Vitamin C Body Lotions Are Your Shortcut to Brighter, Softer Skin

• Moisturizes and gently exfoliates

• Smell might be a bit strong for some

Sol de Janeiro’s body lotions are known for smelling good and working even better on skin. Dr. Shirazi recommends them because they are “formulated with vitamin C along with exfoliants like AHAs and cupuaçu butter to brighten, even out skin tone, and smooth skin texture.”

Key ingredients: AHAs, cupuaçu butter, vitamin C

Size: 240 mL.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “If there’s one thing that I can always count on with Sol de Janeiro, it’s that the products will leave my skin glowing and smelling amazing. This cream, in particular, also has vitamin C, which helps to smooth the skin and even your skin tone. I love that I can add this to my collection of body butters, knowing that it’s helping to treat my skin instead of just sitting on top of it.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant

• Adds radiance to skin

• Might be too light for drier skin

Olay’s vitamin C body lotion boasts brighter skin in just 21 days. “You can easily find this budget-friendly brightening lotion at your nearby drugstore, and one bottle goes a long way,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Enriched with a nutrient-rich formula, it features vitamin C along with Olay’s renowned vitamin B3 complex, providing a hydrating and revitalizing boost to your skincare routine.”

Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C

Size: 17 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

An ELLE editor says: “This body lotion has a light, jelly-like texture. It smells really good—like a fruit smoothie! It’s not the richest cream, but it makes skin look radiant. I think it’s great for the summertime, but it might not be the best winter moisturizer for those dealing with really dry skin.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor

• Sloughs off dead skin and makes skin soft and smooth

• Has a strong acid smell

Shirazi and Greenfield note that AmLactin is one of the most highly recommended body lotion brands among dermatologists. AmLactin’s products are all enriched with lactic acid, which is an exfoliant that not only sloughs off dead skin cells but also acts as a humectant that helps hydrate skin. Since this formula is fortified with vitamin C, its brightening properties go one step further.

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, vitamin C

Size: 7.9 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5

An ELLE editor says: “I like that this cream has a thick, rich texture, but still soaks in easily. It’s supposed to be fragrance-free, but it definitely has the classic AHA smell—in my opinion, as acids have a pretty distinct smell. Since it has seven percent lactic acid, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves me with baby-soft skin.” —Katie Berohn

• Fast-absorbing

• Too thin for dry skin

Necessaire’s body lotion has become a cult favorite, and their vitamin C version is quickly following suit. “Necessaire The Body Vitamin C has both tranexamic acid and enzymes—which boost brightening—so this product is great for uneven tone and dark spots, and can be used on any skin type,” says Greenfield.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, tranexamic acid, enzymes

Size: 5.1 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

An ELLE editor says: “I rarely go back to a body lotion after trying it once, but I love the lightweight gel-serum formula of this one. It's incredibly fast-absorbing, leaving my skin radiant and hydrated, but not wet and sticky”— Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer

• Many different kinds of vitamin C for brightening benefits

• May not be best for sensitive skin

If you want an option with the highest amount of vitamin C possible, try this lotion. You can use it on your face or your body. Five different forms of vitamin C mean it’s extremely brightening, while moisturizing ingredients help soften and hydrate skin.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, vitamin C

Size: 17 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This lotion contains five forms of vitamin C—tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. It also contains ceramides, vitamin E, and peptides, and is moisturizing but not heavy.” —Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the George Washington University Department of Dermatology

• AHA helps smooth rough skin

• Might be too harsh for sensitive skin

If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, this body lotion is a great choice. It has a high concentration of AHA, which helps encourage cell turnover, leading to the softest skin possible. It also has shea butter to ensure plenty of hydration.

Key ingredients: AHA, vitamin C

Size: 7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

An ELLE editor says: “This is a great option if you’re looking for an exfoliating lotion. It’s a bit strong for my skin, which is drier and more sensitive, but I gave a bottle to my best friend, who has keratosis pilaris on her arms, and this lotion cleared it up within a few uses. She is obsessed.” —Katie Berohn

• Exfoliates and moisturizes

• Some dislike the packaging

This vitamin C-infused lotion exfoliates while brightening for the most radiant skin possible. AHAs help slough off dead skin cells to reveal your smoothest, glowiest skin.

Key ingredients: AHAs, vitamin C

Size: 59 mL.

Dermstore rating: 4/5

Our expert says: “A little goes a long way with this product. It moisturizes while gently exfoliating. This lotion contains alpha-hydroxy acids in addition to ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is ideal for normal to oily complexions.” —Dr. Sara Hogan

• Brown algae helps firm skin

• Some find the scent too strong

This body lotion is loaded with vitamin C and formulated with hyaluronic and tranexamic acids, so it’s extremely hydrating. The brown algae help to firm the skin.

Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, vitamin C

Size: 8.45 fl. oz.

