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You’re probably aware by now that dermatologists love vitamin C serums, as the antioxidant-packed formulas have multiple oft-touted benefits for any skin type. “They may be used to prevent signs of aging as well as to brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even skin tone. They also help support collagen production for firmer skin,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. The ingredient can also make your sunscreen even more effective at protecting your skin while you’re out and about.
But did you know that not all vitamin C serums are created equal? There are a variety of forms of vitamin C, all with varying levels of potency and efficacy. However, L-ascorbic acid is by far the “purest and most potent form of the antioxidant,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
Our top picks for the best L-ascorbic acid serums of 2024
Still, nothing is ever 100 percent perfect, and that includes L-ascorbic acid. Although it is the most powerful type of vitamin C, it can be highly unstable. In other words, it can begin to lose its efficacy as soon as you open the bottle and expose it to sunlight and air. Additionally, because of its potency, it may not be as suitable for those with very sensitive skin. “Other forms may be more stable and more gentle on the skin but tend to be less potent,” adds Dr. Mraz.
If you’re ready for the transformative benefits of vitamin C and feel like you’re able to tolerate stronger formulas, L-ascorbic acid serums are worth a try, especially considering how much they can actually do for your skin. We also spoke to the above board-certified dermatologists, raided editors’s personal stashes, and combed through customer evaluations to find sophisticated, top-tier formulas that’ll add radiance to your skin, help prevent wrinkles and fine lines, and fade dark spots. Scroll on to find the seven best L-ascorbic acid serums on the market.
Pros
Cons
Some may dislike scent
If you’ve done any sort of research into the best vitamin C serums, I’d be willing to bet that you’ve heard of this product. Skinceuticals’s CE Ferulic has reached legendary status in the world of skin care. The formula contains 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, whose free radical-neutralizing powers are boosted by fellow antioxidants vitamin E and ferulic acid. “The combination works to keep the formula stable and effective. It helps to brighten the skin, improve skin tone, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while improving and preventing the signs of sun damage,” explains Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My dermatologist recommended this vitamin C serum to treat the hyperpigmentation I have from years of cystic acne. I have dryer skin, so the vitamin E in this emollient formula agrees with me and adds a layer of moisture that’s sorely needed. My skin also looked brighter within days of using it, so I don’t mind the ‘hot dog water’ scent some say this formula has. As long as a product works, and its aroma doesn’t give me a headache, I’m going to use it.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best for All Skin Types
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains 60 uses
Cons
- Contains less product than many similar products
This serum from Paula’s Choice addresses L-ascorbic acid’s biggest problem head-on. To ensure the formula’s stability, it features both ferulic acid and ergothioneine, which help keep the vitamin C serum effective for longer. The included peptides also plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ergothioneine, ferulic acid, peptides
Size: 0.67 fl. oz.
Paula’s Choice rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Paula’s Choice recently reformulated this product, which was already a star to begin with. The updated formula includes all of the benefits of the original while also sinking in faster (without leaving behind a sticky residue) and avoiding irritating sensitive skin. Sometimes, vitamin C serums can make my skin feel tingly for a few seconds after application, but this one feels like patting water onto my face. It also doesn’t really have a noticeable aroma—a gigantic plus for those sensitive to scented products.”—Carol Lee
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Pros
- Reviewers report quick results
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
If you’re an experienced vitamin C serum user and are ready to take things to the next level, Medik8’s serum is one you should consider. With a whopping 30 percent concentration of stabilized L-ascorbic acid, the formula brightens skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with ease.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, tumeric root extract
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is the serum that turned my vitamin C aversion to pure love. The non-sticky formula melted into my skin, a major plus since I love to layer formulas and hate when serums disrupt my makeup routine. Even better, the brightening formula helped my dull, scar-prone skin appear more radiant and smooth. I've used it down to the last drop and will be repurchasing.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
4
Best Delivery System
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
To ensure that you’re able to reap the full benefits of the notoriously unstable L-ascorbic acid, this serum allows you to mix in the active ingredients right before your first use. The brightening and firming concoction contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, as well as fruit extracts. Plus, it “is best used once daily in the morning and can be applied to face, neck, chest, and hands,” according to Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E
Size: 0.94 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have been using this for a few years now, and I can’t go a day without it! Leaves my skin hydrated with a nice glow. Saw improvements immediately in the brightness of my skin.”
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5
Best Drugstore
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Now 18% Off
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Above all, maintaining the integrity of your skin’s natural moisture barrier is important for keeping your skin happy and healthy. All of CeraVe’s products contain three types of ceramides to support the barrier, and this vitamin C serum also boasts 10 percent L-ascorbic acid to brighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The serum has a lightweight, silky texture that glides on smoothly. It absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue, making it a pleasure to use daily. The combination of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid provides excellent hydration and a noticeable brightening effect. My skin feels more refreshed and luminous after application. Even with its potent ingredients, the serum is gentle on my skin. It delivers visible improvements in radiance and overall skin tone without causing irritation.”
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some reviewers report unpleasant scent
You don’t always have to pay a pretty penny to get results. This vitamin C offers a combination of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E at a fraction of the cost compared to other options, and reviewers rave about how much smoother and brighter their skin looks after consistent use.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “After just about a week of use (mornings only), I did notice my skin was brighter and definitely helped even my skin tone. I am not in love with the scent, but it is better than other vitamin C serums that I have used in the past. The glass packaging is great as well, reducing plastic waste. I would definitely buy this product again and I will be adding this to my daily skin care routine!”
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Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Reviewers note that last drops of product are hard to reach
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
This serum features a cocktail of five different types of vitamin C, including L-ascorbic acid, and combines them with tranexamic acid to both treat and prevent unwanted dark spots. Other notable ingredients include nourishing vitamin E and plumping peptides that improve the appearance of skin over time.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, guava extract, tranexamic acid
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have tried so many different serums and treatments for the dark spots that are appearing on my cheeks in recent years, and I have only been using this product for a couple weeks, but I really think I am noticing a difference. The spots seem lighter than they were. It’s also very moisturizing and just feels good on my skin.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
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Should you apply L-ascorbic serums in the morning or at night?
Either is fine. However, both of our experts lean toward applying it in the morning “to protect the skin from free radical damage and UV exposure during the day,” says Dr. Garshick.
Who should avoid L-ascorbic acid serums?
According to Dr. Mraz, “Most skin types can tolerate a healthy concentration of 10-20%,” she says. On the other hand, not everyone is able to tolerate higher concentrations without experiencing some irritation.
Additionally, if you have sensitive skin or experience rosacea, you might want to consider other types of vitamin C. “This is because the potent formula can cause redness or sensitivity. For those who cannot tolerate L-ascorbic acid, there are other forms of vitamin C, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate which are gentle on the skin,” explains Dr. Garshick.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee with skin experts about the absolute best L-ascorbic acid serums to delay signs of aging, reduce dark spots, and brighten skin. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
Reviewed byDr. Karan Lal
Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a double fellowship-trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist practicing in both Scottsdale, Arizona and New York. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ skin health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma, cosmeceuticals and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric dermatology and is on the ASDS DEI committee.
