Dermatologists Say These Vitamin C Serums Tackle Dark Spots and Uneven Skin Tones (2024)

We’ve recommended this serum before, and we’re recommending it again. While pricey, the formula has a cult following with high praises from dermatologists, our own staff, and reviewers.

In addition to brightening the skin, this formula aids in preventing signs of aging. The vitamin C and rich antioxidant blend help protect the skin from sun damage.

Ranella Hirsch M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, says that this serum is the product she recommends most frequently. She likes that once the formula is absorbed, it can’t be rubbed off, so you can use it with SPF.

Prevention’s own Deputy Editor, Emily Goldman, is also a fan. “This potent concoction works wonders to brighten skin without irritating my sensitive complexions,” Goldman says.

What a reviewer says: “I have used this product for over 25 years. I am 63 now, and the difference in my skin and others my age is really substantial. Good skin care is important to me and this product has proven to me its worth.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
• When to apply: A.m. only (use SPF after)

If your skin is prone to irritation, look no further than this nourishing 10% vitamin C serum, which features essential ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and calm the skin. It’s also noncomedogenic (so it won’t clog pores) and fragrance-free for a simple formula that effectively boosts radiance.

Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this serum, saying that while the vitamin C helps protect the skin and fade brown spots, the other ingredients—like the aloe and hyaluronic acid—boost hydration and give you more of a glowing look.

What a reviewer says: “I love this serum. The packaging make it easy to apply. The consistency is very lightweight, and it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. I noticed my skin is more even up and balanced.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, glycerin, vitamin B5, sodium hyaluronate, ceramides
• When to apply: A.m. only (use SPF)

This pick by RoC is a Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner. In Good Housekeeping Institute Lab tests, 94% of users found a more even skin tone with daily use.

The formula contains a blend of vitamin C, glycerin, castor oil, and antioxidants that boost radiation in your skin and help combat the visible effects of environmental stressors. The formula also boasts anti-aging properties, with promises to firm fine links and wrinkles.

What a reviewer says: “This product is AMAZING! I’ve been using it for years. It has helped reduce redness and brightens my skin. I love the dropper (versus a pump in some other brands). I use about six drops every other day and have been so happy with the results.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, glycerin, castor oil, antioxidants
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m (use SPF in the morning)

The Good Housekeeping Institute reviewed this OAM formula in their Beauty Lab. In their evaluations, they found that overall, with the help of image analysis, women of various skin tones saw improved skin radiance after eight weeks of use. A tester shared that they appreciated the mild citrus scent—which is noteworthy since most vitamin C serums give off an unpleasant smell.

This is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that helps smooth out uneven skin texture and dull skin. It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients like leaf extracts and vitamin A and E.

What a reviewer says: “When I applied the serum, it absorbed rather quickly, which was nice and left my skin feeling smooth. I definitely noticed my skin was brighter and appeared more healthy after using the serum for a week or so. I loved how it smelled too.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, vitamin A, vitamin E, bearberry leaf extract
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

I have finished two bottles of this serum by COSRX and I’d use it again. I have acne-prone, combination/oily skin, and this didn’t irritate my skin nor break me out. It’s a gentle vitamin C cleanser that helped fade some of my dark spots and gave me an overall, brighter glow.

What a reviewer says: “It always makes my skin glow and feel moisturized with the water and oil formula. I do have dry skin, so it favors me. I will purchase again and again!”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, squalene, caffeine
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

This serum from Timeless has taken over the internet when reviewers said it delivers the same effects as higher end options like the C. E. Ferulic serum.

Mackenzie Dunn, our senior commerce manager, tested the product herself and is a fan. “This is a great affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals. It’s super lightweight, absorbs easily, and uses potent ingredients to visibly brighten my skin—including pesky post-acne dark spots,” she says.

The serum contains vitamin C and E, plus ferulic acid serum to help even out discoloration and boost collagen. Reviewers like that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky finish on their skin.

What a reviewer says: “I was recommended this by a friend and it’s perfect. I like the light texture, almost watery consistency (non-sticky) since I use it as a base before serums. Really helps with dark spots, and making your skin glow.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
• When to apply: A.m. or p.m., once a day (If a.m., use SPF)

Amy Peterson, medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson, recommended Biopelle to me when I was searching for the best brightening serums. She likes that the brand overall is a solid choice for anyone wanting to achieve a brighter, more even skin tone.

This serum in particular is newer in their line, and along with vitamin C, it contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These are acids found in fruits and milk that can help with various skin concerns like wrinkles, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.

What Peterson says: “The Biopelle Brighten Collection can be a great treatment for anyone with age-related discoloration or those who are simply looking to enhance their skin radiance and clarity.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, AHAs, aloe, botanical complex, hyaluronic acid
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

Sarah Akram, celebrity master esthetician, recommends this serum from Neova. In a Neova clinical study, over 94% of users saw more luminous skin after using their C 2o+ serum.

