The Best Vitamin C serums for dark spots

No matter how hard we may try to avoid them, dark spots are inevitable. Whether they result from sun damage, aging or acne scars, they can be a source of insecurity and frustration. Luckily, vitamin C serums are a powerful skincare tool that can help with fading those stubborn dark spots. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free-radical damage while brightening and hydrating.

But with so many vitamin C serums on the market, it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is right for you and your skin. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best vitamin C serums for dark spots. Each one delivers strong antioxidant protection, brightening benefits and a powerful dose of skin-renewing nutrients to help diminish dark spots over time.

What is vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serum is a topical treatment that helps to rehydrate and brighten the skin. This serum contains antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that can protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce signs of aging, improve texture, minimize discoloration and even out skin tone.

It’s a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one solution to their skincare needs. When used consistently, vitamin C serum can help you achieve a healthy glow and keep your skin looking younger for longer.

How do you store vitamin C serum?

When it comes to storing vitamin C serum, there are a few rules to keep in mind. First, find a cool or room-temperature area away from direct sunlight to store your vitamin C serum. A bathroom cabinet or medicine chest are both great options.

Next, be sure to check the label on your vitamin C serum packaging for specific instructions. Some serums may require refrigeration; others should not be stored in a bathroom due to high levels of humidity.

Lastly, it’s important to keep your vitamin C serum away from any other skincare products such as essential oils or exfoliants; it’s best to keep your skincare separate and stored securely.

Remember, these simple steps will help you make sure that your vitamin C serum stays as effective and potent as possible, so you can enjoy its amazing benefits. Keep it cool, dry and away from other products for best results.

How to use a vitamin C serum

Once you have selected a suitable vitamin C serum, it’s time to apply it. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting dry with a soft towel. Then place two or three drops of the serum on your fingertips, depending on how much product you need for your skin type. Gently rub the serum into your skin, focusing on areas of concern like fine lines and wrinkles.

Finish off your routine with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. As vitamin C serums can be quite potent, it’s best to start off using the product every other day and gradually increase use over time if needed.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward brighter, more even-toned skin, let’s dive into the 11 best vitamin C serums for dark spots.

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Finding the perfect serum for your skin can be a bit of a minefield. That’s why so many people turn to Blu Atlas’ Vitamin C Serum. It’s packed with natural ingredients and extracts, including vitamin C, ferulic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. The result will be brighter, firmer, more balanced and younger-looking skin. Plus, its gentle formula makes it suitable for all skin types. Get ready to say hello to your newly radiant complexion and goodbye to dark spots!

This serum is also a great multi-tasker – it brightens the overall appearance of your skin, reduces the look of wrinkles and fine lines, helps protect against environmental damage, and boosts hydration. All of these benefits create a firmer, more youthful complexion. With regular use, you’ll notice even greater improvements in the appearance of your skin. Don’t wait: Get your bottle of Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum today for brighter skin tomorrow!

Reviewer claims:

“I am literally on my second bottle of this amazing product. I love the way it makes my skin feel and I love seeing the benefits of using it. It has helped me take my skincare routine to a new level.”

“I don’t think I’ve come across a single Blu Atlas product that I don’t now use on a daily basis! You guys make the best products I’ve ever tried. All natural is the way to go.”

2. TruSkin Naturals 20% Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals has been smashing the market with its vitamin C serum over the years. It has over 74,000 reviews on Amazon, the vast majority positive, so we had to put this one on our list. The formula is blended with some of skincare’s best ingredients. It contains jojoba oil, rich in vitamins B and E, which work to repair the skin’s biome. This luxury oil is also high in fatty acids that improve the skin’s appearance, reviving dull and lifeless skin and encouraging a beautiful glow!

High on the list of ingredients is aloe, an age-old skincare secret that magically erases dark spots. Aloe contains properties to lighten the skin, called aloin and aloesin. These elements aid in reducing hyperpigmentation and blemishes, producing a more even skin tone.

The oil contains a whopping 20% vitamin C. This is one of the highest concentrations on the market, which is probably why it works so well. Vitamin C aids in inhibiting melanin production, which plays a part in the development of dark spots. Use this serum daily for the best results; however, we recommend patch testing it first due to its high concentration.

Reviewer claims:

“Best best product! I have been using for 6 months and my skin looks amazing! I truly feel I look 10 years younger!”

“I’m 40 years old, but look 30 thanks to this Vitamin C serum. My search for an amazing serum is finally over. I just purchased my third bottle and I am hooked!”

3. LA ROCHE-POSAY Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

The French are known to use the finest ingredients in their skincare products, and La Roche-Posay does not disappoint. The brand was founded centuries ago in the city of La Roche-Posay in France with the use of thermal dermatology. Their products are known to have a high concentration of selenium, a robust antioxidant found in nature.

