Dermatologists Recommend These L-Ascorbic Acid Serums for Glowing Skin
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When it comes to achieving bright, glowing skin, a vitamin C serum is key. But not all vitamin C serums are created equal—and in fact, there’s a wide range of potencies available with different levels of transformative benefits. So, which one is right for you? If you’re looking for brighter, firmer, and more even skin, it’s time to try out some of the best L-ascorbic acid serums.
“L-ascorbic acid is the purest and most potent form of vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals,” explains Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “This reduces signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting collagen production to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, L-ascorbic acid can lead to a more even skin tone and fading dark spots.”
Meet the Experts: Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine; Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.; and Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Because of its high potency and direct activity on the skin, this form of vitamin C typically provides “the fastest and most noticeable results in brightening, firming, and protecting the skin,” says Dr. Gohara. However, L-ascorbic acid is also inherently unstable—meaning it can degrade when exposed to air, light, or heat—making it difficult to formulate effectively, says Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. “At higher concentrations it can also be irritating,” she warns. “People with sensitive or dry skin may experience redness or discomfort, especially if the concentration is too high or if the product isn’t buffered or combined with soothing ingredients.”
That’s why it’s important to find the right formulation of L-ascorbic acid serums for your skin type—and to help you out, we rounded up the best picks here, as recommended by dermatologists, highly rated by shoppers, and even tested by our own Prevention staff. Ahead, find the best L-ascorbic acid serums to add to your skincare routine.
C E Ferulic
This serum from SkinCeuticals not only has a cult following among shoppers, it also has high praises from dermatologists—and even our own Prevention staff. “[This serum] combines 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to protect against free radicals, reduce oxidative damage by up to 41%, and improve fine lines, firmness, and skin tone,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Ideal for normal to dry skin, it delivers powerful anti-aging and brightening benefits.”
Reviewers swear that the silky, lightweight formula is “worth every cent,” raving that it truly delivers healthy, glowing skin. It’s also a personal favorite of Prevention’s deputy editor Emily Goldman: “This potent concoction works wonders to brighten skin without irritating my sensitive complexions,” she previously shared.
Vitamin C And E Ferulic Acid Serum
Looking for a more affordable budget pick? This popular serum from Timeless Skin Care boasts a powerful formula that’s similar to the SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic serum, but for only $26 a bottle: It’s packed with 20% L-ascorbic, highly moisturizing vitamin E, and ferulic acid—which enhances antioxidant protection. This works to stimulate collagen production, smooth and brighten skin, and even out skin tone.
This serum not only has rave reviews from Amazon shoppers (it’s racked up over 10,000 ratings!), it’s also another favorite of Prevention editors. “This is a great affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals,” says Senior Commerce Manager Mackenzie Dunn. “It’s super lightweight, absorbs easily, and uses potent ingredients to visibly brighten my skin—including pesky post-acne dark spots.”
10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
All of the dermatologists we spoke to say that this La Roche-Posay pick is great for those with sensitive skin. “[It’s] formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid and neurosensine to calm sensitive skin while brightening and reducing wrinkles,” explains Dr. Gohara. The gentle formula—which is allergy-tested, oil-free, and non-comedogenic—also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
It’s no wonder this serum has a 4.5 rating from over 15,000 Amazon shoppers. “I have super sensitive skin with acne scars and dark spots. This serum made a HUGE difference,” one reviewer noted. “It helped make my skin look clearer, more even, and brightened it up quite a bit. The scent was very mild, the serum absorbed super quickly, and didn't leave any feelings of unwanted residue. I would highly recommend.”
Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
If your skin is more on the oily side, try out this serum from L’Oréal Paris. Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, specifically recommends it for oily skin, noting that it contains 12% vitamin C, vitamin E, and salicylic acid, which exfoliates skin to clear and refine the appearance of pores. The formula is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores). It’s also allergy-tested and paraben-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin as well.
One Amazon reviewer with oily skin swears the pick is “magic in a bottle,” writing: “I love this serum, it’s so lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. I have very oily, acne-prone skin and this serum has helped fade my dark spots and my skin is glowing! I use it every morning before I apply my moisturizer and I use it every night as part of my skin care routine.”
