you can buy for a variety of skin types and concerns, including options for sensitive skin, beginner friendly-picks and ones to improve skin's texture.

Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum

This clinically proven serum (and GH Beauty Award winner), has over 5,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Its smooth consistency is easy to apply, and leaves an instant glowy sheen thanks to the potent 10% vitamin C blend. With four weeks of consistent use, many reviewers noticed brighter, tighter skin.

Vitamin C Brightening Cream

This gentle formula utilizes ascorbyl glucoside, a derivative form of vitamin C, that will brighten and firm. It might take a little longer to see results, but would be well worth it for those with more sensitive skin.

Bright Idea Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Bethenny Frankel took to TikTok to share her love for this drugstore vitamin C serum, calling it “hydrating and plumping.” She’s right –thanks to the addition of tri-peptides and antioxidants like licorice root, it also helps promote skin's elasticity. Reviewers also rave about how moisturizing it is, which makes it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. We love the airless pump that keeps it ultra-stable, so it stays fresher longer.

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Serum

Powerful active ingredients at a drugstore price makes this Olay serum a high-value favorite. Expect to see an instant glowy punch thanks to vitamin C, vitamin B3 and lactic acid. The creamy consistency layers well under other makeup, making it an easy addition to your morning routine. One reviewer with mature, sensitive skin found that the serum "brightened their skin and made it feel soft." Many reviews enjoyed the light citrus scent, but this product won't be for you if you need something fragrance-free.

BOOST C15 Super Booster

With 15% vitamin C, this formula is perfectly suited for vitamin C newbies. The addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid, both of which can help with redness and sagging, make it an especially effective choice to use it alone or added to your favorite moisturizer. The opaque container will ensure that it’s not exposed to sunlight, which can compromise the stability of vitamin C.

Our tester noted that the serum gave them brighter more even skin, and was easy to apply once they got the hang of how much product to dispense from the dropper.

C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

The C-Firma Day Serum is formulated with the same triple-threat ingredients of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid. Layered with a base of ultra-moisturizing marula oil adds an extra dose of hydration. As of a 2021 rebrand, this serum now comes in two separate bottles that you mix together to activate the serum, giving you the freshest product possible. Note that the formula is slightly sticky, so it’s best to wait a few minutes before layering with other products.

Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Barrett admits she felt "a little late to the party when it comes to having a skincare regimen, but when I kept hearing all the beauty-obsessed editors in the office going on about this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum, I was tempted to give it a go." She added, "You have to mix it up yourself, which gave me pause at first, but it was incredibly simple."

Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Dr. Hartman recommends this serum from La Roche-Posay because the brand "does such a great job at combining ingredients so you really get a bang for your buck." Here, the addition of salicylic acid makes this serum great for acne-prone skin because it helps to prevent breakouts by unclogging pores. If your skin is on the dry side, this might not be for you.

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil

Okay, so not technically a serum, but Reese Witherspoon loves it, so we couldn’t resist. This hydrating oil gives your skin a dose of vitamin C and Biossance’s signature vegan squalane, which has anti-inflammatory properties, in a lightweight facial oil. The post-application glow is seriously worth forgoing makeup, especially after consistent use gives you firmer, radiant skin.

"I love that this serum has almost no scent and goes on very light," says Country Living Food and Craft Director, Charlyne Mattox. "It is a little tacky feeling at first but it subsides over time. I can't say for certain that it faded my dark spots (I have one very persistent one), but overall it did make my skin more even toned."

Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40

The first of its kind, Supergoop Daily Dose incorporates the brightening powers of vitamin C with sun protection, making it easier to protect your skin from future sun damage. The serum leaves behind an instant luster, and layers well under makeup.

"With a built-in SPF 40, I love how this serum saves me a step on busy mornings," says Country Living Managing Editor, Amy Mitchell. "Plus, it’s fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave a sticky feeling like a lot of vitamin C serums do. Since using it, I’ve been told I look 'very summery' and 'glowy.'"

Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

This seriously impressive formula stands out for its unique combination of vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids. The lactic acid gently exfoliates to clean dead skin cells, allowing the 15% vitamin C to work its magic. The result? Brighter and firmer skin.

Violet-C Brightening Serum

Tatcha’s brightening formula is as impressive as their sunny packaging with 20% vitamin C and 10% AHAs, which even the tone and texture of skin. Fruit extracts like grapefruit, lime and orange gently exfoliate to reveal a brighter complexion over time.

"I'm a little apprehensive to try new products on my face," says Digital Director Katie Bowlby, "but this brightening serum proved to be very gentle yet still effective."

"Within a few days of use, I could tell my skin was smoother and could feel dead skin cells getting sloughed off. The result is a brighter, more even complexion. The product has a slight chemical smell but it is unnoticeable within minutes of application. I'll definitely be adding this to my daily routine!"

