When it comes to brightening your base, it's universally accepted within the skincare world that a vitamin C product is one of the best ways to achieve glowing skin. The powerful antioxidant boasts a wealth of skin-transforming benefits and combats dullness, fine lines, skin damage, uneven skin tone and signs of ageing – hence why it's so trendy.
Often touted by dermatologists as one of the "must have" components of your skincare routine, there's a vitamin C product out there to suit all skin types. But with so much on the market, it’s hard to know what formula will work best for you. With that in mind, we had our OK! beauty testing panel put some of the best vitamin C serums, masks and creams to the test to see if they live up to the hype.
Here's what they thought of these nine new and hero products…
Best vitamin C skincare products
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Face Primer, £30 here
This vitamin C-packed face primer creates a dewy, healthy-looking glow—whether it's applied under makeup, on top as a highlighter, or even worn alone.
Psst, love this formula? You're about to love it even more. From May 13th you'll be able to shop a limited-edition glow-boosting gradual tan version of this cult favourite primer. Who doesn't want an extra glow?
Tester says: "I've used every morning this for years and I'm not changing that routine now. Whenever I don't use it, my skin looks so much more dull and my makeup doesn't sit quite as well. Nothing has come close to giving me the level of luminosity that this product offers in abundance. A real hero."
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum, £36 here
Brand new to shelves, this serum contains the perfect mix of AHAs and BHAs to smooth skin texture and refine pores. It also blends together a punchy amount of vitamin C with mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid.
Tester says: "I'm a big fan of Glow Recipe's Plum Plump Serum so I was excited to try this new launch. I've been getting breakouts along my jawline and cheeks, making my skin texture look quite bumpy. Within two days of using this, I found those little spots had started to clear up, and my overall texture felt a lot smoother. I won't use this everyday – I have sensitive skin – but I will be using it a few times each week."
Pixi BeautifEYE Hydrogel Eye Patches, £22 for 30 here
Use these for 10 minutes on clean skin to quickly brighten and energise your under-eye area. They also promise to help reduce puffiness and minimise dark circles.
Tester says: "Great for sensitive skin as they feel very gentle and soothing. I put mine in the fridge so they were even more cooling and got rid of a lot of puffiness under my eyes. I'd definitely repurchase as they also helped make my concealer apply better and not look cakey."
Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Energy Serum, £36 here
Jam-packed with antioxidants, this anti-fatigue serum promises to stave off wrinkles, defend against pollution and brighten your overall complexion.
Tester says: "This vitamin C serum doesn't irritate my skin at all and I've definitely noticed an improvement in my skin's overall radiance. It's so lightweight and sinks into my skin really easily, meaning it's now one of my morning skincare favourites."
Boots Vitamin C Sleeping Mask, £4 here
This night-time moisturiser coats skin in a nourishing, vitamin-packed formula, and forms part of a four-piece vitamin C range that claims to give skin a brighter look in just 14 days.
Tester says: "It’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever used. The morning after I first used the cream, my skin looked really bright and like I had a holiday glow. The orange scent is lovely, and the formula isn’t greasy at all so sinks in and makes my skin feel so soft. I don’t want to use anything else now!"
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum, £14.99 here
Made to deliver a potent dose of antioxidants and vitamin C to brighten skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Tester says: "I used it as part of my night-time regime before my regular night cream. On application it feels like a mask, it has a tightening effect on the face which I loved and I definitely think my skin now looks brighter after using it for a month. Although it says it's gentle enough for daily use, I think every other day would be better for sensitive skin."
Skin Proud Bright Boost 2% Vitamin C Multi-Vitamin Serum, £12.99 here
Lightweight and packed with vitamin C, kakadu plum and vitamins B and E, this serum targets dullness and lacklustre skin to give it a brightening boost from first use.
Tester says: "It can be used morning and night, but I chose just morning. I like it because it sinks in quickly so it’s perfect under my make-up. I’ve been using it for two weeks and I’m not seeing a massive difference in my skin tone, but it does feel a bit less dry."
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, £72 here
This shields skin against the damage from daily aggressors like pollution. The formula also boasts a 55% higher antioxidant defence than traditional vitamin C, and contains glycolic acid to help lessen dark spots and improves luminosity.
Tester says: "I loved this right from my first use. It made my skin more hydrated and glowy, and in under a week my skin texture looked so much smoother. I use it religiously every morning and I’ve had compliments on my skin a few times. I dread the day I run out!"
Sanctuary Spa Vitamin C 20% Daily Glow Serum, £16.50 here
A serum that combines 20% pure vitamin C with plumping hyaluronic acid and antioxidant turmeric oil. In tests 86% of users saw more radiant skin after a single use.
Tester says: "Made my skin feel a little tingly at first but luckily I’d read on the pack that this was normal. I loved the smooth, silky feel it gave, and my skin definitely looked brighter right away. This serum plus face SPF is now my morning skin regime – I’m addicted!"
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