We Tested Dermatologist-Approved Vitamin C Serums for Glowing Skin (2024)

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

This top-selling vitamin C serum is considered one of the best by derms. Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, likes that it packs the perfect triple threat against damage: L-ascorbic acid (15%), vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City adds that this particular skin care product “delivers the greatest amount of antioxidant power of any product available” thanks to its careful combination of actives—which is reflected in the price, but you get what you pay for (and then some).

“I'm rarely one to splurge like this on a beauty product, but I truly think this one is worth its weight in gold,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “I've been using the product on and off for a number of years, and can really see a difference, particularly in the tone of my skin, when I’m consistent. My skin skews dry, and this product helps take that dull look away, making my skin look overall brighter and more hydrated.”

Like most vitamin C serums, Earley did report a bit of a stink. “The formula is a deep amber color, and you do get that traditional vitamin C smell, but it doesn't bother me all that much and certainly doesn’t linger.” As far as consistency and absorption, the formula feels nice and silky on skin and readily sinks in, so you can move on with your morning skin care routine, she reports. Also, a little bit goes a long way, helping to justify the overall value here.

• What we love: Offers visible results a lot faster than other vitamin C serums because of its three hero ingredients; can be used every morning; pleasant consistency that absorbs quickly
• What could improve: Pricey; has that traditional vitamin C smell that some find unpleasant

Key ingredients: 15% pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid / Size: 1 ounce / Skin type: Normal, dry, sensitive, mature / How to apply: Apply 4 to 6 drops to clean skin every morning

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_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle}

An unexpected Amazon favorite, this TruSkin formulation is one of Dr. Rabach’s recommended budget vitamin C options. “It’s an amazing facial serum packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,” she says. That means you’ll reap moisturizing benefits in addition to the brightening ones. Heads up: It also has a high concentration of vitamin C, so consider building up slowly to daily use if you’re new to the ingredient—a few drops go a long way. On the plus side, this improves efficacy and makes the serum last longer at the same time.

Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle approached testing with trepidation but was pleasantly surprised by how well this product worked over the course of a month. “I'll admit, my expectations were low when testing vitamin C serum. Although, I know the antioxidant has a ton of skin care benefits (namely, brightening skin and minimizing dark spots), I've never noticed any major improvements when using it in the past. I thought the same would be the case for this TruSkin product, especially since after two weeks I still hadn’t noticed any major changes. But now that it’s been a month of consecutive testing, I can see it’s actually been working—albeit slowly.” Glamour’s Calle used the recommended 5 drops every morning on a clean, dry face before proceeding with the rest of her beauty routine (toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen). “I noticed my overall complexion did look brighter and my skin felt smoother. It's not like my freckles or dark spots completely disappeared, but there’s no denying my skin looked more radiant, especially in the mornings.”

A nice bonus? Calle says this product doesn’t have the same off-putting smell as others she’s tried in the past. It also was quick to absorb and entirely non-irritating. “I don't have extremely sensitive skin, but harsh products tend to cause redness. I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any itching, burning, or redness.”

• What we love: Hydrates the skin with a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; affordable
• What could improve: Our tester says results appear slowly

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid / Size: 1 ounce / Skin type: All skin types / How to apply: Apply 3 to 5 drops to clean skin morning or night