Our Picks for the Best Vitamin C Serums of 2021
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall: ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
- Best Budget-Friendly Serum: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
- Best Cruelty-Free Serum: Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum
- Best Anti-Aging Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment
- Best Brightening Serum: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Skincare Benefits of Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is present in the formation of collagen and that protects against aging, according to Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist with MyPsoriasisTeam. A vitamin C serum may be a solid addition to your skincare routine because it has a great safety profile, and it's safe for most skin types.
"Vitamin C serum restores and neutralizes environmental stressors that accelerate signs of aging and can be used morning and evening," Dr. Chacon says. However, she warns, "it does not come with sun protection, so additional use of sunscreen is recommended."
As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects skin cells from being damaged by free radicals from things like UV exposure, vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke. It also hampers melanin production, which can help to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots and even out your skin tone.
6 Best Vitamin C Serums
Based on dermatologist recommendations and our market research, the following products are the best vitamin C serums available today.
Best Overall: ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating
zoskinhealth.com
Our overall recommendation for the best vitamin C serum is the ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum. The product contains 10% vitamin C, which has anti-aging properties and minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots by promoting collagen production. "I have this in my bathroom," Dr. Chacon says. "It is gentle and non-irritating, and it leaves your skin radiant afterward."
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with under 100 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Along with L-ascorbic acid, this serum includes ingredients like Coenzyme Q10 for multi-layer antioxidant protection and plant-derived squalane for added hydration. ZO Skin Health's products are all cruelty-free.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
paulaschoice.com
Made with plant- and vitamin-derived antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides and CoQ10, Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum will help rejuvenate your skin. The formula fights dullness, enhances firmness and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with about 300 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This product is paraben-free, fragrance-free and cruelty-free, as it's not tested on animals. The container is 100% recyclable through TerraCycle, and it's formulated and manufactured in the U.S.
Best Budget-Friendly Serum: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
cerave.com
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid offers high value at a reasonable price. It is a hydrating vitamin C serum that's fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and budget-friendly to boot. The formula uses 10% pure vitamin C to prevent free radical damage as well as soothing vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to make the skin look smooth and create a moisture barrier for your skin.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 20,000 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Chacon calls CeraVe "a trusted, dermatologist-oriented brand" that comes at drugstore prices, so it's a great choice if you want to try out a budget-friendly vitamin C serum.
Best Cruelty-Free Serum: Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum
timelessha.com
Timeless Skin Care's vitamin C serum promotes healthy cell turnover to help minimize the effects of hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone. According to Dr. Chacon, "vitamin C, E and ferulic acid are all key ingredients that help to brighten skin, building up collagen and evening out tone." This product's formula is non-greasy and lightweight, so it absorbs quickly and clearly into the skin.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 1,700 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The Timeless Skin Care formula is paraben-free, synthetic dye-free, fragrance-free and polyethylene glycol-free. The company doesn't test on animals, and the product is made in the U.S. from natural ingredients. It's also part of the TerraCycle recycling program.
Best Anti-Aging Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment
skinceuticals.com
Using dermatologist-approved ingredients, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment is lightweight and helps to firm, smooth, and brighten the skin for a more youthful look. The formula utilizes 15% pure vitamin C as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid to protect against environmental damage from things like sunlight, ozone pollution and diesel engine exhaust. Plus, it helps firm the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Customer Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars with over 200 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment is one of the best vitamin C serums for anti-aging purposes. It has an oil-like formulation that goes on smoothly and works effectively without clogging pores.
Best Brightening Serum: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
theordinary.deciem.com
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a topical form of vitamin C that's rich in antioxidants to target aging and brighten the skin. It uses a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid as well as hyaluronic acid spheres for skin hydration. The brightening serum helps enhance skin smoothness and radiance without being too harsh. However, to test skin sensitivity, it is always recommended to perform a patch test before a full application.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 4,500 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This vitamin C brightening serum is cruelty-free and vegan and does not contain alcohol, phthalates, gluten, fragrance, nuts, oil, silicone, parabens or sulfates. The moisturizing serum is good for all skin types, including acne-prone skin and dry skin.
FAQ: Best Vitamin C Serums
What vitamin C serum is the most effective?
Our top recommended vitamin C serum is the ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum. It is a dermatologist-approved antioxidant powerhouse, yet it is gentle, non-irritating and leaves you with glowing skin.
Should you use vitamin C serum every day?