Water makes up less than 20% of the formula, which according to the brand, makes it a more stable blend. The serum contains 20% vitamin C, followed by smaller percentages of Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and AHAs. All of these ingredients help boost luminosity and improve the appearance of texture and tone.

What Akram says: “A great option for a vitamin C serum is the Neova C 20+—its a gentle serum with all the benefits for your skin.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, AHAs
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

I’ve been applying this serum from Kopari daily for a few months now. Normally, I suffer from naturally red cheeks, but the serum has been helping to even out my discoloration and target dark spots. I also love how the little vitamin C capsules break easily and blend quickly into my skin.

Along with vitamin C, this serum is packed with hydrating Kakadu plum, niacinamide, and soothing actives. My skin leans on the sensitive side, but I haven’t experienced any irritation with this serum.

What a reviewer says: “When I applied the serum, it absorbed rather quickly, which was nice and left my skin feeling smooth. I definitely noticed my skin was brighter and appeared more healthy after using the serum for a week or so. I loved how it smelled too.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, glycerin, Kakadu plum, niacinamide
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

An online favorite, the C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is well-loved by many who claim they see a dramatic difference in dull skin or discoloration. The formula is a rich blend of antioxidants, leaf extracts, glycerin, and vitamin C in the form of THD Absorbate, which according to the brand, is oil-soluble. It aims to help with smoothing fine lines and fading dark spots.

Users say the serum has a pleasant smell, and they notice firmer and plumper skin after continued use.

What a reviewer says: “I receive compliments daily on my skin and often get asked what I use…it is this! I love this brand and use most, if not, all of their products. I have sensitive skin, however it does not react negatively to this brand’s products.”

• Size: 1 fl oz
• Active ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, glycerin, leaf extracts
• When to apply: A.m. and p.m. (use SPF in the morning)

Dr. Jeffy says there are several factors to consider when shopping for a vitamin C serum, like the form of vitamin C, concentration, and packaging. “And because vitamin C can also be irritating, your skin’s sensitivity also plays a role in selection of the right product for you,” she shares.

According to our experts, you’ll want to look for:

✔️ Form of vitamin C: Azza Halim, M.D., board-certified anesthesiologist and physician with a focus in aesthetic medicine, explains that there are various sources of vitamin C. “L-ascorbic acid is the most potent and effective form, but it also can be bit too strong for sensitive skin,” she says. “Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a gentler form and therefore better for sensitive skin. Additionally, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is mildest and used in hydrating formulations,” she adds.

✔️ Concentration of vitamin C: According to Dr. Halim, the ideal percentage of concentration for vitamin C is between 10% and 20%. “When the concentration too low, the vitamin C can be ineffective. If it’s too high, then it may be too harsh,” she explains.

✔️ Packaging: Dr. Jeffy says that pure vitamin C, a.k.a. L-ascorbic acid, is the most effective but also the most unstable. “If not formulated or packaged correctly, pure vitamin C may break down and do nothing to benefit your skin,” she says.

For pure vitamin C, Dr. Jeffy advises looking for a low-pH product in a dark container to block out light. But when it comes to vitamin C derivatives (such as ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, or ascorbyl glucoside), Dr. Jeffy explains that since these are more stable, you have less to worry about in terms of formulation and packaging. Some vitamin C serums come in clear bottles when the vitamin is encapsulated, which is okay too.

✔️ Key ingredients: You can get maximum benefits from vitamin C when you pair it with other ingredients. According to Dr. Halim, other beneficial ingredients that work well with vitamin C include ferulic acid, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.

Vitamin C is one of Peterson’s favorite ingredients. “Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that brightens the skin and evens out the skin tone. It also pairs nicely with SPF and enhances the effectiveness of the sunscreen,” she says.

Due to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C, helps to combat cellular damage caused by free radicals in addition to stimulating collagen production and lightening dark spots, adds Akram.

If paired with certain ingredients, vitamin C could be not effective or irritating, our experts say. “Avoid using at the same time as benzoyl peroxide to avoid breakdown of the vitamin C, which can make it less effective,” Dr. Jeffy says.

She also warns that in some scenarios, using vitamin C at the same time as a retinoid can increase the chance of irritation. However, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be used at the same time as vitamin C, Dr. Jeffy adds.

Akram agrees with Dr. Jeffy, saying, “The only ingredient I warn people to avoid mixing with Vitamin C is retinol, as these two ingredients can irritate the skin when combined.”

We tested the SkinCeuticals, Kopari, Timeless, and COSRX serums. We referenced Good Housekeeping Institute’s coverage of the best vitamin C serums to choose the RoC 10% Vitamin C Face Serum and the Oamskin 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

We spoke with experts for their recommendations and insights, including Ranella Hirsch M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Nazanin Saedi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University; Amy Peterson, medical aesthetician; Azza Halim, M.D., board-certified anesthesiologist and physician with a focus in aesthetic medicine, anti-aging treatments and regenerative medicine; Brooke Jeffy, M.D., board-certified dermatologist; and Sarah Akram, celebrity esthetician.