Key Ingredients:
Size: 1 fl. oz
Skin type: All skin types, including oily skin and sensitive skin
The Glow Maker
Maelove’s The Glow Maker delivers powerful brightening and firming benefits with its blend of 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid—but it’s also packed with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and a soothing botanical blend of aloe, magnolia, grape, sweet orange, and more. Moreover, the serum comes in a great water-like consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin for a healthy, hydrated glow.
“Obsessed...I am absolutely in love with the Glow Maker. As someone who struggles with dry skin, this is the perfect remedy to help balance the dryness,” wrote one reviewer. “My skin was so dry and lifeless and this serum has made such a difference,” shared another shopper. “I instantly noticed a change in the vibrance of my skin tone, and my face finally feels hydrated. I would highly recommend!”
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
For an affordable drugstore pick, CeraVe has you covered. Their Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is made with 10% L-ascorbic acid to help visibly brighten your complexion, as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and three essential ceramides to help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. “This vitamin C serum is good for dry skin because it has hyaluronic acid for hydration and it’s also good for sensitive skin because it’s fragrance-free,” notes Dr. Jaliman. “It also has a low concentration of vitamin C only 10% so it’s gentle.”
“The application is like a burst of sunshine for my face... The serum feels lightweight, absorbs like a dream, and leaves no sticky residue behind—a perfect canvas for the rest of my skincare,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “The brightening effect is real! My skin has been on a rollercoaster of clear and shiny ever since I introduced this gem into my routine about a month ago.”
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Dr. Shirazi recommends Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum for all skin types. “[It] includes 15% L-ascorbic acid in a pH-balanced formula with pumpkin ferment extract and soothing ingredients that help minimize irritation,” she notes. Promising to result in brighter, firmer, and more even-looking skin, the potent formula also contains 0.5% ferulic acid, which delivers protective antioxidant benefits, as well as 1% vitamin E to help maintain the skin’s moisture levels.
“I’ve been using Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum since 2018, and it's been a game-changer for my skin,” one reviewer wrote on the brand’s website. “Being in my late forties, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my complexion—it’s brighter, more even, and has a healthy glow. This serum is packed with powerful antioxidants, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue. It’s become a staple in my skincare routine.”
Professional-C Serum 20%
This versatile serum from Obagi is available in different sizes (0.42-oz and 1-oz bottles) as well as in a range of potencies of L-ascorbic acid for different skin types. Dr. Gohara recommends the best-selling 20% serum for oily and acne-prone skin types, noting that it’s a “high-potency 20% vitamin C serum that effectively brightens and smooths the skin without clogging pores” and is “light, fast-absorbing, easy to layer, and cosmetically elegant.” On the other hand, the 15% serum is formulated for combination skin, while the 10% serum is best suited for normal to dry skin.
“I have been using the Obagi Professional-C Serum religiously for the last two weeks and I am definitely seeing a change in my skin. My skin tone and texture have visibly improved,” said one reviewer. “I have combination skin and this serum goes on very smooth, absorbs quickly and is not greasy. I am very happy with the results I am seeing! I definitely recommend.”
Key Ingredients:
Size: 0.42 fl. oz
Skin type: Normal to oily, combination
C15 Super Booster
Transform dull, tired skin with this best-selling serum from Paula’s Choice, which promises to boost glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The powerful formula is made with 15% L-ascorbic acid, alongside ferulic acid and ergothioneine, which helps improve the stability and efficacy of vitamin C—not to mention, it’s also packed with soothing peptides, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.
“[This has] been quite the revelation for my mid-30s skin. Grappling with the usual—dullness, fine lines, and uneven tone—I was keen to see if this product lived up to its hype. And it doesn’t disappoint,” one reviewer wrote. “Even from the first few uses, my skin’s more luminous, those fine lines are less pronounced, and my skin’s firmness has a newfound bounce to it... It’s a dream to apply—no stickiness, a subtle scent I adore, and it’s incredibly lightweight.”
Glow Serum
Dr. Shirazi specifically recommends this serum for oily, sensitive skin. “It’s formulated with a 20% vitamin C complex—L-ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate—that visibly reduces wrinkles, fades discoloration, and improves skin tone,” she says. “The formula is designed to support the skin’s microbiome, making it a great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin.” (According to Dr. Gohara, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is another form of vitamin C that’s more stable and less irritating than L-ascorbic acid, making it ideal for sensitive skin.)
“I’m so impressed with this product! With 20% Vitamin C Complex, it brightens my skin beautifully without irritation. After just two weeks, my complexion looks noticeably more radiant, and dark spots are fading,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. “It absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky feel, and works great under makeup. If you want a gentle yet effective Vitamin C serum for an instant glow, this is it!”
How to choose the best L-ascorbic acid serums
✔️ Choose the right concentration. First and foremost, you’ll want to check the serum’s formula for the specific concentration of L-ascorbic acid it contains. “A concentration between 10-20% is effective without being overly irritating,” says Dr. Gohara. If you have sensitive skin, experts recommend opting for serums with lower concentrations of L-ascorbic acid to avoid potential irritation.
✔️ Look for stabilizing ingredients. Since L-ascorbic acid is inherently unstable, many serums contain ingredients that help stabilize this form of vitamin C and improve its efficacy. “Look for formulations with ferulic acid and vitamin E, which enhance stability and boost antioxidant benefits,” advises Dr. Gohara.
✔️ Opt for hydrating, soothing ingredients. Dr. Jaliman recommends looking for hydrating ingredients in the formula like hyaluronic acid. “You can also look for peptides because they also stimulate collagen production,” she adds. “Ingredients to avoid are fragrances and essential oils if you have sensitive skin.”
✔️ Check the packaging. Because L-ascorbic acid is unstable and can degrade when exposed to air, light, or heat, proper packaging of the serum is important to its efficacy. “[L-ascorbic acid] breaks down if it is exposed to sunlight so it must be in opaque sealed packaging—not in a cream with an open jar container, but in a pump,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Choose serums in opaque, airtight containers to prevent oxidation,” advises Dr. Gohara.
Is L-ascorbic acid the best vitamin C serum?
L-ascorbic acid is the purest and most potent form of vitamin C. Because of its high potency and direct activity on the skin, it typically “provides the fastest and most noticeable results in brightening, firming, and protecting the skin,” says Dr. Gohara.
However, L-ascorbic acid is also the least stable form of vitamin C—meaning it’s prone to degradation when exposed to light, air, and heat, making it difficult to formulate effectively and store properly. Not to mention: It also comes with certain risks of irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
“L-ascorbic acid serums are suitable for most skin types, especially those with concerns about aging, dullness, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage. It’s particularly beneficial for normal to oily skin,” says Dr. Gohara. “However, individuals with very sensitive skin or rosacea may find L-ascorbic acid too harsh, as it can cause irritation. In such cases, gentler vitamin C derivatives or lower concentrations (around 10%) are recommended. A patch test is advised for those with reactive skin.”
Some gentler and more stable derivatives of vitamin C include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. “[These] offer longer shelf lives and are less irritating, making them preferable for sensitive skin,” notes Dr. Gohara.
Are there any risks in using L-ascorbic acid serums?
“The risks of using L-ascorbic acid serums primarily revolve around irritation, particularly at higher concentrations (above 12-20%),” says Dr. Shirazi. “Common side effects include redness, tingling, dryness, or increased sensitivity. Overuse can also disrupt the skin barrier leading to worsening of breakouts.” Additionally, poor formulations or incorrect storage can cause the serum to oxidize quickly, leading to reduced efficacy and potentially causing further irritation.
Because of this, L-ascorbic acid serums may not be best for those with very sensitive skin or specific skin conditions. “Those with extremely reactive skin, compromised skin barriers such as acne patients, or active skin conditions such as eczema should approach L-ascorbic acid with caution,” warns Dr. Shirazi. To minimize the potential risks, experts recommend starting with lower concentrations and always performing a patch test first.
How we chose the best L-ascorbic acid serums
We spoke with experts for their recommendations and insights, including Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine; Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center; and Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Additionally, we combed through hundreds of reviews, ratings, and specs online to find the best L-ascorbic acid serums for all skin types.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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