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Nov 01, 2024

15 Best Vitamin C Creams for Radiant, Dewy Skin and Superior Free-Radical Protection | Vogue

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links. Bursting with antioxidant protection, vitamin C serums are a well-recognized hero of any morning

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.

Bursting with antioxidant protection, vitamin C serums are a well-recognized hero of any morning skin-care regime—but the best vitamin C creams are also star players in smoothing, brightening, and warding off free-radical damage. Which formulation, then, should one choose? “Whether a vitamin C cream or serum is better depends on your skin type, concerns, and personal preferences,” says Dr. Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in Manhattan. While serums tend to contain a higher concentration of vitamin C, making them ideal for issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness, vitamin C creams offer a more skin-quenching set of pros. “Creams generally provide additional moisturizing benefits, which can be great for people with dry or mature skin,” Westbay notes. “If you have sensitive skin, a cream may be less irritating than a serum because it combines vitamin C with emollients, helping to buffer the potential irritation or dryness that can occur with serums.” Ready to put a creamier spin on your vitamin C routine? Ahead, find Vogue’s edit of the best vitamin C creams for a burst of brightness.

Kate Somerville

Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Sunday Riley

C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

NORDSTROM

DERMSTORE

AMAZON

Laneige

Radian-C Cream

AMAZON

Paula's Choice

C5 Super Boost Moisturizer

AMAZON

Olay

Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide Moisturizer

AMAZON

Olehenriksen

C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

OLEHENRIKSEN

REN Clean Skincare

Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream

AMAZON

BeautyStat

Universal C Skin Refiner

DERMSTORE

AMAZON

Revision Skincare

Intellishade TruPhysical Tinted Moisturizer

DERMSTORE

AMAZON

Natura Bissé

C+C Vitamin Cream

BLUEMERCURY

AMAZON

NORDSTROM

Dr. Dennis Gross

Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Belif

Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream

AMAZON

Vichy

LiftActiv Peptide-C Specialist

DERMSTORE

AMAZON

Biossance

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer

AMAZON

Korres

Wild Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial

REVOLVE

Why is vitamin C such a coveted ingredient? “Vitamin C is essentially a water-soluble vitamin that is a necessary component for many aspects of skin health,” Nazarian explains. “It’s useful in maintaining healthy collagen fibers but can also be used topically for various skin benefits because it is a wonderful antioxidant. Aside from improving the appearance of wrinkles, pores, and fine lines, it can also improve pigmentation and sun damage—that’s why it’s so loved!”

Westbay breaks down the main factors to consider when selecting a vitamin C cream:

“Look for a vitamin C concentration of 10–20%,” Westbay suggests. “ Anything lower might not be as effective, and anything higher could cause irritation, especially in a cream formula.”

Look for ingredients like vitamin E (tocopherol) and ferulic acid,” Westbay instructs. “These can enhance the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C and provide additional antioxidant protection.”

“In creams, look for hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture without being heavy,” Westbay says. “Glycerin, a humectant that draws water into the skin, is great for hydration, and ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.”

“Vitamin C works best at a pH level of around 2.5–3.5,” Westbay notes.” Check if the brand provides this information, as a proper pH level ensures effectiveness without causing too much irritation.”

Finally, Westbay says: “Vitamin C is prone to oxidation, so look for creams that specifically mention a stabilized form of vitamin C to ensure potency lasts longer.”

“While Vitamin C in both serums and creams offer skin benefits, the choice between them depends on your skin’s specific needs,” says Halaas. “Serums have a lighter consistency but contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. They are fast-absorbing and they will penetrate deeper into the skin, making them ideal for targeting issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, acne, and hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, creams are thicker and provide intense hydration, making them better suited for dry or moisture-deprived skin.”

“Not only can you use a vitamin C cream daily, you absolutely should use it daily,” Nazarian says. “Its major benefit comes as a protective source against frev-radical damage, so the more often you use it, the more protection and preservation for your skin.” All the dermatologists note that, while vitamin C boosts the efficacy of SPF, it is not a stand-in for it, and vitamin C should always be paired with sunscreen in the daytime.

“Vitamin C can be very beneficial for mature skin,” says Westbay.“It’s a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which contribute to aging. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation—a common issue with age and cumulative sun exposure—evening out skin tone and giving the skin a brighter, more youthful appearance.” As an antioxidant, she adds that vitamin C is also preventative, as it can protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by pollution and UV exposure, which can accelerate aging. “Regular use of vitamin C can also lead to smoother skin by promoting skin cell turnover and helping with skin repair,” she says.