I’ve rounded up the top organic Vitamin C serums for face made with natural ingredients and stabilized Vitamin C. 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. Read on for the best natural and organic Vitamin C serums in clean beauty.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Ascorbic Acid 6-Palmitate: A lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid, designed to be more stable and penetrate the skin effectively.

6. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: This stable form of Vitamin C is lipid-soluble and is believed to penetrate the skin more easily than some other forms.

7. 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.

Natural Skincare Ingredients High in Vitamin C

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): Amla is a potent source of Vitamin C and is often used in skincare products for its antioxidant and brightening properties.
2. Rosehip Oil: Extracted from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip oil is rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants. It’s known for its moisturizing and skin-renewing benefits.
3. Kakadu Plum: Native to Australia, Kakadu Plum has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C among fruits. This has become a very popular ingredient in skincare thanks to its brightening abilities.
4. Camu Camu: This Amazonian fruit is exceptionally high in Vitamin C.
5. Acerola Cherry Extract: Acerola cherries are rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants.
6. Guava Extract: Guava is another fruit with a high Vitamin C content.
7. Papaya Extract: Papaya is a versatile extract since it contains both Vitamin C and enzymes that can contribute to exfoliation and skin renewal.
8. Strawberry Extract: Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and included in skincare formulas for their antioxidant and skin conditioning properties.
9. Broccoli Extract: Broccoli is a vegetable source of Vitamin C and sometimes used in natural Vitamin C serums.

Best Clean Vitamin C Serums

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

 

 

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.
• Awarded “Best Clean Vitamin C Serum” of 2021
• A base of green tea leaf infusion with TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, an oil-soluble C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid and penetrates to the cell.
• Contains astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant from the carotenoid family that protects against long-wave radiation damage
• Price: $115

Luzern Laboratories 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
• 15% Pure Vitamin C, in combination with Multi-vitamins and minerals to maximize the activity of Vitamin C
• Formulated at a pH of 3.2 to achieve maximum skin penetration
• Large 2oz bottle, twice the industry standard
• PURE VITAMIN C (L-ASCORBIC ACID), ZINC, COPPER, CALCIUMI, IRON, SILICON, VITAMIN E,ORGANIC EDELWEISS EXTRACT, ORGANIC BUDDLEJA DAVIDII EXTRACT, ORGANIC THYME) EXTRACT, HYALURONIC ACID, PANTHENOL
• Price: $215 (SAVE: discount code OBL saves 15%)

 

Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

• 100% naturally-derived and 84.7% organic Vitamin C serum
• Uses ascorbic acid polypeptide, a relatively stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C
• Lightweight and silky
• Works for sensitive skin types
• Price: $54 (SAVE 15% with code OBL15 at Ursa Major)

Alpyn Beauty Bearberry Vitamin C Serum

• Multiple Actives including Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Azelaic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tripeptide-29, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein and even Bakuchiol
• Creamy milky color with an airy mousse-like consistency
• Bearberry Leaf, Licorice Root and Vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Airy, weightless formula has no pilling  issues and works well under makeup and sunscreen
• Resinous yet citrus scent
• Comes in a generous 2 oz bottle instead of the industry standard 1 oz
• Price: $59

Bluh Alchemy Multi C Serum

• This 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.”
• Ferulic acid from Kangaroo paw flower and Tetra C penetrate deeply
• Age defying peptides and the world’s highest known source of vitamin C from cellular extracted Kakadu plum
• Price: $140 (ships worldwide at Boxwalla)

Saint Jane Beauty The C Drops 20% (oil)

• This is a powerful Vitamin C face oil with glycerin-encapsulated Vitamin C for visibly brighter, resurfaced skin
• Packed with 20% Vitamin C and citrus botanicals
• Packed with clean actives to transform dull skin
• Price: $90 (discount code OBL saves 15%)

Amala Corrective Vitamin C Concentrate

• Uses a highly stable, non-irritating form of Vitamin C combined with plant-based antioxidants
• Peony, skin-renewing 23K Rose Gold, Vitamin C-rich Amla, and antioxidant Spirulina boosts the appearance of firmness, clarity, and smoothness
• Tonka Bean Pre and Probiotic infusion and Magnolia Bark Extract
• Specially formulated to not cause irritation
• Price: $188 (SAVE: Discount code OBL saves at Amala)

