The best Vitamin C serums for acne prone skin

Vitamin C serums are still relatively new in the skincare world. They were introduced as a prescription-free alternative to over-the-counter medicines you’d get at a dermatologist — and they’re incredibly effective. To treat and prevent acne, vitamin C serums tighten face lines, fade marks, and fight free radicals that harm the skin’s DNA.

Since vitamin C serums are new, it can be tough to know if you’re getting a nutrient-dense product that’s proven to work or a $50 bottle of glorified cologne. For this reason, we took it upon ourselves to find the best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin.

What We’re Looking For

While doing our research for this article, we realized there were a few things all our top choices had in common. With these three things in mind, we reviewed our choices to find the best vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin. Here’s what we had in mind:

Ingredients

You could probably guess that the ingredients list was single-handedly the most important part of choosing a vitamin C serum. Looking at expert recommendations, we learned that the best-performing serums included ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is well-known for having the purest concentrated levels of vitamin C.

However, for people with sensitive skin, ascorbic acid can cause skin irritation and more acne. For that reason, we included a few choices with alternatives that are more stable and better for those with sensitive skin.

Balance

Our second criterion is the levels of vitamin C in a serum. The process of formulating and balancing the levels of vitamin C has a direct effect on the stability of the serum — stability, in this case, refers to effectiveness.

So, what exactly is the ideal level of vitamin C in a face serum? According to experts, you want at least 10% of the concoction to be vitamin C. If there’s less than 10%, the serum won’t be as beneficial. But as the levels of vitamin C get higher, you’re more likely to face irritation.

Packaging

The final thing we considered — and something that often falls under the radar — is the packaging. Your vitamin C serum should come in an opaque bottle or one that is darkly colored. Without this, the serum will start oxidizing when it comes in contact with sunlight, making it less effective. For this reason, you should keep it out of the light and somewhere dark.

Top 15 Vitamin C Serums For Acne Prone Skin

Keeping all the criteria above in mind, we’ve picked the top 15 serums for anyone struggling with acne. Now, let’s get to it!

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Coming in at number one on our list is a high-quality and affordable vitamin C serum from New York-based men’s skincare brand Blu Atlas. It uses the purest and most active form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, as part of its 97.5% all-natural ingredient list.

Two of these plant-based, all-natural ingredients are unique to Blu Atlas’s serum. The first is mulberry root extract, which has excellent antioxidant properties. This root extract smoothes wrinkles, evens facial discoloration, and fades blemishes. The second ingredient worth noting is pyrus malus fruit extract, which comes from apples. This apple extract fights free radicals that cause acne.

After using this product routinely, reviewers noted their previous blemishes faded away. But that’s not the only benefit of our top choice. Blu Atlas’s Vitamin C Serum also smoothes skin tones and moisturizes the face.

The serum comes in an elegant dark blue bottle, preventing any oxidation or degradation of the product. It’s also free from animal cruelty, artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. It’s one of the most affordable choices on this list — with a money back guarantee.

2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

The second choice on our list is a highly-reviewed, dermatologist-recommended vitamin C serum. There’s no arguing that the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic isn’t one of the highest-quality choices on this list — however, it comes at a high price. One of the best parts about using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the light, non-greasy application.

Composed of 16% of L-ascorbic acid, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is highly stable. Due to a special patent, this serum has the highest pH on this list, making it a better choice for someone with sensitive skin.

It’s recommended to apply SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic — and the other vitamin C serums — in the morning. That way, your skin will be packed with antioxidants and vitamins when the sun and its ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. This vitamin C serum is most known for its ability to even skin tones, tighten skin on the face, and fight acne and related free radicals.

As we mentioned, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is an expensive choice. But it’s hard to argue with the clinically-proven benefits that it offers. So, if you’re able to treat yourself to a high-quality face serum, this might be the one for you as it is easily one of the best vitamin C serums for acne prone skin.

3. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Third on our list is the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum. This choice uses almost the same ingredient list as the SkinCeuticals serum, but it comes at half the price. In addition, the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is made cruelty-free and fresh-to-order, which maximizes its potency.

The Drunk Elephant Serum is comprised of 15% L-ascorbic acid, pumpkin-ferment extract, and pomegranate enzyme, which helps exfoliate dead skin and oils that cause acne. You won’t find any essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances, dyes, or sulfates in any of Drunk Elephant’s products — making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

This serum includes 1% of vitamin E, known to brighten your competition and make you glow. Combined with fruit enzymes and antioxidants, this serum from Drunk Elephant will keep you looking wrinkle-free and — most importantly — healthy.

The serum comes in an airtight, opaque bottle, maximizing its strength. There’s no risk of sunlight, water, or air diluting or degrading the serum. The only downside to the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is its consistency, which is stickier than the other options on our list, making it more difficult to apply.

4. The New Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Ha Spheres 2%

Coming from well-known skincare and beauty brand The Ordinary is our fourth vitamin C serum. This choice is marketed as an elegant, high-quality serum that’s as effective as high-end competitors while being more affordable. Even though it’s more budget-friendly, it has a stronger concentration of L-ascorbic acid and is more nutrient-rich than many competitors.

Typically, we recommend using vitamin C serum in the morning, but due to the intensity of this serum, you may want to use it at night. It causes a brief stinging sensation after it’s applied. Still, the high concentration (26% L-ascorbic acid) has plenty of benefits. The serum can reduce fine lines caused by aging and provides a smoother skin texture.

Another key ingredient of The Ordinary’s vitamin C serum is hyaluronic acid. While it also aids in smoothing the skin, hyaluronic acid allows the skin to hold moisture and maintain the level of natural oils. In many cases, this can help reduce acne.

The Ordinary serum is free from silicon, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, gluten, and animal cruelty. However, it does contain BHT. Due to this, people with sensitive skin may want to avoid this product and choose something like the Blu Atlas or Drunk Elephant serum. Overall though, if you have healthy skin and are looking for a budget-friendly face serum, this might be the one for you!

5. PCA Skin C&E Advanced Serum

For those of us who struggle with acne, sometimes it feels like there is no cure. Thankfully, PCA Skin has created an extra-strength vitamin C serum that fights free radicals, acne, and skin aging. If your skin can handle a high amount of vitamin C without irritation, this is for you.

Of course, this vitamin C serum by PCA Skin contains a high amount of vitamin C (20%). When combined with the 5% of vitamin E in the serum, you’ll notice a gentle stinging sensation. Don’t worry, this feeling isn’t cause for concern. Rather, it’s the serum seeping into your pores and targeting harmful oils and toxins that cause acne.

Other benefits of PCA Skin’s vitamin C serum include firmer skin, reduced lines and wrinkles, and a more even skin tone. All that being said, this serum isn’t a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin. We recommend that only those in need of an advanced, extra-strength serum purchase this product.

This serum has a similar consistency to lotion, making it easier to apply than traditional serums. It comes in an opaque tube that protects it from sun rays which can degrade the formula. There’s a hint of citrus when you apply it, but nothing overwhelming.

6. Maelove Glow Maker

One of our favorite serums for fighting skin discoloration is the Maelove Glow Maker. It’s full of antioxidants that help brighten and smooth skin tones, defend from environmental stressors, and maintain your skin’s collagen production — which improves elasticity and flexibility. While this vitamin C serum doesn’t directly fight acne, the additional nutrients and vitamins will still be beneficial when preventing future breakouts.

Some of the best vitamin C serums for acne-prone skin have almost the same ingredient list as the Maelove Glow Maker. The only difference is that this serum is one-third of the cost. It has 15% vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, ferulic acid, and a handful of antioxidants. For anyone with sensitive or oily skin, you’ll be happy to note that this serum is made vegan, oil-free, and has virtually no stinging sensation when applied.

The main benefit of using Maelove Glow Maker is its ability to minimize dark spots and even skin tones. After using this serum for a couple of weeks, reviewers noted that their skin was brighter, less oily, and more moisturized. There’s a blend of aloe vera and a few other plant-based ingredients towards the bottom of the ingredient list that contribute to moisturized skin.

Some vitamin C serums can appear greasy on the skin — but not this one. Maelove’s serum sinks right into the skin and feels lightweight and moisturized. At its budget-friendly price, this vitamin C serum packs a lot of benefits and value. We think this is a great choice for someone who’s looking to purchase their first face serum but doesn’t want to spend too much.

7. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum rose to fame online. While it’s most known for reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne or sun damage, it also smoothes and brightens skin. With a more stable and less irritating blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and konjac root, this serum from Mad Hippie is a win in our books.

This serum is the first one on the list to not use L-ascorbic acid as its vitamin C blend. Instead, it uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is more stable and less prone to oxidation. This means this serum is a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. With less risk of oxidation, it will also stay potent for longer.

When it comes to ingredients, the Mad Hippie serum is full of nutrient-dense ones. After vitamin C, there’s vitamin E, which reduces wrinkles and tightens face lines. There’s also hyaluronic acid, which adds moisture and softens the skin. The last notable ingredient is konjac root, which has a skin-plumping effect.

On the downside, we noticed that the Mad Hippie serum takes a bit longer to sink into the skin. For that reason, it’s easy to over-apply the serum, which leaves your face feeling tacky and dry. If you’re someone who suffers from dry skin, you may want to avoid this serum or apply a healthy amount of lotion after using it.

8. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

For those with highly sensitive skin, it may feel like vitamin C serums aren’t for you. That’s where a low-dose serum with soothing properties comes in. Thankfully, CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is exactly that. You can find this serum at any of your local pharmacies and maybe even your grocery store. It’s affordable and still packs most of the benefits higher-priced options have.

For starters, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum has only 10% L-ascorbic acid. While it’s a much smaller amount than our other choices, you still reap the benefits of the vitamin. Like other CeraVe products, the vitamin C serum includes ceramides, which help maintain the skin’s natural balance of oils.

At its low price, it’s hard to find other serums that are made for sensitive skin and aren’t packed with chemicals that disrupt the skin’s natural collagen and oil production. CeraVe goes a step further and is completely fragrance and phthalate free. It also has additional B5, which soothes and moisturizes sensitive skin.

The CeraVe serum is prone to oxidation. While it’s in an opaque bottle, once opened, the lid doesn’t stay airtight. This allows airflow to degrade the product, and after a few months, it will be less strong and effective.

9. Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum

Next on our list is the first vitamin C serum that’s combined with SPF protection. While it still goes on like a traditional serum, you have the added benefits that come with sun protection. It can also be used as a makeup primer. Supergoop’s serum is really an all-in-one!

This formula is the first of its kind. With a strong potency of 14% vitamin C, you get all the benefits that come with traditional serum — reduced dark spots, brighter skin, and tighter wrinkles. Using a chemical-free SPF 40, the serum can protect your skin from sun damage.

Other ingredients in Supergoop’s serum include marine extract and hyaluronic acid. The marine extract provides moisture to the skin and helps filter out blue light, which can cause photoaging and DNA damage. Hyaluronic acid has the nutrients needed to leave the skin feeling soft and suppleb — perfect for anyone with chronic dry skin.

You’ll be happy to know that this vitamin C serum is cruelty-free and reef-friendly. It’s been tested and recommended by dermatologists and comes in at a moderate price. We think that Supergoop’s serum is ideal for someone who wants one product that does it all!

10. InnBeauty Project Green Machine Vitamin C Serum

The best choice for firming your skin on this list is InnBeauty’s Product Green Machine Vitamin C Serum. This choice offers plant-based collagen and stem cells to increase the elasticity of aging skin. In some cases, this product not only stops the aging process but can slowly reverse it.

Included in the ingredient list are 15 superfoods, antioxidants, and plant-derived oils. Rather than using a water-soluble vitamin C, InnBeauty prefers the oil-soluble alternative — tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. While it may be hard to pronounce, it offers the same benefits as L-ascorbic acid while being more stable.

InnBeauty’s vitamin C serum is ideal for anyone who is struggling with fine lines or wrinkles. With 250K sustainable plant stem cells, the serum increases firmness and luminosity. One of the specific plant cells InnBeauty uses is pomegranates, which is 20 times more effective in decreasing hyperpigmentation than kojic acid.

On the downside, this serum isn’t the best for those with sensitive skin. It can cause irritation and a short-lasting stinging sensation directly after use. In addition, it’s slightly stickier than some of the alternatives on this list — making it more difficult to apply.

11. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Coming in at number 11 is BeautyStat’s gel-cream serum, which is ideal for anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation. With a combination of vitamin C, green tea, tartaric acid, and squalane, this serum is potent with nutrients and vitamins that even skin tones, remove blemishes, and prevent further acne.

It’s worth noting that BeautyStat’s vitamin C serum has 20% L-ascorbic acid — the most legally allowed in skincare products. While it provides a ton of benefits, it might irritate people with more sensitive skin. It’s the high level of vitamin C that makes this serum so great at besting post-acne hyperpigmentation.

With only nine ingredients, BeautyStat’s vitamin C serum knows how to keep it simple. But that’s not to say that it’s not effective. The ingredients in this formula have high potency. One of these is EGCG, found in green tea. EGCG works alongside vitamin C to stop aging and fade any blemishes or dark marks on your face.

BeautyStat’s serum applies as a gel, which easily sinks into the skin. While it initially has a gritty texture, once it’s rubbed in, it goes away and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. The serum provides the perfect base to apply makeup or continue your skincare routine.

12. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

For fine line reduction, look no further than Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. It comes in a lotion texture, compared to the traditional oil or water-based texture that many vitamin C serums come as. In as little as day one, you’ll notice that this serum moisturizes the face and keeps the skin feeling smooth.

Kiehl’s vitamin C serum is a more expensive, high-end option. That being said, it’s full to the brim with ingredients clinically proven to reduce the look of aging. Additionally, the serum not only removes fine lines and wrinkles but prevents more in the future. It also tightens the skin and leaves you feeling and looking younger.

For those with sensitive skin, you may want to avoid Kiehl’s serum. It causes slight irritation on the face as it’s applied. After a couple of minutes, the tingling sensation subsides, but it may persist for people who have sensitive skin.

Thankfully, a little goes a long way when using this vitamin C serum. A small dime-sized drop of it can cover the entire face. When applied, it seeps into the pores and leaves your skin feeling smooth to the touch.

13. Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is perfect for anyone suffering from dry, acne-prone skin. With a delicious blend of aloe vera, rosehip oil, and edelweiss oxidants, the serum provides almost instant hydration to skin that’s begging for moisture.

When applying this serum, you notice a lightweight citrus scent that’s blended with a freshly picked bouquet of flowers. Compared to the almost medical scent of some other vitamin C serums, it’s refreshing to use one that smells more like a trip to the spa than to the doctor’s office.

Of course, the scents are not the only great thing about Ursa Major’s vitamin C serum. Using a highly stable ascorbic acid polypeptide, the serum brightens and improves skin tones — making everyone look a little more radiant. Aspen bark and rosehip hydrate the skin and work to remove any blemishes. If you’ve suffered from acne in the past and still have the marks to prove it, you may want to try this serum.

Ursa Major doesn’t use any petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, silicones, or PEGs. This product is also completely vegan and free from gluten and animal cruelty. After using this serum, you feel refreshed and hydrated — with a clear conscience.

14. Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence

A higher-end option for those with sensitive skin, Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence is a vitamin C serum that works wonders. It combats hyperpigmentation, dry skin, signs of aging, and acne at its roots — the oils and free radicals beneath your skin.

This vitamin C serum includes chamomile and lavender. Both of these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your skin while rejuvenating and hydrating your tone. Unlike other serums, Matrescence’s product is made with one part serum and one part toner. This means that their product is much more gentle than other alternatives.

Since this is a product for people with sensitive skin, it’s free from parabens, hormone disruptors, and animal cruelty and made completely plant-based. Unlike other serums, it’s completely safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

15. InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

Last on our list is an all-natural, organic serum that soaks into your skin with ease. InstaNatural’s vitamin C serum is budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean the quality isn’t top-of-the-line. The ingredients within this serum are all high-quality, vegan, and free from animal cruelty.

With ferulic and hyaluronic acids, InstaNatural vitamin C serum is built to fight against aging, discoloration, and environmental stressors. When sea buckthorn oil gets added to the mix, this face serum increases natural collagen production that fights acne directly.

You’ll notice that the InstaNatural vitamin C serum doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy or sticky. In fact, the serum melts right into your skin. However, this serum does a strong fragrance, so if you have sensitive skin or just don’t like scented face serums, we’d avoid this.