Shoppers Say Their Skin Looks Better at 65 Than It Did at 40 Thanks to This $18 Serum

Vitamin C is the number one, dermatologist-recommended ingredient for brightening the complexion, fading dark spots, warding off sun damage, and more. Yet, despite its holy-grail status, not all vitamin C products are created equal. You might think that spending a fortune on your serum will guarantee the best results, but according to over 15,000 Amazon shoppers, the best vitamin C serum is just $18 from a drugstore brand: Meet CeraVe's Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.

You may be familiar with CeraVe's facial cleansers, the fan-favorite face washes loved by estheticians, TikTokers, and celebrities — but it seems like the brand is good for more than just removing your makeup. Its vitamin C serum was developed with dermatologists, and contains 10 percent pure vitamin C to protect and brighten the skin. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid (perfect for winter) and three different types of ceramides — the natural lipids that form the skin's barrier. The result is not just a brighter complexion, but a more hydrated and plump one, as well. It's also paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.

Shop now: $18 (Originally $22); amazon.com

Unlike most serums, this formula is housed in a metal tube, not a bottle, because this packaging keeps the vitamin C from oxidizing, ultimately impacting its effectiveness. Don't worry if the formula's color changes a bit over time, that's normal.

Brightening serum can contain as much as 20 percent vitamin C, so how effective is a formula with just 10 percent? According to Amazon shoppers, it's very effective.

"This was the first-ever vitamin C [serum] I'd ever tried and I saw results within two or three days," said one shopper. "My skin looked brighter and I had this 'natural glow.' After finishing my first supply, I thought I'd try out other serums on Amazon that boast 20 percent vitamin C, which is double the amount found in this one. Three bottles later from the most reviewed and highly praised 20 percent vitamin C serums, and I'm switching back to this one…the other[s] just cannot top CeraVe's quality."

"I applied this for the first time before bedtime last night [and] was shocked when I got up this morning," wrote another. "The two brown spots on my face from sun damage are lighter. I kept looking to make sure I wasn't imagining it, but they really are lighter. The amount of vitamin C in this product is potent and the other ingredients are as well. You only have to use a pea-size amount on each side of your face and neck. No need to overdo it."

Vitamin C serum can be a bit harsh and lead to peeling or redness, but even those with sensitive skin, rosacea, and more say this formula gave them glowing, nonirritating results. One customer with sensitive skin noted that their skin now looks better at 66 than it ever did at 40 thanks to this "low price and high-quality serum."

Get glowing skin for less thanks to CeraVe's Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, on sale for just $18 at Amazon.