The skincare industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for ethical and cruelty-free products has skyrocketed. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their purchases have on animals and the environment, and are searching for alternatives that align with their values.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 14 of the best cruelty-free face vitamin C available in 2023. These products have been carefully selected for their effectiveness, ingredients, and commitment to cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices.
Whether you’re looking for a vitamin C serum for aging skin, hyperpigmentation or dull skin, there’s something for everyone on this list.
For more information about clean beauty, check our articles about cruelty-free cleansers, cruelty-free moisturizers, and vegan & cruelty-free makeup brands.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serums?
Choosing cruelty-free skincare is a conscious decision that speaks about your values and compassion. It’s about making a stand for the rights and well-being of animals, while still pampering yourself with effective products.
When you choose cruelty-free skincare, you actively contribute to ending the needless suffering of animals. You become part of a movement that believes in finding alternative, humane methods for testing and developing products. By supporting brands that prioritize animal welfare, you send a powerful message to the industry, urging them to embrace compassion and embrace change.
Beyond the ethical considerations, cruelty-free skincare also offers other benefits for your own well-being. These products are often crafted with natural and organic ingredients. Free from harmful chemicals and toxins, cruelty-free skincare helps you achieve a radiant complexion safely.
Many cruelty-free skincare brands go the extra mile to embrace sustainability. They make mindful choices, from eco-friendly packaging to sourcing ingredients responsibly that participate to the preservation of our planet.
Ultimately, opting for cruelty-free skincare is about empowerment. It’s about taking control of your choices and investing in products that align with your values. By doing so, you inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of change in the beauty industry.
Key Benefits of Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C serums offer several key benefits for the skin.
1. Help combat free radicals and protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors with powerful antioxidant properties.
2. Stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Contribute to brightening and evening out the skin tone, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serums
When selecting cruelty-free vitamin C serums, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
1. Consider the ingredients used in the product. Look for serums that incorporate natural and organic ingredients, as they tend to be gentler on the skin and more environmentally friendly.
2. Vitamin C concentration is another essential consideration. Opt for serums with a minimum of 10% vitamin C to ensure optimal effectiveness. Higher concentrations may be more potent, but it’s important to assess your skin’s sensitivity and tolerance before using stronger formulations.
3. Check for the presence of additional beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and botanical extracts. These components can enhance the serum’s moisturizing and rejuvenating properties, providing extra nourishment for the skin.
14 Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serums
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum with Over 90,000 5 stars reviews
Product | TruSkin – Vitamin C Serum
Review | 4.3/5 Stars over 139,386 Reviews
Price | $21.91 for 1 oz
- Vitamin C to even skin tone, neutralize free radicals and boost collagen
- Blend of botanical hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil and MSM to help brighten, calm and protect skin
- Fragrance free formula without parabens and other harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “This product has helped me so much with acne and skin tone and just everything! I am a healthcare worker so between the PPE and mask especially the last few hrs my skin went from clear to just hectic to deal with bad try and keep up with so this product is a game changer and I only use it at night so it doesn’t need tons of routine or supply it last forever as well! Not to mention I have eczema and struggle between dry and oily skin and sensitive skin so products for my face are hard to come by! Amazing stuff” Teylar
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Aging and Mature Skin
Product | Murad – Vita-C Glycolic Serum
Review | 4.8/5 Stars over 362 Reviews
Price | $88 for 1 oz/30 mL
- Vitamin C and glycolic acid serum to brighten the skin
- Glycolic acid exfoliates and removes dead, dulling surface cells.
- Ideal for all skin tones and skin types, from oily to dry.
- Formulated without fragrance and artificial colors
- Free from Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Gluten, Animal-derived ingredients, Mineral oil, Formaldehyde, Oxybenzone, Petrolatum
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta
Customer Review | “I Love this product. It glides on my skin without any residue. It brightens my complexion and gives me a more youthful appearance.” Esther
Top-Rated Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum
Product | Indie Lee – Daily Vitamin Infusion
Review | 4.8/5 Stars over 138 Reviews
Price | $67 for 1 oz/30 mL
- Plant-derived Ceramides and Sugar Cane derived Squalane create a rich moisture.
