The best drugstore vitamin C serums (also known as the best affordable vitamin C serums) are a great way to get bright, healthy-looking skin without breaking the bank.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and helps reduce signs of aging. It also has soothing properties that make it ideal for use on acne-prone skin. While pricier options like the best luxury vitamin C serum can deliver impressive results, they may not be worth the money if you're just starting with using this type of product.
For those looking to try a new drugstore vitamin C serum or want to find out which ones we recommend before making a purchase, continue reading our guide below! We've included recommendations from several different price ranges so there's something for everyone in this article.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a good vitamin C serum. Some of the most important things to think about include the ingredients, the formula, and the price.
You'll want to make sure that any serum you choose has an excellent formulation with high-quality ingredients. You also don't want to overpay for your skincare products—so we made sure to find some great options that won't break the bank.
Additionally, we know that everyone's skin is different—so we made sure to include a variety of formulas in our roundup so you can find one that's perfect for your needs!
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face
Why We Love It
The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is a great choice for anyone looking to boost their skin's natural defenses and fight the signs of aging. This serum contains high concentrations of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidants that work together to help improve your skin's appearance.
What You Should Know
The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, making it easy to apply each day without the need for additional makeup. The hyaluronic acid in this serum helps hydrate your skin, while vitamin E adds extra protection against free radicals. By using this product morning and night, you can see visible results within just a few weeks – helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also improving your overall skin tone.
It may seem pricey compared to other serums on the market today, but considering how effective it is - we think it's worth every penny!
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Why We Love It:
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is a game-changer in the world of skincare. Formulated with 10% pure vitamin C, this serum helps brighten the complexion and promotes a more even skin tone. It is developed with dermatologists and recommended by them, so you know it's a trustworthy product. The lightweight texture makes it easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin tone, texture, and hydration for a healthy-looking, radiant complexion. Plus, it comes in protective packaging to prevent oxidation and maintain product performance.
What You Should Know:
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum is a must-have in your skincare routine. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types. The key ingredients include 10% pure vitamin C, ceramides to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture. This serum not only brightens the skin but also helps defend against free radicals and provides antioxidant benefits. With regular use, you can expect soft, radiant, and healthy-looking skin. So why wait? Try CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid today for a brighter complexion!
DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
This intensely moisturizing Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serum boosts hydration.
Why We Love It:
DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is a great choice for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin. This brightening serum supports collagen health, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. It's packed full of powerful natural ingredients, including antioxidant Green Tea to nourish and protect dry skin, Provitamin B5 to moisturize and smooth, and Vitamin C to firm and rejuvenate. Plus, the addition of hyaluronic acid delivers intense moisture, leaving your skin soft, plump, and luminous.
What You Should Know:
DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that penetrates deeply to deliver powerful antioxidants and essential hydration. Use it day and night after cleansing, applying it to your face and neck. It can be used alone or paired with a DERMA E moisturizer to boost its effectiveness. This serum is all-natural, vegan-friendly, and free of artificial preservatives. So why wait? Treat your skin to the benefits of DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum today!
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum
Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector
Why We Love It
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector Daily Face Serum is a great product for anyone looking to tackle their dark spots and discoloration. The serum contains a blend of retinol and vitamin C, which are both proven to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and discoloration.
What You Should Know
The formula is lightweight, making it easy to apply without feeling oily or greasy. It's also gentle enough for all skin types, so you don't have to worry about any negative reactions occurring on your face.
This product comes in an easy-to-use 1 fl oz tube that makes it perfect for daily use. It's also free of mineral oil and dyes, so you know you're getting the best quality possible when using this product.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Help Combat Early Signs of Aging
Why We Love It
The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Serum is a great product for those looking to combat the first signs of aging. This serum contains high levels of Vitamin C, E, and Salicylic Acid which work in synergy to help neutralize free radicals and combat early signs of aging.
What You Should Know
It's formulated with 12% Vitamin C which helps to brighten skin and even out uneven skin texture and tone, revealing a refined and younger-looking complexion. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid which helps hydrate the skin, making it look more youthful and healthy. The serum is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no sticky or oily residue behind.
It can be applied morning or night after cleansing the face with water, however, I do recommend using a light hand when applying so as not to overload your pores with excess product.
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum for Face
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum for Face
Vitamin C And Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face
Why We Love It
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is a lightweight serum that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while promoting collagen production. This serum also helps to protect skin from environmental pollutants and UV rays, as well as help neutralize free radicals and combat early signs of aging. It has an antioxidant-rich formula which contains 12% vitamin C serum.
