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At this point, we know you're inundated with skin-care ingredient after skin-care ingredient — but hear us out: The best vitamin C cream is worth the investment. While some ingredients hydrate, plump, and boost skin elasticity (looking at you,hyaluronic acid), others have a proven track record of improving the look of acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines, promoting even skin tone, and generally warding off very unwarranted "you look tired" comments. One such ingredient that revitalizes your complexion is vitamin C.
Our Top Picks
- Best Vitamin C Cream Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream, $77
- Best for Daytime: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30, $79
- Best for Nighttime: StriVectin Super C Night Vitamin C Night Cream, $69
- Best for Oily Skin: Origins GinZing Energizing Gel Cream, $39
- Best for Mature Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Cream, $115
- Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $74
- Best for Dull Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream, $65
But don't take our word for it—Allureeditors and board-certified dermatologists alike tout vitamin C for its multitude of benefits. According to Toronto-based, board-certified dermatologistGeeta Yadav, MD, "vitamin C is one of the most effective and efficient skin-care ingredients at our disposal." The do-it-all-ingredient is a potent antioxidant, prevents excess melanin production to reduce hyperpigmentation, and can also boost the efficacy of your sunscreen, says Dr. Yadav. Speaking of which, you shouldalwaysfollow up vitamin C (and most skin-care actives) withSPF 30 or higher to prevent future sun damage.
Sure, an ingredient like vitamin C (like most others) is deserving of a more concentrated formula likea vitamin C serum, but creams are great especially if you're seeking more intense hydration alongside the other aforementioned benefits. Here are the 11 best vitamin C creams, moisturizers, and oils that'll help keep your skin looking radiant day in and day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which vitamin C cream is the best?
- Is vitamin C cream good for older skin?
- Which topical vitamin C is best?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Vitamin C Cream Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream
Why it's worth it: Dullness, dryness, and uneven texture are common skincare concerns, and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream is designed to tackle them all. The standout ingredient, 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, is the most effective, stabilized form of vitamin C that penetrates deeply to reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles while delivering a noticeable plumping effect. Meanwhile, squalane, niacinamide, and lactic acid work together to strengthen your skin’s barrier and prevent water loss, leaving your complexion smoother, softer, and dare we say dewy.
Key ingredients: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, squalene | Who it's for: people will dull, dehydrated skin
Best for Daytime: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30
Perricone MD
Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30
Why it's worth it: A great moisturizer has plenty to prove: quick absorption, long-lasting hydration, smoothing fine lines, and—if you’re Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30—brightening with vitamin C ester while shielding your skin with SPF 30. This oil-free formula is perfect for daytime use, combining antioxidant protection with mineral-based titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum defense. And the best part? Unlike many sunscreens, it glides on effortlessly and sinks in like a dream, leaving no greasy residue.
Key ingredients: vitamin C ester, alpha lipoic acid, 4.2% titanium dioxide | Who it's for: people with dull, dehydrated skin seeking the added protection of SPF
Best for Nighttime: Strivectin Super C Night Vitamin C Night Cream
Why it's worth it: What if the secret to waking up with brighter, smoother skin was as simple as applying a cream? With Strivectin's Super C Night Vitamin C Night Cream, it’s a little more possible. This powerhouse formula works with your skin’s natural regenerative processes overnight to repair and rejuvenate. It’s packed with stabilized ethyl ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and an optimized delivery system to visibly brighten, firm, and even out skin tone. Kojic acid smooths texture and fades dark spots for a radiant, polished complexion, while ferulic acid—a potent antioxidant—neutralizes oxidative stress, putting your skin into full-on repair mode while you sleep.
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Key ingredients: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, kojic acid, ferulic acid | Who it's for: people with discoloration, fine lines, or wrinkles
Best for Oily Skin: Origins GinZing Energizing Gel Cream
Why it's worth it: The Origins GinZing Energizing Gel Cream dries to a smooth, satiny finish, making it an ideal base for makeup for those with oily skin—or leaving your skin radiant all on its own. Featuring 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, a highly effective form of vitamin C, it brightens dull skin while niacinamide plumps and locks in hydration. Infused with caffeine and ginseng, this gel cream delivers an instant pick-me-up, giving your skin the energy boost it needs to look refreshed and well-rested—even if you’re running on fumes.
Key ingredients: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, niacinamide, caffeine, ginseng | Who it's for: people with oily skin
Best for Mature Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Cream
Why it's worth it: Although historically retinol and vitamin C aren't known to play nice together (they can sometimes lead to redness and flaking), Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Cream is an exception to the rule. This creamy, luxurious formula is crafted to firm and brighten skin with 100% pure retinol encapsulated in volcanic soil for a time-released delivery that reduces irritation. Alongside the dynamic duo of retinol and vitamin C, it features wild gooseberry extract for an extra boost of antioxidant protection and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to your skin. I t’s the perfect balance of powerful ingredients with a gentle touch.
Key ingredients: ascorbic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid, wild gooseberry extract | Who it's for: people with mature, dehydrated skin
Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Why it's worth it: The Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil—a Readers' Choice Award-winning and editor-beloved facial oil from Biossance—nourishes skin like a dream, thanks to a beyond-luxurious base of rose-infused squalane. Samantha Fisher, MD, a board-certified in dermatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, has previously confirmed that squalane can "aid in skin-care problems wherein the skin barrier is disrupted and transepidermal water loss is an issue," which includes conditions such as eczema, acne, andeven psoriasis.With continued use, the luxe oil offers firming benefits and promotes smooth skin texture.
