17 Best Vitamin C Serums For Hyperpigmentation

Exfoliations, acids, you’ve tried them all to get rid of hyperpigmentation but with no success. Plan A and B have failed, so it’s time for plan C - well, vitamin C! For a long time, vitamin C has been the wonder vitamin that can do it all. Not just great for preventing scurvy, it’s a vital antioxidant, and can combat hyperpigmentation too. But where do you start? There are so many options for vitamin C serums that there’s hardly enough time to choose the right one. For your convenience, we’ve narrowed down the best vitamin C serums for hyperpigmentation so you can get a serum today and have your hyperpigmentation gone before you know it. 

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

In a market oversaturated with vitamin C serums, Blu Atlas stands out with their unisex products and natural ingredients. Their Vitamin C Serum reduces hyperpigmentation by promoting cell turnover, so your body can get rid of dirt and dead cells to reveal the fresh and new skin underneath. It can also prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring by helping to protect your skin from UV light, free radicals, pollution and other damaging effects of the environment.  

Blu Atlas has searched the globe for the best skincare ingredients to add to their products. Their serum contains aloe vera, which helps moisturize the skin and accelerate healing processes. In addition, aloe vera decreases skin fragility by increasing its flexibility. Another star ingredient is mulberry root extract, which brightens skin and improves uneven skin tones. Finally, to make sure dark spots stay away, Blu Atlas has added apple extract to their serum. This extract helps the skin retain moisture and protects it from damage while healing dark spots that have already appeared.  

Blu Atlas's Vitamin C Serum has already made its case for why it is a great product. But it gets even better. This brand is also vegan and cruelty-free. So, if you want the best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation, then look no further. Blu Atlas’s Vitamin C Serum is here to save face with their concentrated formula, which is why it tops our list of the 17 Best Vitamin C Serums for Hyperpigmentation. 

2. EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum 

EADEM’s main message is “no more compromising.” Their products prove you can have all the ingredients you want without the ingredients you don’t want. Their Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum is vegan, cruelty-free and has no bleaching agents. It’s gentle on all skin tones and removes hyperpigmentation without affecting the skin’s natural color.  

EADEM’s Milk Marvel serum contains key ingredients that lessen hyperpigmentation while preserving your complexion. These ingredients include vitamin C, which comes in the form of ethyl ascorbic acid. Ethyl ascorbic acid is a highly stable form of vitamin C that boosts collagen production and brightens the skin. Amber algae evens out the skin tone and gets rid of discoloration without disturbing the skin’s natural hue. Then niacinamide, a favorite in skincare products, improves texture, prevents inflammation and prevents new breakouts from occurring on the skin. Licorice root supports the removal of hyperpigmentation and is an effective skin brightener.  

EADEM Milk Marvel is made for all skin types. It’s an effective serum that proves one product can work for all.   

3. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster 

Paula’s Choice had their moment with their viral BHA exfoliant. Now it’s time for their vitamin C serum, the C15 Super Booster, to have its turn in the spotlight. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster has 15% pure vitamin C to create a fast-acting product that brightens skin and helps lighten hyperpigmentation.  

The C15 Super Booster serum also contains vitamin E, ferulic acid and skin-smoothing peptides. These form a trio of ingredients that lighten hyperpigmentation by supporting the hero of the serum, vitamin C. These ingredients also promote elasticity for stronger and more tolerant skin. So, this serum works with your body’s processes to achieve your skincare goals. Lastly, the C15 Booster contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient often used in skincare products for its hydrating properties and prevention of dry skin.   

Even though the C15 Super Booster boasts a powerful serum, it can be used by itself or added to your favorite moisturizer. It’s recommended to apply this serum once or twice daily and finish off your routine with SPF 30+ to get the best out of your skincare.  

4. Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum  

Ursa Major believes that looking after your skin isn’t just about “grooming” or “beauty” but is about self-care. They have clean formulas that are paraben-free, sulfate-free and do not use synthetic fragrances. Their vitamin C serum is applied to the skin’s surface but dives deep to hydrate the skin and smoothen its tone and appearance.  

The key ingredient in this serum is ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C. The supporting ingredients include aspen bark, which soothes the face and acts as a natural preservative. The bark is a more skin-friendly alternative to parabens. Then edelweiss protects the skin through its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Finally, there’s rose hip, which hydrates the skin and keeps it looking fresh. It encourages the production of new skin cells and boosts collagen production too.  

Ursa Major’s Natural Vitamin C Serum is a gentle but powerful serum that would make a great addition to a skincare routine. Their serum also comes with a unisex citrus scent that makes the experience of using their product even more enjoyable. 

5. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum 

When you first think of vitamin C, you think of fruit like oranges, lemons, and other citruses. Glow Recipe harnesses the power of fruit to create natural products that support glowing skin. Naturally, they’d have a fruit-forward vitamin C serum that smells wonderful, effectively lessens hyperpigmentation, and makes the skin feel smooth and refreshed.  

We can’t talk about the Guava Vitamin C serum without mentioning guava extract and seed oil. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and contains antioxidants that protect the skin against environmental damage. The serum brightens dark spots and evens skin tone. It contains five forms of vitamin C for maximum effectiveness while still being gentle enough for everyday use. Finally, to round off this powerhouse of ingredients, the serum contains tranexamic acid, which has been clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and redness.    

This product comes in a convenient pump dispenser for easy application. Glow Recipe is made for all skin types and proves that something as simple as your fruit bowl favorites can make amazing skincare products.   

6. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner  

Life doesn’t wait for skin problems to fade, and neither should you. BeautyStat’s serum has been described as “the hero product that started it all.” It has vitamin C at a concentration of 20% L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C. This means when you choose the Universal C Skin Refiner, you choose fast-acting results and quick disappearance of hyperpigmentation.  

This serum’s key benefits are preventing the overproduction of pigmentation and making the skin look fresh and youthful by tightening and firming, minimizing pore size, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Besides vitamin C, this serum has other ingredients that support healthy skin -for example,squalane, which helps the skin retain moisture without clogging the pores. A green tea derivative acts as a powerful antioxidant that supports smooth skin and reduces redness and hyperpigmentation. The final spotlight ingredient is tartaric acid, a natural exfoliant that helps clear the skin and balance its pH so vitamin C serum can be readily absorbed into the deep layers of the skin.  

BeautyStat’s Universal Skin Refiner can be used by itself or before applying makeup. The formula is velvety and lightweight, so it’s comfortable to have on all day.  

7. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution 

Kiehl's had its humble beginnings as an apothecary in New York’s East Village. Now, they’re a global company that’s been going strong for over 165 years. Kiehl’s has continued to provide excellent skin care with their Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. It is suitable for all skin types and contains an activated form of vitamin C.   

The Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector serum gives skin a radiant glow and diminishes dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Kiehl’s keeps it simple with two key ingredients: vitamin C and buffered salicylic acid, which works with vitamin C to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. So, this product works on an array of discolorations. It also has been tested on all ethnicities to ensure that the dark spot corrector is truly suitable for everyone.  

Kiehl’s forward-thinking strategies have kept them thriving throughout the decades. Their finger is always on the pulse of what customers need, and their vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation proves that, once again, they’ve hit the mark.  

8. Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum 

Hyper is hyper-focused on making products that work on all skin tones, from darker to paler ones. They aim to widen the skincare options available.  

Hyper’s Even Brightening Dark Spot serum contains a team of ingredients that help the rockstar of the show, vitamin C, deliver a great performance to reduce hyperpigmentation and tighter skin. But to keep it short and sweet, we’ll only name a few. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful environmental factors. There is hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture. Kojic acid, a skin tone-friendly ingredient, is naturally derived from mushrooms and exfoliates the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and prevents it from occurring. But other ingredients like bearberry, turmeric, and apple enzymes make this formula unique and show Hyper’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and transparency. They only use the best ingredients for their products and customers. 

9. Mountain Top 20% Vitamin C Serum 

Mountain Top is all about simplicity, because being natural doesn’t have to be complicated. Their vitamin C serum is formulated to treat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and under-eye bags. It has anti-aging qualities and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This serum contains 20% vitamin C for rapid action on hyperpigmentation.  

Mountain Top has an effective vegan formula that helps keep skin spotless and youthful. Besides vitamin C, it also has hyaluronic acid for hydration. Witch hazel, a once-viral skincare ingredient that reduces inflammation, irritation, and injury to the skin is included as well. Mountain Top’s unique ingredient is white jelly mushroom, which has anti-aging properties and doubles as a fantastic moisturizing ingredient. Finally, argan oil is also worth a mention, as it’s a common ingredient in hair care that is now used in skincare products to promote an even skin tone.  

Mountain Top proves that small companies can still make powerful products that go above and beyond customer expectations. Their vitamin C serum is moisturizing and restores the face's luminosity for glowing, supple skin.  

10. Creamy Skincare Brightening 10% Vitamin C Serum 

Creamy Skincare’s mission is to “uncover your best skin." So their 10% vitamin C serum aims to reveal a glowing complexion, boost collagen levels, support skin elasticity, and improve skin texture and tone.  

