The Best Vitamin C Serums For Brighter Skin, According To Australian Women

Looking to fade hyperpigmentation, brighten skin, and even skin tone? Try adding one of the best vitamin C serums in Australia to your routine.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which when used in skin care provides protection against damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. And while a vitamin C serum can be used both day and night, this is why it’s particularly encouraged for use in the morning — followed by a face sunscreen, of course.

Not only can vitamin C help to prevent further hyperpigmentation or brown spots from appearing, but it also inhibits melanin production to lighten the existing signs of sun damage.

Getting your daily dose of vitamin C via a serum is a great way to reap its radiance-enhancing benefits. Serum formulas typically contain some of the highest percentages of the ingredient for maximum effect.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to ease it into your routine or go for a ‘slow release’ vitamin C formula to avoid irritation.

Ready to shop the best vitamin C serums in Australia?

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

$233 at Adore Beauty

Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin

Review: “I know its quite expensive but for me its an incredible little gem, and I’m so lucky to have found it! I’ve been using this for almost 3 weeks now and I have seen a dramatic change in my skin. My skin tone has evened out, my pores have reduced in size, I have less oil on my face and I’ve noticed less breakouts which has really boost my confidence big time.” –Kylskani

Read more SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF reviews

Andalou Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum

$34.99 at Priceline

Best for: Dry and mature skin

“Andalou Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum is a very light serum, which soaks into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. It is full of vitamin C and turmeric, so very good for hydrating and brightening of your skin. Easy to use pump, and because of its brightening properties, this serum is nice to use in the mornings.” – Shop A Everyday

Read more Andalou Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum reviews

Bondi Sands Gold’n Hour Vitamin C Serum

$17.95 at bondisands.com.au

Best for: Under makeup

Review: “The serum absorbs really nicely into the skin and provides a touch of instant glow. How skincare sits under makeup is super important for me and I find this works perfectly for that. The bottle is a squeeze tube rather than a dropper like many other serums, but I actually really rate it and find it less wasteful and less time consuming than having to use a dropper.” –Lianatriesmakeup

Read more Bondi Sands Gold’n Hour Vitamin C Serum reviews

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

$71.95 at Adore Beauty

Best for: Sensitive skin

Review: “This is the best vitamin c serum I have tried. It’s amazing. I have sebberhoic dermatitis and rosacea and this actually helped. Very pleasantly surprised and I will never stop using this!! The smell is mild and it rubs in beautifully.” –Maud96

Read more La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum reviews

BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum

$29.95 at BOOST LAB

Best for: Vitamin C beginners

Review: “This feels absolutely lovely on my skin, there is no burning, which can happen with vitamin c serums, it also sinks into the skin easily, which I love as waiting for serums to absorb when you use a few can be very time consuming.” –Niqueyq

Read more BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews

Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum

$29.99 at Priceline

Best for: Tackling texture

Review: “Texture is lovely, just melts into the skin. I’ve been using this for nearly 2 weeks now both in the morning and night before moisturizing. I have found that in this short time the overall texture of my skin has improved, it’s more even and bright.” –Elisa361

Read more Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum reviews

Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum

$19.99 at Priceline

Best for: Fragrance-free

“It ticks all the boxes for me as it is Australian made, fragrance free, no alcohol, no parabens, sulphates or mineral oil. This product is an excellent addition to your skin care regime. Packed with high vitamin concentration it really helps address the signs of ageing.” –Gathered Pieces

Read more Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews

La Mav® Daily Vitamin-C Brightening Serum

$75 at nourishedlife.com.au

Best for: Natural ingredients

“I have naturally oily skin so non-oil serum formulas are more versatile for me and this one is not oily at all. It’s full of natural ingredients – the first one being organic aloe. This is vegan, not tested on animals and is Australian.” –Clearcrystalwater 

Read more La Mav® Daily Vitamin-C Brightening Serum reviews

Swisse Vitamin C 10% Brightening Booster Serum

$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Best for: High percentage but low cost

“I’ve been using this for over 3 weeks now and my skin feels all the better for it. My skin feels nice and bouncy and I am slowly starting to see pigmentation evening out. I have already noticed a brightening of my skin. I am very happy with this Vitamin C serum. Hands down the best one I have very used. And boy have I tried a few!” –TinDrum

Read more Swisse Vitamin C 10% Brightening Booster Serum reviews

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum

$155 at Myer

Best for: Oil lovers

“The serum inside is quite rich and oily so I use one at night only. I have been applying a capsule to my skin every night for nearly a month now and have almost finished the jar. I am amazed at how much brighter, radiant and healthier my skin looks since using these capsules! My skin feels soft thanks to the plant-based oils the capsules contain.” –Dramsay82

Read more Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum reviews

Alya Vitamin C Supercharged Serum

$39.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Best for: Fighting dullness

“I’m absolutely loving this. I’ve been feeling very tired lately and my skin is showing it. I feel like I’ve had a dull, worn out complexion for a while. This has been my saviour. Within less than two weeks of using it, I feel like my skin looks much brighter…someone has even said it’s glowing. It smells fantastic and I adore the lime scent.” – Jessie Newton

Read more Alya Vitamin C Supercharged Serum reviews

FAQs

How do I use it?

Most vitamin C serums are designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturising, plus SPF. It works really well as a step in your morning routine, as it provides extra antioxidant benefits. This means it’ll help to fight the free radicals and UV damage your skin is exposed to during the day.

Are there any side effects?

Some people can experience sensitivity when using vitamin C. If you are prone to irritation, look for a slow-release or low-percentage formula. A slow-release formula is still potent but delivers the benefits of vitamin C to the skin more gently, whereas a low-percentage formula is a lower dosage overall.

*This article has been updated since its original publication.

Have you tried any of these serums before? What’s your personal fave?