We’re only a month into 2026, and vitamin C is the skincare category of the moment. Sure, there are plenty of vitamin C serums on the market, but these are tried-and-true and deliver results for every budget. Discover why this ingredient is doing far more than just brightening your complexion.
Editor Trudi Brewer says it’s one ingredient to keep on rotation year-round, especially in summer.
Read on to learn more.
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It’s not only the holy grail ingredient for brightening skin, all year round, but it’s crucial in summer. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect skin from increased UV damage and pollution and enhances sunscreen effectiveness by acting as an "inner sunscreen," neutralising free radicals from UV rays, thereby improving your SPF's defence. It’s also proven to stimulate collagen production, promoting skin firmness, making it a year-round essential, especially in summer.
Here are my picks of the best vitamin C serums to try now, designed to suit every budget.
Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Corrector Serum, $87
One barrier to using vitamin C is skin sensitivity. Avène has answered that call with a formula that is both effective and gentle. First, a cocktail of high-concentration vitamin C, pure vitamin C, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps blur the appearance of dark spots. Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, provides skin-smoothing benefits too. Finally, like all Avène formulas, this serum contains Avène’s Thermal Spring Water, renowned for its soothing, anti-irritant properties and its ability to heal sensitive skin. This daily serum was created to boost skin radiance with a potent antioxidant blend that reduces the number of free radicals the skin is exposed to each day. Use every morning before moisturiser.
Offering WOW results, this is the most versatile vitamin C infusion; you can mix it with any serum to deliver brightening benefits. Powered by 100 per cent natural ingredients, including CoQ10 and a pure blend of vitamin C, this antioxidant blend delivers brilliant brightening by blocking the pigment synthesis pathway, so say goodbye to those ageing brown spots. The brand suggests using a pinch mixed with your favourite serum. Start slowly, once a week at night, and then gradually increase the number of applications over time. Finally, did we mention this is a New Zealand-made radiance-maker?
You can trust K-Beauty to be on top of vitamin C ingredient innovations. Case in point with this lightweight serum. Made with a high-strength 23 per cent pure vitamin C, to help fade acne scars and dark spots, boosting skin radiance. As well as vitamin E to increase its antioxidant power to help fight free radicals, and stimulate collagen production. Finally, hyaluronic acid and allantoin provide hydration and help calm irritation. For best results, keep this serum in the fridge once opened (a nice cooling boost for am use) and finish within two months of purchase.
One of the standout features of this serum is its hydrating benefits, making it ideal for dry skin. Its creamy, almost lotion-like texture sinks in quickly and leaves no sticky residue, except for a slight glow and a nice, plump, bouncy feel. It was created to target dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines, featuring a hardworking formula. Including 15 per cent THD ascorbate, a highly stable form of vitamin C, blended with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, while phytosterols calm and soothe sensitivities. If your skin goals are clarity and hydration, this pricey serum could be the best investment.
This is a natural powerhouse serum with the best from Mother Nature, including Kakadu plum, offering 100 times the vitamin C of oranges; antioxidant-rich Vinanza; a botanical extract from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grape seeds and kiwifruit extract. Together with a plant-based retinol alternative, bakuchiol, they foster a fresher, brighter complexion. This pure plant serum also smells divine, thanks to the blend of vanilla and mandarin that wakes up your senses every time you apply it. If clean skincare is your personal mandate, this is one of the best.
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12 %, $31
If you are a vitamin C novice, this serum is arguably one of the best affordable options. The water-soluble ascorbyl glucoside (12 per cent) is a stable, yet gentle form of vitamin C, supported by plant-based antioxidants to defend against free radicals. You will see a noticeable skin-brightening effect without irritation. While this formula is highly stable, make sure you put the lid on tightly, as vitamin C is prone to oxidation. Use morning and night.
That put dull skin on notice.