Ahead, the very best moisturisers with vitamin C to revitalise your skin (2024)

Moisturisers with vitamin C are the ultimate in hybrid skincare. Hear us out. Vitamin C is a game-changer of an ingredient, boosting a plethora of youth-boosting benefits (from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to brightening your complexion and evening skin tone). While it's already incorporated in a majority of products – like vitamin C serums, toners and eye creams – investing in one of the best vitamin C moisturisers means you can harness the benefits without adding another step to your routine. Hallelujah.

Recently, I found myself wanting to incorporate more vitamin C into my skincare routine without over-complicating things. Enter: a flurry of expert-recommended moisturisers that not only offer daily hydration, but which also give me the glowy and even skin tone I've always been chasing. Long story short, adding moisturisers with vitamin C to my daily product rotation is, without a doubt, one of the best skincare decisions I made.

Ahead, we've got the lowdown on everything you need to know about vitamin C moisturisers according to some of the best dermatologists in the industry, including the best options to shop right now (from affordable and premium buys to trending products and new beauty launches to boot).

SKIP TO: What are the benefits of vitamin C? | When should I use a vitamin C moisturiser? | What should I look for when choosing a moisturiser with vitamin C? | Shop our full edit.

Meet the experts:

• Dr Shaaira Nasir, consultant dermatologist
• Dr Alexis Granite, board-certified consultant dermatologist

Best vitamin C moisturisers at a glance - our top picks:

• Best overall moisturiser with vitamin C: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C, £59 (or £10 for sample size)
• Best affordable: Garnier SkinActive Vitamin C Brightening Day Cream, £5, Boots
• Best for brightening: No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser, £17.95, Boots
• Best premium: Murad Essential-C Overnight Barrier Repair Cream, £83, LookFantastic

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

“Vitamin C has a myriad of benefits for the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps to neutralise skin-damaging free radicals produced as a result of exposure to UVR and pollution,” says Dr Granite. “Vitamin C also helps promote the production of collagen and elastin and inhibits melanin production so it’s a potent ingredient for pigmentation.”

As previously mentioned, vitamin C boasts an array of benefits. However, while one product may work for one person and their skin concerns, it may not be the same for others. So, don’t let this dishearten you from vitamin C altogether, it’s just about finding the right product that works for you and your concerns.

When should I use a moisturiser with vitamin C?

Vitamin C is usually applied in the morning when we need the most protection but can also be applied at night,” says Dr Nasir. Begin with your usual morning cleanser and if desired, a toner. Then go in with your serum, your vitamin C moisturiser and always finish off with sunscreen during the day.

Dr Nasir further explains “Think lightest to thickest when it comes to layering your skincare products.”

What should I look for when choosing a moisturiser with vitamin C?

L-ascorbic acid is the most stable form of vitamin C, so look for L-ascorbic acid in concentrations varying between 10-20%. Start with a lower concentration initially and gradually build up a tolerance to avoid potential irritation,” says Dr Granite.

“Vitamin C is very sensitive to exposure to light and air so is best packaged in dark bottles to maintain stability. Vitamin C also pairs well with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide.”

Some moisturisers with vitamin C also include other high-grade skincare ingredients such as squalane, ferulic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and others.

Inspired to re-stock your skincare collection? Read up on our guides on retinol creams, vitamin C serums (especially if you're after a brightening serum), as well as eye creams and toners. Concerned about blemishes? Check out our guide on how to get rid of acne.

Scroll to view our edit of the best moisturisers with vitamin C to add to your skincare ritual…