The Best Vitamin C Beauty Products for Skin

[Photo by Noah Buscher]

Vitamin C is a vitamin that is present in different foods and an essential nutrient involved in helping the body form and maintain connective tissue, including skin, bones, and blood vessels. It’s also a popular dietary supplement that is taken to help prevent scurvy, improve immune function, and lessen the duration and symptoms of the common cold.

READ: 12 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also possesses various external benefits as well, making it a popular ingredient in beauty products. Some of the beauty benefits of vitamin C include boosting collagen production in skin, minimizing wrinkles and signs of aging, improving dark spots and hyper-pigmentation, protecting skin from sun damage due to its powerful free radical-fighting properties, strengthening hair, and much more.

Check out our guide to the best vitamin C beauty products that will make skin glow for a refreshed and healthier appearance.

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel ($85)

This vegan resurfacing and exfoliating peel reduces the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while visibly smoothing texture, evening tone, and brightening. It’s formulated with Algenist’s patented Alguronic Acid, vitamin C from blue-green microalgae, potent antioxidant phycocyanin, and a powerhouse blend of AHAs/BHA/PHA.

Alo Stackable Wellness System Vitamin-C Glow Shot ($25/10-pack)

Leading fashion and lifestyle brand Alo Yoga has expanded its beauty and wellness offerings with the debut of The Alo Stackable Wellness System, an antioxidants-powered range of highly absorbable, revolutionary formulas that deliver health and wellness-boosting benefits. The Radiance & Health Liposomal-C Shot features liposomal-C antioxidants with amla, quercetin and adaptogens. Liposomes ensure maximum absorption to support levels of vitamin C in the body necessary for brightening skin, immune support, and nerve function. Can conveniently be consumed on-the-go, making it easy to take with you anywhere.

baebody Vitamin C Moisturizer ($25)

This lightweight antioxidant formula brightens and energizes dull skin, helping it looking healthy and glowing.  Infused with vitamin C along with vitamins B5 and E, jojoba oil, and shea butter to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and reduce redness. Ideal for all skin types. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, non-irritating, paraben free, phthalate free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.

Banish Vitamin C Creme ($49)

Formulated with 20% vitamin C, this light plant-based hydrating cream reverses dark spots and skin damage, firms skin, improves evenness of skin tone, and hydrates without leaving behind greasy or heavy residue. Wears well under makeup and sunscreen, and suitable for both oily/combination skin and dry/sensitive skin.

CLĒ Cosmetics Vitamin C Elixir ($48)

Vitamin C Elixir is an extraordinary 2-in-1 hybrid of natural oils and serum concentrated with pure Vitamin C. This Elixir will deeply nourish the complexion and leave your skin replenished and rejuvenated.

Colleen Rothschild Vitamin C Nourishing Cream ($65)

This nutrient-rich formula helps to achieve a more hydrated, even-toned, and glowing complexion. It’s powered by 5% Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), which helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and dark spots while defending the skin against free radical damage and future photoaging. It also features moisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid, which works to replenish moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier, and a unique Marine Complex rich in minerals and nutrients that works to deliver long-lasting hydration to the skin.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum ($89)

This high-performance vitamin C serum works with skin’s own defenses to brighten and firm. Advanced bio-technology fuses ultra-stable vitamin C and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, helping to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Babor Vitamin C Power Serum Ampoules ($49.95)

This face treatment combines 20% stable vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to defend against free radicals while boosting skin's moisture levels. It helps promote a more even skin tone, prevents premature aging, and fends off free radical damage.

Eminence Organic Skin Care Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque ($70)

This potent, cream-gel mask harnesses the natural power of vitamins C + E with a boost of nourishing vitamins for the skin. Contains a cocktail of citrus, rhubarb extract, leafy greens and avocado oil forms that help reduce the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

Epicuren CXC Vitamin C Complex ($48)

This advanced blend of vitamins and antioxidants helps to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve your complexion's overall radiance. Great for all skin types, it helps skin appear soft and supple, rejuvenated, bright and smooth. Highlighted ingredients include vitamin E, honeysuckle flower extract, sunflower and carrot seed oils, squalane, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and ascorbyl glucoside.