What You Should Know
The product comes in two different formulas: an oil-free version that leaves your skin feeling moisturized all day, and a full-coverage formula if you're looking to add some extra coverage to your skin. The serum has a subtle grapefruit scent that isn't overpowering at all, making it perfect for those who want something natural but still effective.
I've been using this product every morning before I apply makeup and it does leave my face looking brighter and more awake. It's also helped reduce any signs of acne I had after having kids so that's always nice too!
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum
Vitamin C And Peptide Serum
Why We Love It
This product is packed with two powerful ingredients: vitamin C and tri-peptide collagen. Vitamin C helps with skin brightening, while the peptide complex has anti-aging benefits that help improve skin's elasticity and firmness. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps hydrate your skin. All these together make for a powerhouse serum that I'm sure you'll love! Plus, it's formulated to be gentle on your skin, so no irritation here. It's also free of parabens and phthalates, which is always a plus. Highly recommend giving this one a try!
What You Should Know
The serum is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and looking brighter and more awake. The formula contains non-irritating forms of vitamin C that are proven to work, which is why it's such an effective product. I highly recommend this serum if you're looking for a way to boost your natural collagen production or just want a healthy glow on your face every day!
LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face
Why We Love It
The LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum is a great option for anyone looking to boost their skin's natural collagen and elastin production. This serum contains high-quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe leaf juice that help to nourish the skin and improve its appearance.
What You Should Know
The product comes in an easy-to-use bottle with a pump dispenser that makes it easy to apply without any mess. It can be used day or night, making it ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. The formula is lightweight and refreshing, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want your makeup to look its best but don't want too much-added weight or shine.
This serum has helped me achieve a more youthful appearance while also reducing the appearance of my age spots and sun damage. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve their skin's appearance or who wants a quick pick-me-up during the hot summer months!
Dearklairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, 5% Hypoallergenic pure vitamin C serum
Dearklairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, 5% Hypoallergenic pure vitamin C serum
Designed with Naturally Effective Ingredients That Are Safe and Non-Irritating
Why We Love It
The Klairs Vitamin C serum is a great option for those looking for an affordable way to boost their skin's natural defenses. The product is formulated with 35% pure vitamin C, which provides plenty of antioxidant protection and helps to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
What You Should Know
The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue or Feeling oily or greasy, this serum contains no oils or fillers so you can feel confident applying it every day without worrying about breakouts.
The hypoallergenic formulation is suitable for all skin types, making it a great option for both men and women who have sensitive skin. This product also comes in a variety of different scents, so you can find one that suits your preferences best.
Want to find the best vitamin C serum for your needs?
But it's hard to know where to start! There are so many different brands and options out there. Plus, even if you do manage to figure out what type of vitamin C serum you need, it can be tough to figure out which products are worth spending your hard-earned money on.
Fortunately, we've done the heavy lifting for you! We've created a curated list of the most Frequently Asked Questions related to vitamin C serums so that you can make an informed final decision about which product is right for You.
Which Brand Vitamin C Serum Is Best For Face?
When choosing a vitamin C serum for your face, it's important to choose one that isn't going to irritate or damage your skin. You'll want a product that is free of parabens and other irritating substances if you want long-term results.
Although all the products we reviewed are generally safe to use on your face, some offer better ingredients than others. If you suffer from sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, then look for a product with an acidity level below 10%. This will reduce any stinging or burning sensations when you first apply the serum.
You should also consider any additional ingredients included in the formula as these may have additional benefits for your particular skin type. Hyaluronic acid plumps and moisturizes dry skin, for example, while peptides can help tighten sagging facial tissue and stimulate collagen production, which will improve firmness overall.
Which Vitamin C Serum Is Best And Cheap?
The best and cheapest Vitamin C serum is one that contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, such as 15-20%. Look for serums that contain other beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, as these can help to boost the effectiveness of Vitamin C. Additionally, look for serums that are free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.
What Percentage Of Vitamin C Serum Is Best For Beginners?
It's a good idea to start with a lower percentage of vitamin C and then work your way up. Start at around 5% and you'll get some benefits, but you'll also be less likely to experience any irritation or redness. If you're new to vitamin C serums, that can be important. You may not know how your skin will react until you try it.
Once you've had some experience with the product, consider working up to higher percentages of 10% or 15%. You'll get stronger anti-aging results at those levels, but be aware that they could cause some sensitivity for people who aren't used to using such high concentrations on their skin regularly.
Are Vitamin C Serums Worth The Money?
When you talk about anti-aging, it's important to remember that the signs of aging aren't just on your face. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven tone are problems all over your body (especially if you lead a more stressful life), and while they may be most noticeable on your face, they can make their presence felt anywhere on your body. Products that claim to solve these issues often contain ingredients such as retinol or hyaluronic acid, but these are quite potent - so much so that many people can't use them without suffering from side effects like redness and irritation.