Their vitamin C serum contains 10% L-ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. This dose is excellent not only for spot treatment but for use all over the face, neck and body. This potent formula also includes a few noteworthy ingredients like salicylic acid to reduce redness and swelling, and aid in unblocking pores. It is also a keratolytic that assists in dismantling keratin and allows vitamin C to penetrate the skin and lighten those pesky dark spots. That being said, remember your sunscreen when using the serum.

Reviewer claims:

“Great product skin is smooth and has a glow. So many people have complimented on my tone even in such a short period of time”

“I’m obsessed with this serum! I’ve tried a variety of vitamin C serums and none compare to this. It glides on easily, subtly brightens my skin, and helps fight acne in the process. It slightly darkens its color over time but still maintains its integrity.”

4. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

We love cute branding as much as anyone, but this serum is more than just a pretty bottle. This Vitamin C serum is specially formulated to get rid of those annoying dark spots and reveal radiant, youthful skin. This robust serum works quickly to revive dull skin using stabilizer ferulic acid, natural guava seed oil, tranexamic acid and ascorbic acid.

Guava is rich in antioxidants that can protect your skin from pollutants and even fight wrinkles, while ascorbic acid penetrates the skin barrier to lighten dark spots caused by scarring or too much sun. Tranexamic acid is a great skin-brightening ingredient that aids in stopping the melanin that produces hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

The consistency is lightweight, and it smells just as good as it sounds. Use it twice daily, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen. With continued use, you will experience visibly radiant skin in no time. This is definitely one of the best vitamin C serums for dark spots. Grab yours today!

Reviewer claims:

“Makes my face look and feel great. Has a mild refreshing scent that I barely notice. Talk about giving a glow!! I never thought that I would say that a product makes my face glow without being shiny! My current fav!!”

“Love all the Glow Recipe products…a little goes a long way. Follow with moisturizer (I like banana souffle) for best results.”

5. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Formulated with 10% of pure vitamin C , this serum is a fantastic choice to rid your skin of dark spots and encourage a healthy natural glow. We love that you can find CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum at your local pharmacy, grocery store and online. This highly accessible serum comes at an affordable price. No wonder it’s a favorite!

This serum is packed with benefits, as it features more than one star ingredient. The formula uses multitasking hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin naturally by helping it to retain moisture. Applying hyaluronic acid can promote healing on your skin and prevent dark spots.

The formula also uses a variety of ceramides to keep the skin healthy, while vitamin C works to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. This concentration is perfect for daily use in the morning as well as at the night.

Reviewer claims:

“I’ve been using this serum for almost 3 weeks now and I began to see improvements in my skin midway through week 2. I had dark, dry patches on my cheek that are noticeably diminished and my face looks brighter overall. I’m happy I discovered this!”

“I love the way it made my skin feel afterwards. Very very refreshing…I could really tell a difference in my face.”

6. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

Paula’s Choice is a popular brand, for good reason. This science-backed brand has taken the industry by storm, producing some of the most effective skincare products on the market since its inception in the 1980s. The woman-led brand truly cares what you put on your skin, and their C15 Super Booster serum is one of their most effective products.

The serum features a blend of dermatologist-tested ingredients like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid. Vitamin E is a robust antioxidant that protects the skin from harmful UV rays, free radicals and environmental pollutants. Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizer that aids in the healing of your skin’s biome.Vitamin C works to repair damaged skin and lightens dark spots. With a concentration of 15%, this vitamin C serum produces results quickly.

Ferulic acid is the icing on the cake. Not only does this serum brighten the skin, with the help of ferulic acid it helps slow the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots don’t stand a chance when faced with this combination of expertly picked ingredients.

Reviewer claims:

“I love Paula’s Choice products, their retinol was a game changer for me. so I was very excited to try their Vitamin C serum. I can notice that my skin is brighter and scars have lessened. I would definitely recommend trying it out!”

“Vitamin c is great for helping improve your skin! If you want a glowing skin, less pigmentation, then you need to incorporate vitamin c in your skincare routine. This is a good vitamin c, but I would prefer it in closed bottle.”

7. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Clinically proven to fade dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation, this cult favorite had to make it onto our list. We recommend this serum not only improve your skin tone but to moisturize, firm and soften it as well. It contains 15% of pure vitamin C to improve uneven skin and discoloration on the face. Ascorbic acid penetrates dark spots to stop melanin production and promote radiant skin.

Stabilizing ferulic acid, derived from plant cells, aids in fading discoloration from overexposure to harmful UV rays. Combined with vitamin C, it improves the efficacy of the serum and boosts its antioxidant properties. Other ingredients include pumpkin ferment extract, which increases cell turnover and promotes a soft glowing complexion, and Indian gooseberry, which encourages firmer skin due to its high levels of collagen.

