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?
What skin type do you have?
I will keep my eye out for this! See if I also breakout.
I've never been brave enough to buy a serum containing vitamin c because every time I've used a vitamin c mask I get loads of big pimples.
I am going to be using the Olay one whilst I am in hospital! It should make me look less dull and tired.
Unfortunately i breakout every single time I use a serum with vitamin c in it, no matter the strength. I do love the results others have with it.
They all look great! My skin definitely needs some vitamin C
I agree Margi59
I want to try all of these vitamin c serums!
The Boost Labs vitamin C serum is outstanding! I’ve paid far more for far less impressive serums, but having tried that one, it’s now my go-to.
Will definitely need to try the Vitamin C Serums so many good brands to choose from like La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum or maybe the Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum. Could do with a brighter complexion.
Oh! Great to know. I did follow the trial with all the serums when it was going…forgot that Boost had vitC too. I want it =D
My skin does not like much vitC, but I want it in my skincare routine. Will keep trying! Love this lineup! Great selection
I use trilogy and have started to notice a change in pigmentation
The boost lab one looks amazing! Will be adding to my wishlist!
Oh you too! Saffy said the same thing!!
What skin type do you have?
I just received a bottle of the La Roche Posay Vitamin C serum. It was included in the Priceline Beauty Bag.
I also like the Drunk Elephant one
I could definitely do with a brighter complexion too. I'm keen for either the La Roche Posay one or the Boost Lab one to try out.
Oh no, I hope you're not in hospital for long! Get well soon! 🙂
What do you think of it? I am thinking of buying a Vit C serum and I love La Roche Posay.
I've used Boost Lab and it's great. I'd love to try the La Roche-Posay.
I'd like to try the Alya one
I would like to try a C serum but based on previous experience with irritation I'm hesitant to try again. I've heard that LRP make one that is good on sensitive skin
Would love to try any of these.
I really wanna give some of these a go. I haven't really tried any of these brands except olay and la roche posay and essano.
brighter skin for days!!!
I can vouch for the Boost Lab Vit C serum, it’s gentle and soothing, and I feel it has improved my skin tone and texture
I’ve been using a vit c serum for the last few months and the boost lab one looks good.
I'm currently using Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum and I love it. I'd like to try the La Roche-Posay one too.
I'm using the La Roche-Posay with no irritation or breakouts. I gave it 5 stars in my review.
All affordable brands which is great.
I've added this article to favourites because I'm yet to find a Vitamin C serum I like. I've used another product by Boost & it was great, but Essano & Alya are Aussie, so they're also on my radar now.
Yes, I've had the same problem! I'm 54 & I still get bloody zits!
Funny to read this – I'm sure the bh fairies are floating about here somewhere while I'm up at Lightning Ridge on holidays – I took a couple of sachet sample packets with me by Mayerling and it just happens to be a Vitamin C Serum. Great to hear about all these other ones because vitamin c seems to really agree with me.
Never tried any of these, but the Olay sounds appealing! I’m using a Kiehl’s at the moment.
I don't really care for Vit C serums although everyone rave about them.
TO EAA. That is all. If understood, you are in the vitamin C club.
Tried several, none of them agree with my sensitive & fussy skin (they either irritate me or break me out). I've come to accept that Vitamin C just doesn't work for me at all (although I am using an eye gel from Essano with a Vitamin C derivative & haven't had any issues thus far).
I've used the La Roche-Posay and have another bottle in my stash. I'm just finishing a bottle of Andalou Vit C + Turmeric which I've quite liked.
I'm not a huge fan of Vit C, it does tend to irritate my eczema 🙁
Products with vitamin C make my skin slightly flaky and/or scaly in some areas. I was able to tolerate vitamin C better in a facial oil, but I still prefer to avoid this ingredient as much as possible.
I haven't hear of Alya before
I love Vita C I use the Aspect one and it is fanatastic.
I might like to try boost lab. Not sure if it's going to work for my sensitive skin.
Good to know…
Ooh i like the look of the LRP one
The alya skin one isn't too bad, but it doesn't show a huge difference
Ive been reading research that EAA isnt effective which is disappointing because it sounded so good!
The Olay one was sold out at my local pharmacy but I think I got a trial size LRP in my Priceline goody bag.
I like Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum. It is a really fast absorbing serum i tried so far.