Vitamin C serums offer an alternative solution for those who want wrinkle-busting benefits without the harsh side effects. Unlike other skincare products that use vitamin C, vitamin C serums don't contain any water or fillers – they're simply made up of 100% pure vitamin C in its natural state. Because of this, it's possible to get stronger results with less irritation than traditional skincare products offer.
What's more, unlike some other popular anti-aging alternatives (like Botox), there's no chance of unwanted side effects when you opt for a vitamin C serum because it doesn't come with any needles attached!
Can I Use Vitamin C Serum every day?
Vitamin C is a very effective antioxidant, so you'll want to use it as often as possible to get the best results. Ideally, you should apply vitamin C serum in the morning and again at night – but if that's too much for your skin, then once a day should be fine too.
It's worth noting that there are some concerns about using vitamin C with AHAs (which are found in many exfoliating products), so we'd recommend avoiding acids like glycolic and salicylic acid when using a vitamin C serum.
Which Is the Best Vitamin C Serum For Glowing Skin?
All vitamin C serums have similar purposes and benefits, so it comes down to your preferences. Do you want a serum that absorbs quickly and won't leave a sticky or greasy residue? Or one with a thicker consistency for those who like face masks?
You'll also want to consider the ingredients in your serum. Some are more gentle on sensitive skin than others, so choose something mild if you have trouble with breakouts. And if you're looking for an anti-aging benefit, make sure your serum contains vitamin A as well as C. This combo offers stronger rejuvenating properties than just one of the vitamins alone.
Finally, consider convenience and price point. Vitamin C serums are considerably less expensive than many other skincare products designed to protect against free radicals, but they still aren't cheap. If you'd rather not spend too much on this product specifically, look for sales opportunities online or in-store to get the best deal possible.
Which Serum Is Best Vitamin C Or Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C have different functions in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding ingredient that keeps the skin hydrated, which gives it a plump and healthy appearance. While both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and hyaluronic acid can be found in many anti-aging serums, they each have their function: AHAs exfoliate the top layer of your skin to stimulate collagen production; hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the dermis to fill in fine lines.
Vitamin C is unique because it acts as an antioxidant, protecting your skin from free radical damage by neutralizing harmful chemicals. It also promotes faster healing of wounds such as bruises or cuts so that you look healthier overall. Because it's a water-soluble ingredient, vitamin C cannot permanently restore volume like hyaluronic acid can – but it does deliver excellent short-term benefits for overall health and radiance.
Does Any Vitamin C Serum Work?
Like most skincare products, vitamin C serums don't all work the same way. Some offer more benefits than others. While there is no one best serum, some are far better than others.
The best vitamin C serums work by delivering an effective concentration of active ingredients into your skin without being too harsh or irritating. They also should be able to penetrate your dermis well so that you see results from the vitamin C – whether that's brighter skin tone and a reduced appearance of scarring or wrinkles.
Some other things to look for in a good vitamin C serum include a high percentage of actual L-ascorbic acid; use of PHAs, which help stabilize vitamin C so it works longer; avoidance of alcohol and citrus extracts, which can irritate the skin; and affordable pricing compared to similar products on the market.
Is Vitamin C Serum Better Than Vitamin C Cream?
There is no real difference between vitamin C in a cream or serum form. They all work equally well to reduce your wrinkles, but you'll find serums are typically more concentrated and deliver more of the active ingredient into the deeper layers of your skin.
Unlike most moisturizers, which only offer protection on the surface of your skin, a good quality vitamin C serum will help stimulate collagen production so it can plump up fine lines and creases. Most serums also contain other useful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides, which help restore suppleness to dry areas like around your eyes.
Which Vitamin C Is Best For Anti Aging?
There is a difference between the type of vitamin C found in foods and the type found in skin care products. Foods contain L-ascorbic acid, which is water-soluble. This means that it can dissolve in water and also penetrate your skin to stimulate collagen production.
Chemical or synthetic ascorbic acid is often used in skincare products because it's cheaper than other forms of vitamin C. However, this form of vitamin C isn't readily absorbed by your body so the benefits for your skin are minimal compared to using natural sources such as citrus fruits.
The best drugstore vitamin C serum is a great way to add antioxidants and brightening benefits to your skincare routine. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one will work best for you. Be sure to research ingredients, read reviews from other customers, and try out a few different brands before settling on one that suits your needs. This way, you'll be sure to find an affordable yet effective vitamin C serum that will give you glowing skin in no time!
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