Fitglow Beauty Vita Active Serum

• This is a highly potent organic Vitamin C serum with 5-in-1 benefits and a 20% Dual Vitamin C Complex
• Comes out as a bright orange serum that’s lightweight and weightless
• Contains 3 Vegan Humectants and 13 Plant Antioxidants
• Price: $89 (discount code OBL15 saves 15%)

Mara Beauty Sea Vitamin C Serum (Oil)

Mara Beauty’s Vitamin C Serum is one of my newest favorite clean beauty Vitamin C serums! This is an oil-based serum and suitable for dry and mature skin types. This is a rich oil serum, not a water-based serum. I love that it’s absolutely loaded with skincare actives:

• 15% THD Ascorbate: the most stable form of vitamin C
• 14 vitamin C-rich fruit extracts
• Herbs: reishi, chlorella, and ginseng
• Marine botanicals: Mara’s proprietary algae

Beside’s Mara’s special algae hero ingredient, the Sea Vitamin C Serum contains an arsenal of Vitamin C-dense fruits like Kiwi, Blackcurrant, Strawberry, Lime, Guava, Papaya and more.

Price: $96

Siam Seas Sai Clear Skin Serum

• Uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is used as the vitamin C ester due to its acne preventing and treating properties
• Dua Shi Gao or Gypsum (widely used inTraditional Chinese Medicine) for tissue regeneration and wound healing
• Has a grainy consistency due to gypsum
• Price: $65 (ships worldwide at Boxwalla)

Blissoma Timeless Vitamin C Reconstruction Concentrate (oil) & Aura Phyto Brightening Serum

• Potent, bioavailable fruit seed oil base with an effective level of stabilized Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbyl Palmitate
• Timeless is not suitable for acneic skin. Aura is a lightweight water-based serum for all skin types
• Should be used once daily
• Timeless ingredients include Chia seed Oil, Rubus, blackberry seed Oil, baobab Oil, sesame seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Soy Lecithin and Vitamin E
• Aura ingredients include fermented Wasabi extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate at 3%, COQ10, patented Pomella extract, Licorice root, Gentian, and Uva Ursi
• Price: Timeless $59 / Aura $75

Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir

• This has a straightforward and simply formula of Vitamins C, E, B and Ferulic Acid
• It has a liquid consistency
• Brightens dull skin
• Price: $80

Typology 11% Vitamin C Serum

• This is a gentle 99% naturally derived Vitamin C serum with 11% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
• Features Albizia Julibrissin extract to bring vitality back to fatigued-looking skin caused by glycation and glycoxidation.
• Price: $42.90

Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum (Budget)

• This is a great budget-friendly serum under $25 that’s formulated with a stabilized form of Vitamin C, Stay C-50®
• Lightweight and gentle
• $24.50

Maelove The Glow Maker Serum

• 15% Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid
• L-Ascorbic Acid
• Does contain Disodium EDTA and Phenoxyethanol
• Price: $32.95

Banish Vitamin C Oil

• An oil serum with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid
• 99.9% Pure Grade L-Ascorbic
• Lightweight oil serum
• Price: $49 (save $5 on orders $50+ with code OBL)

Honorable Mention: Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum

Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow is not a natural organic brand but its simplified clinical formulas are extra potent. The $12 C-Glow is the most identical dupe to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid that I’ve come across while testing dozens of dupes.

To ensure maximum freshness, Geek & Gorgeous creates C-Glow in small batches once a week (on average, by the time a C-Glow reaches customers it is about 2-3 weeks old. It’s highly recommended to be stored it in the fridge, where it keeps fresh at least for 3 months. If you don’t, it will only be potent for 6 weeks.

Water, (L-)Ascorbic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide

Price: $12

Best Organic Vitamin C Boosters

100% Pure Vitamin C Boost Concentrated Treatment

• $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

Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment

• $44 (save 25% with code OBL here)
• Intense natural two-week glow booster treatment
• Helps even the dullest complexions glow
• 6% freshly activated vitamin C and hyaluronic acid concentrate

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