- Vitamins A, C, E and Rosemary Leaf provide skin nutrients and an antioxidant boost.
- Formulated without Parabens, Mineral Oil, Sulfate-based Detergents, Synthetic Fragrance, Petroleum-based Ingredients, Phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, Formaldehyde and GMO Ingredients.
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “I love the texture of this serum, it’s on the thicker side for a serum but it absorbs easily and my combination skin feels hydrated. You can easily skip moisturizer with this and just apply sunscreen so cuts down the amount t of products you need in the morning! It has great ingredients for sensitive skin like mine and I love the antioxidant benefits it provides.” Josie Jump
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Vegan Formulation
Product | Milk Makeup – Sunshine Oil
Review | 4.4/5 Stars over 929 Reviews
Price | $39 for 0.5 OZ / 15 ML
- Vitamin C and plant-derived squalane moisturize and brighten skin tone.
- Vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and gluten-free.
- Use as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine.
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “Since turning 40 , I’ve really noticed some heavy sun damage and even a few spots!! After some research, I decided to try Sunshine Oil, and it’s been bordering on MIRACULOUS. Plus it smell like a fresh peeled super ripe orange and that’s just awesome. This is THE stuff! I’m a tried and true user and fan!” Sarah
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid
Product | True Botanicals – Vitamin C Booster
Review | 4.4/5 Stars over 555 Reviews
Price | $90 for 49 oz | 14 g
- Instructions: Mix 1-2 shakes of Vitamin C Booster into 2-3 pumps of a water-based serum or moisturizer.
- Vitamin C Powder to avoid instability and degradation.
- Enhanced with Ferulic Acid to boost the benefits of Vitamin C
- Supporte skin integrity and help to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “I added the vitamin c booster to my True Botanicals routine a couple weeks ago and have noticed a definite difference. I am 48 years old with a lot of sun/age spots. All of the dark spots have lightened and many are no longer visible anymore! My face, neck and declottete areas all look much younger and smoother. I’m definitely happy with my purchase and highly recommend.” Nichole
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Dark Spots
Product | Dermalogica – Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum
Review | 4.6/5 Stars over 1943 Reviews
Price | $95 for 1 oz
- Suitable for all skin types
- Exfoliates and reduces unbalanced pigmentation
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Prevents and corrects free radical damage
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta and Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “Ive been using the Vitamin C from Dermologica for about 5-6 months now and i absolutely love it. the quality of the product is unmatched! my skin is so bright and looks flawless. The texture of my skin is so smooth. I can’t recommend this product enough. Holy Grail for dull skin!” Alicia
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin
Product | One Love Organics – Botanical C Facial Serum
Review | 4.5/5 Stars over 95 Reviews
Price | $75 for 1 oz
- Vitamin C to boost radiance
- Rosehip, baobab, acerola and sea buckthorn oils to hydrate and nourish the skin
- Synthetic fragrance-free and dermatologist tested for use on sensitive skin
- ECOCERT® certified natural and organic
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta
Customer Review | “This product is the best moisturizer I’ve ever used. I have been using it for almost one year and it’s kept my skin very soft, moisturized, and youthful looking. I have melasma and this has helped to keep it under control. I also love the smell! It’s very light which is great because I can’t deal with strong scents. I definitely recommend this product.” Maria
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Acne Prone Skin
Product | OSEA – Vitamin C Enzyme Polish
Review | 4.7/5 Stars over 111 Reviews
Price | $72 for 0.9 oz
- Water-activated powder exfoliant to remove debris and dead skin cells.