Dermatologists recommend using vitamin C serum either every day or every other day. After you cleanse and tone your face, use your vitamin c product before applying moisturizer and reef-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Does vitamin C serum really work?
According to dermatologists, the best vitamin C serums work to protect against skin aging. However, if you do not purchase a doctor-recommended product, you run the risk of wasting your money on a low-concentration serum that won't give you any benefits.
What are the drawbacks of vitamin C serums?
Many vitamin C serums on the market, especially cheaper products, have nearly immeasurable concentrations of antioxidants, which makes them ineffective. Additionally, as with any skincare product, some individuals may have reactions to vitamin C serums including itchiness and redness.
Anna H. Chacon, M.D. is a dermatologist and author originally from Miami, Florida. She has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and has been published in JAAD, Archives of Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology and Cutis.
Our Picks for the Top Antioxidant Supplements
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
- Best Overall - Goli Nutrition Superfruits Gummies
- Best Resveratrol Supplement - Vital Plan Prevention Plus
- Best Vitamin C Supplement - Care/of Superberry Boost
- Best Superfood Suppplement - Your Super Organic Super Green Mix
- Best Coenzyme Q10 Supplement - Global Healing CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit
- Best Veggie Supplement - Sunwarrior Clean Greens and Protein
Which Foods Contain Antioxidant Vitamins?
One way to increase your body's production of antioxidants is through consuming the right foods. Vegetarian meals and vegan snacks allow you enjoy antioxidant-rich fruits andSome of the most common dietary antioxidant sources include:
- Vitamin A - This vitamin is commonly found in eggs, milk, and butter.
- Vitamin C - Most fruits and vegetables will boost your supply of Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E - Find this vitamin in nuts and seeds, including almonds and peanuts, as well as leafy green vegetables.
- Beta-carotene - You can find this important nutrient in carrots, peas, peaches, sweet potatoes, and mangoes.
- Lutein - Seek lutein in green, leafy vegetables, including spinach and collards.
- Selenium - You can often find selenium in different grains and pastas, including rice and corn.
- Lycopene - This carotenoid is most commonly found in red fruits including tomatoes, grapefruits, and watermelons.
By fortifying your diet with any of the above fruits, veggies, and vitamins, you can help boost your antioxidant levels. If you want an additional way to gain the beneficial effects of antioxidants, consider these antioxidant dietary supplements.
The 6 Best Antioxidant Supplements
Best Overall: Goli Nutrition Superfruits Gummies
goli.com
- Includes antioxidant-producing vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E.
- Made with bamboo shoot extract and a blend of superfruits.
- Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, gelatin-free.
Goli Nutrition makes it easy to increase your vitamin intake with flavorful gummies. Their Superfruits blend is packed with natural antioxidants from acai berries, pomegranates, bananas, apples, and strawberries. These gummies can also provide benefits like improved collagen formation for healthier skin.
Best Resveratrol Supplement: Vital Plan Prevention Plus
store.vitalplan.com
- Includes a number of antioxidant vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin A and Selenium.
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, peanut-free, egg- and dairy-free.
Not only is this one of the best vitamin supplements for antioxidants, but it also includes vitamin D to boost your immune system, as well as vitamins C, B, A, and E. These capsules also include trans-resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed which can help your body defend against cardiovascular disease by promoting heart health.
Best Vitamin C Supplement: Care/of Superberry Boost
takecareof.com
- A great natural source of vitamin C.
- Made with 11 superfruits, including organic acai, goji, and cherries.
- Non-GMO, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free.
Care/of Superberry Boost is made from 11 different superfruits, making it a natural antioxidant powerhouse. It's also an easy way to get natural daily servings of organic fruit and fruit juice by mixing it in with smoothies or shakes.
Best Superfood Supplement: Your Super Organic Super Green Mix
yoursuper.com
- Includes important vitamins like A, C, and K.
- Made with six green superfoods, including wheatgrass.
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free.
Looking for a quick and simple way to increase your consumption of green superfoods? This is the perfect mix for you, allowing you to add plenty of natural antioxidants from wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, spirulina, moringa, and baobab.
Best CoQ10 Supplement: Global Healing CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit
globalhealing.com
- Made to promote energy production and heart health.
- Includes CoQ10, a vital enzyme for converting food to energy.
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO.
These capsules are designed for mitochondrial health and natural energy production. They include coenzyme Q10, which provides antioxidant activity and helps boost metabolism. The organic Himalayan shilajit is meant to help increase CoQ10 absorption in the body.
