10 Best Vitamin C Serums to Brighten Your Complexion in 2025

Glow Maker’s Vitamin C Serum brings 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid for a comprehensive antioxidant + hydration boost at a mid-range price. In our testing the water-light texture absorbed almost instantly without stickiness and gave skin a noticeable glow, but our experience shows the C can oxidize over time and a few users reported mild burning on application. Availability is limited to the brand site, so if you like the quick absorption and value, buy fresh and store cool.

Obagi’s Serum 20% delivers a potent 20% L-ascorbic acid dose for serious brightening and anti-aging results, and you’ll feel the strength in its lightweight, non-greasy finish. During our review we found the high concentration can be drying for some users and reported packaging problems — faulty droppers that accelerate oxidation affected perceived longevity. At $142 it’s pricey and not the best value in our roundup, so consider it if you need maximum potency and are prepared to manage storage and follow-up hydration.

Olay’s Vitamin C Brightening Serum is an affordable entry at around $21.60 with a pleasant light citrus scent and a quick-absorbing texture that leaves skin feeling soft — a great option if you’re budget-conscious. We found the inclusion of niacinamide and peptides helps with skin texture, but during our review the formula’s visible brightening was inconsistent for some users and the added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin. It’s easy to use daily, though the dropper packaging can be fiddly and may make precise dispensing harder.

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster earned a top score (9/10) in our testing for delivering reliable brightening with 15% stabilized L-ascorbic acid plus vitamin E and ferulic acid to amp antioxidant benefits. Our experience shows the lightweight, fast-absorbing serum layers beautifully under moisturizers and sunscreen, making it a go-to for visible results. During our review some users mentioned the formula feels thin and the dropper needs careful storage to avoid oxidation, and at $55 it’s an investment — but one that performed consistently for brightness and tone.

L’Oreal’s Revitalift Vitamin C Serum offers 12% pure vitamin C with vitamin E and salicylic acid to brighten and smooth, making it appealing for combination skin types. During our review it showed promising brightening, but our experience highlights a weakness: the formula can oxidize and change color quickly, and dropper packaging felt inconvenient and wasteful. Some users also noticed a sticky residue, so while it’s reasonably priced at $29.99 and gentle on sensitive skin in formulation, store carefully and apply moisturizer to minimize tackiness.

Vichy’s Liftactiv Vitamin C Brightening Serum scored highly in our testing (8.5/10) thanks to 15% pure vitamin C plus hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for balanced brightening and hydration. Our experience shows the fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula is gentle on sensitive skin and absorbs well, but its potency means very sensitive users may need to build tolerance slowly and results usually appear after several weeks. During our review we also emphasized sunscreen use — the product can increase photosensitivity — yet it remains one of the most well-rounded options for consistent brightening.

Timeless’ Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum packs a powerful 20% L-ascorbic acid punch with vitamin E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid for brightening and collagen support — and at $26.95 it’s excellent value. In our testing the lightweight pump serum absorbs fast and layers well, which makes it easy to slot into morning routines. During our review we did notice it can oxidize and darken if not stored carefully, and some users (and we found it too) experience dryness or an unpleasant natural scent, so patch-test first and follow with a hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen.

CeraVe’s Vitamin C Serum is an affordable everyday choice that delivers 10% L-ascorbic acid alongside hyaluronic acid and ceramides to both brighten and support the skin barrier. In our testing the gel texture absorbs quickly and layers well, though our experience shows the denatured alcohol can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin and some users reported pilling under makeup. During our review dispensing from the tube sometimes led to wasted product, but for the price ($23.88) it’s a solid starter vitamin C with hydration benefits.