Drugstore Vitamin C Serums To Glow On a Budget

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

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As multi-tasking vitamins go, we can say that none of them can hold a candle to vitamin C. It’s one of those things that’s earned a rightful place in our skincare routine. Vitamin C provides a considerable number of benefits for the skin. First of all, it’s a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. Second of all, it promotes collagen growth and prevents premature signs of aging like wrinkles. Last but not least, it has brightening effects on the skin, which is useful for getting rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation issues. The price of a vitamin C serum is usually as sizeable as its benefits. But not to worry, below are the best drugstore vitamin C serums that are up for grabs without breaking the bank.

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

1. Versed Skin Stroke Of Brilliance Brightening Serum

Versed Skin Stroke Of Brilliance Brightening Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

A notable option you can check out at Target is this gem right here. Non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, and affordable, this serum is an absolute must-have for glowing skin. Vitamin C is paired with vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which is also equally brightening for the skin. Plus, the serum contains licorice extract, which is an amazing anti-pigmentation ingredient. Whether you are looking to fade away wrinkles or dark spots or just want to revive dullness, this is an effective vitamin C serum suitable for all skin types. And because it’s not super high in strength, it’s also great for sensitive skin.

Type of Vitamin C: Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Concentration: 0.5%
Other Ingredients: Licorice root, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free

2. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

This drugstore vitamin C serum provides all the brightening effects of vitamin C with additional goodies like hyaluronic acid and ginseng. It wakes up dehydrated skin and brightens up the complexion without irritating the skin thanks to soothing aloe and cucumber. Maybe not the most affordable one, but it’s still cheaper than high-end ones considering the potency. Plus, it’s oil-free, which makes it even better for oily and acne-prone skin.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Ginseng, aloe, collagen, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Size: 1 oz/29 ml
Good To Know: Oil-free, cruelty-free

3. E.l.f. Vitamin C Serum

E.l.f. Vitamin C Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

To double the effect, this drugstore serum contains pomegranate extract, which is rich in vitamin C as well. The super budget-friendly serum gives your skin a protective shield against the damage caused by UV, pollution, and any other external aggressor. As a result, your skin is able to heal faster. The antioxidant-rich serum clears out the skin and illuminates your complexion. Plus, the serum contains vitamin E, which works way better when paired with vitamin C.

Type of Vitamin C: Ethyl ascorbic acid
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract
Skin Type: All
Size: 0.95 oz/28 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free

4. L’oreal Pure 10% Vitamin C Serum

L'oreal Pure 10% Vitamin C Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

This one is a highly concentrated vitamin C serum that also has hyaluronic acid. It’s pure vitamin C so you can enjoy all the benefits without other ingredients chiming in. With consistent use, it gives a natural radiance to the skin. The powerful antioxidant repairs free radical damage. In doing so, it fades away dark spots and prevents wrinkles and signs of premature aging. It’s fragrance-free, so it won’t aggravate acne. However, it may not be the best one for people with sensitive skin.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: 10%
Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free

5. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

This one is packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. Ceramides are essential for a healthy skin barrier. Because they prevent the skin from losing moisture and becoming dehydrated. With ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5, this serum delivers a hydration boost and makes sure your skin holds onto it. The potent vitamin C serum cancels out free radicals. And it makes the skin more vibrant and plump with less visible wrinkles. The price is ridiculous considering the benefits! Cerave is loved by dermatologists. And because it’s fragrance-free, this can be a great option for people with reactive skin too.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: 10%
Other Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic

6. La Roche Posay Vitamin C 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

La Roche Posay Vitamin C 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum - Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

Formulated with salicylic acid, this is one of the best drugstore vitamin C serums for oily and acne-prone skin. Even though the salicylic acid concentration is not clear and probably won’t be enough to stimulate major exfoliation benefits, it’s still great to have it for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a great addition to unclog pores, detoxify the skin, and kill acne-causing bacteria. Combined with vitamin C, the serum helps with collagen growth to improve skin texture and achieve smoother, and more radiant skin. Also, note that the formula contains fragrance in case your skin is sensitive to it.

