Whether your skincare routine includes three steps or thirty incorporating Vitamin C is a simple way to keep your skin feeling healthy and looking its best.

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What Does Vitamin C Do For The Skin?

  • Minimising hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Hyperpigmentation occurs when too much melanin is synthesised within the skin and can be triggered by factors like prolonged UV exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes and ageing. Vitamin C fades discolouration and prevents its reoccurrence by inhibiting the production of melanin.
  • Brightening dull skin and protecting it from damage: Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells and limit their ability to self-repair. This can cause fine lines and tired, dull-looking skin. When applied daily, Vitamin C can neutralise free radicals, encourage regeneration, and protect the skin from further damage.
  • Boosting volume and plumping up fine lines: Collagen is a protein within the skin that affects its strength and elasticity. Factors like ageing, smoking and sun damage can cause collagen production to slow down, resulting in wrinkles and loss of volume. By stimulating collagen production, Vitamin C helps to boost skin volume and fight off fine lines. 

Before incorporating Vitamin C into your routine, here are some quick facts to ensure you select a formula that is best suited to your skin, budget and lifestyle…

  • As Vitamin C is very unstable, products can be formulated with several different Vitamin C derivatives. 
  • To avoid oxidisation, Vitamin C should be stored in a firmly sealed container away from excess light, heat and humidity.
  • Vitamin C usually only lasts for three to six months.
  • Products containing Vitamin C often list the formula’s percentage. Concentrations between 15-20% are best for boosting collagen and evening out discolouration while concentrations below 15% are best for brightening and protecting the skin from free radicals. 

Now that you have all the facts, read on to discover our favourite Vitamin C serums in Australia.

12 Best Vitamin C Serums

best vitamin c serum

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid Serum

Combining the protective and regenerative benefits of Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid with the power of Vitamin C’s most potent form, L-Ascorbic Acid, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid Serum provides advanced defence against sun damage and improves the appearance of fine lines and discolouration.

RRP: $242.00 – 30ml

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best clean ingredients vitamin c Emma Lewisham Skin Reset serum

Emma Lewisham Skin Reset serum

A cult favourite amongst skin care gurus worldwide, Emma Lewisham’s Skin Reset Serum is famous for its ability to reverse hyperpigmentation and brighten and even the skin. Its formula is packed with natural actives like glow-inducing Prickly Pear and Sea Buckthorn and Vitamin C-rich Plant Stem Cell Extract to combat discolouration, dark spots, and scarring. 

RRP: $150 – 30ml

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Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 

Formulated with 15% highly stable and oil-soluble Vitamin C, Sunday Riley’s Brightening Serum fights fine lines, dullness and dark spots quickly to deliver plump, even skin and protect against further damage. This super serum also contains Glycolic Acid, a gentle exfoliant that lifts away dead skin and boosts cellular turnover.

RRP: $146.00 – $209.00

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Frank Body Collagen Boost Serum

Frank Body Collagen Boost Serum

Perfect for those with sensitive skin, Frank Body’s new Collagen Boost Serum contains 

10% Ferulic Acid, a gentle Vitamin C derivative, Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration, and Vitamin E to soothe inflammation. It is 100% vegan and ideal for those with dull, tired skin seeking a more glowing, bouncy complexion.

RRP: $26.00 – 30ml

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SYNERGIE EFFICA C

Synergie Skin Effica C

Created with sensitive and reactive skin types in mind, Synergie Skin’s Effica C serum contains 10% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, a uniquely stable, nonacidic form of Vitamin C that can even out discolouration and texture, plump up fine lines, and protect against environmental stressors. 

RRP: $125.00 – 30ml

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Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum 

Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum 

Packed with Squalene and Dragon Fruit Extract for added hydration, Yerba Mate Extract to energize and de-puff the skin, and three different forms of Vitamin C, Youth To The People’s quick absorbing and fragrance-free Serum works wonders at brightening dull, ageing skin of all types. 

RRP: $129.00 – 30ml

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Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

To ensure maximum potency and length of stability, Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum comes packaged in two separate containers for you to mix on your own. It also contains gentle exfoliants, Fermented Pumpkin Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter, clearer skin.

RRP: $134.00 – 28ml 

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best vitamin c serum in australia

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

To ensure maximum potency, The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension contains powdered L-Ascorbic Acid in an ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid solution. This tingling formula is perfect for those seeking plumper, smoother skin. 

RRP: $13.00 – 30ml

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Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster sensitive skin

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

Brighten and protect the skin with an ultra-lightweight and peptide infused Vitamin C serum from Paula’s Choice. With 15% Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, the C15 Super Booster restores skin brightness, volume, clarity and hydration. 

RRP: $74.00 – 20ml

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La Roche-Posay Vitamin C10 Brigtening Serum

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C10 Brigtening Serum

La Roche Posay’s radiance revealing Vitamin C Serum combines 10% L-Ascorbic Acid with Salicylic Acid and thermal spring water for brighter, bouncier looking skin without irritation. Perfect for those with thin, sensitive and ageing skin, this hydrating serum has no acclimation period and can be incorporated into your daily routine from the get-go.

RRP: $74.95 – 30ml

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best vitamin c serums in australia

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum

Alpha-H’s Vitamin C Serum is infused with hydrating, soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Grape Seed Extract, Liquorice Extract, Tazman Pepper and Hyaluronic Acid to gently brighten the complexion, neutralise stressors and smooth texture and fine lines. 

RRP: $84.95 – 25ml

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Retreatment Botanics Kakadu Brightening Serum

Retreatment Botanics Kakadu Brightening Serum

Reduce redness, dull skin and the signs of aging with Retreatment Botanics’ Kakadu Brightening Serum. Packed full of skin-loving Native Australian ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime and Desert Lime, this serum supports collagen production, neutralises free radicals, and minimises discolouration naturally.

RRP: $94.00 – 25ml

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