Why We Love It: Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilized vitamin C, Japanese Beautyberry, 10% fruit-derived AHAs, and Japanese Angelica root, this elixir protects against free radicals and combats hyperpigmentation to reveal a radiantly glowing complexion. How to Apply: According to Plantkos, press two pumps of this serum into skin post cleanser and toner. This medical-grade vitamin C serum contains four different active ingredients—hydrolyzed ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ergothioneine, and resveratrol. “These all work together to not only brighten the skin but help fight off free radicals and reverse sun damage,” says Dr. Birnbaum. It has a small ingredient list, but it’s definitely on the stronger side—a word of caution if you have super-sensitive skin. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He also serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Hartman's specialties include dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration and laser treatments.

There are so many vitamin C products on the market, and it’s difficult to discern which are actually effective and which are worth the money. To choose the best vitamin C serums on the market, Shop TODAY referred to two board-certified dermatologists to get their best recommendations for vitamin C serums that they actually recommend to their own patients.The RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C serum is a great option for all skin types, but especially if you are sensitive. While the combo of alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C is usually not advised, this derm-formulated serum—powered by the ultra-gentle lactic acid—is the exception to the rule. That lactic acid gently clears dead skin cells, allowing the 15% vitamin C to better penetrate skin and deliver even better brightening and firming benefits.

Rose water facial cleanser formulated with gentle ingredients to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil without drying out the skin Pros: Offers visible results a lot faster than other vitamin C serums because of its three hero ingredients, can also be used every morningThe Glossier Super Glow serum is another great option for first-time vitamin C users, according to Hartman. “The vitamin C in this serum is magnesium ascorbic phosphate [MAP], which will be more gentle on the skin, but still be effective in boosting tone and radiance,” he says. The final key ingredient that you’ll find in several Bliss skincare products is glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs). AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion. Commerce writer Andrea Navarro has sworn by this serum since her medical esthetician, Joanna Garcia, recommended it. “It’s expensive, but since it’s medical-grade, it works a lot faster than many other brands,” says Navarro. “My esthetician suggested it for my dark spots because my skin tone responds to acne scars with further damage, and I was having a really hard time getting them to fade.” It contains both vitamins C and E so it does double the work to repair and protect the skin.