The 12 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

Shamban gives the Ordinary's Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% her stamp of approval, noting that while its formula is more streamlined and doesn’t have any “bells and whistles,” it’s a solid option for brightening and protecting your skin. It helps enhance skin radiance with ascorbyl glucoside, a more stable and water-soluble form of vitamin C.

One satisfied customer writes: “I put this on mornings and nights, and my face looks so much more healthier and glowy! It does dry down and isn’t left feeling sticky at all or making my face look more oily. If anything, my skin looks less oily honestly. Absolutely love it.” —Dess

Ideal for oily skin types, this potent non-comedogenic drugstore favorite uses exfoliating salicylic acid to even skin texture. Dermatologist Kunal Malik says the formula is "amazing," saying that "it offers brightening with a stabilized formula that truly rivals luxury options, in my opinion."

One satisfied customer writes: “I have a mature skin, and this serum is great! My skin texture and dark spot have improved a lot.” —Amparo B

"Some vitamin C serums can irritate my skin or interfere with my makeup application, but this one from Naturium is just perfect," says Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein. "It’s lightweight, easy to use, and delivers great brightening results."

Part of the reason its non-irritating, according to esthetician Emme Diane Burg is that it uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C, "so it’s less likely to irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin."

One satisfied customer writes: "Happy with the product. No irritation and skin is glowing. One pump goes a long way. No chemical smell it is nice and the bottle looks chick and the pump is trustworthy. Thumbs up." —Life is good

People with sensitive skin don’t have to write off vitamin C. But Vanicream's is "exceptional for reactive skin types," says Malik. "Its 5% concentration with hyaluronic acid provides gentle yet effective antioxidant protection without potential irritants, making it ideal for rosacea and eczema-prone patients."

The fragrance-free favorite contains 5 percent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a gentle derivative of vitamin C that helps guard against redness and itching. It’s also nicely infused with hydrating ceramides that support the skin barrier. And since the serum is packaged in an airless pump, it won’t oxidize and lose efficacy.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this almost a week, and I love how it moisturizes and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Skin feels clean after application. Will definitely buy it again and will try other Vanicream products. The pump on the tube is genius!! It makes it so much easier to access the perfect amount needed, therefore no waste. A small amount goes a long way.” —Picture perfect

Here’s a serum pick from CeraVe that targets dryness and dark spots at the same time. Its lightweight, gel-like consistency contains 10 percent L-ascorbic acid to smooth fine lines and reduce discoloration, with the brand’s signature ceramides blend that supports the skin barrier. And since it’s packaged in a thin, opaque tube with a pointed nozzle, the serum is slightly less messy to apply than some others that come with droppers.

"Immediately after I apply it, my skin feels more hydrated and smoother," says Bazaar contributor Victoria Moorhouse. "I have sensitive skin, and I’ve never experienced a reaction after using this product. And while it does have a slight chemical scent, it’s not overpowering or unpleasant."

One satisfied customer writes: “This product is amazing!!! I use it every day in my morning skincare routine, and I have really noticed a difference in my skin being more hydrated. This is a great serum to incorporate into any skincare routine!” —delaneyc43

"This one could be considered a dupe for the viral Skinceuticals C E Ferulic since it’s formulated with the same powerhouse trio of 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid," says esthetician Emme Diane Burg, adding that it's "a great drugstore option that delivers comparable brightening and antioxidant protection at a fraction of the price."

If 20 percent vitamin C seems too intense for your skin, consider the brand’s less concentrated 10 percent formula.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is a great vitamin C. It is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. I have definitely seen a difference in my skin. Great bottle design. Keeps the vitamin C stable.” —Maggie

This peptide-packed option from Olay provides a powerful brightening effect, and plays nicely with just about every skin type, including combination. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula leaves behind a matte finish that layers well under makeup. "It's one of my favorite vitamin C serums period, from the drugstore or otherwise," says Bazaar contributor Lindy Segal.

One satisfied customer writes: “This serum leaves your face feeling refreshed and smooth. It’s great under the Olay vitamin C moisturizer as well. Glides smooth and doesn’t leave a greasy feel.” —heather_oh_58f79

Featuring a potent 10 percent vitamin C, La Roche-Posay’s multitasking serum boosts radiance, reduces dark spots, and softens fine lines at the same time. Further setting its formulation apart from other vitamin C serums at the drugstore is the addition of pore-clearing salicylic acid, soothing neurosensine, and hydration-boosting glycerin, which lend to its versatility. "I love that I don't have to worry about getting breakouts when I use this serum," says Segal.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have tried multiple vitamin C serums, and this one is by far the best. It doesn’t cause redness/irritation like most of the others I’ve tried and works great as a base under makeup. Will continue to use this as long as it’s made.” —Jenna

Looking for a brightening serum you can order on Amazon? This viral pick has over 16,000 five-star reviews from shoppers there and is also available at your local drugstore. The serum is powered by sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is less potent than L-ascorbic acid and may be a gentler option if you have reactive skin. It also contains plumping hyaluronic acid, nourishing vitamin E, and witch hazel to minimize the appearance of pores.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is my second bottle of this serum. This goes on smooth and feels great. I have very sensitive skin, and this never had an issue with reactions. My face looks brighter and looks great.” —magdalena

Vitamin C isn’t just a skincare MVP for reducing dark spots and boosting your glow. It’s also a potent antioxidant that helps defend against free-radical damage with the ability to stimulate collagen production, minimizing signs of aging. RoC’s Multi-Correction Revive + Glow Daily Serum is a perfect example of vitamin C’s multitasking power. Featuring the star ingredient and a unique peptide blend, this product reduces fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing luminosity.

One satisfied customer writes: “I was looking for a product to help reduce my ‘sun spots’ on my face. WOW! I love this serum! It reduced the color and size of the spots on my face immensely. Yes, you must give it a few weeks to start to see the difference, but well worth the wait!” —Jules

This fragrance-free serum aims to minimize fine lines and even out skin tone in 10 days flat. Its pointed applicator tip makes it simple to target specific areas of the face that need special attention, and the serum is 15 percent ascorbic acid for added potency. Because it comes out in little drops, the packaging also helps you avoid over-applying.

One satisfied customer writes: “The LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum shines as a top contender in the market, especially for those with sensitive skin. Its gentle yet effective formula makes it a standout choice, offering the benefits of Vitamin C without irritation. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a reliable, skin-friendly boost of radiance.” —SJP1966

Apply two drops of this gel-like serum daily to eliminate skin dullness and even its overall tone. Along with ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C), the serum includes sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid) to plump fine lines, sea grape caviar extract to balance moisture levels, and skin-evening azelaic acid.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product has completely changed the texture of my skin. It is a must have in my daily routine. My skin is glowy and the texture has smoothed and balanced.” —Olivia B.