Olay rating: 4.5/5

Our expert says: “This uses the classic potent form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and combines it with other lighting and brightening ingredients such as tranexamic acid.” —Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC

• Leaves skin looking dewy and hydrated

• Some wish it dried down faster

If you think of Isle of Paradise as solely a tanning brand, it’s time to try their body lotion. This brightening body lotion is made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Size: 9.46 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5

An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of Isle of Paradise’s self-tanners, but I was a bit skeptical about trying their body lotion. This lotion pleasantly surprised me—it smells like a tropical drink and makes my skin feel firm and moisturized. Plus, I appreciate how much lotion comes in the bottle.” —Katie Berohn

• Lightweight

• Strong scent

“I like this product because turmeric is a great ingredient that also has antioxidant properties,” says Greenfield. It perfectly complements the effects of vitamin C in a body cream, designed to reduce the appearance of dark spots, improve skin clarity, and boost radiance.

Key ingredients: Tumeric, vitamin C, ferulic acid

Size: 15 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “Amazing Amazing Amazing product with a sweet fruit scent. It will firm your skin, soften, and bring out your best complexion with a radiant glow! Purchasing again, like nowwww! ”

• Blend of vitamin C, amino acids, and rosehip oil helps reduce sagging

• Some users note it could be more moisturizing

This is the perfect lotion to try if you like richer, more luxurious-feeling creams. It’s packed with vitamin C, amino acids, and rosehip oil to help smooth and firm, impart radiance, and reduce the appearance of sagging skin.

Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C

Size: 17 fl. oz.

Olay rating: 4.6/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “While this is an expensive product, it is one of the nicest lotions I have ever used. No smell, keeps the moisture in, and not greasy at all. I love it.”

• Caffeine helps stimulate circulation

• Runs out fast

This cream is made to help tighten and smooth skin. Vitamin C brightens while hyaluronic acid adds moisture and caffeine tightens and firms. It also has a floral, minty scent.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, vitamin C

Size: 17 fl. oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have used this for over a week and am very happy with the way that my skin looks and feels. This is a quite thick cream that absorbs really easily into my skin. After a week of use I can already see a difference and my skin looks smooth and supple. I think the price is also fair considering it is a luxury brand and the size is decent.”

• Silky smooth finish

• Runs out quickly

Tailored for those with extra dry or rough skin, the Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, AHAs, peptides, and hyaluronic acid for smooth and glowy skin from head to toe. The product's thin, milky texture also makes it incredibly fast-absorbing and light on the skin.

Key ingredients: AHA, vitamin C, vitamin A

Size: 4.1 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5

A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve never feel my body like this before! My skin feels so soft and smoother! The ingredients are absolutely amazing like vitamins and AHA. It absorbs easily and doesn’t leave any sticky finish. The scent it has is really good!”

• Thick texture

• Some complain of a strange smell

Extra-dry skin is no match for the body butter. The luxuriously thick formula feels oh so buttery smooth, and is packed with both vitamin C and ceramides for brighter and tighter skin.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ceramides, shea butter

Size: 6.7 fl. oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The C.E.O. Body Butter is incredibly nourishing and leaves my dry skin feeling soft and hydrated. It has a rich, creamy texture that melts right in without feeling greasy or sticky. The light scent is subtle and fresh, not overpowering, which I love. My skin feels so smooth and has a nice healthy glow after using it. It’s definitely a must-have for keeping my skin moisturized and looking its best!”

While vitamin C naturally produces more radiant skin, why not boost your glow even further with an illuminating lotion? The Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Radiance Antiox C Body Cream does exactly that, made with reflective micro-pigments for a subtle shimmer without looking glittery.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, patented nanopolymer HLG, vitamin E

Size: 6.8 oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

A Germaine de Capuccini reviewer says: “Fantastic cream & smells amazing”

Vitamin C helps curb environmental pollution, brighten skin, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a versatile ingredient that works well in body lotions. “It is well-tolerated by most people and can be used from head to toe,” says Dr. Hogan. “Vitamin C lotion formulations are thicker than serums and more easily spread. This is ideal for those wanting a more moisturizing product, or that can be applied to larger areas of the body.”

When deciding on a lotion with vitamin C, consider the concentration and type of vitamin C used, as well as how it’s packaged to preserve longevity.

“First, look at the concentration of vitamin C, aiming for a range between five percent and 20 percent for noticeable benefits,” says Dr. Shirazi. “You should also look at the type of vitamin C used, such as L-ascorbic acid or its derivatives, noting their stability and potency. Look at the other ingredients in the lotion, as formulations with complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and other antioxidants can help enhance vitamin C’s effects and provide added skin care benefits. Packaging is crucial, as opaque or dark containers help maintain the stability of the vitamin C formulation by shielding it from light and air exposure.” You should also opt for a formula that suits your skin type.

For the best results, add vitamin C body lotion to your morning routine. “Vitamin C products work best if applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest,” says Dr. Hogan. “Vitamin C lotions should be applied after cleansing the skin and under sunscreen.”

Dr. Hogan also notes that when using a body lotion with vitamin C, you should avoid retinol or retinoids. “Since vitamin C also encourages skin cell turnover, it should not be layered immediately with retinol or retinoids, which have similar action,” she says. “For some people, this combination can increase the risk of irritation.”

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD.

Dr. Sara Hogan is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the George Washington University Department of Dermatology.

Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC,