I’ve tested dozens of top-rated organic Vitamin C serums and am sharing my favorites.I’m also comparing the various types of Vitamin C available, natural ingredients high in Vitamin C and a comparison of the best serums.

Why use Vitamin C skincare? Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants to protect skin cells from free radical damage. Besides acting as a protective shield, Vitamin C also helps fight hyperpigmentation and sun damage, brighten skin tone, increases collagen production and reduces wrinkles. Simply put, it’s an anti-aging powerhouse. For sensitive skin types, Vitamin C may cause irritation so proceed with caution.

Side note, I did a Vitamin C test using apple slices to see how well clean beauty Vitamin C serums prevent oxidative damage compared to cult fave Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($166). These are the results after 48 hours. *This is just for entertainment purposes and is not an indication of how a product will perform on your individual skin*

Different Types of Vitamin C for Skin

There are various forms of Vitamin C used in skincare formulations, each with its own characteristics. Some common forms include:

• L-Ascorbic Acid: This is the most common and researched form of Vitamin C. It is known for its potency, but it can be unstable and may oxidize over time.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP): A stable form of Vitamin C that is less likely to oxidize. It is also gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
• Ascorbyl Palmitate: This is a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, making it more stable. It is often used in combination with other forms of Vitamin C for enhanced stability.
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP): This water-soluble form of Vitamin C is considered more stable than L-Ascorbic Acid and is less likely to cause irritation.
• Ascorbic Acid 6-Palmitate: A lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid, designed to be more stable and penetrate the skin effectively.
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: This stable form of Vitamin C is lipid-soluble and is believed to penetrate the skin more easily than some other forms.
• Ascorbyl Glucoside: This water-soluble derivative is considered stable and may gradually release ascorbic acid into the skin.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of Vitamin C in skincare products depends on various factors like formulation, concentration, and the overall product formula. Plus, everyone’s skin is so different so each individual may respond differently to various types of Vitamin C.

Top 5 Natural Vitamin C Ingredients

There are so many ingredients found in nature that are natural sources of Vitamin C including botanical extracts, fruits, and plant-derived ingredients. Here are some common and effective sources of natural Vitamin C in skincare:

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
2. Rosehip Oil
3. Kakadu Plum: Kakadu Plum has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C among fruits.
4. Camu Camu: An Amazonian fruit that is exceptionally high in Vitamin C.
5. Acerola Cherry Extract

Best Clean Vitamin C Serums Compared

I tried Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Serum

Youth To The People Vitamin C serum is my top recommendation to anyone looking for a clean product. The Youth To The People’s Vitamin C serum is a clinical-grade 15% vitamin C serum boosted with clean, plant-derived caffeine from superleafs yerba mate and guayusa to immediately brighten, visibly reduce morning puffiness, and hydrate. It seems to be by far one of the brand’s ultimate cult favorites among fans. And for good reason! I notice brighter skin with more clarity when using this serum daily.

This is one of Youth To The People’s pricier products at $68 (take 25% off during their current Spring Sale!), but also one of their best in my opinion. It’s properly packaged in a dark glass bottle, which is important for Vitamin C products, and has a thin almost milky consistency.

The Youth To The People Vitamin C Serum’s key ingredients are:

• 15% Vitamin C Complex: Three powerful sources of vitamin c are combined in our pro-grade formula—Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD Ascorbate), and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate—for maximum efficacy and stability.
• Yerba Mate + Guayusa: Naturally high in caffeine, this superleaf-derived extract enhances microcirculation to reduce morning puffiness.
• Passion Fruit: High in antioxidants, helps scavenge for free radicals.
• Dragon Fruit: Promotes skin health and replenishes essential moisture.

Price: $69

I tried Marie Veronique Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid

This is one of my top Vitamin C serums from a clean, clinical anti-aging skincare line targeted for mature skin. It’s got a base of green tea leaf infusion with TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, which is an oil-soluble C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid and penetrates to the cell. I love that it contains astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant from the carotenoid family that protects against long-wave radiation damage. This feels like a true hydrating serum not an oil and is lightweight and breathable.

Price: $115

I tried Luzern Laoratories Serum Absolut V15

Luzern is the closest clean dupe to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic I have come across! It’s pricey but you get double the size of Skinceuticals. This has 15% Pure Vitamin C, in combination with Multi-vitamins and minerals to maximize the activity of Vitamin C

Price: $215 for 2 oz

Use OBL for -15%

I tried Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

This is a 100% naturally-derived and 84.7% organic Vitamin C serum. It features ascorbic acid polypeptide, a relatively stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C. I find this to be a lightweight and silky serum that would work for even sensitive skin.

Price: $54

Use ORGANICBEAUTYLOVER15 for -15%

I tried Alpyn Beauty Bearberry Vitamin C Serum

I personally found Alpyn Beauty’s Vitamin C serum to work well with my skin. It’s got ,ultiple Actives including Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Azelaic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tripeptide-29, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein and even Bakuchiol. I enjoyed its airy mousse-like consistency and I experienced no pilling issues under makeup and sunscreen. It’s got a resinous yet citrus scent and comes in a generous 2 oz bottle that’s twice the industry standard.

Price: $59 for 2 oz

Use OBL for 15% off

I tried Bluh Alchemy Multi C Serum

If you’re looking for true eco-luxe green beauty that works, look no further than Blue Alchemy. Such a sleeper brand in my opinion. Multi C Serum is pricey but SO potent! Bluh Alchemy is one of the only companies in the world using the world’s first cellular extracted botanicals, a “cutting-edge extraction process works to rapidly harness a plant’s complete phytoactive profile, pure, stable and unadulterated as it exists in nature.”This serum has Ferulic acid from Kangaroo paw flower and Tetra C along with peptides and the world’s highest known source of vitamin C from cellular extracted Kakadu plum. This has a true serum consistency and is a lightweight yet creamy in texture.

Price: $140

I tried Amala Corrective Vitamin C Concentrate

Amala is a German brand that’s very exclusive and luxe and I would recommend this and their plumping serum for mature skin needing SOS treatment. This uses a highly stable, non-irritating form of Vitamin C combined with plant-based antioxidants like Peony, skin-renewing 23K Rose Gold, Vitamin C-rich Amla, Spirulina, Tonka Bean Pre and Probiotic infusion and Magnolia Bark Extract. It feels light and hydrating and sinks in super well.

Price: $188

Use OBL for -15%

I tried Fitglow Beauty Vita Active Serum

I first tired Fitglow’s Vita Active Serum almost a decade ago and it is still top tier in quality and efficacy. This is a highly potent organic Vitamin C serum with 5-in-1 benefits and a 20% Dual Vitamin C Complex, 3 Vegan Humectants and 13 Plant Antioxidants. It’s got a super vibrant orange hue and feels lightweight and weightless on my skin.

Price: $88

Use OBL15 for -15%

I tried Mara Beauty Sea Vitamin C Serum (Oil)

Mara Beauty’s Vitamin C Serum is one of my newest favorite clean beauty Vitamin C face oils! This is an oil-based serum and suitable for dry and mature skin types. Be warned this is a rich oil serum, not a water-based serum. I love that it’s absolutely loaded with skincare actives like 15% THD Ascorbate: the most stable form of vitamin C, 14 vitamin C-rich fruit extracts (Kiwi, Blackcurrant, Strawberry, Lime, Guava, Papaya and more), reishi, chlorella, and ginseng along with Mara’s proprietary algae. If you’re looking to add some more vitamin C into your skincare routine, adding a face oil like Mara’s is a great way.

Price: $96

I tried Maelove The Glow Maker Serum

Maelove has a Skinceuticals dupe that I found to be less effective than Luzern Labs but it does contain the trifecta of 15% Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid. I had to include the Glow Maker Serum in this list because it IS highly affordable compared to most other options. This is not a totally clean product though as it contains Disodium EDTA and Phenoxyethanol.

Price: $32.95

I tried Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum

A highly effective Skinceuticals dupe that’s actually the most affordable one I could find is Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow. It’s hand down THE most identical dupe to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid that I’ve come across while testing dozens of dupes. Note that it’s not entirely clean. This is a super freshly made and potent product that’s produced in small batches weekly and arrives to customers only 2-3 weeks old. I highly recommend you keep it in the fridge and use it within a couple months tops before it loses its potency.

Price: $12

Best Organic Vitamin C Boosters

Boosters are Vitamin C powders that you can add to any other serum to give it more antioxidant power. My favorites are 100% Pure’s and Sally B Skin Yummies.

100% Pure Vitamin C Boost

• $29 (save 20% with code OBL)
• Water-activated powder made with just two ingredients: stable vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
• Designed to brighten, lighten dark spots and promote firmer, more supple skin
• Ingredients: Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Hyaluronic Acid

Sally B Skin Yummies Antioxidant Boost

• $41
• Vitamin C powder formula to mix with skincare
• Made with 100% pure vitamins and minerals
• Contains over 65% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
• Prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging
• Brightens skin and improves overall skin health