EVER Daytime Brightening Serum Vitamin C Booster ($90)

This highly stable 10% vitamin C serum instantly brightens, smooths, and visibly firms skin while helping to repair and protect against free radical, UV and blue light damage. It also features 2% caviar lime to gently exfoliate and improve skin texture, and meadowfoam seed oil to improve tone and reduce dryness. Vibrancy and radiance are refreshed for a glowing, healthy complexion.

FarmHouse Fresh Make It Melt Silky Milk Cleansing Balm ($39)

Part of FarmHouse Fresh’s new Vitamin C collection, this plush and super soft cleansing balm will awaken your senses with natural orange and vanilla notes. It transforms from a balm to oil on dry skin and easily melts away makeup and waterproof mascara, then after you apply water it turns into a milky foamy cleanser that removers dirt and pore-clogging oils. Replenishes skin’s moisture, texture and suppleness with seaberry fruit oil, brightening vitamin C, sunflower seed oil and lemon balm extract.

The collection also includes a Vitamin C Booster ($68) to brighten dull and lackluster skin; C the Future Foam Facial Cleanser ($31) that nourishes, exfoliates and brightens skin; C of Change Clinical Peel Pads ($58) to resurface skin; and Orange Mood Fruit Lip Therapy ($20) to hydrate lips.

Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir ($80)

The advanced brightening and antioxidant serum helps aid against the appearance of photo-aging and free radical damage, while leaving skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant. Works to boost skin moisture and calm skin’s appearance, increases radiance, improves appearance of skin color and tone, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines.

Image SkinCare Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque ($62)

This overnight treatment has a triple mineral complex that energizes the skin for a revitalized look. The gel-texture delivers water to the skin and locks in vital nutrients during sleep. Blue-green algae extract, a natural retinoid alternative, helps to smooth skin and diminish wrinkles. Hematite and malachite provide unique mineral radiance for stressed skin.

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I-N Beauty Re:generative Super Power C Serum ($125)

This age-defying vitamin C serum is powered by Intelli-Cell™ plant stem cell science to reduce dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, and uneven skin tone. Smoothes, softens, and firms skin by increasing collagen synthesis to offer truly skin-changing results.

Joanna Vargas Vitamin C Face Wash ($40)

This non-drying facial cleanser is crafted with a medley of vitamin C ingredients and antioxidants to gently remove grime, makeup, and daily pollutants to reveal clean, clear, and glowing skin.

John Masters Organics Intensive Daily Serum with Vitamin C & Kakadu Plum ($44)

This potent serum is formulated with kakadu plum, the world’s richest source of vitamin c. An essential for every anti-aging routine, this lightweight daily serum is packed with skin-brightening ingredients that impart a natural luminosity while reducing the look of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. A new and improved formula of the brand’s Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum now contains extract of kakadu plum, which helps to brighten and even skin tone. This serum also creates a protective shield to fend off the free radicals that cause premature aging.

This treatment serum gives skin a burst of hydration, helping to restore a brighter, smoother and more youthful looking complexion. Blood orange peel and ascorbic acid naturally give skin a potent dose of vitamin C while aspen bark gently exfoliates to leave skin looking luminous.

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Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream ($75-$210)

Provides deep nourishment to the skin, specifically developed to meet the needs of lackluster complexion and to protect the skin from environmental toxins. At the heart of the formula is 15% STAY C, a stable form of vitamin C, powered by the anti-aging powerhouse Reishi Mushroom for greater absorption.

Korres Wild Rose 15% Vitamin C Spotless Serum ($68)

This powerful 15% vitamin C brightening bi-phase serum reduces the appearance of dark spots, dullness and skin discolorations for spotlessly luminous skin. Formulated into two phases: the top oil phases brightens and evens skin tone, while the bottom water phase minimizes the appearance of skin discolorations.

KPS Essentials Vitamin C Lip Balm ($34)

This luxe lip balm will decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing the appearance of plump, full lips for an unforgettable smile. It offers an organic blend of beeswax, essential oils, and nutrient-rich vitamin C to help moisturize lips.

La Roche-Posay Active C10 Vitamin C Wrinkle Cream ($49.99)

Formulated with 10% pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, this wrinkle cream visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This ultra-light cream formula also targets the signs of dullness and uneven skin tone.

