15 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Healthier-Looking Skin

While cleansing and moisturizing are undoubtedly the backbone of any good skincare routine, a great routine begins with the application of one of the best vitamin C serums. The ultra-popular antioxidant protects skin from free radicals (like UV rays and pollution), stimulates collagen production, and lifts away dark spots by inhibiting melanin, revealing glowy, bright skin. Vitamin C derivatives in skincare can be finicky, and not just any ordinary serum will deliver the kind of results you're after. "Vitamin C is notoriously unstable," Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in NYC tells BAZAAR.com. "And although you can find many cheap options, you can’t always be confident that they're formulated in a way that renders the product effective." One way to maintain the integrity of your serum of choice is to make sure it's packaged and stored properly. "Vitamin C easily degrades in oxygen and sunlight," Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and founder of Visha Skincare says. Therefore, your vitamin C should there be kept in an opaque, airtight container. In addition to finding the right serum formulation for you, it's also important to keep in mind that vitamin C is available in a number of concentrations depending on your skin's needs, ranging from 5 percent all the way to 30 percent. Most serums are also designed with darker packaging to block light absorption and keep your product of choice effective. To help you narrow down the best of the best vitamin C serums, we've rounded up a few beloved picks from top brands like SkinCeuticals, Biossance , and Ole Henriksen worth adding to your daily routine. Each of these best-sellers contain effective formulas that are beloved by dermatologists, skincare experts, and beauty editors alike. Here, 15 coveted serums for the ultimate glow to apply each and every morning under your favorite sunscreen.