Best Clean, Natural & Organic Vitamin C Serums

Best Vitamin C Serums

BEST OVERALL

BEST: Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum
Why settle for just one type of vitamin C? The best vitamin C serum is this potent formula from Carrot & Stick. It’s packed with three vitamin C derivatives which work together to promote collagen and visibly brighten the skin. The daily dose of vitamin C also helps fight free radical damage and enhance cellular longevity. Apply in the morning and evening to clean skin.

FULL LIST

Formulyst Active Serum Vitamin B, C, E, Ferulic + Niacinamide
This effective vitamin C serum from Formulyst contains the highest concentration of pure vitamins C (a potent 20%), B, and E, ferulic acid (an antioxidant that works to boost the effects of other antioxidants), and niacinamide — one of two primary forms of vitamin B3 that helps manage acne, rosacea, and pigmentation issues while softening wrinkles. With that said, this is a vitamin C serum almost everyone can benefit from.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
This award-winning vitamin C serum contains a stable C derivative called sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It works to help prevent signs of aging while simultaneously improving skin firmness and brightening the complexion. Additional powerhouse antioxidants include ferulic acid and vitamin E.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Here’s the fascinating thing about this serum: It has what Drunk Elephant calls a “reservoir effect,” which means the product stays active on the skin for up to 72 hours — even if you’ve washed your face or rubbed your skin. It’s desirable for sensitive skin because it has a pH of 3.3 and is void of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance.

It contains a powerful blend of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids to promote a brighter, firmer, and more even-looking complexion. The addition of sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (a modified form of hyaluronic acid) provides a severe moisture boost while pumpkin ferment extract gently sweeps away dead skin cells.

Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum
Don’t be fooled by the cheeky packaging. While all skin types can benefit from this vitamin C serum, according to Glow Recipe, it’s great for those with oily skin. It’s formulated with three potent forms of vitamin C (22% Pineapple Juice, pure Ascorbic acid, and stable 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic acid) to combat acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Skin-soothing aloe and chamomile ensure that the skin gets that glow from within minus any irritation.

This lightweight formula contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and bromelain enzymes from pineapple to gently exfoliate the dead skin cells that stick to oily skin and cause breakouts and a dull complexion.

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
While you may not guess that this is a vitamin C serum based on the name, rest assured it’s formulated with skin brightening C, along with vitamins B5 and E to ward off free radical damage. Those suffering from acne will appreciate the addition of salicylic acid and naturally derived willow bark to help reduce breakouts and keep pores free from dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Coenzyme Q10 and natural fruit acids create a smoother, even glowing complexion. This serum, along with the entire line of Juice Beauty products, is vegan, formulated with organic ingredients, and free from any synthetic or potentially harmful additives.

Maelove The Glow Maker Anti-Oxidant Serum
Maelove vitamin C serum contains many of the same buzz-worthy ingredients (think a high 15% concentration of C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid) as some of the other cult serums, but for a fraction of the cost. It honestly does give the skin a glowing appearance.

While it’s suitable for all skin types, the addition of soothing natural extracts like grape, aloe, magnolia, and citrus make it perfect for those with sensitive skin. The hidden benefit of this serum is that it’s also an incredible makeup primer. You’ll be lucky if you can get your hands on a bottle because it’s constantly sold out.

Best Clean Vitamin C Serums: The Bottom Line

Overall, the best clean vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defense Serum.