Nature’s Beauty Orange Ginger Detox Bath Bomb Gift Set Multi-Pack ($22.93)

These Orange Ginger Detox Bath Bombs provide an effervescent soak to reset the mind and body. Coconut oil and witch hazel deliciously smooth and soften the skin, leaving it feeling restored and moisturized with a healthy glow. Vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free.

One Love Organics Vitamin C Body Oil ($58)

One part super-rich moisturizer, one part luxury skin refiner, this body oil features facial-grade ingredients blended specifically for the body. An ultra-concentrated combination of vitamin C Ester, papaya enzymes and organic shea oil deeply hydrate and gently exfoliate for smooth, dewy, and beautifully scented skin.

Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum ($62)

This clinical-level serum features highly stable 25% vitamin C to visibly improve uneven tone, radiance, elasticity, and firmness without irritation. The pro-collagen formula visibly firms and improves the look of elasticity so you get advanced results. Potent 25% vitamin C targets stubborn discoloration and sun damage, glutathione minimizes irritation and boosts skin’s antioxidant supply, and GAP technology reduces oxidative stress and targets discoloration

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Brightening Hydra-Gels ($65)

These eye-contour gel patches feature THD ascorbate (50 times more powerful than traditional vitamin C) to visibly brighten and improve signs of aging under the eyes. They also work to improve darkness, fine lines, and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. Other highlighted ingredients include ferulic acid, vitamin E, and caffeine.

Pure & Cimple SuperCerum ($37.95)

Unlike pre-mixed vitamin C serums that lose freshness and potency before you even use them, this superCerum comes with a unique design to isolate vitamin C from the potent formula to guarantee freshness and 100% potency with each use. ⁣Key ingredients include L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 20.0%, kosher vegetable glycerine, ferulic acid and vitamin E. Helps reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen production, provides UV photo protection, and hydrates skin.

Saint Jane The C-Drops ($90)

Packed with 20% vitamin C and citrus botanicals, this innovative glycerin-encapsulated vitamin C ensures visibly brighter, resurfaced skin. Because vitamin C can irritate sensitive complexions, it has been paired with a rich concentration of nutrients to soothe on contact. This powerful brightener transforms dull skin while fighting signs of aging and fine lines.

The Organic Pharmacy Stabilised Vitamin C Serum ($65)

This powerhouse serum brightens and evens skin, leaving your complexion smooth, bright, and glowing. Suitable for all skin types, it reduces pigmentation, revitalizes dull skin, and fights free-radical damage with key ingredients of grapefruit oil, stabilised vitamin C, and witch hazel.

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum ($73.95)

Give your skin a megadose of vitamin C with this serum that brightens skin, builds collagen, and evens out tone. Enhanced with vitamin E and ferulic acid, this serum is a great pick-me-up for dull, discolored and stressed skin, while providing 24/7 protection against environmental pollutants. It also promotes healthy cell turnover, stimulates collagen production and helps maintain skin and prevent uneven texture and tone.

Vie Collection Photo-C Bright Radiance Mask ($97)

Inspired by phototherapy, this cream-mask restores the skin’s original radiance and luminosity. Its formula combines a vitamin C derivative with a refreshing molecule to reveal an incredibly radiant and brightened skin appearance right after the first application.

Volition Strawberry-C Serum ($42)

This brightening serum is packed with a high concentrate of strawberry-derived vitamin C for noticeable radiance, hydration, and more even-toned skin. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s beauty hack of rubbing strawberry stems on her skin, this upgraded DIY hack evolved into a luxe serum for a brighter, hydrated complexion.

Yon-Ka Paris Vitamin C Serum C20 ($168)

This powerful brightening face serum is infused with a potent, all-natural 20% vitamin C stabilized for maximum efficacy and tolerability. Composed of 99.9% ingredients of natural origin, the dark spot serum features Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, an all-natural, oil-soluble form of vitamin C derived from green science. The serum helps defend against environmental skin aging and supports the body’s collagen synthesis to help firm skin. Native turmeric and pomegranate also combine to improve skin firmness and unify skin tone by minimizing the appearance of dark spots and illuminating the complexion, while apricot kernel oil, rich in phytosterols, helps moisturize and comfort skin.

[Photos courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk