Best drugstore vitamin C serum dermatologist recommended

The 12 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums of 2022

Medically reviewed by

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

Anyone interested in skincare (slowly raises hand) has no doubt heard about the benefits of vitamin C serums. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C essentially works by neutralizing free radicals from the environment, assisting in the repair of damaged cells, improving collagen production, skin elasticity, signs of photoaging (like pigmentation), and barrier function. Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antioxidant, but interestingly humans lack the enzyme needed for its synthesis which is why we rely on food, and in this instance topical products, to experience the benefits.  

Serums are generally thinner and more concentrated as far as skincare products go, which is why it makes a great vehicle for vitamin C. But we get the price can sometimes be off-putting (it is a very popular active ingredient, after all), so we’ve taken the liberty of compiling some drugstore vitamin C serum favorites that deliver all the glowy skin goodness minus the price tag. 

Keep scrolling to shop the best and brightest drugstore vitamin C serums on the market. 

What We Like

• Light texture

• Not sticky

• Gentle

What We Don’t Like

• Low concentration of vitamin C

Who else recommends it? Glamour also picked Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum. 

What do buyers say? 200+ Walmart reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

With just 0.5% vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), this gentle serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or those who find vitamin C irritating. As per Appel’s suggestion, it also comes boosted with niacinamide to assist with calming and soothing the skin, plus sodium hyaluronate and licorice root. We’re also big fans of the light, bouncy texture (plus, the smell isn’t too offensive). 

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Boosting radiance, firming, strengthening | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Affordable

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• Contains fragrance

This glow-giving serum uses ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble form of vitamin C that’s thought to be gentler and more stable than its pure form, so it’s a nice option if you’re new to antioxidants. Bonus points for hyaluronic acid and cloudberry extract to assist with hydration and the bouncy, fresh-skin feeling. 

Benefits: Firming, boosting radiance | Skin Type: Mature skin | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Hydrating

• Light texture

What We Don’t Like

• Not suited to oily or congested skin

This top-rated serum contains a bunch of stellar ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba, and vitamin E to cover all bases in one easy product. Because of the inclusion of hydrators, it’s an excellent pick for drier complexions or those looking to restore the skin’s youthful glow.

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Boosting radiance, firming, plumping | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: A few drops (can be used morning and night) | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Contains botanicals

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• Vitamin C concentration is not disclosed

• Could irritate sensitive skin

This serum is designed to balance, refine, and clarify blemish-prone or oily skin. Alongside vitamin C, there’s also clary sage, grapefruit, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile (not to mention, a herbaceous scent). Try patting a few drops onto clean skin after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning. 

Price at time of publish: $33

Benefits: Contains botanical extracts, boosts radiance, refines | Skin Type: Oily | Dosage: A few drops every morning | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Milky texture

• Dermatologist-endorsed

What We Don’t Like

• L-Ascorbic Acid can be unstable

L’Oreal’s Vitamin C serum was co-created with dermatologists to deliver the best possible results in a short timeframe. The formula contains 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), an active concentration that’s thought to be beneficial when it comes to visible change. Because L-ascorbic acid is known to be unstable, it’s also stored in an air-tight metal tube to protect its efficacy (so keep an eye out for any color changes). The creamy consistency is a nice change to watery serums, especially if you have dry, lined, or mature skin. 

Price at time of publish: $17

Benefits: Firms, boosts radiance, fragrance-free | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Dosage: A pea-sized amount | Size: 1.92 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Hydrating

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• L-Ascorbic Acid can be unstable

Formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides, this wallet-friendly serum is a great buy for dry, sensitive skin, or anyone who wants the benefits of vitamin C but finds many formulations irritating. It’s fragrance-free and allergy tested, and with ongoing use can illuminate the skin. 

Price at time of publish: $21

Benefits: Contains vitamin B5 and ceramides to soothe, allergy tested | Skin Type: Dry, dehydrated, or sensitive | Dosage: Small pea-sized amount | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Minimal ingredients

• Light texture

What We Don’t Like

• Dropper bottle could allow for air contamination

The Ordinary is arguably one of the best drugstore brands going around, so it would be rude of us to not include the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. The water-soluble form of vitamin C is less intense than L-ascorbic acid, so you can experience subtle-but-noticeable benefits with a lower risk of irritation. The sweet price point is a nice touch, too. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Benefits: Boosts radiance, firms | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Gentle

• Nourishing

• Soothes sensitive skin

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

If you are reactive, sensitive, or simply enjoy the virtues of French pharmacy beauty, Avene’s A-Oxidative Defense Serum is for you. The creamy formula contains ascorbyl glucoside again and is suspended in the brand’s signature thermal spring water (alongside hyaluronic acid and vitamin E). There’s also a soft, creamy texture that gives it a comforting feeling on the skin. 

Price at time of publish: $41

Benefits: Boosts radiance, nourishes, plumps | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Multi-purpose

• Minimal ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

If you’re chasing a one-and-done serum that can be used on uneven skin across the face and body, this is it. Appel loves it for its “concentrated dose of vitamin C and fruit enzymes” and recommends it for anyone looking to promote even skin tone, hydration, and a strong barrier. 