Best Veggie Supplement: Sunwarrior Clean Green & Protein
sunwarrior.com
- A great source of protein, calcium, and iron.
- Includes organic fermented pea protein.
- Soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, vegan.
This Sunwarrior blend includes natural plant-based proteins to help you build lean muscle, and a blend of vegetables with broccoli, onion extract, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and brussels sprouts. Ingredients like goji berries, yellow peas, and coconut add even more natural antioxidants.
What are Antioxidants?
As you shop for the best antioxidant supplements, it may also be helpful to learn more about antioxidants overall.
Essentially, antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals within your body. Free radicals are the byproducts of the process your body uses to turn food into energy. They are very unstable molecules and can lead to real harm if they become too concentrated; for example, free radical damage can increase your risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and they may also lead to macular degeneration and premature aging of your skin. Making sure you get plenty of antioxidants is a great way to help maintain healthy skin.
Since free radicals are constantly being produced within your body, it's crucial to maintain balance with regular antioxidant production. Antioxidants help protect your cells by counteracting the oxidation caused by free radicals. If you don't get enough antioxidants from your diet, antioxidant supplementation can help.
How Do Antioxidant Supplements Work?
You can get antioxidants by eating the right foods, including foods that feature the vitamins and nutrients we listed above. However, dietary nutrition may not be enough to ensure you have the antioxidant levels you need. Antioxidant supplements give you super-concentrated doses of antioxidants or the nutrients your body needs to produce its own antioxidants.
How to Choose the Best Antioxidant Supplements
As you look for the best vitamin supplements for antioxidants, there are a few factors to consider.
- Vitamins and nutrients. Exactly which nutrients are you getting from your antioxidant supplement?
- Additives and other ingredients. Does your supplement include only natural ingredients, or is it made with a lot of unnecessary sweeteners, preservatives, etc.?
- Evidence and research. Many of the best antioxidant supplements will include scientific data to demonstrate their effectiveness. Always look for independent lab test results on the packaging or the brand's website.
- Value. Take into consideration not only the price point, but also any warranties or money-back guarantees that are offered.
Antioxidant Supplement Safety & Side Effects
Though it is certainly beneficial to have robust antioxidant production, there is definitely such a thing as overdoing it. In fact, there are a number of risks associated with taking high doses of antioxidant supplements. Overuse of antioxidant supplements may:
- Decrease your performance when you exercise.
- Increase the risk of lung cancer for smokers due to high levels of beta-carotene.
- Increase the risk of prostate cancer if they cause high levels of vitamin E.
- Pregnant women are advised against taking Vitamin A supplements, which can increase the risk of birth defects.
- Interact with certain prescription medications.
When choosing to take any type of dietary supplement, it's important to do your research so that you understand the potential benefits and the potential risks. Talk with your doctor to determine whether antioxidant supplements are right for you.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
Our Picks for the Best Natural Deodorants of 2021
If you think of applying deodorant as part of your skincare routine, you'll understand why it's important to consider what products you use under your arms. The following eight products are our top recommendations for the best natural deodorants to get you through the day.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall: Native Natural Deodorant
- Best for Men: Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant
- Best for Women: Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant
- Best Scent: Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant
- Best Eco-Friendly Packaging: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant
- Best Fragrance-Free Deodorant: Kopari Fragrance-Free Deodorant
- Best Spray Deodorant: Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant
- Best for the Environment: Ethique Rustic Solid Deodorant
Best Overall: Native Natural Deodorant
Native deodorant is great-smelling, long-lasting and all-natural. This deodorant stick feels fresh and light but rolls easily onto the underarms because of its solid formula. Although it contains no aluminum and is not an antiperspirant, a few reviewers say it did leave them feeling dryer than other brands.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 52,000 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This vegan deodorant is gluten-free, paraben-free and aluminum-free. It includes natural ingredients including coconut oil, tapioca starch and soothing shea butter. As a brand, Native never tests on animals, is cruelty-free and supports 1% for the Planet.
Best Men's Deodorant: Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant
If you can't spend more time outdoors, at least you can smell like the wilderness. Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant comes in scents like Deep Forest, Mountain Spring and North Woods, and its formula is just as eco-friendly as you'd expect, with ingredients like aloe and sunflower seed oil. A perk of buying Tom's of Maine deodorants is that 10% of all proceeds go to charities supporting children's health, education and the environment.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 4,400 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This great-smelling product is aluminum-free and offers 24-hour protection. It doesn't use any artificial colors, flavors, fragrances or preservatives. Tom's does not test on animals, making this deodorant cruelty-free. The company is also a certified B Corp.Best Women's Deodorant: Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant
The Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant is made using cornstarch instead of baking soda. It glides on smoothly compared to some other natural deodorants that use a sticky-textured application. Its vegan formula goes on clear, preventing clothing stains, and the scent leaves your pits smelling like fresh roses. (If you're not a floral fan, there are also beach and soap scents.)
