7 vitamin C serums that actually work, according to a dermatologist

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Vitamin C has been getting a ton of hype lately—and not just for boosting your immunity (though it does that, too). It’s also a powerful, complexion-enhancing addition to any skincare routine—especially as a serum.

The antioxidant not only brightens skin, but it helps treat blemishes, roughness, redness, scars, and more—leaving you with a smooth, glowy complexion. But its exceptional anti-aging properties? That’s what really makes vitamin C shine.

According to Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist, there are three ways vitamin C serums help minimize fine lines, sagging, sun damage and other telltale signs of aging skin.

“First, photoprotection. It reduces free radicals, which cause (premature) photoaging,” he shares with Yahoo Lifestyle. “Second, improving dark spots. It improves hyperpigmentation (dark spots) by inhibiting melanin formation. Third, anti-aging. It helps to repair fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.”

Consider vitamin C the orange juice of your skincare routine—it’s the most nourishing way to start your day.

“To get the most out of vitamin C, it is best to apply it in the morning, especially if you plan to spend an extended amount of time in the sun,” Dr. Lortscher says. “Exposure to UV light has been shown to decrease the naturally-occurring vitamin C levels in the skin. I’d recommend applying a vitamin C serum after cleansing and before you apply your sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF.”

Sounds like a plan! But with a seemingly endless array of vitamin C serums available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Which are actually best for your skin? Dr. Lortscher has his favorites. Keep scrolling for his picks.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

This serum is packed with antioxidants and fruit enzymes, which help tackle photoaging. Dr. Lortscher selected the product because it’s formulated with an antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acid, and has an ideal pH level of 3.3. Also, like all Drunk Elephant products, it is cruelty-free.

Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Serum: Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum

Potency doesn’t have to translate to a high price tag. This Sephora Collection glow serum uses natural peptides from marine algae to create a tightening effect on your skin, plus vitamins C and E, which Dr. Lortscher says “can better aid in preventing photodamage when combined.”

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum

“[This serum] contains Alguronic acid, microalgae oil and a vitamin C derivative to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of age spots and discoloration,” Dr. Lortscher advises.

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Tatcha’s Violet-C Brightening Serum uses a unique 20 percent Vitamin C blend that not only absorbs rapidly into skin, but also supports cell turnover so skin appears and feels firmer. The combination of the blend with mild fruit AHAs helps with cleaning up the buildup of dead skin cells, according to Dr. Lortscher.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

This cruelty-free serum helps defend against environmental stressors while the blend of Vitamin C, collagen and sodium hyaluronate, a powerful humectant, unleashes your most luminous, radiant skin. Like all Vitamin C serums, Dr. Lortscher suggests applying the serum once or twice a day.

Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum

Dr. Lortscher suggested Volition’s serum because it derives its vitamin C from strawberries, plus the seed extract also helps unclog pores, remove any excess oil and brighten up a dull complexion. Additionally, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate your skin so its left plump.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

The serum is made with 15 percent advanced Vitamin C, which not only brightens the skin but helps tackle discoloration and hyperpigmentation at the source. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Lortscher advises to slowly incorporate a Vitamin C serum in your routine. Otherwise, the ingredient “has an excellent safety profile,” he notes.

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