13 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums for Bright Skin, According to Experts

• Exfoliates while it brightens

• Contains added fragrance

Key ingredients: vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine

Size: 3.4 oz

La Roche Posay is a staple French skincare brand for a reason. With 10 percent vitamin C, this serum also includes salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells and the dipeptide neurosensine to help calm stressed skin. The result is smoother, brighter skin.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “LaRoche Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum contains 10% L-ascorbic acid along with salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant and unclogs pores. This product is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.” —Dr. Hogan

• Brightens and helps discoloration

• Only contains .5% vitamin C

Key ingredients: vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide

Size: 1.8 oz

If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum contains a potent blend of dark spot-fighting ingredients. Vitamin C brightens while licorice root and niacinamide work to even out skin tone.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum with vitamin C is a low concentration, gentle formulation made to even out damaged skin.” —Dr. Gohara

• Contains licorice root extract to help fade dark spots

• Some reviewers note the texture is a bit watery

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract

Size: 1 oz

Formulated with deep skin tones and mind and made with 20 percent vitamin C, this potent serum works overtime to fade dark spots and discoloration. The addition of natural dark spot-fighter licorice root extract makes this serum even more brightening.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5

An ELLE editor says: “This lightweight serum quickly absorbs into my skin and plays nicely with my other morning serums. One day when I was in a rush, I mixed it with my Tarte BB cream to thin out the formula. It left my face looking bright and glowy. I gifted this to a close friend of mine, a 30-year-old Black woman who struggles with hyperpigmentation, and over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed that the dark spots along her jawline have lightened. I thought she was wearing makeup when she wasn't!” —Danielle James, beauty expert

• Dosed out capsules make application easy

• Only 30 days worth of serum

Key ingredients: vitamin C

Size: 1.8 oz

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how many drops of serum to put on your face, Neutrogena takes out the guesswork with these ampoules that give you an exact dose. Each capsule contains 20 percent vitamin C, making it a brightening powerhouse.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Capsules [are] little pre-filled [capsules] with the perfect amount of vitamin C.” —Dr. Gohara

• Brightens and exfoliates

• Pricey for the amount of product in the bottle

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, salicylic acid

Size: 1 oz

There’s a reason you often see vitamin C and vitamin E together in beauty products—the two are a natural pair. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, helps keep vitamin C stable. In this formula, salicylic acid also exfoliates the skin.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is an affordable option that contains 10% L-ascorbic acid. It absorbs completely and finishes like a primer that layers nicely with sunscreen and makeup.” —Dr. Hogan

• Brightens and moisturizes

• Some customers don't like the smell

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5

Size: 1 oz

If you have dry skin, this vitamin C serum is a fantastic option. Hyaluronic acid and three different ceramides help keep skin hydrated and this serum also focuses on nurturing the skin barrier.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum also has 10% L-ascorbic acid and is combined with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to yield a milky texture. This is a nice option for dry skin and the protective metal tube packaging is well-done to mitigate oxidization.” —Dr. Hogan

• Free from common skin irritants

• Only 5% vitamin C

Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5

Size: 1.2 oz

All of Vanicream’s products are made specifically with sensitive skin in mind, making the brand a dermatologist favorite. All the products are made without common irritants like fragrance and parabens. This vitamin C serum is lightweight and works well under makeup.

Walmart rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Vanicream Vitamin C serum is probably my favorite drugstore Vitamin C serum right now. It contains 5% THD ascorbate, the stabilized lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C. It comes in an airless pump, has a lightweight milky texture that blends completely into the skin and is hydrating.” —Dr. Hogan

• Brightens skin

• Some don't like the bottle design

Key ingredients: vitamin C

Size: 1 oz

If you’re a vitamin C purist, Vichy’s LiftActiv serum is perfect for you. This serum is fragrance-free, oil-free, and the only active ingredient is concentrated 15 percent vitamin C.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This has improved my face a great deal as it helps wrinkles and improves skin tone and texture.”