Super Glow

Here's an affordable option that uses a more stable vitamin C derivative called magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) along with magnesium PCA. The combination will leave you with a more even skin tone, reduced dark spots and fresh, glowy skin. The milky consistency is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin.

Our reviewer found the milky consistency to be lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin. After using for 4 weeks they noticed "a big difference in their skin texture and plumpness."

Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

If radiance is what you're after, you've come to the right spot. This serum leaves you with a dewy complexion after application and helps boost skin's vibrancy over time with consistent use. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, you can expect your glow with a side of plumper skin. Goodbye dullness!

"I used this product daily before putting on my moisturizer in the morning," says Associate Art Director Virginia England. "I felt like it gave my skin a nice boost and glow without feeling too heavy or oily. It’s definitely a product I will continue using."

Vitamin C Serum 15%

Obaji offers both a 15% and 20% vitamin C concentrate (start with 15% and work your way up if your skin stays unreactive). The potent serum brightens hyperpigmentation and encourages new collagen growth for firmer, more youthful skin.

Our reviewer said, "after only two weeks of use I noticed tighter skin on my forehead." With more consistent use they reported a decrease in brown spots and pigmentation.

Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum

This internet fan-favorite is often compared to pricier options that deliver similar results. Prebiotics and probiotics help maintain balanced skin while three forms of vitamin C get to work to bring dull skin back to life.

One Ulta Beauty reviewer commented that "my complexion has vastly improved. I find that my skin is dewy and my red and/or dry patches are significantly reduced. I'm actually shocked at how well this works!."

Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

A splurge worthy overachiever, iS Clinical's formula uses zinc sulfate to reduce inflammation and vitamins E and A to condition. This anti-inflammatory option is perfect for those with skin concerns like acne or rosacea.

Country Living Commerce Editor, Hannah Jones felt like this serum gave her the "pregnancy glow" that she never got naturally.

"It's been years since I've used a vitamin C serum because my skin started reacting so poorly to any new ones I tried after my favorite was discontinued, but this one has caused no irritation! If you're looking for the no-makeup glow (that isn't oil...), then this definitely comes through."

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Gliding on like a lightweight moisturizer, this serum is seriously impressive. It boosts radiance, evens tone and smoothes texture thanks to its fast absorbing form of vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate). It's light citrusy scent was nearly always a hit with reviewers.

Associate Commerce Editor Anna Mahan claims this is the best Vitamin C serum she's ever used. "It glides on so smoothly and doesn’t add any texture to my skin like other serums I’ve tried. She adds that after using it in the morning before her moisturizer, "it adds such a gorgeous glow to my skin while also minimizing the look of dark spots I have."

C E Ferulic® with 15% L-ascorbic acid

No list would be complete without this top-selling vitamin C serum, and for good reason. Made up of a careful combination of L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E and ferulic acid, it delivers a triple threat of protection. This dermatologist-favorite is pricey, but you’ll see results faster than nearly any product on the market.

Dr. Hartman also recommends SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF for those with pigmentation concerns or SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF if you struggle with acne breakouts or oily skin.

I tried a handful of best-selling vitamin C serums on the market and was skeptical that this product, loved as is, would give me better results. Boy, was I wrong. This serum from Skin Ceuticals gave my skin a noticeable clarity in glow in only a few weeks. I've used a vitamin C serum daily for years and couldn't believe that I noticed a difference after starting this product. A dropper is my least-favorite serum packaging, but who can complain with results like this.

What should I look for when shopping for a vitamin C serum?

• Packaging: "The most important thing is to make sure it maintains stability in the compound," explains Dr. Hartman. "Because it can be broken down by light and oxygen, an opaque container is important as is so some sort of applicator that doesn’t expose it to a lot of air." Airless pumps are the best for keeping your product stable for the longest amount of time.

• Other ingredients: Almost anyone can use a vitamin C serum, but depending on your skin type — normal, dry, oily, sensitive — you may want to look for one with additional ingredients that will work for your skin. For example, if you have dry skin, a serum with hyaluronic acid is a good choice.

Does the percentage of vitamin C matter?

Dr. Hartman cautions on putting too much emphasis on the percentage of vitamin C, saying "what’s more important than the percentage of vitamin c is asking, 'is it stable' and 'how does it feel on your skin.'"

When in doubt, 10-15% potency is a gentle place to start. Keep in mind that too much vitamin C can potentially lead to irritation.

How and when should I apply a vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serums are good for all skin types and require no ramp up, so you can start immediately, using once a day on clean skin, usually in the morning.

Dr. Hartman recommends not using it in a direct application to a retinoid, but otherwise, these products are developed to absorb quickly into the skin and can be layered with other skincare.

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