The best vitamin C serum in Australia, ranked.
Vitamin C is one of two actives with real anti-ageing evidence. But formula stability makes most vitamin C serums pointless by week three. Three that actually work.
| Rank | Product | Best for | Score | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | SkinCeuticals C E FerulicSkinCeuticals · Vitamin C | Best overall | 9.4/10 | AU$215 | Adore Beauty → |
| 02 | Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day SerumDrunk Elephant · Vitamin C | Best premium alt | 8.7/10 | AU$120 | Sephora AU → |
| 03 | The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%The Ordinary · Vitamin C | Best budget | 7.8/10 | AU$14 | Adore Beauty → |
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
The benchmark vitamin C serum on earth. Stabilised 15% L-ascorbic + vitamin E + ferulic. Clinically studied for decades. Yes, it's $215. Yes, it's the reason dermatologists won't recommend anything else.
The Ranking
From 3 testedC E Ferulic
The benchmark vitamin C. 15% L-ascorbic acid + vitamin E + ferulic. Stabilised, clinically studied, expensive.
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Stabilised vitamin C in a cleaner format than CE Ferulic. Mix-to-activate for freshness.
Vitamin C Suspension 23%
Raw L-ascorbic acid suspension. Grainy texture, no-nonsense formula, $14. Good value if you can tolerate texture.
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Common questions
What concentration of vitamin C is best?
10–20% L-ascorbic acid, depending on skin tolerance. Below 10% is too weak. Above 20% just irritates without adding benefit.
How do I know if my vitamin C has oxidised?
Oxidised vitamin C turns yellow-brown. Once that happens, it's not active anymore. Store in fridge, use within 6 months.
Can I use vitamin C with retinol?
Morning C, night retinol. Don't layer them in the same routine.
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