Creamy’s vitamin C serum has two types of vitamin C; ascorbyl glucoside and ethyl ascorbic acid. Double the vitamin C means double the power while still being gentle on your skin. This formula combines two types of vitamin C to make a highly stable formula that doesn’t lose its potency over time. This serum is also high in antioxidants; ferulic acid and vitamin E dive deep into the skin for effective moisturization and protection from environmental stressors.   

Overall, this is an all-around vitamin C serum that prevents dark spots and hyperpigmentation while effectively keeping the skin looking young and fresh. To top it all off, Creamy Skincare is an ethical and sustainable company whose products, including their vitamin C serum, are consciously formulated by a small business making a big change.     

11. Skin & Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum  

Skin & Lab gets to the heart of the issue to find the beauty within. Their brand philosophy is to empty, fill and defend the skin. They do this by first doing a deep clean of the skin to remove impurities and dirt. Then their active ingredients fill the skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Then finally, once the groundwork has been set, your skin is ready to defend itself from external stressors like harsh climates and pollution, which can cause hyperpigmentation.  

Skin & Lab’s vitamin C serum follows their philosophy to the letter. In addition to vitamin C, their serum contains 15% vita complex to brighten the complexion. Vita complex is a special combination of 15 vitamins. It also contains matrixyl 3000, an anti-aging peptide that helps firm the skin. Finally, vitamin B5 makes the skin less susceptible to irritation and has a calming effect.  

This serum has all you want in a product to keep hyperpigmentation at bay and lessen the discoloration that is already there. Besides the ingredients that deal with excess pigment, this product has hydrating properties to keep skin healthy and as radiant as can be. 

12. Rosen Skincare Bright Citrus Serum  

Even the toughest skin can be sensitive to constantly switching products. So, Rosen Skincare is based on the idea of being a one-stop shop for all your skincare needs. The brand was inspired by the struggles of finding the right skincare treatments during middle school and high school. They found that the same products can work on people of all ages. Rosen Skincare aims to care for diverse needs like textured skin, acne, and hyperpigmentation while being ethical and non-toxic. 

Rosen’s Bright Citrus Serum is made specifically for hyperpigmentation and textured skin. It features the all-powerful ascorbic acid, supported by mulberry extract. Mulberry extract has been scientifically proven to stop dark spots and acne scars in their tracks. Mulberry does this by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin. These two superstar ingredients also have antioxidant properties, which can lessen wrinkles and signs of aging caused by daily living.  

Rosen’s Bright Citrus Serum is ideal for handling stubborn face discoloration. It’s lightweight and fights bacteria that can clog pores and cause acne. 

13. NuFACE Super Vita-C Booster Serum 

Ideal for hyperpigmentation, an uneven skin tone and dullness, NuFACE’s Super Vita-C Booster Serum is the answer to all your problems. Just one drop of this serum will effectively reduce dark spots and brighten your complexion.  

This serum combines the power of vitamin C with IonPlex® and niacinamide (vitamin B3). IonPlex® is a blend of electrically charged minerals. This blend helps rejuvenate the face and creates a fresher appearance over time. The niacinamide creates an even skin tone and helps lessen dark spots. The Super Vita-C Booster serum also features botanical extracts from sea silt, brown seaweed, and hops, among other natural ingredients. These extracts reduce signs of aging. This powerful product also helps prevent hyperpigmentation from happening by protecting your skin from the elements.  

What also makes NuFACE stand out is their commitment to sustainability and nature. They avoid harsh chemicals and are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free, so their formulas are gentle on even the most sensitive skin while effectively removing hyperpigmentation. This product is best used after an oil-free cleanser, and only a few drops are needed with each use. 

14. TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum 

TruSkin has recognized vitamin C as a “true agent of change” when it comes to skincare, due to the vitamin’s skin benefits, like lessening hyperpigmentation and anti-aging properties. It brightens the complexion and evens out the skin tone.   

TruSkin has combined three other ingredients that are stars of the skincare world to get the most out of a vitamin C serum. If you’re into looking after your skin, the first two ingredients will already be familiar: hyaluronic acid for hydration and vitamin E for its antioxidant and brightening properties. The third is MSM, a sulfur-based compound that is naturally derived. It is essential for the functioning of life at every level, from organs to deep cell tissue. This ingredient dives deep into the skin to ease irritation and improve its overall health while boosting keratin and collagen production.   

This serum aims to be nutritious for all skin types. It focuses on what your skin can be instead of what it isn’t to give it a radiant glow. 

15. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 

The Ordinary’s products use science to give you the best in skincare. Their vitamin C serum is formulated to deal with dullness, aging, and uneven skin tone and texture. So, it’s perfect for all your hyperpigmentation needs and more.  