La Roche Posay Vitamin C 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
by Ejollify

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: 10%
Other Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Oil-free

Related: Best Vitamin C Creams and Moisturizers

7. Pixi Vitamin-C Serum

Pixi Vitamin-C Serum

This one packs a powerful bunch! Besides vitamin C, it’s formulated with ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is a wonderful antioxidant and has a thing of its own. It amplifies the effects of other antioxidants – in this case, vitamin C. The supercharged vitamin C serum neutralizes free radical damage on the skin and strengthens the skin with additional antioxidant-rich botanicals. The glow-boosting serum reverses the effects of oxidative stress and reduces wrinkles, lines, spots, and scars. In the meantime, it gives instant results in the form of a brighter complexion and a more youthful appearance.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Ferulic acid, caffeine, aloe
Skin Type: All
Size: 1.01 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Cruelty-free

8. Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum

Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum

Charged with 15% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this one by Vichy is an amazing serum for dull skin that brings life to a lackluster complexion. The antioxidant serum promotes collagen growth and smooths out textured skin. With that, it restores the skin’s health and prevents damage from oxidative stress. Additionally, it replenishes the skin with hyaluronic acid. The result is bouncy, healthy skin, and a luminous complexion with softened wrinkles. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and practically weightless on the skin.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
Concentration: 15%
Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 0.6 oz/20 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free

9. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Serum

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Serum

This one boosts radiant and firm skin with signal peptides, which stimulate collagen synthesis. With vitamin C and licorice extract to smooth the texture and even out the skin tone, it’s practically a potent drugstore anti-aging serum. Also, the lightweight, vegan formula is perfect for wearing under your sunscreen to amplify UV protection.

Type of Vitamin C: 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Licorice root, signal peptides, squalane, green tea
Skin Type: All
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan

10. TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

With vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and witch hazel, this affordable vitamin C serum deserves all the attention it’s getting. This is a potent antioxidant serum that replenishes the skin with hyaluronic acid and targets inflammation with witch hazel and jojoba oil. These two reduce irritation and redness on dry and sensitive skin. The affordable serum protects the skin from free radicals, boosts the skin’s moisture levels, and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.

Type of Vitamin C: Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Size: Comes in both 1 oz/30 ml and 2 oz/ 60ml
Good To Know: Cruelty-free

11. Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum

Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum

This is one of the gentlest vitamin C serums I have ever tried. It’s made with a stable form of vitamin C and vitamin E. The two antioxidants are encapsulated, so they release continuously to give you long-lasting protection against free radicals. The light, lotion texture also packs hyaluronic acid to hydrate and thermal water to calm the skin instantly. In fact, this is so gentle that it’s one of my favorite vitamin C serums for rosacea skin so you can use it even if you have sensitive skin.

Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbyl glucoside
Concentration: Unknown
Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All, especially sensitive
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Vegan

So these are some of the best drugstore vitamin C serums on the market. Keep in mind that vitamin C is a tricky ingredient and requires caution when used in conjunction with other actives. Avoid using it in the same routine you use a retinol product or an exfoliator. Vitamin C is promising and appealing, especially when you’re frustrated with hyperpigmentation. But know that vitamin C alone will not be enough. Always remember to put on sunscreen. If serums aren’t your thing, you can also try vitamin C toners which are equally effective.

How To Choose a Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

Type of Vitamin C

The most important thing to look for in a drugstore vitamin C serum, just like any other vitamin C serum, is the type of vitamin C used. Vitamin C can be in pure form, which is ascorbic acid, or in a modified form such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate. For people with normal skin, you can try the pure form. But if you have sensitive skin, go for drugstore vitamin C serums made with derivatives as they tend to be much gentler on the skin.

Concentration

Similar to other active ingredients, concentration is an important factor that defines how gentle the product is going to be. While there’s no definite answer to this, if you’re a beginner, start with a concentration lower than 10%. And once your skin gets used to the ingredient, you can increase the concentration or switch to pure vitamin C serums.

Other Ingredients

A drugstore vitamin C serum can help you achieve brighter, radiant skin. But rich, potent drugstore vitamin C serums that also pack other ingredients will work even better. So look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, or other brightening ingredients such as licorice extract or arbutin to make the serum work double duty.

Read Next: Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serums

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