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Best Non-Toxic Vitamin C Serum in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic vitamin c serum on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Vitamin C Serum
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Vitamin C Radiance Brightening Serum - Honest Beauty
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.75
Product Details
- Boosts radiance for a brighter looking complexion
- Helps skin tone appear more even
- Contains Vitamin C, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, and Artichoke + Clover extracts
- Incorporates Light Reflecting Pearl for instant illumination
- Includes Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced hydration and plumper-looking skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-free and EWG Certified
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Brightening
- Glow
Cons Mentioned
- Drying
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propanediol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Citric Acid, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Silica, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Erythritol, Carrageenan, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopentyldiol, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Water, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tin Oxide, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Mica (Ci 77019)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Clinical Vitamin C+ Arbutin Brightening Serum - Obagi
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$60.00
Product Details
- Science-based, dermatologist-tested, and results-driven formulation.
- Designed to minimize signs of aging and dark spots for a brighter complexion.
- Non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and cruelty-free.
- Free from parabens.
- Main ingredients include Arbutin (a skin brightening agent) and L-ascorbic Acid (an antioxidant that addresses uneven skin tone, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness).
- In clinical studies, 89% of users reported revived skin appearance, 89% felt smoother skin, 87% found skin to be healthier looking, 85% noticed improved overall skin appearance, 83% experienced restored radiant glowing skin, 82% saw minimized appearance of fine lines, and 78% felt their skin was firmer.
- Recommended usage: Apply 5 to 7 drops to the face and neck in the morning after cleansing, avoiding the eye area, followed by moisturizer or sunscreen.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Brightening
- Glowing
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Arbutin, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Hydroxyacetophenone
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Restore Vitamin C Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid - AnnieMak
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$69.95
Product Details
- Includes a high concentration of Vitamin C (26%) which acts as a powerful antioxidant and skin brightener.
- Features patented ingredients such as Skin Tightener ST2 for a rapid skin tightening effect within 5 minutes of application.
- Designed to enhance skin regeneration rate and promote collagen and elastin production.
- Recommended usage is once or twice daily after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer.
- Can be applied under makeup to improve makeup application and maintain skin hydration.
- Complements well with AnnieMak’s Renew Eye Cream for enhanced skin hydration and brightening around the eyes.
- Formulated to be cruelty-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan, non-GMO, and dermatologist verified.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Glowing
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Oily
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua (Deionized Water), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vegan Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Plant-Based Hyaluronic Acid), Dimethyl Sulfone (Organic Sulfur, MSM), Organic Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable Source), Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, PVP, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Vitamin C Glow Serum - Cocokind
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.39
Product Details
- Contains Sea Grape Caviar Extract which hydrates the skin and improves water retention.
- Includes Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin with hydration, smoothing and softening over time.
- Features a stable Vitamin C that brightens the look of dark spots, evens skin tone, and promotes natural collagen production.
- Protects against environmental stressors while reducing the appearance of dark spots over time.
- Suitable for sensitive skin and can be used daily either in the morning or evening.
- Gentle formula that is vegan, lightweight, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free.
- Designed to deliver hydration and support the skin barrier, leading to glowy, healthy-looking skin.
- Applicable for all skin types and can be used in both AM and PM routines.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Smooth
- Scent
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Polyglycerin-6, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside¹, Azelaic Acid, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Betaine, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract², Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate³, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum - Kora Organics
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$75.00
Product Details
- Contains a potent Vitamin C Superfruit Complex with Organic Kakadu Plum, Acerola Cherry, Orange & Lemon Peel, and Noni for youthful and illuminated skin.
- Formulated to help skin feel smoother, firmer, and more hydrated.
- Visibly improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone.
- Recommended routine: Apply 1 to 2 pumps daily onto clean skin in the morning before moisturizer.
- Certified Organic, cruelty-free, and vegan.
- Free from artificial fragrances or colors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Glowing
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin^, Water/Aqua/Eau, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Hydroxide, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Lactobacillus, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Zinc PCA, Sodium Phytate, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Silica, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Juice Powder*, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Sodium Salicylate, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Quartz, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Citral**, Limonene**, Linalool**
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum - Biossance
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$64.98
Product Details
- Contains 10% Vitamin C to brighten skin and fade dark spots.
- Targets pigmentation to reduce and prevent discoloration.
- Designed for quick and long-lasting results, starting to degrade dark spots immediately.
- Incorporates white shitake mushroom extract and a unique derivative of Vitamin C to support collagen production and minimize skin irritation.
- Recommended use includes applying 2-3 pumps both morning and night on cleansed face, neck, and chest.
- Vegan and cruelty-free; formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or PEGs.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Effective
- Smooth
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Regenerist Brightening Vitamin C Serum - Olay
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$98.50
Product Details
- Hydrates to visibly brighten skin
- Includes a fragrance-free and fast-absorbing Brightening Complex
- Features a dropper for precise application
- Formulated with Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, and Glycerin
- Can be used both day and night after cleansing and before applying moisturizer
- Smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Brightening
- Non-toxic
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-7, Disodium Edta, Polyacrylamide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
CLEARITY Exfoliating Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Turmeric and Mandelic Acid - CLEARstem
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$65.00
Product Details
- Exfoliating Facial Serum with mandelic acid, turmeric, and vitamin C citrus bioflavonoids for brighter, healthier skin.
- Helps reduce acne scars, discoloration, and blackheads while retexturizing skin.
- Suitable for all skin types and pH balanced.
- Noncomedogenic and free of pore-cloggers and hormone disruptors.
- Formulated with natural and organic ingredients without added chemicals or perfumes.
- Part of the CLEARstem line that aims to address skin concerns with non-toxic formulas.
- Made in the USA and cruelty-free with no animal testing.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Brightening
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Irritating
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol, Olive Oil Glycereth 8 Esters, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Lactic Acid (Brightening), Sodium PCA, Cameila Sinensis Leaf Extract (Antioxidant & Hormone Support), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Capsaicin (Bioflavinoid), Hesperidin (Bioflavinoid), Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citric Acid, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Oil, Sodium Lactate, Natural Fragrance, Xanthan Gum
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid - Alpha-H
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$65.00
Product Details
- Contains 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid
- Improves Dull Complexion
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-greasy
- Glowing
- Stable
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium Bisulfite
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First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Vitamin C Serum
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole is a component of the food preservative Butylated Hydroxyanisole, used where Butylated hydroxytoluene is restricted. It serves as an oxidation inhibitor for human consumption. Despite lacking human studies, animal tests reveal no mutagenic activity. Its mutagenicity was evaluated using Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line, with chromosomal aberrations induced only in the presence of the S9 mix.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a versatile compound used in various industries, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, mainly to treat mild acne and acne rosacea. In humans, occasional symptoms of overexposure include skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation, and dermatitis. It has also shown potential for inducing DNA damage in cultured human cells. In animal studies, benzoyl peroxide has caused irritation, erythema, and increased keratinocytes in guinea pigs and mice. Studies on mice and rats showed no significant increase in tumors, and it was not found to be mutagenic in a Salmonella strain. In embryonic studies, however, it caused malformations at moderate frequency. Furthermore, it mediates its effect by inducing various genetic and biochemical changes in different cell types.
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