The Ordinary uses ascorbyl glucoside as their vitamin C form of choice. This ascorbyl version of vitamin C is more stable in water, unlike other forms of vitamin C. But it is also less powerful than L-Ascorbic, a potent form of vitamin C often used in serums. This means the serum is easier to apply and doesn’t react easily with other products.  

The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% shows you can have comfort without compromise. It is suitable for all ages from under 20 to 50+, so would be gentle on all skin types. It’s great for people with sensitive skin or those who are trying out vitamin C serums for the first time.  

16. Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum 

Biossance is about using natural essences for maximum effectiveness. Their vitamin C serum has a specially formulated blend of ingredients to avoid irritating the skin. It aims to break down hyperpigmentation immediately and continuously works to prevent new dark spots and discolorations from appearing.  

This serum contains a form of vitamin C known as ethyl ascorbic acid. This vitamin C quickly deals with hyperpigmentation and other skin issues like dullness and signs of premature aging. But a serum also has to be hydrating; that is where squalane comes into the picture to hydrate skin while keeping the pores free of build-up. Licorice root then swoops in to soothe the skin and lessen inflammation, which soothes the face and has skin-lightening properties. Then to finish off dark spots for good, white shiitake mushrooms further help break down hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.  

However, while there are ingredients to avoid irritating the skin, some users have reported skin breakouts. That could be due to factors like climate and other products used alongside Biossance’s serum. But most users have reported that this serum is effective and has leveled up their skincare routine.  

17. La Roche-Posay Vitamin C 10% Brightening Serum  

This French luxury brand has taken the world by storm with their range of skincare products. Their vitamin C serum continues the trend of delivering excellent skincare.  

The serum contains 10% vitamin C and other star ingredients like Neurosensine, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and thermal spring water. Neurosensine is a star product in many La Roche-Posay products. It is a protein, often found in the human body, that has a soothing effect on sensitive skin and reduces skin irritation. Salicylic acid evens the skin tone by loosening dry and scaly skin. It also prevents the clogging of pores and helps lessen hyperpigmentation. Finally, there's thermal spring water. At first, it sounds boring, but thermal spring water has multiple benefits like soothing properties on the skin, which decreases the risk of irritation, inflammation and hyperpigmentation happening in the first place.  

However, despite the great ingredients and their properties, the packaging could be improved. Some users have commented that the dropper does not hold the product well, which makes the vitamin C serum messier to handle. However, it still comes recommended, which is why it makes the cut for our best vitamin C serums for hyperpigmentation. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is hyperpigmentation?  

Hyperpigmentation is when dark spots appear on the skin because the face produces excess melanin. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation on the face, but the most common is anti-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is when there’s an injury or inflammation on the skin, causing hyperpigmentation and dark spots to occur. For example, acne scarring is one form of anti-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.   

Is all vitamin C the same?  

The best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation depends on your preferences. Not all forms of vitamin C are the same, and no version of vitamin C is the “best.” In skincare, different forms of vitamin C are usually differentiated by how strong they are, their stability, and how easily they dissolve in water. There are many forms of vitamin C, but in this list, there were three that were mainly used:  

• L-ascorbic acid: This is the most potent form of vitamin C. But it is more unstable and can change color over time when exposed to oxygen.   

• Ethyl ascorbic acid: This form of vitamin C is more stable than L-ascorbic acid but also less powerful. 

• Ascorbyl glucoside: This is another form of vitamin C that is gentle on the skin but not as powerful as L-ascorbic acid.  

However, this is a general guide and is not to be taken as medical advice. If you want to find the best form of vitamin C for you, contact your local dermatologist or skin physician.  

How do I choose the right vitamin C for me?  

It depends on the severity of hyperpigmentation and your skin type. There are five main skin types:  

• Normal: Normal skin is neither too oily nor too dry. The skin doesn’t break out often and usually has a smooth texture.  

• Sensitive: Sensitive skin is not as tolerant as other skin types and is easily irritated. Using a mild vitamin C is important so that you don’t irritate your skin.  

• Dry: Dry skin can be itchy or not itchy. But it is often textured and flaky. 

• Combination: Combination skin is a blend of dry and oily skin.  

• Oily: Oily skin is often shiny and has large pores. People with oily skin can also experience frequent breakouts because of high oil production, which clogs the pores.  

Does vitamin C exfoliate the skin? 

Vitamin C doesn’t exfoliate the skin but encourages and supports natural cell turnover. So, your natural body’s processes are encouraged to recycle and renew damaged skin and dark spots. Cell turnover is essential for proper exfoliating.