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 300 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This deodorant is free of aluminum, baking soda, alcohol and parabens. Megababe's deodorant is made from a blend of natural ingredients including sage and green tea and is not tested on animals.Best Scent: Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant
Made with 100% natural, certified fragrances and essential oils, Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant both smells beautiful and keeps you fresh all day long. The scent — a blend of jasmine tea and green tea — is formulated with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, and the product as a whole is made for those with sensitive skin, so you don't have to worry about irritants.
Customer Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars with over 1,700 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Schmidt's natural deodorant is Leaping Bunny and Ecocert-certified natural. It's not only free from aluminum, phthalates, baking soda and synthetic fragrances, but it's also vegan and cruelty-free.Best Eco-Friendly Packaging: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Each & Every's Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant uses Dead Sea minerals instead to keep you fresh all day. The plant-based packaging is made from 100% renewable sugarcane, which is a net carbon-negative plant. Although sugarcane packaging isn't accepted by most municipal recycling facilities, Each & Every has set up its own program through which you can recycle your used deodorant sticks.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 12,800 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This vegan deodorant stick is made from only six ingredients and is free of toxins, baking soda, aluminum and parabens. It's also a cruelty-free product, as Each & Every doesn't test on animals. It offers body odor protection with its synthetic-free lavender and lemon scent.Best Fragrance-Free Deodorant: Kopari Fragrance-Free Deodorant
For those trying to avoid fragrances, Kopari's deodorant is non-toxic and aluminum-free, using natural-based ingredients like soothing coconut oil and sage oil. The company sources its coconuts from family farms in Davao, Philippines, and uses a portion of its proceeds to fund community projects such as building homes, donating school supplies and setting up clean water access.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 with over 140 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Kopari's unscented deodorant is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, soothing and hydrating. It goes on clear, so you avoid stains on your clothing, and its formula is free from aluminum, parabens, toxins, phthalates and gluten.Best Spray Deodorant: Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant
For those who want their armpits smelling great without a roll-on formula, Ursa Major's spray deodorant is an excellent option. It's important to note that while making the switch from stick deodorant to spray, you may experience a two- to three-week detox period; a spray will reach its full potential after three weeks.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with 145 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: This vegan and cruelty-free deodorant is non-staining and non-toxic, absorbing excess moisture and soothing sensitive skin. It uses 23 natural ingredients including sandalwood, lemon myrtle and sage. Ursa Major is also a certified B Corp, so you can feel good about supporting this company.Best for the Environment: Ethique Rustic Solid Deodorant
Using natural scents of lime, cedarwood and eucalyptus, this deodorant smells rustic and lasts all day. The Ethique Rustic Solid Deodorant formula also includes jojoba and sweet almond oil, which make for a smooth application, as well as bamboo, which can absorb up to 200% of its weight in sweat. Although this product is not an antiperspirant, the bamboo can help you stay drier, according to customers.
Customer Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars with over 2,400 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Ethique is a zero-waste, sustainable beauty brand. This vegan deodorant is certified Climate Pledge Friendly, using biodegradable ingredients and compostable packaging to create a minimal environmental impact. It is also free of baking soda, aluminum, plastic and palm oil.Why Should You Switch to Natural Deodorant?
With natural ingredients, you can manage your sweat and body odor in an organic, eco-friendly way. Many natural deodorants also use sustainable packaging, ensuring a lesser impact on the environment. Natural deodorants don't clog the pores of your skin, allowing good bacteria to do their job and help you to naturally be less smelly and sweaty over time.
Tips on How to Make the Switch
Before switching to a natural deodorant, it's recommended to go au naturel for a few days. This allows your body to push out the chemicals from your previous deodorant or antiperspirant and minimizes the irritation that can come from changing products.
As you begin to use natural deodorant, you can expect an adjustment period of up to a month as your body regulates itself. (For some people, this detox stage can be shorter.) If the idea of walking around without protection makes you uncomfortable, try dabbing your armpits with tea tree oil, lavender or thyme essential oils that will help mask any unwanted smells.
After the initial transition, your natural deodorant will start to work as well as your previous product.