Best vitamin C serums for the brightest, healthiest skin 2025

The Vitamin C Super Serum Plus from Naturium is jam-packed with ingredients to target a full range of skin concerns. The blend of vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid can be used on pretty much any skin type for those looking to brighten, combat blemishes, target fine lines and instantly hydrate. It's an all-in-one skincare solution, and customers love it.

One customer says, "The darkness has gone down so much that I almost don't need concealer".

With an overall star rating of 4.5/5, this Naturium Serum is well loved by many users. It's safe to say this serum has become an all-time favourite, and skin looks brighter, firmer and more even with every use. Many users report improvements in hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and overall skin radiance. Others love how plump, smooth and soft their skin feels - lessening signs of ageing. One customer calls it a "Swiss Army Knife of skincare" that appeals to everyone with its versatile formula. Plus, it's non-greasy and absorbs well, sitting comfortably under moisturiser and make-up.

However, users do mention a few issues and drawbacks. Absorption can take time, especially if you're applying make-up. Like all skincare, results will vary from person to person. And, due to this being a multi-use and versatile option, it may not suit all. Some users prefer separate serums instead.

The Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a go-to budget vitamin C serum. At such an affordable price, who can argue? It comes as a white serum that melts into the skin the same way oil does, brightening the skin and adding glow. It's completely unscented, so it's a great one for sensitive skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to plump, hydrate and protect. There's also a best budget vitamin C moisturiser in their range that we can vouch for.

One customer says, "My hyperpigmentation is noticeably disappearing, and my dry skin is thriving!"

High praise, indeed. This Vit C Serum from Q+A has been rewarded with a remarkable 4.7/5 average star rating, thanks to many noticeable improvements seen by users. It's loved by many for tackling hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dullness. Though it's not formulated for sensitive skin, many users with this skin type have found it OK - hydrating enough, lightweight, and giving a glowing complexion. We - and the customers - love that it's an affordable serum - just under a tenner for a radiant look.

As for negatives, there are a few concerns. Of course, with all skincare, there's no guarantee that a product is right for you, so we all see different results when in use. Some customers, unfortunately, experienced acne flare-ups after use. Whereas others had nothing but good to say. One customer says it "worked instantly". Yet, some found the formula thick, greasy and slow to absorb.

This stuff is the BOMB, seriously. The RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Daily Serum is supercharged with a blend of vitamin C and energizing nonapeptide to make tired, dull skin look glowing and tight. Plus, within just a week or two of use, fine lines and wrinkles will start to be less noticeable. It melts into your skin, doesn't have an overpowering smell, and one bottle will last you ages.

The RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum is generally well-liked for its brightening effects, smooth absorption, and pleasant scent, making it a solid choice for most skin types. It's earned a 4.2/5 average star rating on Amazon UK. Many users report improvements in texture, brightness and tone after consistent use. It's said to be lightweight and can layer well under other products. And we can't ignore what a bargain this Vitamin C Serum is.

One customer says: "Way cheaper than Boots, so I keep reordering!"

However, some users report adverse skin reactions, a sticky texture, and inconsistent results, so a patch test is recommended before full use. Like all skincare, there are a few users who see no visible differences due to their skin type or inconsistent use. Some people love the smell, whereas others hate it. It's all down to you. If you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution.

Everything from Lumene feels like it's been scooped out of a magical lake in the mountains - it's gorgeous. This super-concentrated, boosting Lumene Nordic-C Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence gives you brighter-looking, hydrated skin, thanks to two types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. The ingredients are sourced from the beautiful Finnish wilderness for a bright, radiant complexion.

With an average star rating of 4.5/5, it's safe to say that there are plenty of users who love this product. One customer says, "I've received many compliments while using it." Many agree that this formula works well for sensitive skin types and glides smoothly onto the skin, hydrating it, with no testimonials saying it makes the skin feel oily. Not only that, but we couldn't see any reviews that mentioned breakouts/irritation from use. It leaves the skin soft and glowing, even helping some with acne. Plus, it absorbs quickly and feels very "high end". Some mention that this Lumene Nordic-C Serum is expensive, but most agree that a little goes a long way and that it delivers noticeable results.

Leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed, this Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother from The Body Shop will have people asking about your skin routine for sure. It also makes a great base for your primer, infusing the benefits of vitamin C at the same time for 'dull, tired, grumpy' skin.

