A good skincare routine can be the key to a bright, luminous complexion. Whether it’s hyperpigmentation products, the best face sunscreen, or best moisturiser for dry skin, a good lineup of products is one way (alongside genetics) to keep your skin happy. And if you’re in search of the perfect glowy look, one ingredient sits at the centre of many a glow-boostingroutine: vitamin C. If you’ve yet to add this heroingredient to your own product list I’ve rounded up my pick of the best vitamin C serums for every skin type.
As a beauty editor prone to hormonal acne and rosacea, I know vitamin C serums can be a bit hit or miss for sensitive skin. With this in mind, I tested a range of formulas to find options that deliver results without causing irritation. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune, either.
To get an expert opinion on vitamin C products, I spoke to Harley Street dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus who told me vitamin C is “a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution”. He adds that it supports collagen production and helps improve dullness and pigmentation.
However, he noted that vitamin C should be applies in the morning, and always paired with SPF. “Daily sunscreen application is an essential step to protecting our skin, because UV rays are a major contributor to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer”, says Dr Haus.
With that in mind, keep scrolling for my pick of the best vitamin C serums, all chosen to help brighten and even out your complexion.
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The best vitamin C serums for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Olay super serum: £19.50, Boots.com
- Best budget buy – Beauty Of Joseon light on serum with centella + vita C: £17.99, Superdrug.com
- Best for all skin types – Skin Rocks the antioxidant: £75, Spacenk.com
- Best luxury serum – Tatcha the brightening serum: £86, Sephora.co.uk
How I tested
For two months, I introduced a selection of vitamin C serums into my morning routine, following each serum with my normal moisturiser, SPF, or both, to see how each serum held up within different skincare routines. I paid attention to everything from value for money to how noticeable the results of each formula were. You’ll find a more detailed list of my testing criteria at the end of this article.
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