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 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 $193.60 (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:

• $193.60 (usually $242) from Adore Beauty
• $249 from MYER
• $199.20 (usually $249) 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
• $23.96 (usually $29.95) from Priceline
• $22.46 (usually $29.95) from Adore Beauty

Read more BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum reviews

from $24.65 (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:

• $24.65 (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)
• $165 from MYER (60 capsules)
• $107.25 (usually $165) 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 $30.79 (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:

• $30.79 (usually $43.99) from Priceline
• $35.19 (usually $43.99) from Adore Beauty
• $39.99 (usually $43.99) 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
• $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, I seem to be getting closer to two weeks out of each bottle, but I am only using it in the morning. It’s pretty easy to use — you tear off the foil on top, pump the rubber bump and shake to mix the product. 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 — it 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
• $107.20 (usually $134) from Adore Beauty

Read more Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% reviews

Simple Booster Serum 10% Vitamin C+E+F

from $17.95 at Healthylife

Best for: SkinCeuticals lovers on a budget

Review: “This Simple Serum has a medium to thick consistency and has a light nutty scent. This is the first serum containing vitamin c that I’ve tried which hasn’t caused my skin to breakout. My skin type is combination. The serum is non greasy and absorbs pretty much instantly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky. I have been using this a few times a week for maybe 6 weeks now and have certainly noticed my skins radiance has been boosted, glowy and super hydrated. Plus, I also feel good about using this serum as it seems to have good clean ingredients and doesn’t contain any alcohol either.” — izzy09

Key features:

Enriched with vitamins C, E and F
Non-comedogenic
PETA-approved vegan
Protects against environmental aggressors

Available at:

• $17.95 from Healthylife
• $14.20 from Big W

Read more Simple Booster Serum 10% Vitamin C+E+F 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. If you want to take an inside out approach as well as an outside in one, you could also look into an ingestible vitamin C option like the Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Peptides + Vit C Gummies ($19.99 at Chemist Warehouse). Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

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?