The product has been tested on 30 people for a span of one month. All 30 showed notable improvements to the evenness of their skin; 96% showed less hyperpigmentation and 93% had softer skin. It is suggested that you use one pump, evenly applied to the skin, topped off with a great sunscreen daily.

Reviewer claims:

“Obsessed with this serum – worth every penny. I do agree that the smell is odd and not particularly pleasant, but I’d still highly recommend this serum. It noticeably heals and makes my skin feel great. And by the time you put moisturizer on after, you can no longer smell it :)”

“This sits excellent underneath my makeup, and has reduced my pigmentation immensely! Works perfect with the b-hyrda serum mixed in.”

8. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

There is nothing we love more than a formula that combines skincare’s finest ingredients to check every one of your skin’s needs off the list. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum is a product we can’t stop talking about. It is the gold standard when it comes to serums, and here’s why.

Vitamin C is used in the formula at 15% potency, to combat hyperpigmentation while encouraging a youthful glow. Many of the dark spots developed over time are due to excess sun exposure. While vitamin C is not recommended as sunscreen, as it does not absorb harmful rays, studies suggest it helps protect you to a small degree. The high concentration works well against sun damage, improving hyperpigmentation with continued use.

Vitamin E naturally protects the skin biome from damage-absorbing UVA and UVB rays that can lead to heavy skin damage. It is a potent hydrator that soothes irritation and reduces redness. Ferulic acid is a nutrient-dense ingredient that fights the signs of aging. Combined with vitamins C and E, it works to protect your skin from dangerous free radicals. Grab a bottle of this serum if you are looking for a product that simply does it all.

Reviewer claims:

“I have been using this for many years and I highly recommend it for smoother, healthy looking skin. I apply 3 drops to back of my hands then rub onto my face and neck. Every other day or better, use it daily.”

“I feel like this serum de-ages me every morning! It’s one of those things that you just feel is really good for your skin.”

9. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

This quick-absorbing refiner is a must-have for anyone wanting to get rid of dark spots as soon as possible. This is another product that has a high concentration of vitamin C, at 20%. It not only evens the skin, but also treats fine lines and wrinkles with ease, firming the skin in the process. The formulation includes squalene, which strengthens and hydrates the skin while fighting skin damage, protecting it from free radicals.

Pure EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) fights aging and improves elasticity over time. Tartaric acid evens the skin by improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and scars, while balancing the skin’s pH to help with absorption of these effective ingredients. It has something of a gel-cream texture, and is free of fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing first before using it daily.

Reviewer claims:

“After using this product I absolutely love it! My skin has such a new glow about it!”

“My sensitive skin needed just a little adjustment which is a win! It can tingle but goes away. It does make my skin more even toned and radiant.”

10. Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Reduce signs of premature aging and dark spots with this skin-brightening serum by Sunday Riley. Key ingredients include vitamin C, a phytosterol complex, saccharide isomerate extract and glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is a refining alpha hydroxy acid that breaks down the bonds on the outer layer of the skin to reveal the skin layer underneath, thus fading persistent dark spots. It is a gentle exfoliant that boosts collagen production. Saccharide isomerate strengthens the skin barrier while softening it. The phytosterol complex also softens the skin while regulating sebum production, producing a youthful glow.

This serum contains 15% of ascorbic acid, making it strong enough to have an impact on the dark spots you want gone. Combined, these ingredients produce the optimum results for bright, even skin.

Reviewer claims:

“I love this serum! I’ve been using it off and on for years. I will try other things, but I ALWAYS come back to it. I love the texture, the scent and it makes my skin brighter, look more even and also feels more hydrated.”

“I received this as a sample and from that moment I was hooked. I purchased it and wear it every morning. My skin literally glows. It’s amazing. I’ve used other vitamin C brightening lotions but none like this.”

11. NourishMax Vitamin C + B + E & Ferulic Serum

Introducing NourishMax Vitamin C + B + E & Ferulic Serum: the ultimate serum to get your skin glowing! This powerful concoction is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce dark spots.

Why is NourishMax Vitamin C + B + E & Ferulic Serum the perfect serum for dark spots? Its powerful combination of vitamins and antioxidants not only helps reduce dark spots, but also brightens and evens out your complexion. It’s packed with ferulic acid, which has strong antioxidant properties that help protect your skin from future damage. Vitamin B helps to reduce signs of aging by supporting collagen formation and keeping skin looking firm.

Place two to three drops of the serum on your fingertips and lightly massage into your face in an upward circular motion. Let the serum absorb for a few minutes before applying moisturizer or other skincare products.

Reviewer claims:

“Before buying this vitamin C cream, my face was dry and flaky. Now, I’ve got rid of those embarrassing flakes, thanks to NourishMax and my skin feels soft.”

“I ordered this vitamin C serum for my mother. She’s been using it over the last month and it seems that the serum is firming her skin gradually. She also feels that her face looks younger and brighter.”