Price at time of publish: $72

Benefits: Can be used all over the body | Skin Type: All skin types, even sensitive | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Minimal ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Pricier than other options

Appel swears by innovative Australian brand Biologi and its single-ingredient formulations. Luminosity is made using pure Davidson Plum, a rich source of vitamin C (alongside other antioxidant properties). With ongoing use, Appel believes it can restore even skin tone and increase radiance.

Price at time of publish: $108 

Benefits: Boosts radiance, restores luminosity | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Absorbs fast

• Includes salicylic acid

What We Don’t Like

• Too much for sensitive skin

Vitamin C for acne-prone skin can be tricky, but La-Roche Posay has come to the table with this multi-purpose serum that claims to boost radiance and clarify the skin simultaneously. Enriched with 10% L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, the bouncy texture sinks in quickly and claims to assist with even and refined skin. And if you’re wondering, the brand explains that the inclusion of salicylic acid is to increase absorption and is formulated in a way so that the L-ascorbic acid allegedly remains intact. 

Price at time of publish: $40

Benefits: Refines, boosts radiance, and clarifies | Skin Type: Oily and congested | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• High concentration of vitamin C

• Helps fight acne-causing bacteria

• Evens texture and tone

What We Don't Like

• Results take time

Looking for something potent to fade pesky acne scars and dark spots? This lightweight serum is rich in powerful tyrosinase inhibitors that work to both prevent and treat existing marks and pigmentation concerns. Formulated with a whopping 20% vitamin C plus mulberry extract, it’ll help even tone and texture while fighting acne-causing bacteria and dullness along the way.

Price at time of publish: $22

Benefits: Fades dark spots and scars, boosts radiance, fights acne-causing bacteria | Skin Type: Combination, oily, and acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Your ideal drugstore vitamin C serum will depend on your skin type and condition, but team Byrdie unanimously agrees that the Versed Stroke of Brilliance Vitamin C Serum (view at Versed) and the Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum (view at Amazon) are a bang for your buck. Also honorable mention to Appel’s favorite Biologi Radiance Serum (view at Biologi) for its minimal ingredients and skin-boosting effect.

What to Look For in a Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

The Type of Vitamin C

Vitamin C in its pure form is L-ascorbic acid, but when it comes to topical products it can vary. Some of the most effective ones to look out for are L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 6 palmitate, disodium isostearyl 2-0 L-ascorbyl phosphate, tetris palmitoyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid sulfate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside2. 

Some forms are prone to oxidation (L-ascorbic acid especially), so if your product takes on a yellow-ish appearance once opened, chances are it’s lost its efficacy. 

Nice Pairings 

Leading esthetician Samantha Appel tells us that mixing B vitamins (like niacinamide) with vitamin C is a beneficial pairing and will “soothe, brighten and refine the skin’s appearance”. 

Not so Nice Pairings

Alternatively, Appel explains that AHAs and BHAs (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids) will potentially react with your vitamin C serum, so they are best left for the evening (and don’t mix products containing the two).

FAQ

• What are the benefits of drugstore vitamin C serums?

  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant proven to protect the skin, promote collagen production, and prevent the onset of photoaging (that is, premature aging caused by the sun and other environmental stressors).

  Appel further explains that vitamin C serums are extremely beneficial for anyone with a dull or uneven skin tone, sun damage, or those looking to reduce the signs of aging in the skin.

• How do you apply drugstore vitamin C serums?

  Appel says it’s important to follow the instructions listed on the back of your product, but as a general rule, you should apply in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen. 
  

• How often should you use a drugstore vitamin C serum?

  Appel says it’s best to use a Vitamin C serum once a day, especially in the morning, for antioxidant protection.
  

Why Trust Byrdie?

For this round-up, we’ve consulted with qualified skin experts and various medical journals to ensure that the information is accurate. We’ve also trawled through internet reviews and taken on some testing ourselves to be certain that this edit of drugstore vitamin C serums is the cream of the crop. 

Meet the Expert

Samantha Appel is an experienced aesthetician, founder of The Skin Bar, and one of Australia’s leading skin experts. She’s also currently completing a Bachelor of Dermal Science with studies in Cosmetic Chemistry. 

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough drugstore vitamin C serums from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at  and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Pullar, J.M.; Carr, A.C.; Vissers, M.C.M. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients 2017, 9, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866

2. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J [serial online] 2013 [cited 2021 Sep 29];4:143-6. Available from: https://www.idoj.in/text.asp?2013/4/2/143/110593

3. The Best Versed Skincare Products Worth Your Money. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/versed-skincare-reviews

4. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732

5. Shih Y, Zen JM. Flow injection analysis of ascorbyl glucoside in cosmetics by a disposable printed-circuit board waste modified electrode. Jnl Chinese Chemical Soc. 2006;53(4):857-862.

6. Mottola M, Vico RV, Villanueva ME, Fanani ML. Alkyl esters of L-ascorbic acid: Stability, surface behaviour and interaction with phospholipid monolayers. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2015;457:232-242. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.014

7. Shaw G, Lee-Barthel A, Ross ML, Wang B, Baar K. Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(1):136-143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.138594

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