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 pigmentation 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 C E Ferulic Serum
from $217.80 (usually $242) at Adore Beauty
Best for: Normal and dry skin
Review: “I got to try this with a friend who has a very different skin type — my skin is oily and I suffer from pimples occasionally — whereas his skin is extremely dry. I found it works wonders on [us both]. [My skin] glows, which has helped with evening the complexion of my skin, whereas it has helped keep my friend’s skin hydrated.” — bettina44
Key features:
Neutralises free radicals
Improves the appearance of fine lines
Firms skin
Brightens the complexion
Effective for up to 72 hours after application
Available at:
- $217.80 (usually $242) from Adore Beauty
- $242 from MYER
- $242 from SkinCeuticals
Read more SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum reviews
Boost Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum
from $29.95 at BOOST LAB
Best for: Vitamin C beginners
Review: “This stuff is magical! I can wear this when hungover and feeling like death and it still makes my skin look vibrant and healthy. I’m in my forties and feel that my skin is looking a bit dull and uneven. This Vitamin C serum really does brighten the skin so well. I love that it is so affordable, the dropper makes for easy application on my skin and it absorbs quickly into my skin.” — RINNY
Key features:
Brightens skin and enhances radiance
Protects skin from free radical damage
Provides long-lasting hydration
Free from sulphates, parabens and fragrances
Cruelty free
Available at:
- $29.95 from BOOST LAB
- $29.95 from Priceline
- $29.95 from Adore Beauty
Read more BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews
Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum
from $26.99 (usually $59.99) at Amazon Australia
Best for: Tackling texture
Review: “I enjoy this product and have repurchased a couple of times when half price at Chemist Warehouse. I have used many vitamin C serums over the years — both high end and budget — this one works well on my skin. It is a light formula and sits well under my moisturiser, sun cream and foundation. I like the added niacinamide.” —rebecca.montagu
Key features:
Hydrating formula
Lightweight and non-sticky
Reduces the appearance of dark spots
Unifies uneven skin tone and texture
Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, petrolatum and mineral oils
Available at:
- $26.99 (usually $59.99) from Amazon Australia
- $29.99 (usually $59.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Read more Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum reviews
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
from $119 (usually $199) at Amazon Australia
Best for: Oil lovers
Review: “I had a surprise two dose sample of this with a purchase and loved every minute of using them. They are an oily product that spreads easily over the whole face, décolleté, and neck areas — there is plenty in a capsule to spread that far [too]. I put them on at night time and… I woke up with hydrated and even-looking skin compared with the night before… They are called radiance capsules, and for good reason, because for me I did notice my skin was radiant in the morning.” — clearcrystalwater
Key features:
Dry oil vitamin C and ceramide serum capsules
Encapsulated to ensure ingredient potency and freshness
Biodegradable capsule casing
Promotes a more radiant-looking complexion
Available at:
- $119 (usually $199) from Amazon Australia (90 capsules)
- $160 from MYER (60 capsules)
- $160 from Oz Hair & Beauty (60 capsules)
Read more Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum reviews
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
from $35.19 (usually $43.99) at Priceline
Best for: Dull and dry skin
Review: “CeraVe is one of my absolute go-to brands for the basics of skincare, but this product is one of my favourites. The package design is great. Vitamin C serums can go weird when exposed to air, and the squeeze tube is perfect to keep the product fresh. The serum itself is lightweight and has made a genuine difference in the overall look of my skin and appearance of dark spots. Lets be real — they are not gone completely — but the spots have definitely lightened after three months using this product. For me, you can’t get a better product for this price.” — kylemo
Key features:
Contains 10 per cent vitamin C and CeraVe’s signture triple ceramide blend
Supports the skin’s moisture barrier
Minimises the appearance of fine lines
Enhances radiance
Available at:
- $35.19 (usually $43.99) from Priceline
- $39.59 from Adore Beauty
- $39.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Read more CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum reviews
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum
from $16.64 (usually $36.99) at Amazon Australia
Best for: Dark spots
Review: “I have been using [this] for over a month now and am really happy with the results… The serum absorbs really well into my skin, and I don’t have to wait long before applying a moisturiser — it doesn’t leave any residue. Overall my skin now has a more healthy luminous glow to it, and it appears to have a more even and brighter appearance. Bonus points for the bottle being made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.” —Saffy86
Key features:
Minimises the appearance of dark spots
Enhances the complexion’s overall glow
Salicylic acid gently exfoliates the skin
Niacinamide soothes, hydrates, and evens skin tone
Available at:
- $16.64 (usually $36.99) from Amazon Australia
- $18.49 (usually $36.99) from Chemist Warehouse
- $18.49 (usually $36.99) from Priceline
Read more Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews
Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
from $134 at MYER
Best for: Giving your skin care routine a vitamin C boost
Review: “The box that I received contains four little 8.5ml bottles — each lasts about a week — so in all the pack should last a month. I seem to be getting closer to two weeks out of each bottle, but I am only using it in the morning in place of my usual serum. It’s pretty easy to use — you tear off the foil on top, pump the rubber bump and shake to mix the product. I find the easiest way to dispense it is to hold the bottle in my left hand with the nozzle facing my palm and push down on the top a couple of times. This gives me a couple of drops directly into my hand which I then mix with my moisturiser in my palms and apply to my face… It is fairly runny but absorbs quite quickly too. It does hydrate a bit, but not wildly so. It’s main benefit is how it makes your skin look — ‘t really does ‘boost’ it — giving it a brighter look. I’m sure that it has helped with my pigmentation and my skin looks healthier since I started using this product.” — Princess Perfume
Key features:
Brightens skin
Evens texture
Boosting serum formula intended to be mixed into moisturiser
Contains four mini serum bottles to ensure ingredient potency and freshness
Available at:
- $134 from MYER
- $134 from David Jones
- $134 from Adore Beauty
Read more Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% 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 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.
Main image credit: Designed by beautyheaven
Have you tried any of these serums before? What’s your favourite?
Interesting…
Would love to try the SkinCeuticals one!
looks great and i see its expensive
The price of the Skinceuticals one is completely prohibitive. I think it’s a bit over the top. I have tried some of the others and didn’t really notice a difference. You definitely need a very specific percentage of a certain type of Vitamin C for it to actually work, and a lot of these products don’t have the right percentage – especially the cheaper ones. It’s also incredibly hard to find a Vitamin C product that works that doesn’t smell awful!
I tried Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum.Love it !
I usually avoid products with vitamin C because they make my dry and mature skin drier (flaky and scaly patches). I recently started using a rosehip oil with vitamin C from A’kin. I’m halfway through the bottle, and so far I haven’t noticed extra dryness. I’ve had partial success with two other facial oils with vitamin C before, so I will be interested to see what my skin is like with further use with the A’kin version.
I can’t afford the expensive ones but like the sound of the Olay one
Olay is often on special as well.
yes its super value
Love my vitamin C serums . Wouldn’t be without them
I’m currently using Boost Lab’s vitamin C serum but wouldn’t mind trying Swisse brightening booster serum.
The Skinceutical CE Furelic is the original and the best! The gold standard!
I have tried the Elizabeth Arden capsules (I won them as part of a Glosscars prize from BH 🙂 ). They are very expensive though, so I haven’t repurchased.
yes very expensive for 30
I am a bit concerned about using some of these Vitamin C products on my sensitive skin :S
I’ve tried a few on the list
The vitamin C products I’ve tried have’nt made a big difference to my skin, maybe I need a more potent one.
Lots of good options for me to consider.
Yes I feel the same
I fancy the look of the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. Usually like the small tubes as easy to use an travel wih
that one looks lovely
I used few serums containing vitamin C
I love serums
I’m just about to try a Vitamin C serum, so I hope it’s good.
My favourite is the Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Capsules.
My skin does not like vitamin C but I have been recommended to try the LRP (not tried as yet)
I’ve just started using Garnier; so far, so good & affordable too
I am currently using Garnier Vitamin C serum.
I like the look and sound of the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum
from $16.64 (usually $36.99) at Amazon Australia but prefer to buy from Priceline or Chemist Warehouse in the shop
EA capsules strength is really on the low end. I don’t even consider it a vit C formulation.
I am a big fan of the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. It’s by go-to Vitamin C serum at the moment!
I’ve just started a bottle of Skin Physics, but it’s too soon to see any results.
I’ve been using the Garnier vitamin c serum. It’s pretty good value for money and often seen it on sale too.
SkinCeuticals is by far my fave!!
The Garnier serum is so good!
I really must give the Olay one a try. I tend to stick with the Olay products that I have already tried
Love ❤️ 💖 this article – brightening products seem to work well for me. Love to try that cera ve serum!
great options