This Body Shop Vit C Serum has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, with an average of 4.7 from over 1,800 reviews. Many users praise its ability to make skin feel silky, smooth and soft instantly - probably due to the silicones. Next, a few reviews have seen noticeable improvements in their skin - namely, radiance and a glowing appearance. It can be used as a primer before make-up and is said to help foundation apply smoothly. The smell is a selling point - subtle and well-liked. A little goes a long way - and has remained a staple in many users' routines for years.

However, it's not effective for all. While some reported that it didn't give a glow, others with darker complexions felt this product dulled their visage rather than enhance it. Not only that, it does contain silicones (which may not suit all) and perfumes, which can cause irritations in sensitive skin.

Lifestyle Writer Piper loves the Vitamin C Night Mask, which gives her uneven skin tone a boost.

If you're looking for brighter, firmer and more radiant-looking skin, vitamin C is the ingredient for you. Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum works to hydrate, brighten and firm whilst leaving a super glowy finish. Vitamin C is stabilised with collagen and aloe juice, so every use has exactly the same effects on the skin. Apply this serum daily to see results and add lots of glow; we promise.

With an average 4.5 star rating, this Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is appreciated by users. They claim that it made their skin look great—better than ever—making it a top choice. Others like the smell of the product, describing it as great, wonderful and addictive. It's said to feel great on the skin. As for the cons, customers had mixed feelings about the results and the consistency of this serum - it was a little sticky.

La Roche-Posay's non-greasy Pure Vitamin C10 Serum melts quickly into the skin, leaving it softer, more hydrated and glowing. Vitamin C harnesses anti-wrinkle and antioxidant properties, while hyaluronic acid injects your skin with plenty of moisture. It also contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin, and the brand is a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

With an average 4.2/5 stat rating, this La Roche-Posay is a cult favourite. Many users agree that their skin has become evened out, brightened, glowing and fresher thanks to regular, consistent use. We love that the formula is lightweight and hydrating, absorbing well and leaving the skin smooth - and no piling, which is a bonus. Those with sensitive skin won't have to miss out on this buy, too, as several users have said it's been safe to use - with no irritation. This pick is loved by users for its versatile abilities (soothing, smoothing, restoring, protecting, and much more). And it's said to smell lovely, which is a plus.

On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks worthy of mention. Some users found the dropper poorly designed and a little messy to use. Others suggest keeping it as sealed as you can; after all, it's not in an airtight pump bottle and can be prone to losing potency. Some find it harder to spread evenly, so make sure to pump in different parts of your face for the best coverage. Overall, it's a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

The Ordinary's skincare offering is renowned for being affordable but seriously good. The Ordinary's Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is a brightening serum that reduces signs of ageing and evens out skin tone with ascorbyl glucoside - the MVP of vitamin C derivatives.

From over 100 reviews, this Vitamin C serum is well-liked by users. Customers granted it a respectable 4.2 average star rating thanks to its ability to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and even out tone. One customer says, "In the morning, my skin is substantially brighter"! Many agree that this formula absorbs quickly and leaves a healthy glow, although some did report stickiness or tackiness - which may not suit all of us. And, while many users with sensitive skin had no issues, a small few experienced breakouts or pilling. So, make sure to do a patch test before you use this.

This C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum from Sunday Riley has a hefty price tag, but hear us out. Suitable for even sensitive skin, this vitamin C serum is thicker than some others on the market and absorbs quickly. Formulated with 15% THD Ascorbate, it dramatically improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, reduces pore size and tackles visible signs of ageing. The reviews tell you all you need to know - it's a godsend.

From a handful of reviews, this Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum has garnered a 4.4/5 average star rating. Many users report that this product brightens and evens out their skin tone well. Others love how it reduces the appearance of dark spots and discolouration. As a result, the skin is left looking radiant and glowing. We love how lightweight this formula is, with a creamy texture that absorbs very quickly. Customers agree that it doesn't feel sticky or greasy. Those with sensitive skin note that this product is gentle and does not cause irritation.

However, some customers had mixed feelings about the value - is it worth the money? - and one customer says it initially broke them out - but, they stuck with it using every second day. After consistent use, their skin has been left beautifully radiant. Others find that it's a little too tacky and doesn't dry comfortably. And, the pump becomes pretty useless when you've used most of it.