- Vitamin C, fermented pomegranate enzyme and rice flour to smooth skin and increase radiance
- Suitable for all Skin Types
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “I am in my 50s and it has been very hard to find a vitamin C polish that does not irritate my skin. After use, my skin was not red, tingly or irritated. It was smooth and noticeably softer.” Lisa
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum with Retinol Alternative
Product | Alpyn Beauty – Vitamin C & Bearberry Instant Glow Serum
Review | 4.8/5 Stars over 176 Reviews
Price | $59 for 1.7 fl.oz / 50 ml
- Vitamin C + Bearberry to brighten your skin tone
- AHA and Bakuchiol—a plant-based alternative to retinol to bring luminosity and smooth skin
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “This is one of my favorite skin care products of all time. It acts almost like a color corrector; I feel like the color in my face is evened out and my skin just looks brighter and smoother. Even my husband noticed the glow! 🙂 I don’t have to use very much and it feels light and makes me feel like a princess!” Cassandra
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum to Brighten Skin
Product | Pacifica Beauty – Glow Baby Booster Serum
Review | 4.5/5 Stars over 1,799 Reviews
Price | $16 for 1 oz
- Vitamin C and glycolic acid to moisturize and relieve dull
- Improves skin texture and brightness
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oil and petrolatum, as well as sulfate-free and silicone-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta
Customer Review | “I really love this product from pacifica. I use a lot of expensive skin care, yet include two pacifica products into my routine and love them. This Vitamin C booster smells heavenly and feels really luxurious on your skin. There is no sticky residue as you may find with other vitamin C serums and I do feel as if it brightens my skin after application.’ Stephanie
Best Affordable Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum
Product | Elf Cosmetics – Vitamin C Serum
Review | 4.4/5 Stars over 277 Reviews
Price | $16 for 0.95 oz
- Vitamin C to brighten skin
- Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin
- Pomegranate Extract to provide a boost of protective antioxidants
- Vegan formulation without phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, sulfates and hydroquinone
- Made in a Fair-Trade Certified factory
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta
Customer Review | “This product has really helped even out my skin tone, reduces redness and softens my skin. It has a very light citrus scent but not overbearing. I apply in the morning under my moisturizer.” Shana
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum Recommended by Dermatologists
Product | Obagi – Medical Professional-C Serum 15%
Review | 4.76/5 Stars over 455 Reviews
Price | $112 for 1 fl. Oz
- Highest concentrated serum with antioxidant L-ascorbic acid,
- Reduces the appearance of skin aging and leave skin feeling silky soft.
- Encourages the growth of collagen and elastin fibers.
- Best suited for normal to oily skin.
- Non-prescription Obagi products have not been tested on animals.
Customer Review | “ This is my ride or die vitamin c. I have used it for ten plus years. Absolutely worth every penny. I have sensitive skin but have no issues using this product, even a few days post lasers once I am allowed to by my provider to resume my regular skincare routine. Helps to keep my skin glowing and hydrated. This is a must buy!” Lesley
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation
Product | Sunday Riley – C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C Turmeric Face Oil
Review | 4.4/5 Stars over 77 Reviews
Price | $40 for 0.5 oz
- Anti-aging effects: THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C) and Pomegranate Seed Oil combat signs of aging such as dullness, loss of firmness, and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Improved skin appearance: The Golden Turmeric in the serum contributes to reducing surface redness and enhancing skin evenness, resulting in a more balanced complexion.
- Skin nourishment and soothing: Evening Primrose Oil, Ginger Root Extract, and Bisabolol work together to replenish moisture, promote a healthy glow, and soothe sensitive skin while promoting evenness of skin tone.
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta and Leaping Bunny
Customer Review | “I love the way my skin feels and smells after I use it. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and mosturized all day long. I will definitely continue to use this as a part of my skin care routine. “ Christina
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serum with Natural Ingredients
Product | Tata Harper – Resurfacing Serum
Review | 4.9/5 Stars over 918 Reviews
Price | $92 for 1 oz/30 mL
- The combination of 5 AHAs and 2 BHAs remove dead skin cells to give you a healthy-looking glow.
- Antioxidants help fight dull and uneven skin
- 100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin & 47 % of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.
- Cruelty-Free Certified by Peta
Customer Review | “A daily part of my skin care regime – I love this product! Since I”ve been using my skin has appeared healthier, with a natural glow.” Melanie
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