• Boosts collagen and brightens

• Some say the serum is too runny

Key ingredients: vitamin C, EGF

Size: 1 oz

EGF, or Epidermal Growth Factor, isn’t often found in a vitamin C serum. However, it’s the perfect ingredient to pair with vitamin C because while vitamin C brightens skin, EGF boosts collagen and elastin production.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Works well. I have noticed my skin is now brighter with reduced pore size. The texture is light and non greasy.”

• Lightweight and sinks into skin easily

• Fragranced

Key ingredients: vitamin C, peptides

Size: 1.3 oz

In this hydrating and brightening formula, vitamin C and peptides work together to even and moisturize skin. The formula is also incredibly lightweight, so it’s perfect for wearing underneath makeup.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After having used this for some time now, I can say I really love this product. I don’t go a day without using it. It brightens my skin and makes it feel so soft. I love the scent, too. It’s light, sort of citrusy and clean. I have sensitive skin and there have been no problems with breakouts or irritation either.”

• Brightening and moisturizing

• Doesn't disclose exact percentage of vitamin C

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 oz

With nearly 100,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this vitamin C serum is a crowd-favorite. The cocktail of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid make it a brightening and hydrating force to be reckoned with.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The product is rich and soothing on the skin. It gives an amazing glow to my skin. I have noticed a difference in the tone and moisture level of my skin, and I loved that it doesn't have a smell which most serums do.”

• Contains turmeric, a natural brightening agent

• Some don't like the smell

Key ingredients: vitamin C, turmeric

Size: 1 oz

Two brightening superstars, vitamin C and turmeric, are blended together in this highly concentrated serum. Made with natural ingredients, it’s perfect for fading dark spots and discoloration.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “Burt’s Bees never disappoints! This serum is light, not oily, and it works great on my skin. It makes my skin look bright and soft and very moisturized. The price is great as well!”

• Contains different antioxidants to brighten, hydrate, and refine pores

Key ingredients: kakadu plum, niacinamide, alpha arbutin

Size: 1 oz

Think of this serum as a triple threat: it brightens and fades discoloration, hydrates, and refines pores. Made with plant-based antioxidants and kakadu plum, a naturally vitamin C-rich fruit, this serum leaves skin glowing.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have a lot of skin damage and I love this day serum, it has great skin-brightening ingredients and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It does well with my other skincare and doesn't pill under the Undefined SPF. My skin looks glowy and I get a lot of compliments. This is a holy grail skin care product!”

Dr. Mona Gohara, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Sara Hogan, Dermatologist, Luxe Dermatology Center, Washington D.C.

Concentration: “Vitamin C products range in concentrations from less than 5 percent up to 30 percent,” says Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, FAAD. “Most over-the-counter serums, if they disclose their formulation, are between 5 to 15 percent. It is thought that Vitamin C serums should have concentrations of 10 percent or higher to be effective, though studies have shown concentrations above 20 percent have potential for irritation without much added benefit.” If you have sensitive skin or are just trying out a vitamin C product, Dr. Gohara says it’s better to use a lower concentration and consider working your way up.

Ingredients: There are many different forms of vitamin C—choosing the form that will work best for your skin is important. “L-abscorbic acid is considered the most bioactive form, present in most drug store Vitamin C serums and appropriate for most skin types,” says Dr. Hogan. “If you have dry or mature skin, consider a serum containing lipid-soluble tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate since it can moisturize and brighten.”

Packaging: Vitamin C is an unstable ingredient, so packaging is important since light and air can destabilize it. According to Dr. Hogan, Vitamin C stored in opaque, airtight containers may be more stable and keep longer.

Dr. Gohara says that vitamin C is a good option for anyone who wants to prevent further or reverse existing sun damage. Vitamin C serums are well-tolerated by most, but Dr. Gohara says you should talk to your dermatologist before using if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, or any other inflammatory skin condition.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed dermatologists to find the best drugstore vitamin C serums to brighten skin.