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Key ingredients: squalene, vitamin C, damascus rose extract, chios crystal oil | Who it's for: people with dry and sensitive skin conditions
Best for Dull Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
Why it's worth it: Although vitamin C is an eternally beloved and hyped ingredient, a lot of products don't deliver on its magical brightening properties. On the bright side, Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream—similar to its predecessor, C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum—is a radiance-making standout that makes skin feel practically reborn. After just a few weeks of twice-daily use, this sunshine-yellow jelly made Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein's skin plumper, more even-toned, and brighter—so much so that she often skips her usual highlighter because her skin glows on its own.
Key ingredients: THD ascorbate, sodium hyaluronate, lutein | Who it's for: people with dull, dehydrated skin
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème
Why it's worth it: Oily skin, take note: moisturizers can be your friend—especially when it’s something as impressive as Ole Henriksen's C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème. This lightweight gel formula feels invisible on the skin, making it perfect for acne-prone complexions that want to brighten and hydrate without adding excess oil or triggering breakouts. Packed with three(!) forms of vitamin C, it works to even out skin tone while delivering up to 24 hours of hydration (yes, even dry skin types will love it). It’s a true multitasker that keeps skin balanced, glowing, and happy all day long.
Key ingredients: 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate | Who it's for: people with acne-prone skin
Best for Uneven Texture: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
Why it's worth it: Some would call Dermalogica's Biolumin-C Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer an overachiever, but we prefer to call it a multitasking workhorse. This formula does it all: it brightens your complexion and strengthens your skin barrier with a stable vitamin C complex featuring aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It also hydrates and smooths with squalane, plumps with five types of hyaluronic acid, and gently exfoliates with pumpkin enzymes. Talk about hard-working skincare—this one truly earns its spot on your shelf.
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Key ingredients: vitamin C complex, squalene, hyaluronic acid, phytic acid, pumpkin enzymes | Who it's for: people with dull, uneven texture
Best for Enlarged Pores: Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream
Why it's worth it: Like gossip in a group chat with your best friends, skin is best when it's extra juicy—and that's exactly what you get from Belif's Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream. This glow-boosting formula is packed with radiance-enhancing vitamin C, moisture-locking hyaluronic acid, and soothing vitamin E to deliver glassy, bouncy skin. It doesn’t stop there—this cream also smooths the look of pores, giving you that coveted smooth finish. Plus, “Vitamin C’s effectiveness increases when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E,” explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, in a previous interview with Allure. This means it essentially doubling your defense against free-radical damage.
Key ingredients: alchemilla vulgaris, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people with enlarged pores
Best Drugstore: RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream
Why it's worth it: RoC is one of those brands that deliver effective, results-driven products at reasonable price ranges. Case in point: TheMulti Correxion Revive + Glow Moisturizer rings in at less than $30 and features a 10% concentration of ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) alongside soothing glycerin, peptides, and shea butter for deep yet non-irritating absorption. Best of all, it has a lightweight gel-cream texture that doesn't feel heavy or greasy in the slightest, so you can wear it during the daytime underneath sunscreen and makeup without batting an eye.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people with fine lines and wrinkles
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vitamin C cream is the best?
Look for one that pairs vitamin C with other ingredients. Vitamin C is its standout ingredient, yes, but it worksbeautifully alongside niacinamide. While niacinamide works to combat hyperpigmentation, minimize the look of pores, and reduce excess oil production, vitamin C targets discoloration and free radical damage for smoother, more even skin, says Dr. Yadav.
Is vitamin C cream good for older skin?
In short, vitamin C cream is great for older skin. Aside from being a potent antioxidant, vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that stave off discoloration, brown spots, andmelasma. The ingredient is also responsible for stimulating collagen production and works well when paired with other finicky ingredients likeretinol.
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For those with skin of steel can tolerate a higher percentage of vitamin C. Most treatments that fall into the 10 to 15% range, per Minnesota-based board-certified dermatologistJenny Liu, MD.
Which topical vitamin C is best?
Because there are quite a few different forms of vitamin C, choosing the best kind for you can get a tad tricky. Ascorbic acid (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is the most potent of the bunch but it does come with a few qualms—namely, it's not always well-tolerated, especially by those with sensitive skin, says Dr. Yadav. It's also notoriously unstable (a.k.a. it's prone to oxidizing over time, which can affect its efficacy), so choosing formulas that are housed in dark bottles and generally storing them in cool, dark places is key.
If you're prone to sensitivity but still drawn to the ingredient's laundry list of benefits, Dr. Yadav recommends seeking out tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, one of the gentlest forms of vitamin C, because it absorbs nicely into the skin while keeping it moisturized, she says.
Finally, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is "more stable than traditional ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations," Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai in New York City, previously explained.
Meet the Experts
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified in dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada
- Patricia Wexler, MD, board-certified in dermatologist and founder of Wexler Dermatology in New York City
- Samantha Fisher, MD, FAAD, MDS, board-certified in dermatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, board-certified in dermatologist in Minnesota
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
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For our list of the best vitamin C creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More brightening goodness this way:
- The Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Even-Toned Skin
- The Best Niacinamide Skin-Care Products for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin
- The 17 Best Glycolic Acid Products to Reveal Brighter, Smoother Skin
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